I spent nine hours at the TCYFCC Superbowl Saturday, Nov. 21, and my feet are still a little sore. But, since the games were so good, it was worth it.
I’m happy for the two Dolphins teams that won their games. Even though the other two didn’t win, those kids played hard until the fourth quarter ended. That’s always going to get you respect from the other teams, fans and even the reporters on the sideline.
The only thing I wasn’t happy with was the field. There were rumors going around TCYFCC circles, well before the Superbowl, that the games would be held at Strawberry Crest High’s field. That would have been perfect, as the parking, seating and field conditions in Dover are all much better than what we got over the weekend.
The games ended up being played at the old Lakeland High practice field off of Highway 98 and Hollingsworth Road, behind the school. Parking didn’t seem to be a problem, but there wasn’t much seating and, worst of all, the field conditions were awful: holes everywhere, dirt everywhere and anytime a run play developed around midfield, a little dust storm popped up and made things a little more difficult for the players.
I would hope that, in the future, the TCYFCC steps up to ensure that its kids are playing Superbowls on fields that are actually maintained. Fields like Lakeland’s are dangerous to kids of all ages, and I heard many people say that even the Dreadnaughts have stopped practicing on the field. If that’s true, you’d think it would be a sign that maybe kids shouldn’t be playing there.
With that, I’m done complaining. Let’s hear about the good stuff.
DOLPHINS VS. LIONS
The Mighty Mites game might have been my favorite, as it was a total grinder that brought the drama.
After getting out to a first-half lead, the Dolphins were able to stay ahead for most of the second half. But Brandon battled back, mostly on the back of Cameron Battle.
I know it’s just Mighty Mite football and that the kids aren’t developed yet — hence the coaches in the backfield — but that kid looks like he was born to play running back. If Plant City didn’t have guys like former Derrick McBride on hand, who knows what this game’s final score could have been.
On that note, I’m also glad that the Lions’ fans didn’t get in any fights after the loss this year. That’s a huge improvement over last year, when things got ugly as the varsity team played Turkey Creek.
DOLPHINS VS. BUCS
I’ve got to hand it to the East Bay Bucs: these teams always come ready to play Plant City, and they usually put up a fight. They kept Plant City off the scoreboard until the third quarter, by which time the Bucs were already ahead by 28. And, with former Athlete of the Week Eden Williams running the ball, shutting down Plant City isn’t always easy. There’s a reason these two programs have, in my opinion, the best rivalry in the TCYFCC.
PINECREST
I occasionally get emails from Pinecrest parents who want to know why we don’t cover the Pilots. They’re just a little too far south of our beat — a precedence that was set before I got here. But, after watching their JV team play Plant City, I wish I had been able to go see them in action this season.
I’ve never seen bigger 12-year-olds in my life. That team’s not fast, but it makes up for it everywhere else. Plant City JV was easily the faster team but, when you’re going up against guys who are twice your size, it’s tough to squeeze out a win. The Dolphins weren’t able to do it, but the final score doesn’t indicate how hard Pinecrest had to work to get its points.
The coach was even quick to give Plant City big props in the postgame circle. I think this week’s Athlete of the Week interview, which features Donte Woodard Jr., gives you a good look at this Dolphins team’s mindset for the game.
It was cool to see the Dolphins varsity team get revenge over Pinecrest immediately after the JV game.
The Pilots used a “Come and Take It” flag to fuel both teams. Of course, it might have worked a little better for Plant City, if that 30-8 final score is any indication.
Tommy Johnson had himself a game, both throwing and running the ball. He accounted for all of the Dolphins’ touchdowns in some way. I also have to give credit to the o-line for keeping him off of his back so well.
Contact Justin Kline at jkline@plantcityobserver.com.