AROUND THE STATE HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY

Godby, Plant, Ray Jay

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*All stats acquired from Maxpreps

Palm Harbor at Jesuit takes the headlines for Thursday night. 50 other games will be played on Friday (BCP coverage area). But, the main event takes place on Saturday. The defending 5A state champion, Godby Cougars will travel to Tampa to play the Plant Panthers at Raymond James stadium. Both teams are looking to build off decent spring game performances and talented players.

Last year, Godby ended the season 14-1. Winning the 5A State Title 21-20 in a thriller. Plant’s season came to an end at Dr. Phillips second round of the 8A state playoffs 24-7, 10-2 season record.
Last year matters. It does! For the simple reason, Godby is a state champion and has the potential to be back-to-back champions. Plant ran off 9 straight wins after game one loss to 2012 National Champion, John C. Curtis. The championship history and success of each program in recent years have made this game a “Big Deal.”

Players to Watch for Godby
DB Tony Fields
LB Jacob Pugh
LB Kris Harris
OL Ben Lyda
DB De’Eric Culver
QB JT Bradwell
WR Anthony Simmons

Players to Watch for Plant
QB Colby Brown
LB Andrew Beck
RB Patrick Brooks
OT Ray Raulerson
OT Jake Fruhmorgen
DB Mazzi Wilkins
DT Kyle Henderson

Jacob Pugh #16, Godby

Watching Godby on film vs Madison County – Spring Game
What you will see on Saturday is a fast flowing defense. Led by Florida State commit, Jacob Pugh, this Cougar defense flies  around and attacks the football. The line backers play downhill and plug gaps. The defensive line, stalemates the offensive linemen and the secondary is fast and athletic. As a whole, the defense is pretty good and plays with their “ears pinned back” like mad dogs.

One offense, you should see a heavy screen team, trying to get the ball in the hands of the playmakers on the perimeter as often as possible. Don’t expect this team to attempt the homerun ball every other ball. The Cougars will dink and dunk with a blend of the run to keep the defense honest.

This game should be a great fix for football fans. One of the best teams in Central Florida, with championship trophies (Plant) vs. a North Florida power, confident and looking to repeat as state champs (Godby).