Brandon-Plant City: Five things I know

   Wow! Where did all these Brandon and Plant City fans comes from? The two groups are blowing up the Top 50 blog with a stream of comments predicting victory and all kinds of stuff about yummy strawberries and shortcake. And who can't just love all the revealing nuggets, like the fact that Brandon blitzes nine guys on every play! Who knew?
   Well, clearly, this game deserves its own thread.

   Here's 5 things I'm thinking:
   1. The backfields of both these teams can make a strong case for being the best in Tampa Bay, but the nod has to go to Brandon's Samir Baker (778 yards, 13 TDs) and Marquel Gilmore (893 yards, 9 TDs), who could both make it to 1,000 yards. Baker has rushed for over 130 yards in four straight games, and Gilmore has gone over 100 in five straight, including three games of 150 or more in the last four weeks.
   

2. The Raiders backfield of Sirchauncey Holloway (888 yards, 9 TDs) and Keith Dawson (413 yards, 4 TDs) ain't bad either, both averaging over 8.5 yards a carry. And against Armwood in a 14-10 loss, Holloway went for 134 yards on 16 carries. Combined, they have missed three games -- both missed the loss to Riverview, the Raiders only bad defeat all year -- or they would probably have more yards than the Eagle duo.
   3. Baker is a relative unknown, but is having a Player of the Year season (provided the Eagles keep winning and maybe make a dent in the playoffs). In addition to his rushing totals, he has nine catches for 234 yards and four TDs, has 6.5 sacks (all in the last three weeks), 3 interceptions and 9 passes defensed. I don't think anyone else around is enjoying such success on both sides of the ball.
   4. The Brandon defense is hyped for this one, having pitched three straight shutouts. It should be noted, however, that the teams the Eagles have shutout are a combined 7-19, two have not even made it to 60 points on the year yet, and as a group they are averaging 9 points a game. Against all the other teams pre-shutout string, Brandon is allowing more than 20 points a game.
   5. Plant City doesn't have a TD pass this season. It is not very apt at throwing the ball, based on stats. That won't bode well against a defense that probably knows this, and I think THAT is the big difference maker in this game.
So we'll find out just how good the Raider offensive line is, because they will be severely tested having to open holes for a running attack that must succeed if the team is. 
   All this "controlled chaos" stuff I've been hearing reminds me of the days Brandon D-Coordinator Dale Caparaso was running the Pasco program as head coach with the same stuff, because it usually just results in overhyper play, 4-5 unsportsmanlike penalties a game and enough manufactured machismo to choke on. Maybe he's learned how to teach disciplined play, and maybe the Eagles' D is legit. And I must confess to liking Cap's aggressive, blitz-happy leanings. I think the Brandon D is legit enough, anyway, to win Friday.
   I'm taking the Eagles in a 17-14 slobberknocker.

JOHN C. COTEY
johncotey@gmail.com

Comments

[Football Fan]

Well stated Mr. Cotey!! The Eagles look like they have the edge. The eagles defense is savagely fierce. The Eagles O line is like a brick wall. No qb sacks for a long time. The game will be a good one and nobody will be at the concessions stands, they will be on the edge of their seats!

[hick hater]

sounds promissing for brandon huh?

[oterov]

The Raiders have an explosive defense! We gave Armwood a battle and P.C lost only by four points! Do not underestimate our running game! Go Raiders!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[brandon eagle]

plant city did not even do that good, against armwood, brandon held them scoreless before the half, and(IT IS A FACT THAT ARMWOOD HAD 8 STARTER OUT AGAINST PLANT CITY)

[Get real]

Who has Plant City or Brandon beaten this year that is any good. Both schools are beating poor to very average teams. Go look at their schedules.They are not among the elite in Tampa. The media is definitely blowing them up.Both will be 1st round playoff losers.

[mrs Burr]

Well I see that many of you are still in denial of how the eagle's truely get down. I smell hate in the air just watch those eagle's eat those raider up. O Watch how burr #11 throw that ball down the field. please dont hate on Baker and Gilmore run all through those raiders. it will be a great game.

[BHSc/o94]

Everyone knows Plant City ducked Tampa Bay Tech in the fall clasic. They didn't want to play then because they were scared of the Titans.

[Plant City]

BHSc/o94
Check your facts pal, Plant City/Tampa bay tech was cancelled due to weather/lightening

[That One Dude From Brandon]

BRANDON EAGLES DISTRICT CHAMPS!!!!!!!!!

[Football Fan]

Yep, Brandon Eagles rocked the house last night!! Great game guys...You totally earned your title! Now kick some Lakeland butt!!!

[Strawberries just aren't the same without whip cream]

How come plant city hasn't p[osted anything in the last few hours?

[brandon eagle]

stop hiding shortcake, come out and give us ur excuses 4 losin 2 a better team

[Strawberry Shortcake]

Yes i do agree with you guys good game we got our a** kicked. Good luck in the playoffs :]

[brandon eagle]

alright PC and Brandon, lets both take this to the playoffs and show Polk county whats up