Plant City picked up its first regular-season win of the Greg Meyer era, a 23-14 classic over Jefferson.
After the Dragons (0-2) got on the board with a six-yard rushing touchdown late in the first quarter, Markese Hargrove and the Raiders (1-1) answered back. The senior running back scored the first of his two touchdowns – both from about two yards out – at 2:25 in the quarter. The second Hargrove touchdown came shortly afterward, at 7:30 in the second quarter.
The Raiders sought to establish the run throughout the game, and the offensive line gave Hargrove plenty of opportunities to do what he does best: make the big plays. While he wasn’t quite as fast as Jefferson quarterback Tyrese Spain and running back Mondreas Lofton, Hargrove was elusive enough to rip off several big, drive-extending gains (and, at one point, turned a Corey King dump pass into a 42-yard gain).
Plant City’s defense did an admirable job of containing Jefferson’s athletic ground attack, and didn’t draw any penalties until 1:53 in the second quarter. The Dragons looked demoralized throughout the second quarter, but caught a second wind when Plant City fumbled the snap on a punt play and turned the ball over near the goal line. The Dragons punched it in for a quick score immediately afterward, tying the game at 14-14.
After Kwest Fluitt recovered a Jefferson fumble with 6:39 left to play, kicker Chase Lott put the Raiders ahead for good with a 30-yard field goal at the 3:55 mark. A few minutes later, Plant City appeared to have the game iced with four defensive stops in the backfield. But a fumble with about 18 seconds to play gave Jefferson one more chance.
Unfortunately for the Dragons, Tammarion Faison ended the game by picking off the quarterback and taking the ball to the other end zone for a touchdown.
In other area action, Durant beat Spoto, 34-13, and Newsome beat Strawberry Crest, 47-7.