While balancing school, work and playing a college sport, Anderson University (S.C.) volleyball player Alix Hooker doesn’t get to come home to Plant City often. Hooker was a standout in volleyball and softball at Plant City High School and also was voted Homecoming queen during her time as a Raider. The libero will open her […]
Continue ReadingCheerleaders soar with program for students with special needs
The Plant City High cheerleading squad will have extra spirit when they take the sidelines Sept. 6, at the Raiders’ home opener. Plant City is one of only two schools in Hillsborough County to have The Sparkle Effect program, an organization that empowers teens nationwide to include students with disabilities in school-based cheerleading and dance […]
Continue ReadingSHOW ME THE MAUNEY: Tough schedule a benefit for Durant
We’re just one week into the high school football season, and Durant already has as many losses as they did all of last season. The Cougars won’t be having another undefeated regular season, after their lopsided 48-6 loss to Armwood Aug. 30, at home. It’s a fact that won’t surprise anyone familiar with Durant’s 2013 […]
Continue ReadingPlant City High’s Learning Curve
The takeaway from Plant City High’s season-opening win against Steinbrenner is no surprise to head coach Wayne Ward: He has playmakers on both sides of the ball. Despite some miscues and penalties, the Raiders had a solid showing with its new up-tempo offense, racking up more than 350 yards. Although there were lulls at times, […]
Continue Reading2013 GRIDIRON PODCAST: WEEK 2
The Plant City Times & Observer brings you the second installment of our 2013 weekly podcast, the Plant City Times & Observer Gridiron Report, breaking down high school football match-ups in the Plant City area for the entire 2013 season. Associate Editor Matt Mauney is the host of the podcast, which features a weekly “Game of the Week,” […]
Continue Reading2013 High School Football Preview
The Plant City Times & Observer 2013 High School Football Preview: Big Talent in Little Plant City is here! The guide gives our readers an in-depth look at the three high schools we cover – Plant City, Durant and Strawberry Crest. This year, we took a look at one standout player from each school – […]
Continue ReadingThompson, Durant seniors hoping to return to elite status
Lexi Thompson and her teammates are constantly reminded of the history and winning tradition of the volleyball program at Durant High School. Whether its looking up on the gymnasium wall during practice and seeing the banners or hearing stories from family members and coaches, they are all well aware of where the bar has been […]
Continue ReadingJohn Hendricks: Key Ingredient
John Hendricks felt out of place. Living in the shadow of standout quarterback and Naval Academy commit Will Worth, the running back still made his mark on the stat sheet at Newsome, where he had 1,012 all-purpose yards (798 rushing and 214 receiving) as a junior. But off the field, something was missing. He wanted […]
Continue ReadingATHLETE OF THE WEEK: Connor Slagill
Plant City High junior Connor Slagill is making a name for himself. He returned this week, from Cary, N.C., where he participated in the National Team Identification Series showcase for a spot on the Team USA U17 team. He will find out if he made the team Sept. 13, a week before his 17th birthday. […]
Continue ReadingSHOW ME THE MAUNEY: What’s in a team nickname?
It’s an aspect of sports that, at the end of the day, doesn’t really matter. But without it, sports would not be the same. I’m talking, of course, about nicknames. Some teams are known more for their nicknames than the cities they represent. No one says, “I’m a fan of Boston baseball,” they say, “I’m […]
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