Every year, the Plant City Times & Observer asks the head coaches which three players will make a big, positive impact for their teams. For 2017, Strawberry Crest head coach Ron Hawn chose linebacker Thomas Steed, quarterback Jarrett Rappe and wide receiver Jamar Hart.
Thomas Steed
What are you looking forward to about the season?
Winning some games, hopefully. We put in a lot of work in the offseason. I think we’re gonna come out victorious and, like, I wouldn’t say we’re gonna go to the playoffs this year but we’re definitely gonna come up with some wins.
What’s the biggest difference between last year’s team and this year’s?
We come to practice every day to work. We don’t have people missing practice or complaining, watching other people’s positions. We’re focused on what we’re doing.
What are your expectations for the season?
I’m definitely expecting for us to come out, I think we can win our first three games — counting our exhibition game (Aug. 18 vs. Seminole) — and win a couple more along the way.
What do you bring to the table as a linebacker?
I’m very aggressive and I go hard every single play. Not gonna quit. Can’t let someone get in your head. You’ve just got to keep working.
Jamar Hart
What’s the difference between the team now versus last year?
The team now is more together. We care about each other more. We practice harder. We do stuff more. It’s more of a team than last year.
What’s key to turning things around out here?
When you practice as hard as we do every day, you should win. We should expect to win. We shouldn’t expect to win by a little — we should expect to win by a lot. That’s how you win games.
What are your goals this year?
To go 10-0 and win the state championship. That’s our goals for this year. If you can’t meet your goals, then at least set them high so if you can’t meet them, at least you’re up there.
What’s something people should know about Crest football that they probably don’t?
We’re better than last year. We’re a better team. We practice harder and we work harder and we’re gonna be good this year.
Jarrett Rappe
What do you see out here in practices that you’re liking?
I see a lot of hard work, a lot of focus and a lot of hard work and grinding. We’re just out here making money, trying to grind.
Who do you think you’re going to enjoy throwing to this year?
I’m definitely going to enjoy throwing to Jamar this year. That’s my number one target right now. He’s just been working on his craft, getting off the ball, getting separation from the defense. I feel like me and him got a good connection, wide receiver and quarterback connection.
What are your goals?
My goal is to work as hard as I can and to win as many games as we can. In the past, we haven’t had as much success. But I feel like this year we’re going to have more success than we’ve had in the past few years.
What don’t people know about Crest football that they should?
Some people don’t know that Strawberry Crest, we’re out here working hard. People don’t think we’re working hard, but we’re working hard and we’re trying to be better than last year. That’s our main goal, to improve from last year.