Going undefeated in district play was a huge accomplishment for the Plant City Raiders, and senior running back Markese Hargrove is a big reason why the team was able to complete the sweep. Against Lennard, Hargrove ran for 228 yards and one touchdown with a monstrous 13.8 yards per carry — easily his most efficient game of the 2015 season.
I don’t know how many people saw anyone going undefeated in this district back in August, but you all pulled it off. How did you do it?
We just worked very hard, as a team, starting in the offseason. Every week, we just went harder and harder — especially after taking a huge loss to Armwood. That stuck to us. It made us want to go even harder.
There were five teams in this district that could have contended for the title, but you guys beat them all. Which opponent was the toughest?
Durant, by far. We were down by two possessions, but we stuck through the last quarter. We had to make a huge comeback. To me, that was the hardest game both physically and mentally.
Was that the point when you all thought you could pull off the district sweep?
Yeah. After that, we felt like we could do great things this season.
You all had two weeks to prepare for Lennard, and it looked like you had those guys totally scouted out. What was working well for the Raiders out there, besides your performance?
We decided to open up the passing game a lot more. It was one of Corey’s (King) best games, and ‘Toine (Thompson) and T.J. (Chase) also had a really good game. Our defense was good, as usual. One of the best defenses in the county, in my opinion.
You have some college offers to your name, but it looks like a lot of the bigger D-1 schools are kind of sleeping on you. How would you sell those scouts on Markese Hargrove?
I would just say I have one of the biggest hearts. I never feel like anything’s too big for me. I can always help and be a natural-born leader on a team.
Do you still do basketball and track?
No, sir. I’m just running track this year. This year, I’m probably gonna stick to the 200 and the 4 x 100.
Any sports you’ve never tried, but always wanted to?
Actually, I wanted to try soccer. I used to play it in P.E. and was really good at goalie. I just never tried it.
I know you’re still waiting until you feel really good about a school to commit anywhere, but what would your dream school be?
My dream school was Florida State, to be honest. My uncle went there when I was real young and, ever since then, I’ve liked Florida State.
If you could play for any pro team, what would it be?
The Tampa Bay Bucs.
Since you used to play for the Plant City Dolphins, let’s say a younger kid from one of those teams comes up to you and asks you for advice on how to be good at football. What do you tell him?
I would tell him, first thing’s first: always have fun. Make sure you’re having fun doing what you’re doing. Also, I would tell him what my brother (Dazmond Patterson) always told me: never let anybody tell you that you’re too small to do anything, or that you can’t do anything. Always prove them wrong.
If you could meet anyone you look up to, who would it be?
It would be Le’Veon Bell. I love his running style. I feel like I could do similar things that he does. I’d want to work out with him, see how he works out, see what he does and how he lives out his day.
When PCHS fans come to your playoff game, what do you think they can expect to see from the Raiders?
I think, defensively, we’ll be very aggressive. Offensively, we’ve been improving every week, so I believe we’ll have one of our best offensive games. I believe that, for the first time in a long time, we’ll come out with our first playoff win and get out of the first round.