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FISHING
+ Strawberry Crest students compete
Strawberry Crest students Colten Smith, Rafet White, Russell Butler Jr. and Jonathan North competed in the Costa Bassmaster High School National Championship from July 22 to 25.
In the tournament, held on Kentucky Lake in Paris, Tennessee, the tandem of Smith and White placed 52nd, and the tandem of Butler-North placed 67th in the field of 134 duos. It was the last high school tournament for White, who graduated this spring. Smith, Butler and North are all incoming sophomores.
FOOTBALL
+ Chase returns to PCHS
As if Plant City High football fans didn’t already have enough to be excited about this year, here’s some more good news for the program: four-star wide receiver Tavares “T.J.” Chase is back on the roster.
Chase, who transferred to Bradenton-IMG Academy for his junior season, led the Ascenders in 2014 with 25 receptions and 521 yards — good for a 20.8 yards per catch average. His five touchdowns were the second-most among receivers. IMG posted a 10-1 overall record under head coach Chris Weinke, who has since left the program.
The 6-foot-2 wideout, who plans to play football at Clemson next fall, says that he decided to come back because he wishes to finish his senior year where he started.
“I just wanted to come back, spend my senior year back at home with my family,” Chase says. “I missed it.”
While the team did get good production from Antoine Thompson in 2014, Chase is a lock to be moved to the top of the depth chart. The two should form a reliable receiving corps for junior quarterback Corey King, who now has some of the best weapons in the county at his disposal.
“I’m looking forward to making plays and putting Plant City on the map,” Chase says.
REC & PARKS
+ Flag football holding sign-ups
Those who wish to have their children participate in the 49th Plant City Recreation & Parks Department/Optimist Youth Flag Football Program season can sign up now.
The program is open to all kids 4 to 15, as of Nov. 1, 2015. The season runs from Sept. 26 through Nov. 14. Registration must be completed by Wednesday, Sept. 9. For more information, call (813) 659-4255 or visit PlantCityGov.com.
The $35-per-player fee covers the seven-game season, jerseys and accident insurance. All parents must be able to present a birth certificate as proof of age.
To register, visit the Rec & Parks administrative office at 1904 S. Park Road. For more information, call (813) 659-4255 or check the department’s website, PlantCityGov.com.
+ NFL Punt, Pass & Kick competition announced
Young football fanatics who wish to do something in addition to the flag football season can also sign up for the annual NFL Punt, Pass & Kick competition.
Every year, the PPK event comes to the Otis M. Andrews Sports Complex and tests the fundamentals of Plant City youths. Many who have done well in the event have advanced further on the state level, going to sectional competitions in Tampa and beyond.
The competition is open to youths 6 to 15, with age determined as of Dec. 31, 2015. Boys and girls compete separately, and in several age groups. They must wear sneakers.
It will be held Saturday, Sept. 26 from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m., and those who participate in flag football may go to the competition either after their 8:30 a.m. game or before their 9:45/10 a.m. game.
Registration is free, and the form can be found online at PlantCityGov.com/558/Punt-Pass-Kick-Competition. The form must be brought to the park on competition day, but youths can also sign up on-site Sept. 26.