Although their geographical locations in Hillsborough County may be on opposite sides of the map, their results are anything but. The Alonso Ravens bring their undefeated record to Plant City tonight to face a Raiders team that is clicking on all cylinders like a finely tuned machine and an undefeated record themselves. The Raiders go as their stud QB Bennie Coney goes, while the Ravens simply find the ways to beat you without any fireworks or smoke machines. Plainly, all they do is win. Worlds will collide though and someone will have to change the story after tonight, but who will be doing the rewrite? Will it be just another day at the office for Coney? Or will the Ravens fly away with some serious amounts of respect in “upsetting” one of the favorites to go deep into the playoffs in 7A?
Alonso wasn’t supposed to be in this position. Undefeated that is. In fact, there might have zero, zip, zilch in terms of expectations from the pundits from all around the Tampa Bay Area. The Ravens won’t pass the eye test getting off the bus, but they’re going to make you feel like you’ve been hit by one once you played them if you choose to take them lightly. It’s worked for them this year coupled with an enthusiasm and confidence that comes to life only once the lights come on and the band starts playing.
Plant City was expected to be in this position. They’ve got the high-profile name in Coney who’s committed to play for Cincinnati next fall. They’ve got the flashy and always dangerous Dazmond Patterson at RB, and WR Lamarlin Wiggins who is shooting up the boards of college recruiters on a daily basis. They’re in firm control of their destiny in the District 8-7A race after demolishing their arch rival Durant 43-12 last week, and look to be gearing up for what could be a historic run for Coach Ward and the boys. Alonso counters with Mississippi State Committ Brandon Holloway and a group of guys that simply buy into everything Coach Brian Emanuel and his staff are selling.
So let’s look at some of the stats along with some observations and try to find some keys to victory for both, as well as what they can’t afford to have happen or else there’s going to be some hurt feelings when the clock hits 0:00. Each team has played three common opponents in their schedule (Durant, Freedom, and Gaither). The average score in those games that Plant City have played was 31-8 while Alonso’s wins are averaged by a 29-6 margin. The similarities stop just about there though in terms of total yardage and average points scored. The Raiders own that advantage putting up 44 points a game to the Ravens 25 overall. Total yardage, Plant City is averaging 448 to Alonso’s 277. The Raiders are doing it balanced as well putting up 226 yards through the air and 222 on the ground.
Key ingredients for the Ravens will obviously start with Holloway whether he’s lined up at WR or at QB in the Wildcat. He’s accounted for 9 of Alonso’s 23 TD’s and between him and QB Brandon Hawkins they have 14 so it’s important to keep that connection open for business all night long. If Sophomore RB Ish Witter can draw attention from Holloway and create mismatches on the outside it could be a treat for the casual fan or a heart attack in-waiting for fans of both teams. The track meet could get started early. Will also be paramount for Alonso to get leverage up front on both lines or said track meet will turn into a race in quicksand with cement shoes for the Ravens.
On defense for the Ravens their LB’s anchored by Marcus Neuman and his 12 tackles per game must stay focused on what Coney does. Once Coney leaves the pocket he’s just as dangerous so if Alonso believes they can win this game (and of course they can) there’s going to have to be someone stalking Bennie to levels of criminality. Coney has thrown only 2 INT’s all seaosn, but I’ve got a strong feeling no matter the outcome that the Ravens will be in position to create some turnovers and give themselves chances. It will be on them though to capitalize and keep Plant City’s Offense off the field. They must or else the Raiders ‘O’ is good enough to win shootouts with just about any team in all of Tampa Bay.
Bennie Coney is an absolute monster at the moment and his ability to make something out of nothing (really going out on a limb here) will be the difference in the game. The Ravens can probably stop 1 or 2 of the Raiders stars at best, but not all 3. I don’t even think that Alonso expects to shut all 3 down. I think they believe they can hang around and execute one more play than PC can. May sound like I’m making the case for the “upset”, but that’s not what this is. I’m making the case that this game isn’t a 3TD blowout that some may think. Then again, stats are for losers like Raheem Morris always says and it’s about the jimmy’s and joe’s executing the x’s and o’s. Neither one are mutually exclusive tonight.
I believe that Alonso can put points on the board, but they’ll need to keep Brandon Hawkins in tact and from peeling himself off the ground after each whistle to have a chance. They must sustain drives or else PC will simply get to a point where they’ll tell Alonso that they’re running Daz Patterson off Left Tackle and dare them to stop it. Won’t even need to worry about fancy plays. They’ll wear Alonso down. It won’t deter the Ravens though. They won’t quit. That’s a given. You’ll be seeing these two teams again come playoff time. Get ready for some good old-fashioned Friday Night football. This is what we wait all week for. See you at the stadium.
Prediction: Plant City 30 Alonso 21
