Armwood v. Plant: The 24-hour blog

From midnight to midnight, Times Hillsborough County prep sports writers Eduardo A. Encina and Keith Niebuhr will be giving you information around the clock related to today's much anticipated Armwood at Plant football game right here. So keep check back often...

END OF THE THIRD (10:25 p.m.)

Twelve minutes left in the game and it's anyone's to win. Mywan Jackson's best play might have come on special teams. He just had a 52-yard punt to pin Plant at its own 5. The Panthers have had great field position but can't seem to get that big conversion to take the lead. Now they will have to drive the length of the field.

HALFTIME (9:39 p.m.)

We've finally reached the half here at Dads Stadium and Armwood leads 7-2. This game isn't necessarily living up to its national billing, but ESPN's presence hasn't helped. Most of the time a season opener includes some mistakes but the commercial break timeouts have slowed the pace of the game to a crawl. That intense tempo that Sean Callahan likes his team to play with? No chance.

Mywan Jackson looks out of it, and on Plant's safety, which came when Jackson was putting a man in motion, seemed to be an effect of crowd noise. The 17 first-half penalties, including 13 on Armwood, haven't helped increase the pace. Plant has managed just 37 yards of total offense in the half. Aaron Murray is 9-for-19 for 52 yards and has been sacked four times. Jackson is 6-for-8 for 58 yards.

FIRST-QUARTER ANALYSIS (8:48 p.m.)

Armwood has dominated. You're already starting to see the birds circle Aaron Murray's head. The Hawks line has been key, but linebackers Petey Smith and Casey Callahan are pressuring the line, too. Murray is going to need to compete some plays. EAE

TAKING THE FIELD (8:09 p.m.)

The Panthers just came out onto the field from under the bleachers through some smoke. Sean Callahan watched without a word, a confident snicker on his face. Plant wins the toss and will receive. EAE

HEAD HUNTER (7:40 p.m.)

There's a weird mannequin head on the Armwood sideline. Apparently its new. The old one was stolen during game week. Word is it belongs to Armwood defensive end Ryne Giddins. Word is he talks to it. Word is he named it Tricia. It has pieces of tape on the neck with Plant on it to rip off after each game.
-EAE

CROWDS ARIVE (7:08 p.m.)

Pregame warmups have begun. The visiting stands are filling with blue, including a smattering of "Beat Plant" t shirts. There's an extra set of lights behing the grandstand that ESPN brought in. As if the spotlight wasn't already bright. There are college scouts hanging around the track, including LSU assistant Earl Lane, who is likely here taking a look at tight end Orson Charles' first game in a Plant uniform. -EAE

ENCINA SAYS ... ARMWOOD (4:40 p.m.)

This game will be won in the trenches, so line play will be huge. And you'd have to think that Armwood has the advantage there. If they can make Aaron Murray jittery, they can hold a distinct advantage. On the other side, if anything the pressure is on the Hawks. They are the second-ranked team in the nation. They are the favorites to win state. But I like the idea of putting more of the offense in the hands of Mywan Jackson. Count on seeing a few wrinkles from the Hawks offense, maybe a trick play that breaks the game open early. Hawks win 31-10.

NIEBUHR SAYS ... ARMWOOD (4:26 P.M.)

First games of the season are difficult to pick. I mean, honestly, none of us knows how good either of the teams really is. Plant has Aaron Murray and a bunch of outstanding transfers. But how will they play together in a big game? Armwood has a ton of talent. But the Hawks have a new offense, so there is a little uncertainty there, too. Because of these questions and many more, I’m picking the winner based on what I know (or think I know). I know Plant’s Robert Weiner is one heck of a coach. I know Murray is the best high school quarterback I’ve ever seen (and I’ve covered more than a dozen who landed at elite-level programs). I know the Plant crowd will be jacked. But on the flip side, I know how good Armwood’s Ryne Giddins is. I know that Petey Smith plays as hard as anyone around. I know Armwood’s offensive line is big and physical. I know Armwood knows how to play in a big game. When analyzing things, I kept coming back to the same two questions: Can Plant block Armwood’s defensive line? And can the Panthers go toe-to-toe with Armwood’s offensive line? With all due respect to Plant’s interior players (who are quite underrated), I think Armwood has a distinct edge on both sides up front. In my eyes, it’s a wash when you compare the abilities of the skill players. And that’s why the play in the trenches will decide it. I like Armwood to win, probably in the 27-14 range.

--KN

FLIPPING THE SWITCH (4:10 p.m.)

Armwood coach Sean Callahan is a master at motivating his players. He runs his practices with intensity and pushes his players at all times. When the Hawks face Plant today, he hopes that all that preparation, plus the national television audience and wearing their new Nike uniforms for the first time, will help to flip the gameday swith.

"We need to have something to get us juiced up," Callahan said Wednesday. "We’re so physical with our kids and we’re always pushing, pushing, pushing. We were working out today and everybody left dripping wet with sweat and then we practiced. They're ready to have something to get them excited. I’m sure ESPN will and putting on the new jerseys will too. We’re trying to use is all at one time to blow it all out."

--EAE

SPEAKING OF LIGHTNING BOLTS (3:15 p.m.)

BayNews 9 is calling for isolated showers and partly cloudy skies tonight, a low of 75 degrees.

-EAE

ESPN RISE STORY ON PLANT'S NO. 11 (2:59 p.m.)

The front page of ESPN Rise's web site front page has a story on Aaron Murray. Honestly, there's not much us locals don't already know: Georgia commit, tons of offers, works hard, record-breaking junior season, the man in 7-on-7, throws lightning bolts (OK maybe, not the latter), but it's still serves as ESPN's "preview" for tonight's game. 

Click HERE for the story.

-EAE

GAME SOLD OUT (2:33 p.m.)

Kind of surprising news: Tonight's game is sold out, school district spokesperson Linda Cobbe just said via e-mail, so no tickets will be sold at the gate.

Armwood athletic director Donald Hill said that tickets were sold out at Armwood, which had the final 650 on sale, by 1:10 p.m.

-EAE

ARMWOOD-PLANT VIEWING PARTY INFO (1:52 p.m.)

Just got the following release passed along to me from Times columnist Ernest Hooper:

Teens who find themselves on the outside looking in of the big Plant-Armwood football game can watch it at a local South Tampa church. The Xtreme Youth of Palma Ceia United Methodist Church, located on the corner of Bay to Bay Boulevard and S. Dale Mabry Highway, will host a viewing party at 7 tonight in the Youth Center.

“We feel it is important to offer the youth of our community a safe place to watch the game and fellowship with their friends in case they can’t purchase tickets to the game at Dads Stadium,” said Misty Winter, Director of Youth for Palma Ceia U. Methodist Church. “We’ll have pizza and soft drinks available, plus, all youth are invited to join us after the game for the Fifth Quarter. Our Youth Center will stay open until midnight with more snacks and fellowship.”

For additional information about the Xtreme Youth of Palma Ceia United Methodist Church, visit http://palmaceiaumc.org/ministries/youth/default.htm .

--KN

TURN UP THE RADIO (12:33 p.m.)

The Beef ‘O’ Brady’s High School Football Scoreboard (a statewide radio show heard locally on 910 AM Friday nights from 10-midnight) is in town for the game and will be broadcasting live tonight at the Beef O'Brady's on South Macdill Avenue. As always, the show will be hosted by Steve Berrey, who is known to many as Mr. High School Football. Before the show, Berrey will be at Plant to check things out.

“Obviously, the matchup I’m looking forward to is how the Armwood defense does against Aaron Murray,” Berrey said. “He’s not had much success against them in the past. I think Plant will have a few things ready for Armwood. Robert Weiner is a very good coach who does a great job. The thing about high school football in Florida is that very rarely do you see a passing quarterback.”

Those at other games tonight can call the show to report scores and get his or her team some pub. The number to call is 888-407-2673.

--KN

COACHING LEGEND HAPPY FOR ARMWOOD, PLANT (11:57 A.M.)

Guess who says he’s thrilled for Armwood and Plant? Longtime Chamberlain coach Billy Turner -- even though his squad’s very good matchup against Gaither tonight has been overshadowed by the Hawks and Panthers, who will play on national TV.

“I’m thrilled to death for Plant and Armwood,” Turner said today. “There’s no envy or jealousy at all. I think it’s great. It helps shine more light on football in Hillsborough County.”

Because ESPNU is doing the game and both teams have lofty state and national rankings, this is one of the most anticipated regular-season games ever in Hillsborough County. This week’s excitement led Turner to recall some of the great rivalries from yesteryear – long before the Bucs and Bulls were here.

“When there were only like five or six schools here,  Plant-Hillsborough was the big game,” Turner said. “Plant-Robinson was huge, too. Plant and Hillsborough were the oldest schools here. They played every year at Phillips Field (which was at the current site of Tampa Prep). There would be 12,000 people there. They played one year in the late 1960s at Tampa Stadium and there were 23,000 there. All the kids were dressed up, many in suits.”

By comparison, tonight’s game is expected to draw about 6,000 fans.

--KN

BULLSEYE FOR HAWKS, PANTHERS (11:27 a.m.)

During a stop at Plant this morning, I spotted Panthers coach Robert Weiner chatting with USF assistant Carl Franks. Franks, formerly the head coach at Duke and a one-time assistant under Steve Spurrier with the Florida Gators, is regarded as being one of the top recruiters in college football (he's also a really nice guy). Franks’ current team is actively recruiting several guys who will play in tonight’s game, most notably Armwood defensive end Ryne Giddins and Plant tight end Orson Charles. Either one arguably would be the biggest recruiting get ever for the Bulls.

--KN

DON'T FORGET ABOUT THE PANTHER 'D' (10:59 a.m.)

The Plant offense gets the headlines, but the defense also has typically been quite good. We asked Armwood offensive coordinator Chris Taylor to share his thoughts about that unit -- and here's what he had to say: "Since we don’t have to play our defense, I would say that Plant is the defense that I hate playing against the most in the regular season and here’s why:

1. Plant’s Defense gets no credit. In the regional game two years ago when they beat us, they beat us more with their never talked about defense (and a kid named Kuzdale) than with Robert Marve and their stellar offense. This Plant defense is very, very good. They have size, they are very well-coached. They know what their athletes can do and they scheme with that in mind. They make your players make mistakes. They do their homework. They work to take away what they think you want to do most. And a good defense is the secret to winning big games.
2. Armwood is running a brand new offense for them. That makes every player on offense a first year starter. You don’t want to play the best team on your schedule in week 1 when every player on your offense is a first-year starter.  Not one where the coaches do such a great job at confusing their opponents.
3. The Plant coaches do a great job and convincing their players that they can play with anyone, any time.
4. Contrary to the gourmet coffee philosophy, Plant does have athletes!"

--KN

AN IMPRESSED MENTOR (10:10 a.m.)

During coach Dominick Ciao’s great 17-season run as Jesuit coach, current Plant coach Robert Weiner was one of his key assistants. Weiner coached receivers and special teams and was on the staff when the team played in the 1992 Class 3A final. Having worked up close with Weiner, Plant’s success doesn’t surprise Ciao (shown here in 1990). “I knew anything Robert would do, he’d be successful at … whether it was being a football coach, a lawyer or whatever endeavor he’d choose,” Ciao said. “He’s great with people. He’s a tremendous worker. He’s dedicated to his players and to his team. He has built a tremendous football program that will continue to be successful.”

-KN

PLANT, PLANT, PLANT UPDATE (9:46 a.m.)

Just stopped by Plant and believe me when I say that you can definitely tell that a big game is about to take place. Fox has a helicopter parked on the 50-yard line (seriously), the field is being painted (and it looks pretty sharp), a TV truck is there, a radio station has two vans in the parking lot, "Go Plant" banners are up, extra lights have been brought in and a bunch of cheerleaders were doing routines on the field. These are definitely the kind of days when it's fun to be a teenager.

-KN

ALL ABOARD (9:29 a.m.)

When the teams played in last season's opener, Armwood was without several players who were suspended for skipping class (one was starting QB Mywan Jackson). I just spoke via phone with Hawks coach Sean Callahan, and he was happy to report that Armwood will have everyone available for tonight's game. "Everyone went to class," Callahan said. "It's kind of boring."

-KN

NO SELLOUT, NO SURPRISE (9:28 a.m.)

As of the start of school today, about 650 tickets were still unsold at Armwood. Given the fact that Armwood only sold about 50 tickets yesterday, It's likely that Armwood won't sell out of its 2,000-ticket allotment.

That doesn't surprise Armwood coach Sean Callahan.

Asked if he could understand the hype around this game, Callahan answered , "If you live south of Kennedy (Boulevard), yeah."

"Our fans don't get going until week eight or nine," Callahan said. "If we were playing (at home), you'd be surprised. It wouldn't be packed on week one. It's just different out here."

-EAE

THE MONKEY ON MURRAY'S BACK (1:47 a.m.)

Plant quarterback Aaron Murray still bears the burden of last season’s two losses to Armwood. He’s not afraid to say it. Those weren’t his best games.

“I hope that over the past offseason and summer that I've definitely become a more mature better quarterback,” Murray said earlier this week. “Last year the game was flying all around me. I was a little nervous. I just need to go out there and relax and have fun and just try to slow everything down and try to enjoy it a little bit.”

-EAE

GIDDINS THE GREAT (1:14 a.m.)

Armwood defensive end Ryne Giddins will be counted on to pressure Aaron Murray into making some rushed decisions. Part of the reason ESPN is showcasing this game is because there are so many top prospects, and with respect to linebacker Petey Smith, quarterback Mywan Jackson and cornerback Angelo Hadley, Giddins is the Hawks’ most heralded recruit.

“Myself, I stress over it, because I have a lot of things on me,” Giddins said this week. “Ryne do this, Ryne do that. This is Ryne Giddins so he has to perform a certain way. But my defensive line and DBs and linebackers are taking it off me.”

- EAE

REMEMBER WHEN (12 a.m.)

While looking through our archives, we found a feature about Plant coach Robert Weiner that was published Nov. 24, 2006. Here's a snippet from the beginning of the story ...

TAMPA -- Robert Marve sat at his locker, helmet strapped to his head, shuddering.

Sobbing.

Bob Weiner took the skinny boy into his office, and though Marve had just suffered through a 49-0 loss to Armwood, the Plant High coach was compelled to tell his 14-year-old quarterback something - even if the timing didn't seem quite right.

"Robert," the coach said, "I promise you that in two years, if you do what I say, you will be the best senior quarterback in the state, and colleges across the country will come here and ask you to play for them."

Said Marve: "I could tell he totally believed it. But at that moment, to be honest, I wasn't so sure."

A few weeks after that 2004 loss, which dropped Plant to 3-7, Marve, all 155 pounds of him, went to Weiner and said, "Coach, I want you to make me the best person and the best quarterback I can be. I'll do whatever you tell me to do."

Wonder whatever happened to that Marve guy???

- KN

AFTER THIS ONE, IT'S OFF TO THE SWAMP (12 a.m.)

At least three players in today's game will be in Gainesville on Saturday to watch the Miami-Florida game. Armwood defensive end Ryne Giddins said earlier this week he plans to take an unofficial visit to Gainesville. He'll be joined on the trip by Hawks defensive tackle Alton Bailey. Gatorbait.net reports that Plant tight end Orson Charles will be there as well. Both schools are actively recruiting Giddins and Charles.

-KN

FLORIDA FIREWORKS (12 a.m.)

RivalsHigh has pegged this one as being the national game of the week. The site, which is part of the Rivals.com network, has Armwood ranked No. 2 in the country -- and Plant No. 32. You can read that site's preview HERE.

-KN

CHEAP PLUG ... AND MAYBE THE FIRST OF MANY (12 a.m.)

If you want to learn more about these teams, check out our video previews at Fridaynightrewind.com. By the way, is it just us, or does Times writer Joey Knight remind you of a young Robert Redford?

-KN

MEMORY LANE (12 a.m.)

When Sean Callahan became coach at Armwood way back in 1990, he took over a program that was winless the season before. Callahan, 32 at the time, had this to say when assessing his team in an interview with longtime Times correspondent Terry Jones: "We are young and have very little experience." The Hawks went just 2-8 that fall. Since then, Callahan is 142-59.

-KN

KEY NUMBERS (12 a.m.)

• Armwood has 66 wins in the past five seasons. That's the best total in Florida.
• The Hawks have four players ranked by Rivals.com among the top 100 seniors in the state -- Giddins (15th), linebacker Petey Smith (74th), quarterback Mywan Jackson (80th) and safety Angelo Hadley (90th). Plant has two -- quarterback Aaron Murray (6th) and tight end Orson Charles (10th).
• Armwood has 24 all-time playoff wins; 23 have come this decade.
• Plant has 15 all-time playoff wins; eight came during the past three seasons.
• Between them, Armwood and Plant have appeared in four of the past five Class 4A finals. Armwood got there in 2003, '04 and '05, winning in '03 and '04. Plant was the 2006 champ.
• By the time Armwood made its first playoff appearance in 1996, Plant had already been to the postseason seven times -- six times under legendary coach Roland Acosta.

-KN

Comments

[James Ray]

2 pts?? I would be upset too.. make sure all you Plant fans pick up some Cheese with that Wine...Kick a few Field goals and you probably would have WON the game. Armwood's offense looked putried, absolutely horrible. And at least 4 times inside the 25 yd line and NO points to show for it, don't be mad at the world, be mad at the outcome that never was!

"screwplant", enjoy your future career as either a criminal or fast food technician.

Sincerely,

The tens of thousands of Plant alums with advanced degrees.

[screwplant]

plant is the biggest joke team in central florida not to mention the gayest school in the state. if you go to plant good luck getting into anything but hcc(unless your on an overrated football team of course)

[J.Bush Dunedin Falcon '98]

Armwood has too much speed for Plant.Aaron Murray will be like Tom Brady was in the Super Bowl vs the Giants. But I hope it will be a better game than the two spankings that took place last year.

Yeah, let's keep this clean. Bottom line - Plant is overmatched this year again. Armwood's gonna win AGAIN.

[God]

Another Sign The Apolalypse Is Upon Us:

The StPete Times has gone to a 24 hour blog over a high school football game.

[Tin Foil Hat]

It is a conspiracy. I blame Bush.

[Kimo]

War Eagle! Gooooooo Armwood!

[Gordie LaChance]

Seriously everyone- Do you think either Team has a DORM that they put high school kids in? Some of you REALLY think that? First of all No one in Seffner can afford a multi-plex never the less a full dorm.. People in South tampa have way better things to spend their money on than a Dorm for young high school kids. People Think about it!!!!!

[LOL]

"mexican bowel"?!?!?

That is seriously FUNNY!

It should be called the "Mexican Bowl" Due to all of the illegals(Transfer students) from all over the county

CHEATER BOLL

[Panthaz]

Last year was last year. Armwood WAS the better team. This year all bets are off. Plant is mighty hard to beat @ Dad's Field and the band and fans will be rockin'

PHS - 27
AHS - 25

Actually, the worst comments on here do come from Plant or Armwood fans or coaches, they mostly come from one area assistant coach (from neither school) who is into trolliing and starting trouble.

O
V
E
R

R
A
T
E
D
!

And over-hyped. It's just another high school football game.

[Keith Niebuhr]

I agree ... Please, let's keep this clean. Let the kids enjoy this day

Plant will get shut out.

[Da 'Wood]

Allegations are stupid on both sides. The final score is all that counts.

Da 'wood - 38
Plant - 10

where is that apartment(dorm) you guys house all your recruits??? We know the truth!! One of your parents was bragging to a friend of mine that live out in Sefner about how they recruit these lineman to come and live in the dorm!!

[GO PLANT]

It's not fair to ask the troll from Armwood to actually look anything up. All he knows how to do is yell, bully, and make BS accusations he can't backup.

Why don't you check their addresses hot shot. They all live within district except Dungy.

While your at it, chump, check the addresses for the Armwood DL, Mywan Jackson, the new Hillsborough recruit at DB, the new TBT recruit at DL (Bailey),etc. etc. Ask Sir Chauncey Holloway about how his senior year is going? That kid could have been a major division 1 recruit. Now he gets to watch from the stands. Good job cheaters.

[Hawk4life]

If "Armwood's program is about as clean as the dumpster at the Colonnade restaurant" then Weiner the cheater's latest recruiting class: Charles, Sampson, Dungy, and few other names must all live in South Tampa. It would be interesting see if listed addresses and actual living quarters match up. It's the worst kept secret in Tampa and nobody cares.

The plant patsies are going to get hammered again this time on national TV.

Moray or mushy (whatever his name is) is going to feel (physically and mentally) this loss for sometime

"

[Dominic]

Agree with the gorillas on your line comment, but thats about it.

Armwood's program is about as clean as the dumpster at the Colonnade restaurant.

[Hawk4life]

The "SOFT" Tampa Panthers will get mauled, embarrassed, and bloodied by the one true force in Hillsborough county sports. We have better coaches, a cleaner program, and gorillas on our line. Murray can't win the big game and will be running for his life all night.

Armwood 45 Plant 21

[TBT Fan]

Big Big Blue is the TBT cheer.
Figures you couln't come up with your own.

[Panther Fan]

GO PANTHERS!

This is going to be a great game. No matter who wins they're going to be looking forward to the rematch in the playoffs. What a great season!

GO PLANT!

[Kathy]

Let the game begin. No more 7 on 7, this is the real thing. Will be a great one!! GO HAWKS!!

GO ARMWOOD

lmao...a 24 hour blog

[Hayden]

Plant loves Weiner. lol

BIG BIG BLUE WHAT! BIG BIG BLUE WHAT!
BIG BIG BLUE WHAT!

Panthers- Reality is about to set in!
Wishing on winning this game is great until........... IT HITS YOU FLAT IN THE MOUTH!!!!!!!
Smith, Giddins and a big can of whoopa.. are about to take over South Tampa.

BIG BIG BLUE WHAT! BIG BIG BLUE WHAT!
BIG BIB BLUE WHAT!

[Joe]

Murray is gonna look like Bill Murray during this game. This isn't flag football on Friday. Be ready for some Pressure.

[Jack]

Go Plant!