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SOFTBALL
+ Adult league registration open
Plant City residents looking to get their softball fix can now sign up for the Recreation & Parks Department’s fall league season.
The season, slated to start as early as Friday, Sept. 14, will be divided into three divisions: Monday co-ed and Thursday men’s leagues, both 10-game seasons; and the 18-game Tuesday men’s doubleheader series.
The Monday and Thursday registration cost is $310 per team. The Tuesday registration cost is $500 per team.
Cash, checks and money orders are acceptable forms of mail-in payment, and those who wish to register at the Rec & Parks administrative office will be able to pay by credit card. Checks can be made payable to the City of Plant City Recreation & Parks Department.
Prospective teams have until Aug. 31 to register and submit payment. The forms can be downloaded at the city’s official sports website, TeamSideline.com/PlantCity. No teams will be added after Tuesday, Sept. 4.
For more information, contact Deborah Haldane at (813) 659-4200 ext. 4302, or by email at dhaldane@plantcitygov.com.
FOOTBALL
+ Preseason games to start early
In a change of pace, Hillsborough County prep football teams will now play their preseason games before the start of the 2015-16 school year. That means that all three Plant City-area teams will see some action Friday, Aug. 21.
Of the three matchups, Durant’s may be most intriguing: the Cougars will be the only one of the three schools to face a district opponent. They’ve got a home game scheduled with Brandon at 7:30 p.m. Cougar fans will recall Brandon beating Durant, 21-18, on the road last year before Plant City knocked the Eagles out of district contention in the final game — allowing Durant to win the title.
The Raiders will travel to Riverview to take on the Sharks at 7 p.m. In 2014, Riverview posted a 2-8 overall record, but did pick up a 48-26 home win over Strawberry Crest. Plant City last faced Riverview in 2012, when the Raiders cruised to a 34-14 win at home.
Strawberry Crest will face Jesuit on the road in a 7:30 p.m. game. The Tigers went 8-5 last season, advancing to the third round of the FHSAA playoffs and losing to Bishop Moore, 30-29, in overtime. It will be the first time the Chargers and Tigers have met since 2010, when Jesuit scored a 28-7 victory at Crest.
MARTIAL ARTS
+ Tickets still available for Florida State Open
Local mixed martial arts fans will want to check out this year’s Florida State Open, presented by Newbreed Ultimate Challenge, Saturday, Aug. 22.
The tournament, which will be held at Strawberry Crest High School, will feature competitors of all ages and skill levels, grappling in gi and non-gi events. The tournament is an all-day affair, but Aug. 22 is the only day of competition.
Strawberry Crest High is located at 4691 Gallagher Road, Dover. Tickets can be bought online for $10 at NewBreedGear.com/NEWBREED_ULTIMATE_CHALLENGE_TAMPA_FL_p/046-tampa-fl.htm.