The game between Plant City and Gaither was a little bit closer than I thought it would be, but was still a good win for the Raiders. There were a few mishaps that the team definitely could have worked on in practice this week, and a few things that were out of the Raiders’ control, […]
Continue Reading2013 Gridiron Report: Week 11
The <em>Plant City Times & Observer</em> brings you the fourth installment of our 2013 weekly podcast, the <em>Plant City Times & Observer Gridiron Report</em>, breaking down high school football match-ups in the Plant City area for the entire 2013 season. Staff Writer Justin Kline is the host of the podcast, which features a weekly “Game […]
Continue ReadingWHAT’S ON KLINE’S MIND: Playoff action doesn’t disappoint
I knew on Monday morning that, with the three-way tie for first place, there would have to be a playoff to determine a district champion. And, what makes for more compelling drama than a series of fourth quarters? As we saw in Friday’s Durant-East Bay tilt, sometimes, all you need is one good quarter to […]
Continue ReadingJOHN BROOME: Dream Chaser
Much has been said of Plant City’s Montel McBride, who looks — and plays — like the Incredible Hulk. And of Sedrick King, a great athlete and potential terrorizer at outside linebacker. But, neither lead the team in sacks this season. Ever heard of John Broome? Broome, a senior defensive end, has 15 sacks in […]
Continue ReadingLady Cougars, Lady Raiders to tip off with new coaches
With the exception of Strawberry Crest’s 20-8 record, 2012 was not a good year for the area’s girls basketball teams. It was clear to both Durant and Plant City that changes needed to be made, so both schools replaced their coaching staffs. Constance Wharton, with the Lady Cougars, and Wilt Wilkerson, with the Lady Raiders, […]
Continue ReadingSIDELINES: 11.07.13
VOLLEYBALL + Durant eliminated at regionals The Lady Cougars’ impressive 2013 season has come to an abrupt end. Playing Nov. 5, at home, Durant lost the semifinal to Steinbrenner in three sets: 25-18, 25-21 and 25-22. The loss dusted off the cobwebs in Durant’s L column and stuck them with a still-sterling 26-1 record for the […]
Continue ReadingATHLETE OF THE WEEK: Victoria Fanning
Durant’s volleyball team has played like a juggernaut in 2013, and coach Brittany Wade credits the seniors with being great leaders. One of those super seniors is outside hitter Victoria Fanning, whose nine kills and five blocks against Wiregrass Ranch helped the Cougars move to the regional semifinals. Tell me about this season. We’ve just […]
Continue Reading2013 Gridiron Podcast: Week 10
The <em>Plant City Times & Observer</em> brings you the fourth installment of our 2013 weekly podcast, the <em>Plant City Times & Observer Gridiron Report</em>, breaking down high school football match-ups in the Plant City area for the entire 2013 season. Staff Writer Justin Kline is the host of the podcast, which features a weekly “Game […]
Continue ReadingStretching the Field
If there’s one thing that Durant’s opponents haven’t been able to say this season, it’s that they didn’t see Garrett Rentz coming. Standing 6-foot-6, it’s really hard to miss him. But, the junior has gotten used to being taller than most, just as he is getting used to life on the varsity team. While the […]
Continue ReadingThe Natural
Many dog owners will place their pooches in obedience school to learn basic manners, and maybe teach them a few tricks just for fun. And then, there is 15-year-old Nadia Acosta, who connects with her dog on a completely different level. Acosta has been competing around the country for two-and-one-half years and has built up […]
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