Put another mark in the “win” column for Team USA. But, this one didn’t happen in Sochi, and the game wasn’t a winter sport. Spectators at the University of Texas-Arlington were treated to some good, old-fashioned American football on Feb. 7, and USA’s U19 team crushed Canada, 43-7. The rosters are filled with some of […]
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Jyquis Thomas rolls the dice
Sometimes, all it takes is that one hit. It’s the same principle that applies to boxing and mixed martial arts, that “puncher’s chance” that can change the outcome of someone’s night in just a fraction of a second. When Plant City High School senior Jyquis Thomas took his hit, however, the impact went beyond the […]
Continue ReadingDREW KNOTTS: From the pageant to the pitch
If there’s one thing Drew Knotts is grateful for, it’s that her pageant dresses have to be long ones. They hide all of the bruises on her legs that come from playing soccer. Some of her games have happened while she was active on the Plant City pageant circuit. This year, in particular, already has […]
Continue ReadingATHLETE OF THE WEEK: Lacey Hargrove
Plant City’s core is very young — two sophomores, and a freshman. That freshman, Lacey Hargrove, had herself a solid week to close out the school’s best season since 2007: Hargrove’s 13 points led her team in a 36-32 loss to Riverview, and she scored 16 to help the Lady Raiders beat Durant, 50-42, Jan. […]
Continue ReadingPCHS baseball refreshed, renewed
Save for a few rough patches of grass near the bullpen, Plant City High School’s baseball field looks immaculate. The ryegrass is fresh, the clay is bright, and everything else looks more like a high school field than the makeshift diamond of “The Sandlot.” It’s second-year coach Mike Fryrear’s labor of love and, for now, […]
Continue ReadingLady Raiders storm through soccer scene
Assuming the Plant City girls soccer team is run the same way as, say, Alabama football is a forgivable mistake. The way these girls have been playing — outscoring its opponents 66-3 — is similar, and so is the hyped. These girls look like a lock to three-peat as district champs. “We want to go […]
Continue ReadingMontel McBride invited to 2014 Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl
Montel McBride still can’t believe it. Although he’s gotten plenty of attention since his offseason adventures landed him a spot on Alabama’s football team, getting to play in a big-time bowl game wasn’t something he was expecting to do before he leaves high school. But it’s true: He’s been selected to the East’s roster in […]
Continue ReadingPLAYOFFS: Plant City at Sickles
Hearts were broken throughout the Sickles High School visitors’ section Friday night, thanks to Plant City’s 17-10 loss to the Gryphons. The Raiders (8-3) faced a 10-0 deficit going into halftime, after an early field goal and quarterback Isaac Holder’s six-yard keeper. Countless tacklers bounced off of running back Ray Ray McCloud III in a […]
Continue ReadingPlant City kicker returns after heart condition
Imagine, for a moment, what it would be like to live with a heart condition that, for no obvious reason, can cause sudden death. Sounds scary, right? Try walking in Christian Hoyle’s shoes. “You hear about the athletes just randomly dropping and dying on the field, and that’s basically what I have,” Hoyle says. Hoyle’s […]
Continue ReadingWEEK 11: Gaither at Plant City
For their last home game together, the Plant City seniors were honored at midfield before kickoff. In return, they thanked the home crowd with a 28-20 win over Gaither. The Raiders (8-2) got off to a hot start, ending the first quarter with a 14-0 lead thanks to a 24-yard Sterling Day run and a […]
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