By the time you read this, I’ll have been the sports guy at the Plant City Times & Observer for one year and one day. Time flies when you’re having fun! I’m glad that the past 366 days have played out in the way that they have, for the most part. (But getting sick last […]
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Dawson Returns to America With Silver Medal
Earlier this month, Kendall Dawson traveled out of the country for the first time ever. But it wasn’t a vacation. She found herself playing competitive baseball on an international stage. Dawson, a catcher from Plant City, suited up for Team USA in the 2014 Women’s Baseball World Cup. The eight-team tournament was held in Miyazaki, […]
Continue ReadingDurant, Plant City Gear Up for Rivalry Game
The Redman Cup may not be as iconic as the Paul Bunyan Trophy, the Jeweled Shillelagh or the Victory Bell, but that doesn’t matter to the Durant and Plant City football teams. This is the biggest rivalry game in the area, and it sounds like everyone involved is ready to make something big happen. “It’s […]
Continue Reading2014 Gridiron Report: Week 4
The Plant City Times & Observer brings you another installment of our 2014 weekly podcast, the Plant City Times & Observer Gridiron Report, breaking down high school football match-ups in the Plant City area for the entire 2014 season. Staff Writer Justin Kline is the host of the podcast, which features a weekly “Game of […]
Continue ReadingPHOTO GALLERY: Strawberry Crest vs. Leon
Strawberry Crest couldn’t contain Leon High School’s mammoth QB, D’Anfernee McGriff, as the Lions posted a 48-9 victory Sept. 12, over the Chargers. Leon climbed to a 34-3 lead by halftime. But, Crest continued to play hard into the second half and finally found the end zone on a 3-yard touchdown strike from Chargers quarterback […]
Continue ReadingATHLETE OF THE WEEK: Emma Rustenberghe
Durant’s mighty volleyball team got a whole lot younger in the offseason, and one of the younger players to take on a leadership role is sophomore Emma Rustenberghe. The outside hitter put in a lot of work in the offseason, and coach Brittany Wilson is excited for what her future holds. How have you all […]
Continue ReadingSidelines 09.12.14
Do you have a good sports scoop for us? Contact Justin Kline at jkline@plantcityobserver.com. CROSS COUNTRY + Plant City places well at Lecanto, Durant The Plant City High School cross country teams opened up the 2014 season Sept. 6, at the Lecanto Invitational, and both did pretty well. The girls, led by freshman Cassie Highsmith, […]
Continue ReadingKarate is physical therapy for P.C. teen
On a sunny Wednesday afternoon, the three Crick brothers pull into Rudy Rogers’ driveway for one of their weekly karate lessons. This week, Rogers decides to start kata exercises — showcases of form — with Alexander. “You’re up first this time, Big A,” Rogers says. Without hesitation, Alexander, who has cerebral palsy, ditches his walker […]
Continue ReadingFriday’s Game Has Extra Meaning for Strawberry Crest Quarterback
Tristan Hyde probably doesn’t need to wear that knee brace anymore. The Strawberry Crest signal-caller knows it, too. He says he’s been able to cut at full speed since June or July. Still, he insists on wearing it, just in case. And, that brace has a direct tie to the Friday, Sept. 12 game against […]
Continue ReadingWHAT’S ON KLINE’S MIND: Two Weeks In, and One Signature Win
For the past two weeks, I’ve closed out my Durant High School preview on the Gridiron Report by telling Cougar fans to celebrate all night if they beat one of Tampa’s top teams. I hope you all did that last Friday night, because that game was the perfect excuse for you to let your hair […]
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