Last Friday, Durant and Plant City put together a game that has to be an all-time great in the Redman Cup rivalry series. I know it was the best game I’ve seen thus far.
Had you told me before the game that both offenses would put up more than 30 points, I don’t know that I would have believed it. But after the first quarter, with the score set at 19-14 in Plant City’s favor, I figured we were in for a wild ride. Nobody disappointed.
To start with the reigning champs, I think Durant showed everybody at 1 Raider Place why its rushing attack is so highly regarded around Tampa Bay. Cameron Myers and David Tabakovic combined for 52 carries, 530 yards and eight touchdowns — four apiece — to take control of the game. Myers racked up 393 of those rushing yards and cut through the defense like a hot knife through butter, even though I overheard a player on Plant City’s sideline saying, “It ain’t that hard to wrap him up.” Tabakovic gained 137 yards and had little trouble either moving or trucking every Raider attempting to gang-tackle him.
And on that note, you have to give credit to Durant’s offensive line for laying the groundwork there. To take a page from Marshawn Lynch’s book, I hope Myers and Tabakovic are planning to treat those guys with Sizzler or something for all their hard work. I don’t think I’ve seen the Cougars field a better group in my time out here.
If you’re a Plant City fan, you’ve got to like what you saw the offense do even if it didn’t result in a win. James Booth’s playcalling was on point all night and really allowed that offense to spread its wings. Braxton Plunk finished with 441 passing yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions, and he also added a rushing touchdown. Lead back Eric Wilson had a breakout game, gaining 144 yards and scoring twice on the ground in a performance that should have Raider fans excited for his future. Tyler Hood and Mario Williams were as reliable at wide receiver as ever and Chris Wilson also got a chance to shine out there.
The Raiders’ effort would have been enough to beat many teams in Hillsborough County. I’d venture to say, if not for a few mistakes, it possibly could have won this game. But that’s the thing — for all the talent the Raiders have, Durant had them beat on experience from the jump. Not much you can do about that but learn now and improve next time.
If next year’s game is even half as good as this one, I’d consider it a success.