TEAM OF THE MONTH
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PCHS quarterback Corey King threw three touchdowns against Durant and was considered the MVP for the game.
THE REDMAN CUP
BY ASHLYN YARBROUGH | PHOTOS BY TOMMY WARNOCK
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ne of the most exciting nights of the year is when Plant City High School and Durant High School battle head-to-head on the football field. This hometown rivalry draws such attention that it results in sold-out stands and a line of cars wrapping around the school with fans eager to see the game. This rivalry is more than just points on a scoreboard; it’s about the Redman Cup. This annual competition between the two schools carries with it bragging rights for the year. On the night of October 16, 2015, the Raiders took on DHS in Cougar territory. The Cougars took the lead by making two field goals, kicked by Peyton
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Ledbetter. The Raiders came up from behind with a touchdown pass scored by TJ Chase, PCHS Senior and Clemson commit. Durant then kicked another field goal, ending the first half with a score of 9-7, Cougars leading. In the third quarter, Steven Witchoskey, junior tight end, scored a touchdown for DHS, making the score 16-7. The Raider fans were praying for a miracle. The wishes were granted with four minutes left in the game; quarterback Corey King threw a complete pass to Antoine Thompson. Thompson rushed down the field, assisted by three enormous blocks by the PCHS offensive linemen, and scored for the Raiders. The score: 16-14.
“The three blocks down the field for Antoine were just as exhilarating as the touchdown itself,” stated PCHS Head Coach Greg Meyer. Now both teams were flooded with anxiety because it was down to the wire. With two minutes left in the game, King threw the ball over the middle to senior running back Markese Hargrove. Hargrove sprinted towards the end zone and scored the game’s final touchdown. The Raiders took home the Redman Cup, defeating the Cougars 21-16. “With a huge rivalry game like this, it always comes down to the wire,” Meyer explained. “Each team is going to play with emotion. There is pride on the line.” Belief and a positive mindset sent the Raiders to victory. Meyer mentioned that with teams in the past, the optimism was only found in a few key players; this year it is team-wide. Meyer considered Corey King the MVP of the game. Some would
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consider this his best game. He played smart football and maintained positive energy that was contagious for the team. “My thoughts during the night were to keep my head up high and my team motivated,” King expressed. “Winning the game just had me in awe. Being the quarterback for a winning team of a rivalry game is amazing. It’s something I will never forget.” In addition to taking home the Redman Cup that night, the PCHS team also became District Champions. The Raiders will advance into the playoffs with hopes of becoming regional champions. “We are truly blessed with great players and an incredible coaching staff,” offered Meyer. With the level of talent and amazing character that this team possesses, the Varsity Raider football players will achieve great success throughout the rest of the season.
The Plant City Raiders and Durant Cougars battled head to head on October 16, 2015 to take home the Redman Cup.
Senior running back Markese Hargrove rushed down the field for the final touchdown of the game; taking home a victory for the Raiders with a score of 21