Plant City Observer 11.22.12

bserver O

PLANT CITY

Happy Thanksgiving!

You. Your neighbors. Your neighborhood.

SPORTS

in focus

Thousands delight in 10th annual Plant City Pig Jam. PAGE 3

OUR TOWN

Courtesy photo

From left: Plant City High School College Career Counselor Sherrie Mueller, Sara Brummer, Nick Rodriguez, Morgan Moody, Robby Knox, Taylor Adams, Casey Hamilton, Sarah Winter, Jacob Goad and Principal Colleen Richardson.

+ Optimist Club honors students The Plant City Optimist Club recognized eight Plant City High School seniors for their outstanding accomplishments during its annual Youth Appreciation Ceremony Oct. 29, at the Plant City Recreation & Parks Department administrative office conference room.

The students include Taylor Adams, Sara Brummer, Jacob Goad, Casey Hamilton, Robby Knox, Morgan Moody, Nick Rodriguez and Sarah Winter.

For more, visit plantcityoptimistclub.org.

FREE • thursday, NOVEMBER 22, 2012

any given friday

EXCLUSIVE

Durant Cougars face familiar foe in next round.

Plant City High thespians deliver humor, horror.

PAGE 11

PAGE 9

by Amber Jurgensen | Associate Editor

Church dishes out food, faith The holiday season is known as the time of giving, but First United Methodist Church’s Christ Community Café offers fellowship all year long.

Every Friday, a row of bikes is parked alongside the playground fence at First United Methodist Church’s Wesley Center off West Reynolds Street.

A sign posted at the front doors reads: “No weapons.”

There, a tattooed man in a leather vest greets visitors. His

name is Muff McLeod. He’s not a bouncer. He’s the host who leads you to your table at Christ’s Community Café.

Once a week, the Wesley Center opens its doors to diners seeking a warm meal or fellowship. Numerous tables are spread throughout the space.

The church’s nurse offers free checkups. A speaker talks about salvation.

McLeod escorts people to their seats, while volunteers stay busy in the kitchen preparing meals. A maître d’ directs

SEE CAFE / PAGE 4

INSURANCE

by Amber Jurgensen | Associate Editor

Kate Solomon loves the holiday season.

Casey Jarrett was all smiles at the Thanksgiving feast.

Luke Cipriano gobbled up his dinner roll.

+ Every rose has its thorn Bret Michaels, former frontman of the 1980s rockers Poison, is coming to Plant City! Michaels will perform at 7:30 p.m. March 9, on the Wish Farms Soundstage, at the 2013 Florida Strawberry Festival.

United Healthcare terminates BayCare contracts Starting Nov. 26, certain United Healthcare plans no longer will be accepted at South Florida Baptist Hospital.

+ Calling all student chefs!

The Hillsborough County School District is looking for participants for its Cook It Up! Student Recipe Challenge.

The contest is open to third- through eighthgraders. Participants must submit a healthy entrée recipe along with an essay explaining what makes their recipe nutritious and why it’s important to establish healthful eating habits.

Deadline is Dec. 12.

Entries can be submitted on the Student Nutrition Services website, sdhc.k12.fl.us/sns.

The top five finalists will be announced by Dec. 19, and will be invited to participate in a School Lunch Cook-Off.

Amber Jurgensen

Muff McLeod and his wife, Marvena, are also part of the Christian Motorcycle Association.

Kamdyn Mosley was just big enough to peek over the Thanksgiving table.

Turkey Time The children and staff of the First Baptist Learning and Preschool Center celebrated Thanksgiving Nov. 15, with an early holiday meal.

Dressed in American Indian

and pilgrim costumes, the students filed into the fellowship hall to enjoy their feast. After offering prayers of gratitude, the children dined on turkey, corn, green beans, rolls and cookies.

holiday hoopla

by Jessica Eng

Riley and Tabitha Hansen shared a special moment together at the feast.

INDEX Cops.....................6

Unable to reach an agreement for a new contract, BayCare Health System, which includes South Florida Baptist Hospital, no longer will be a participating provider with United Healthcare plans that include commercial, Medicare, Medicaid and Florida Healthy Kids.

According to BayCare, United terminated BayCare physician groups from participation in United’s commercial and Medicaid networks on Oct. 24.

BayCare’s hospitals, facilities, home-care services and laboratories no longer will be a participating provider in United’s provider network for Medicare Advantage, Medicaid and commercial products.

The changes will begin Nov. 26.

However, officials from United said BayCare came to United

SEE UNITED / PAGE 4 Vol. 1, No. 21 | One section

Crossword.......... 15

Obituaries.......... 10

Sports................ 11

PlantCityObserver.com

2 PlantCityObserver.com

Plant city observer

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2012

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96561

GROCERy

Plant city observer

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2012

3

all in by Amber Jurgensen | Associate Editor

update

After Hillsborough County adopted an ordinance to ban Internet cafés, Plant City is evaluating how to regulate the three in town.

Mendonsa roadwork continues

City to consider Internet café ban Internet cafés have been going bust after city and county officials throughout the country, who have likened the establishments to casinos, have placed bans in their respective communities.

The Plant City Commission is scheduled to consider a similar ban. The first of two public hearings will take place at 7:30 p.m.

Nov. 26, in the Sadye Gibbs Martin Auditorium of the Nettie Berry Draughon Municipal Building, 302 W. Reynolds St. Walking into any of Plant City’s three Internet cafés, it’s easy to see the similarities between the cafés and casinos. Rows of computer monitors display brightly colored games that resemble slot machines.

There also are some differences. Other than the volume of the games, the cafés are quiet, nonsmoking rooms that resemble a computer lab in a public library.

And according to some attorneys, there are more differences between the cafés and casinos.

“It’s not gambling,” attorney Lawrence Walters said. “There’s no chance for people to pay to win a prize.”

Walters, of Walters Law Group

— a Longwood-based law group that specializes in free speech, gambling and gaming law — has represented many Internet cafés in Hillsborough County, including You Lucky Dog and Five Star Entertainment, in Plant City.

“This is a very successful and popular business model in the state of Florida,” Walters said.

Walters and other Internet café supporters liken the cafés to sweepstakes. They say it’s no different than buying a Coke and seeing if the bottle cap has a prize printed on it.

“These businesses are doing it in a more effective and entertaining fashion than just using bottle caps or scratch-offs on McDonald’s products,” Walters said. “No money is wagered.”

Customers of Internet cafés pay for Internet or phone time.

At many cafés, customers can go to any website they want and call any number they like. Along with their purchase, they receive a sweepstakes card that already is predetermined to be a winning or losing card. There are two ways to reveal the status of the card. Customers can play one of the games, or they can choose to automati-

cally reveal the status of the card without play. The game has nothing to do with the outcome of the card.

“That’s where some of the city officials get confused,” Walters said. “You’re just playing a video game to see if your card was a winner.”

In Hillsborough, four Internet sweepstakes companies that filed a lawsuit challenging the ban have dropped the case after county commissioners amended language in the ordinate to outlaw “simulated gambling devices.”

In Seminole County, the county has banned simulated gambling devices, but the ordinance has been challenged in federal court.

Litigation is pending.

“It’s probably considered the lead case in the legality of banning these establishments,” Walters said.

Café opponents say there is no regulation of the integrity of the games. Furthermore, they say the games take away revenue from licensed gambling businesses that go to public education, health and social programs.

City commissioners have several options to consider at next

week’s meeting: Call for an ordinance to completely ban Internet cafés; adopt a regulatory ordinance; adopt a temporary moratorium on Internet cafés; or it could do nothing.

Jacksonville adopted a regulatory ordinance earlier this year that limits the number of permits it will issue for Internet cafés, requires security cameras and bans alcohol and minors from the cafés. You Lucky Dog and Five Star Entertainment does not serve alcohol, but the Lucky Tee Sweepstakes at the Walden Lake Golf and Country Club has a full bar.

Tampa has enacted a six-month moratorium or ban on new Internet cafés. According to a Plant City agenda report, it is recommended that the city adopt a moratorium that would last until July 1, 2013.

“That would give the city manager and myself some time to make some recommendations to the commission,” City Attorney Kenneth Buchman said. “We’re just trying to uphold the status quo until we can reach a conclusion.”

The moratorium would not shut down already existing Internet cafés but rather prevent new ones from opening.

Contact Amber Jurgensen at ajurgensen@plantcityobserver. com.

Paul Woods performed with Ace Jackson and the Jump Kings.

Elizabeth St. John, 8, tried to make it eight seconds on this mechanical bull.

Plant City sizzles at 10th Pig Jam hot off the grill

This exotic bird kept an eye on Pig Jam attendees from atop its perch.

Thousands of barbecue enthusiasts came hungry and left happy following the 10th annual Pig Jam Nov. 17, at the Randy Larson Four-Plex.

This year’s barbecue festival and competition featured about 80 teams from through-

Photo by Amber Jurgensen

Ben Copeland, Jady Hill and Mark Poppell

by Michael Eng | Managing Editor out the country. Attendees enjoyed sampling ribs, pulled pork, brisket and more. Younger guests had a blast traversing inflatable obstacle courses, riding a mechanical bull and taking to the skies at the bungee challenge.

‘Grandpa’ Sweeney just moved to Plant City from Kentucky to spend more time with his children and grandchildren, including Ian, 5.

Gordon Rego, of World’s Smokin’ Que, demonstrated his special sauce application technique.

Joshua Delp, 11, made it all the way to the top of the rock-climbing challenge.

by Amber Jurgensen | Associate Editor

The next stages of construction will have the road closed until the end of the year.

Through the end of the year, Mendonsa Road is only open to local traffic.

Construction began in September on the roadway, which has a history of flooding and a number of problems with drainage.

In the next month, crews will tear out the existing bed, replace it and then repave over it.

So far, construction on the road has gone smoothly, according to City Manager Greg Horwedel, but roads such as Mendonsa, which are 50 to 60 years old, can have areas of “muck,” the product of the builders using old logs and pine tar as the road base. If “muck” is found under Mendonsa, it could delay the completion date.

“I’m sure that the folks that live there, it is an inconvenience, but there is no other way to repair the road,” Horwedel said.

Realtor Ken Gibbs and his family live off Mendonsa.

He said with shuffling his children between home and school and extracurricular activities, the road construction can be an inconvenience, but it is absolutely necessary.

“It will be a good thing,” Gibbs said. “Looks like they’re doing a good job on it.”

Gibbs is happy the road is being repaired, because flooding from its poor drainage caused water flow to sit in his front yard. He also said the construction has redirected the amount of traffic that goes through Mendonsa and decreased the speed of the cars.

In addition to the drainage correction, the city has obtained a $62,000 Safe Routes to School grant from the Florida Department of Transportation. That money will used to build a sidewalk along the south side of Mendonsa Road.

Because the grant would require that the entire construction project be federalized if the sidewalk project was included in the Mendonsa construction project, the city decided to separate the two projects. Sidewalk construction will begin sometime in January, after the road construction project ends.

The sidewalk will be about three-tenths of a mile and take about two to three weeks to complete.

“It won’t be nearly as disruptive or time-consuming at Mendonsa,” Horwedel said of the sidewalk.

An engineer from Applied Sciences Consulting Inc. has been contracted by the city to design the sidewalk. The bid should not exceed $30,500.

Contact Amber Jurgensen at ajurgensen@plantcityobserver.com.

Plant city observer

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2012

UNITED/PAGE 1 to terminate the plans a year earlier than scheduled. The current contract includes a three-year agreement on payment rates, which was effective through May 2013.

Contract negotiations could not be reached, because BayCare is requesting a 22% rate increase for hospital services on employer-sponsored plans — 8% above what Medicare pays for United’s Medicare customers in the Medicare Advantage plans and 5.5% above what Medicaid pays for United’s Medicaid customers, according to United. United spends about $330 million annually with BayCare. The proposed measures from BayCare comes to about a $50 million increase by the end of 2013.

BayCare and United have had contract agreements since 1999.

“Despite our attempts to negotiate, BayCare’s demands have remained unchanged since Oct. 11,” United Healthcare officials said in a statement. “We are hopeful, however, that they will reconsider their position. United Healthcare stands ready to negotiate terms of a new agreement that are fair, reasonable and based upon the provision of quality care to our customers.”

BayCare representatives would not comment on the negotiations.

“We cannot get into the specifics of our negotiations, because of a confidentiality agreement, but we can say that we expect fair treatment and payment for the care we provide,” BayCare System Communication Manager Dena Brannen said. “Further, we do not condone involving the community as part of a negotiation strategy.”

Under emergency medical conditions, United customers still can access care at

CAFE/PAGE 1 servers emerging from the kitchen with heaping piles of food on their trays.

To an outsider, this is the busiest restaurant in town. It’s hard to believe Christ’s Community Café started from a failure.

Two years ago, First United Methodist Church wanted to have a Thanksgiving meal for families in need. Volunteers gathered and roasted more than 20 turkeys and made enough side dishes and desserts to serve 200 people. On the day of the feast, only one family showed up.

The church suspected a lack of transportation might have led to the lack of attendance — but mostly that people liked to eat in their homes with their families on Thanksgiving. So, the church donated the food to the United Food Bank of Plant City and to migrant camps in rural areas.

Shortly after Thanksgiving, a group of women from the church began to collect bagged lunches for those in need, inspired by the effort and spirit of the Thanksgiving feast.

“We gathered a few brains together and people who wanted to do it,” said Nancy Chaney, who leads the café. “We prayed, ‘Lord, we want to do something with our kitchen and this space.’”

So, bagged lunches turned into Christ’s Community Café. On any give Friday, the café serves 60 to 80 people. And it’s not just sandwiches and soups. Hearty meals, such as lasagna, corned beef and cabbage, fried chicken and turkey, are common staples on the menu. The minimal leftovers can be bagged and taken, but otherwise, the café is a dine-in experience.

The food is donated by members and churches in the community, including Forbes Road Produce, which donates all the fresh fruit. Volunteers include people from different churches and ministries.

Every first Friday, the café celebrates birthdays with cake and ice cream, and every last Friday, guests can take communion.

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BayCare hospitals’ emergency departments, and United customers who have out-of-network benefits or qualify for a continuity-of-care provision can continue to access BayCare facilities and physicians for non-emergency services.

Continuity of care applies to newly enrolled customers who were receiving a particular service before having United.

“If you are currently under a course of treatment, as of Nov. 26, BayCare will continue to provide care to you for the longer of the period required under continuingcare obligations previously agreed upon between United Healthcare and BayCare in our agreement or the timeframe required under applicable law,” BayCare officials said in a prepared statement.

BayCare sent 127,748 letters to patients with those plans who have been treated in the past year at a BayCare facility.

“We’re still hoping it’s going to be resolved,” said Nancy Hamilton, who works in pediatrician Dr. John Aime’s Plant City office. “We’ve had several situations like this happen before, but they always come to their senses and strike a deal.”

A similar situation occurred in 2002 between BayCare and Blue Cross and Blue Shield. The companies took three months to reach an agreement.

Without a contract agreement, local doctors will not be able to refer United patients to South Florida Baptist Hospital.

“That would cut down on new patients coming to South Florida,” Hamilton said.

Surrounding hospitals that accept United include Brandon Regional Hospital and Lakeland Regional Medical Center.

Contact Amber Jurgensen at ajurgensen@ plantcityobserver.com.

Christ’s Community Café WHEN: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Fridays WHERE: First United Methodist Church, Wesley Center, 303 N. Evers St., Plant City INFORMATION: Nancy, (813) 7543519 The café is open to the homeless, those in need, the elderly and those who need fellowship.

“We want to give them a hand up,” Chaney said. “This is God’s plan and a way for us to help the community.”

Most known for dancing with promotional signs at the corner of Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and Collins Street, Natalie Rebel comes to the café every Friday for fellowship. Sitting with a group from St. Clement Catholic Church, Rebel chats and laughs with her fellow diners.

“I come for the people,” Rebel said. “And I’m glad there’s a place for the elderly and the homeless and the needy. I don’t need to come, but I come for the fellowship.”

Across the room is a table of seven men who sit together every week. They each have special nicknames for each other — Grave Digger, Gopher, Black Elvis and more.

“It’s just like a restaurant — except you don’t have to pay the bill,” James Turney said.

“It’s all pretty good,” Vince Sayer, who rides a bicycle around town, said. “It’s something I look forward to.”

“I love the meals that they have,” Floyd Hughs said. “They bring it right to us.”

In addition to the meals, a speaker comes to share a Christian message.

“I like the sermons that they do, too,” Rebel said. “I don’t go to church, but this is where I get my time and my communion.”

Contact Amber Jurgensen at ajurgensen@ plantcityobserver.com.

St. AuguStine $115 BAhiA grASS $95

per pallet per pallet

FREE

DElivERy in Plant City limits

M a N

TO DAY

( 81 3 ) 4 31 - 9 6 3 6

Plant city observer

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2012

SHOW AND TELL

5

by Amber Jurgensen | Associate Editor

The representative from the military took a break from presentations at lunchtime.

Photos by Amber Jurgensen

Fourth- and fifth-graders from Trapnell Elementary School learned all about the newspaper business from representatives from the Plant City Observer.

Plant City leaders share careers at 2012 Great American Teach-In Employees from the Plant City Observer discussed writing, photography and more at Trapnell Elementary School.

A U.S. military soldier — dressed completely in camouflage — rested outside his tent Nov. 15, in a mock campsite on the grounds of Trapnell Elementary School.

He was visiting Trapnell for the Great American Teach-In, a program in which parents and com-

munity leaders come to elementary, middle and high schools to speak about their careers.

In addition to the veteran, Trapnell’s guests included a zumba instructor, firefighter, banker and a guitarist. Plant City Observer Managing Editor Michael Eng and Associate Editor

Amber Jurgensen discussed their jobs in the newspaper industry.

Fourth-grader Jaylen Wharton’s favorite speaker was the zumba instructor.

“I like basketball, and I want to go to the NBA, and some NBA players do zumba,” Wharton said.

“I was confused the whole time,

though, with the dance moves.”

Fifth-grader Keilah Gadson liked the veteran.

“He used a lot of words I didn’t know, so it was neat to find out what they mean,” Gadson said.

Gadson wants to be a hydrologist and hopes next year someone will come to talk from the math and science field.

“I think it’s a really interesting job, and they help the community because they have to make sure the water is pure,” Gadson said about hydrologists.

The students said they enjoyed learning about so many different career paths in a single day.

“It was cool to see all the different careers,” fifth-grader Vincenzo Interdonato said.

Interdonato’s favorite speaker was an architect who showed the students two hotels he helped design.

During the Plant City Observer’s sessions, Jurgensen not only showed students how she interviews sources but also had a couple interview each other.

Contact Amber Jurgensen at ajurgensen@plantcityobserver.com.

Aislinn LaBarbera said she wants to be an anesthesiologist.

Abraham Rodriguez enjoyed being interviewed by the Observer.

It takes more than luck to become Plant City’s oldest and largest hometown financial institution... ...It also takes hard work and a steadfast commitment to the people of Plant City who make this such a great place to live, work and play.

We’ve had over 58 years to perfect our hometown

“Banking on a First Name Basis”

approach to financial services. Visit us and see how easy and friendly hometown banking can be.

96587

PLANT CITY – Main Office, 102 W. Baker Street, 752-6193 • WALDEN WOODS – 2400 Jim Redman Parkway, 754-1844 Also offices in: BRANDON, RIVERVIEW and ZEPHYRHILLS

6 PlantCityObserver.com meet and greet

Plant city observer

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2012

by Amber Jurgensen | Associate Editor

Chamber rolls at Ford dealership The Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce hosted its Business After Hours Nov. 16, at Jarrett-Scott Ford. The night coincided with Go Further with Ford Night, which features every Ford dealership in the country

hosting a party for their community on the same night.

Attendees enjoyed hors d’oeuvres and wine and had a chance to enter to win a 2013 Ford Fusion or two tickets to an “American Idol” concert.

Benny Lubrano, Tom Daramus and Bruce Rodwell Chamber Chairman Matt Buzza and Phil Waldron

Maryann Paris and Verna McKelvin

Maribel Lorenzo, Chuck Sullivan and Donna Driggers

Amity Kokochak, Christine Miller and Cassandra Banning

Cops Corner PLANT CITY

Light of

The

Christmas Share the song

The following information was gathered from incident and arrest reports obtained from the Plant City Police Department.

OCT. 31

Beautiful decorations, rich orchestration and a choir and cast of over 300 will help you make this Christmas... the best ever.

SUGAR HIGH?

Intersection of East Calhoun Street and North Pennsylvania Avenue. Battery/Domestic Violence. The suspect was arrested for domestic battery. The suspect was trick-or-treating with the victim when he became upset with her and punched her in the face, causing a black eye and bruising to her cheek. The suspect and the victim have been together as a couple for eight years and have a child in common.

Come join us to see a magnificent dramatic musical presentation of the Christmas story... Bring the whole family to celebrate with Angels, Shepherds and Kings.

NOV. 2

ALL ABOUT THE JACKSONS

1300 block of East Calhoun Street. Burglary. Unknown suspect(s) stole $20 from petty cash.

COULDN’T WAIT FOR BLACK FRIDAY

2000 block of South Frontage Road. Grand Theft.

Unknown suspect(s) stole four 37-inch LG TVs, valued at $350 each.

CRACK IS WHACK

Intersection of West Washington and South Empire streets. Drug Investigation/Arrest. Officers approached the area on foot and observed the suspect drop a white bottle on the ground and walk to a nearby stump. Officers observed several individual bags containing a white rock-like substance that resembled crack cocaine inside the bottle. They took possession of the bottle, field-tested the substance to confirm its identity and arrested the suspect for possession of the crack when he returned to the location.

Presented by the Combined Choirs, Orchestra and Drama Team of...

First Baptist Church

503 North Palmer Street • Plant City, FL

MAYBE SHE’S BORN WITH IT

2600 block of James L. Redman Parkway. Retail Theft. The suspect was detained for the theft of cosmetic items, valued at $12.91.

See more Cops Corner reports online. www.PlantCityObserver.com

December 14, 15 & 16, 2012

NOT THE BRIGHTEST BULB ...

96880

Free Tickets for Each Performance Available in the Church Office or from Members - 813.752.4104

OCT. 31

2500 block of James L. Redman Parkway. Counterfeit Currency. The suspect tried to pass two counterfeit $5 bills for merchandise. The two bills had the same serial number. The suspect left the store after being questioned about the bills.

Plant city observer

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2012

PlantCityObserver.com

7

Thanksgiving traditions start from the ground up.

Thanksgiving is both a national holiday and a cherished tradition for families across America, including the Mosaic family. So as we give thanks for our many blessings, we salute the farmers who produce the bountiful harvest.

Mosaic is proud to provide crop nutrients that help

®

American farmers grow the food we need. On Thanksgiving Day — and every day — we are committed

www.mosaicco.com/florida 95178

to a healthy future for all of us. That’s our promise.

8 PlantCityObserver.com

Observer

PLANT CITY

“If we are to build a better world, we must remember that the guiding principle is this — a policy of freedom for the individual is the only truly progressive policy.”

Friedrich Hayek “Road to Serfdom,” 1944

Publisher / Felix Haynes, fhaynes@ PlantCityObserver.com Managing Editor / Michael Eng, meng@PlantCityObserver.com Assistant Managing Editor / Jess Eng, jeng@PlantCityObserver.com Associate Editors / (Community) Amber Jurgensen, ajurgensen@PlantCityObserver. com; (Sports) Matt Mauney, mmauney@ PlantCityObserver.com Advertising Executives / Veronica Prostko, vprostko@PlantCityObserver.com; Ronda Kyler, rkyler@PlantCityObserver.com Advertising Coordinator / Linda Lancaster, llancaster@PlantCityObserver.com Accounting Manager / Petra Kirkland, pkirkland@PlantCityObserver.com Advertising-Production Operations Manager / Kathy Payne, kpayne@ yourobserver.com Advertising-Production Coordinator / Brooke Schultheis, bschultheis@ yourobserver.com Advertising Graphic Designers / Monica DiMattei, mdimattei@yourobserver. com; Marjorie Holloway, mholloway@ yourobserver.com; Luis Trujillo, ltrujillo@ yourobserver.com; Chris Stolz, cstolz@ yourobserver.com

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CONTACT US

The Plant City Observer is published once weekly, on Thursdays. It provides free home delivery to several neighborhoods in Plant City. The Plant City Observer also can be found in many commercial locations throughout Plant City and at our office, 110 E. Reynolds St., Suite 100-A. If you wish to discontinue home delivery or if you wish to suspend home delivery temporarily, call Linda Lancaster at 704-6850.

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Plant city observer

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2012

observed | Thanksgiving

Fifty reasons this dad is thankful today When my wife and I decided family. This year, our son, Lyric, we would leave our posts at Obis 4, and our daughter, Aria, is 2, server Media Group headquarters and I hope these little morsels of to open the Plant City Observer parental trials, tribulations and earlier this year, we knew not triumphs help to remind you and every piece of an extremely comyours what truly is important. plex puzzle would fall into place at the same time.

1. How Lyric still believes Not only were we charged with Daddy can fix anything. launching and operating a new 2. The way Aria has placed a publication, website and timetable on her pottysocial-media campaign, but training. Not now, she also we faced moving our tells us. But when she’s entire lives — and our two 3, look out, toilet! children — to a new com3. Goldfish crackers! munity. Where would the 4. The way both kids kids go to school? What do still look so tiny from we do with our old home? just a few feet away.

What do we do for a new 5. When Aria touches home? What about our docmy face after I come MICHAEL home from a late tors, mechanic, pest control ENG guy, etc.? night at work. “You But one-by-one, all of here now?” she asks, those pieces snapped into place, amazed, in her half-asleep state. and today, as you read this, we are 6. Watching Lyric absolutely celebrating our first Thanksgivdominate a jigsaw puzzle. ing as Plant City residents. We are 7. Aria’s adopted name for blessed to be part of such a loving Whoppers, those chocolate-covcommunity — and so thankful ered malt balls: “coconuts” — or, you have opened your lives to us. rather — “coke-ee-nuts.”

I am so very thankful to our 8. The way Lyric dots the “I” in owners, Ed Verner, Felix Haynes his name with a circle. and Nate Kilton, for their com9. Finding one of them chewmitment to bringing hometown ing on something — when I know news back to Plant City — and we haven’t given them anything for inviting me to be part of that to eat. commitment. I also want to 10. How Lyric has developed thank all of our in-house staff — an entire backstory for his family Sales Manager Rosemary Felton, of stuffed-animal monkeys. ad executives Ronda Kyler and 11. When Aria wraps her hand Veronica Prostko, associate ediaround my finger to go on a walk. tors Amber Jurgensen and Matt 12. The way both kids can Mauney, Accounting Manager watch the same episode of “Team Petra Kirkland and AdministraUmizoomi” over and over again. tive Assistant Linda Lancaster — And over. And over! as well as all our circulation folks, 13. Lyric’s version of the Avengcontributing writers and remote ers: Iron Man, Thor, Captain support staff. Without you, this America and the Credible Hulk. would not be possible.

Hey, he’s great if you need a witAnd most of all, thank you to ness in court. all of our business partners and 14. That the entire house must readers. You’re the reason why we be silent if the kids’ stuffed aniare doing this. mals are sleeping. That rule does As editor of our sister paper, not apply if Mommy or Daddy are the East County Observer, my sleeping.

Thanksgiving tradition was to 15. Watching the kids play offer 50 reasons why I, as a father, when they don’t know we’re lookam thankful for my children and ing.

16. Babysitters!

17. Dual sinks in the family bathroom. Translation: One less thing to fight over.

18. That the color of the sun still is pronounced, “Lellow.”

19. The tiny freckle right next to Aria’s belly button.

20. How counting slowly from one to five in my best, authoritative-Dad voice can get Lyric to obey. I still have no idea what I’d do if I ever got to five.

21. How that same counting has absolutely no effect on Aria.

22. When either kid comes home from school singing a new song.

23. Potty humor! Gets ‘em every time!

24. Those rare occasions when we know both kids are together — and uncharacteristically quiet.

25. And, of course, the inevitable destruction that follows that hurricane’s eye.

26. How Aria places her hands together to pray before every meal.

27. Teaching Lyric some rudiments on the drums. He may be the only 4-year-old in Plant City who can play a paradiddle.

28. When Aria jumps up out of her chair and exclaims, “Watch me, Daddy!” Then, she proceeds to hop about, limbs flailing, dancing as only she can.

29. How both kids have claimed their own colors of the spectrum. Everything orange rightfully belongs to Lyric. Everything blue goes to Aria.

30. How any illness that requires a pick-up from school inexplicably occurs on deadline day. How do they know?

31. Receiving a group hug that is so genuine, so full of love, that it literally knocks me off my feet.

32. Lyric’s love affair with donuts.

33. Hearing Aria snoring through the baby monitor.

34. How the kids know “Daddy’s Work” is the building with the strawberry sign. (Let’s hope they don’t get too lost in Plant City!)

35. How my daughter is turning out to be a carbon copy of me — personality and all. (Yikes!)

36. How one finger, strategically placed, can send either child into hysterics.

37. Trying to explain to Lyric the difference between “C” and “K” — and why we need both.

38. That no matter how tough work may be (missed deadlines, angry calls, circulation snafus), there’s always time at the end of the day to discuss the finer points of zoo animals with Aria.

39. Speaking of animals, according to Aria, a dog says, “Woof!” A cat says, “Meow!” And a giraffe ... Well, a giraffe says, “Giraffe!”

40. How Lyric has my wife’s smile.

41. That in our house, the remote control is called “Daddy’s Buttons.”

42. How, even at the old age of 4, Lyric still sometimes wants to be rocked by his Mommy.

43. That for Lyric, purchasing a giant container of cheese balls from Sam’s Club is cause for topof-his-lungs celebration — right there in the store.

44. How both of them automatically assume a new food is something they won’t like. (You should have seen us trying to get them to take a bite of our Pig Jam pulled-pork sandwiches!)

45. How Lyric challenged unsuccessfully a much older kid to a foot race at the park. After his defeat, Lyric collapsed next to us, and with his head hanging low, he muttered, “I lost all my power.”

46. Chocolate milk!

47. That the default parent at 5 a.m. is Mommy.

48. That the default parent for boogers is also Mommy.

49. How their very existence has put into perspective everything else in our lives.

50. That I have my wife to help me both enjoy and endure these two blessings.

From all of us, we wish you a Happy Thanksgiving!

PAJAMA MAMA

A Thanksgiving lesson from my 4-year-old There’s nothing more precious ans taught the Pilgrims to grow to me than seeing my children their own food, and in exchange, sing about God. the two different groups Joyful Hearts Preschool became friends. has taught both of my chilThey sang and did dren about Jesus and has hand motions to tunes given them the platform to about turkeys, Indians, sing His praises.

Thanksgiving dinner and On the last day before giving thanks in everyThanksgiving, it was Coothing, which came from 1 per’s turn to perform as an Thessalonians 5:18.

American Indian and retell Cooper’s tiny little EMILIE the Thanksgiving story with hands were hard at work PLANTS his classmates. and brought joy to my His class performed an heart as he folded them American Indian call as in prayer at the concluthey marched around a makesion of their production. shift teepee, while another class I couldn’t help but remember portrayed the Pilgrims and rode that, only days ago, those same in on their own homemade sweet hands got ahold of a red Mayflower. The American Indipermanent marker and drew a Ms. Pac Man ghost, among other scribbles, on the footstool to my rocking chair.

At the time, my face was as red as those marks. My husband even took him and his sister for a trip to the store to give mom a muchneeded breather and also to buy Lift-Off in hopes that it would remove the markings. (Luckily, the footstool is good as new.)

Cooper’s original piece of art.

Cooper performed as an American Indian this year.

As I watched my son say, “In everything, give thanks,” I wondered if it is really possible to give thanks in everything? Really, God? Everything?

I wasn’t giving thanks for the picture my son had drawn me on my $200 rocking chair. That rocking chair is the same one that I used to rock both of my babies.

It is more than just a chair. It is a sentimental piece of my life.

After much thought, I realize now that even those permanent marks could have given me a reason to be thankful.

Cooper is a perfectly healthy child with the use of his hands.

There are some children without

the ability to draw. He has an amazing imagination and creativity that shined in that Ms. Pac Man ghost that will one day serve him well in life. Some children aren’t born with such powerful thinking.

One day, I will turn around, and that little boy will be all grown up. On a particularly lonely day, I may even wish I could wake up to those pen marks just to have him by my side.

Too many times, I have wiped handprints off my windows without a heart of Thanksgiving.

I see stains on the carpets and furniture daily and grumble to myself.

I am so thankful for the lessons that Cooper taught me on this day. That precious angel, who waved from the stage and said, “Hi Mom,” opened my eyes and heart to what really matters.

He drew permanent marks on my heart that will never fade.

Emilie Plants, a Plant City native, is a stay-at-home mother of two, freelance journalist and a former Florida Strawberry Festival Queens Court member.

Plant city observer

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2012

9

center stage by Amber Jurgensen | Staff Writer

Thespians deliver humor, horror at fall musical

Morgan Lewis helped other actors with their makeup.

Plant City High School’s thespians entertained an audience with their performance of “Little Shop of Horrors.”

The musical comedy is about a nerdy florist shop worker who raises an exotic man-eating plant that is literally bloodthirsty.

Yannick Fritche and Rachel Rodriguez

Casey Hamilton, who played Audrey II, the killer plant, kept the cast loose before showtime.

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Plant city observer

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2012

OBSERVEROBITUARIES Gerald Gregory Bryan

Gerald Gregory Bryan, 48, of Plant City, died Nov. 13, at home.

Born Oct. 11, 1964, in Florala, Ala., he was the son of Gerald Bryan and Patsy Jackson Bryan (William Pipkin).

Survivor includes his brother, Marcus Bryan.

The family will be having private services.

Online condolences may be made at haughtfuneralhome.com.

Pat Crews Dowdell

Pat Crews Dowdell (Hattie Ruth), 101, died Nov. 15.

She was born Nov. 22, 1910. She grew up in Plant City, graduated from Florida State College for Women in 1933 and taught in Hillsborough County and in Miami after her marriage in 1937.

She was a member of Alpha Gamma Delta, for which she served as a national officer for more than 10 years, and of Coral Gables First United Methodist Church.

She is survived by a daughter, Caroline (Milner) Irvin; granddaughter Susan (Matthew) Clark; grandson Jim (Dania) Irvin; six great-grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren; and caretaker, Eve Wright.

She was predeceased by her husband of nearly 70 years, S. H. “Happy” Dowdell; and daughter, Virginia.

Barbara Ann Kent

Barbara Ann Kent, 81, of Plant City, died Nov. 14, from cancer.

She was born on June 31,1931, in Bartow, as the only child to Mary and Carl Bailey.

The family moved to Plant City in 1944.

During her years at Plant City High School, Ms. Kent was an officer in the band, a member of the glee club, a member of the National Honor Society and a member of Future Homemakers of America.

Following high school, Ms. Kent studied

EDUCATION

journalism at the University of Florida. She worked at the Gainesville Sun, Homestead News, Homestead News Leader, The Indian Town Press, the Miami Review and the Plant City Courier. Kent rose to the position of editor in both the Indian Town Press and the Plant City Courier.

When Kent retired in 1996, the mayor of Plant City declared it “Barbara Kent Day” and presented her with a key to the city.

In addition to her active professional life, Ms. Kent was civically involved in the community. She was a member of the Plant City Business and Professional Women’s Club, the Plant City Chapter of Pilot International and the Raiders Booster Club.

The Plant City Business and Professional Women’s Club recognized her with the 1990 Woman of Achievement award.

She was one of the founding members of the Plant City Community Theatre, now known as Plant City Entertainment.

Ms. Kent is survived by her eight sons, David Kent, of Sioux Falls, S.D., Stephen Kent, of Lakeland, Timothy Kent, of Bartow, Patrick Kent, of Frostproof, Christopher Kent, of Glenmore, Pa., Matthew Kent, of Titusville, Mark Kent, of Atlanta, and William Kent, of Plant City. She also is survived by four daughters-in-law; one son-in-law; 20 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 1, at Plant City Entertainment, 101 Thomas St.

by Amber Jurgensen | Associate Editor

Givvonna Jackson, Francisco Alejo, Breana Huffman, Antoine Thompson, Grant Rhodes, Gabby Wilson and Brittney Eichorn

Avid program revalidated It was a proud day for Marshall Middle School Nov. 6, when Hillsborough County Superintendent MaryEllen Elia and AVID coordinators came to a special presentation at the school to revalidate the AVID program until 2016.

The AVID program, Advancement Via Individual Determination, is an academic elective that supports kids who may be the first in their families to go to college or who have a desire to go to college. The program offers rigorous classes and support.

Marshall is one of five AVID demonstration schools in Florida. There are fewer than 150 demonstration schools nationwide.

The revalidation brought tears to the eyes of Marshall’s AVID Implementation Specialist Elisa Humphrey.

“AVID is huge in our county,” Humphrey said. “It is at every middle and high

Thelma H. Tatum

Thelma H. Tatum, 101, died Nov. 13.

Mrs. Tatum was born on Oct. 27, 1911, in Mt. Berry (Rome), Ga., and was a member of First United Methodist Church in Plant City.

She is predeceased by her husband, the Rev. Hoyt Tatum.

She is survived by her son, William; and other family members.

The revalidation brought tears to Elisa Humphrey’s eyes. school. Marshall works hard to do what’s right for kids.”

Parents, teachers, students and even the Marshall’s dragon mascot gathered to celebrate the revalidation.

“I had to cut off how many students could attend, because all the AVID students wanted to come,” Humphrey said.

Give Thanks

ht FuneralJoin Home during the month of during December we remember thoseas we remember those Haught Funeral Home the as month of December st. Stop by regular hours and place a personalized weduring have lost.

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This is our way of rememberEvangelical students focus on the one Book that speaks to all on our Angel Tree. There is no cost for the angel.

This is our way of remembernations and generations. Join the adventure. Register now. Classes ved ones during holiday service isseason. available to service everyone ing ourthe loved onesseason. duringThis the holiday This is available to everyone begin January 7th for New Testament Survey and Old Testament mmunity. Also plan on joiningAlso us Tuesday at 7:00pm for in our community. plan onDecember joining us18 Tuesday December 18 at 7:00pm for Prophecy.

Join Haught during the month of ervice of Remembrance.

OurFuneral address Home is 708 W. Dr. M.L.K. Jr. Blvd. our Service of Remembrance. Our address is 708 W. Dr. M.L.K. Blvd.

VisitJr.www.Evangelical-University.org December Please Join usasaswe weremember remember.those we have lost. for information on Evangelical’s unique program Please Join us as we remember. for the Plant City area.

Stop by during regular business hours and Evangelical Univeristy & Seminary place a personalized Angel on our Angel Tree.

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Sports

YOUTH | HIGH SCHOOL | GOLF | SENIORS | COMMUNITY | TENNIS

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK Dontriel Perry leads Durant with six sacks. 13

PLANTCITYObserver.com

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2012

basketball by Matt Mauney | Associate Editor

Preseason tournament builds exposure for Plant city teams The Raider Classic is one of the efforts to help expose talent and promote the game of basketball in Plant City.

Matt Mauney

Durant faced Plant City in this year’s Raiders Classic Nov. 15. The Cougars won the preseason game 57-44.

show me the mauney

Cougars welcome holiday practice

Thanksgiving is a time to be thankful for what you have in life and a chance to spend some quality time with family.

With the Durant football team’s win over Tampa Bay Tech last week, the Cougars season continues and ensures at least one more game this Friday.

That means practice all week — early in the mornMATT ing when schools are MAUNEY out for fall break. There will even be practice on Thanksgiving Day. But the players and coaches wouldn’t want it any other way.

After all, the meaning and purpose of Thanksgiving applies just as strongly to the Durant football program as it does from a personal standpoint for each player and coach.

That’s because this Cougars team is a family — in every sense of the word. Being around them all season, I’ve seen it first-hand. Cliches such as “brotherhood” and “family” are thrown around a lot in sports, but with Durant, it’s reality. It doesn’t take long to notice the players truly depend on one another. They all get along and support one another — something you don’t always

SEE MAUNEY / PAGE 12

Not many people will argue that every high school sport takes a back seat to football in Plant City.

But area high school basketball coaches are looking to change that perception.

Plant City High School recently hosted the Raider Preseason

Classic, a boys preseason tournament that celebrated its fifth year last week. The tournament is just one example and one effort in the movement to expand exposure and popularity of the sport in this area.

“The whole idea of the tournament is getting two Plant City

schools in with two schools from Polk County,” Plant City head coach Dale Chambers said.

This year, Durant rounded out local teams, while Tampa’s King and Robinson also participated.

Chambers said he would like to

SEE BASKETBALL / PAGE 13

GAME OF THE WEEK Newsome at Durant | Class 7A Region 2 Semifinals | 7:30 p.m. Nov. 23

by Matt Mauney | Associate Editor

Photos by Matt Mauney

Jamarlon Hamilton (10) had another big night last week against Tampa Bay Tech, along with back Crispian Atkins and Zach Hooper.

Below: Quarterback Trey VanDeGrift has emerged as a leader for the Cougars’ offense.

FAMILIAR FOE Durant was impressive in its 34-7 win over Tampa Bay Tech, but district rival Newsome stands in the way for a trip to the region championship game.

The tape was studied on a Monday-morning film session as players listened carefully to coaches breaking down what they watched on the screen.

It’s an opening-week ritual that will never change, but if there was ever a week where the tape isn’t that necessary, it would be this one for Durant.

The Cougars will host district

rival Newsome Friday night in the Class 7A Region 2 semifinals. It will be the second meeting between the two teams this year, with Durant coming out on top 38-28 Oct. 18, at home.

Sure, there’s plenty more to learn, as coaches search for weak points and prepare the best possible game plan, but these two teams know each

other, and both teams know what to expect Friday.

The earlier meeting came down to turnovers, an area in which Durant has been stellar in this season, with a plus-23 differential. Durant, a primarily run-based team, only has lost two fumbles this year, to go

SEE GAME / PAGE 12

12 PlantCityObserver.com MAUNEY/PAGE 11 see with teams full of teenagers. But, it’s also essential for a team looking to win a championship.

That’s exactly where the Cougars are, and they wouldn’t want to be in this situation without the guy to their left and right.

After the TBT win, you could see the joy on the players’ faces. They weren’t thinking about morning practices on non-school days or having to shuffle around any Thanksgiving plans.

Head coach Mike Gottman announced Monday’s practice time that night with the team circled together, down on one knee — film was to begin at 8:30 a.m.

Another thing was announced after that win. The team will have a full turkey dinner together on Thursday.

Several players let out cheers and happy grunts — that meant more food — something that always intrigues football players.

This time last year, the season was over for Durant, after losing in the regional quarterfinals. Players moved on to video games or winter sports, and Thanksgiving was spent with their families.

The players are happy that this year is different. Going 10-0 in the regular season has seemed to build an even stronger bond with this team.

Although many of the coaches say there wasn’t pressure to prove Durant’s mettle going into last week’s game, many of the players will beg to differ.

“Every team all season

wanted to beat us,” said Dontriel Perry. “There was a lot of pressure.”

With the first playoff win in the books, the Cougars are as confident and focused as ever.

Being around the team more so than usual the last few weeks, the one thing that I hear the most is how the team constantly feels doubted. Players point to regional media that regularly underestimate the Cougars. Even Gottman brought it up during the post-game interview last week.

“The headlines are going to read ‘Durant slips by TBT,’ but (we won) 34-7, so maybe something new will come up this week,” he said. “We try to get respect every week and our kids play hard, so they deserve it.”

And they do. I like to think we at the Plant City Observer have done a good job showing them that respect, so hopefully, those comments aren’t being directed at us.

The truth is, the Cougars are flying under the radar, and I think they kind of like it that way. They are slowly getting the respect they deserve, but that seems to be helping fuel the fire of this blue-collar gridiron team.

That has their confidence at an all-time high and, according to assistant coach and head JV coach Rich Maddock, the team is hoping to celebrate more than just Thanksgiving together.

“We have a gift exchange planned Dec. 13,” he said.

That day will be the day before the Class 7A state championship.

Plant city observer

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2012

GAME/PAGE 11 along with just five interceptions.

The Cougars have come up with 30 total turnovers this year, including two in the 34-7 win over Tampa Bay Tech in the regional quarterfinals.

“It’s just been one of those years,” said head coach Mike Gottman about the turnover game, comparing it to the year the Tampa Bay Buccaneers won the Super Bowl with a defense that scored and set up scores with takeaways. “We stress with our offense to take care of the football, and with defense, we want to create opportunities for our offense.”

Durant fumbled twice against Newsome in the earlier meeting but recovered both, while the Cougars defense came away with two fumbles and an interception.

“I’m sure they’re addressing that,” Gottman said of Newsome.

“We just have to come out and play our style of football.”

Newsome has been playing like a team on a mission after losing to Durant and missing out on a district title. The Wolves haven’t allowed more than seven points in each of its last four games since, including a huge 52-7 blowout at Gaither in the region quarterfinals. Newsome’s defense held Gaither to under 140 yards of total offense.

“They look more hungry since the last time we saw them,” said Durant senior running back Zach Hooper. “They are basically out for revenge, and I know that, our team knows that, and our defense knows that. Nothing will be sweeter than to beat them twice.”

Although it seems that Newsome has had a new focus the last few weeks, the key to the Wolves success hasn’t changed. That suc-

FOCAL POINTS

PLAYERS TO WATCH No. 15 Tyler Moody The senior linebacker led his team in tackles (11) last week against Tampa Bay Tech. He has 65 total tackles on the year along with 3.5 sacks. Moody is one of the leaders for the Durant defense and will be a key in containing talented Newsome quarterback Will Worth.

• How Durant’s defense contains Newsome quarterback Will Worth. The standout senior passed for a 135 yards and a score and rushed for 135 yards against the Cougars Oct. 18. Durant did pick Worth off twice in the 38-28 win.

• How many big plays Durant can accumulate.

The Cougars have been passing the ball more effectively the last few weeks and have three running backs — Jamarlon Hamilton, Crispian Atkins and Zach Hooper — who are able to make game changing plays at any moment.

• Which team will win the turnover battle. This is important every week, but in a game featuring two teams that like to run the football, ball control and ball security will weigh significantly on the outcome.

Durant came up with three turnovers against Newsome in their first meeting.

DIFFERENCE-MAKER No. 5 Zach Hooper Durant running backs Jamarlon Hamilton and Crispian Atkins have garnered much attention this year, but it’s another option at that position who could give the Cougars offense an extra punch against Newsome. Hooper was involved in the passing and running game against Tampa Bay Tech. His 31-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter gave the Cougars a comfortable 27-7 lead.

FROM THE COACH “It’s going to come down to who is more physical and who can create some turnovers. We did a good job of that against them the last time.” — Mike Gottman, Durant head coach

cess relies on the shoulders of senior quarterback Will Worth.

Worth passed and rushed for 135 yards each against Durant in the first meeting. That 135 passing yards was the most he’s thrown for this season. Worth had 181 rushing yards on 14 carries against Gaither last week, including two touchdowns.

“He’s a hell of a ball player,” Gottman said of Worth. “He’s very tough and physical, and we just have to get a lot of people at the point of attack and tackle lower

than we did the first time.”

Durant has plenty of offensive firepower, as well. Running back Jamarlon Hamilton rushed for more than 100 yards for the eighth time this season, while Crispian Atkins and Zach Hooper each had long touchdown runs.

“I consider both those guys my brothers,” Hooper said. “I like to think of us as like a three-headed monster in the backfield.”

Contact Matt Mauney at mmauney@plantcityobserver. com.

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Plant city observer

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2012

athlete of the week

BASKETBALL/PAGE 11 see the tournament build a relationship with teams in nearby Polk County.

“Ideally, that’s what we want, with Plant City playing some of the better teams out of Polk County,” he said. “It’s a nice draw, because they’re not too far from us.”

Entering his sixth year as coach of the Raiders, Chambers hopes to have the Raider Classic become a prestigious preseason tournament.

“We want to promote Plant City basketball and make this tournament something that teams want to be a part of in the preseason,” he said.

Durant has participated in the tournament for three years, and head coach Trent Tice hopes it will continue to grow and help showcase local talent.

“Coach Chambers does a great job with this tournament, and it’s a great way to promote basketball in Plant City,” Tice said.

The tournament also gives the two rival schools the opportunity to play one another before the annual regular-season meeting for the Ron Frost Trophy.

Durant and Plant City used to be in the same region, in which they played each other at least twice a year, but after a reclassification by the Florida High School Athletic Association, the two teams represent different classes.

Although Durant and Plant City did not match up in last year’s tournament, this year, the two teams met. Durant took a 57-44 win.

Chambers said in addition to exposure for his team and others, the tournament also helps from a basketball standpoint.

“We’re doing it to try to get better,” he said. “If we can bring in some schools that have a different style of play, that helps us.”

Chambers said in Hillsborough County, teams can’t control their schedule, so playing against unfamiliar opponents in

13

by Matt Mauney | Associate Editor

Dontriel Perry Durant High defensive end Dontriel Perry is quickly establishing himself as a dominant force on the Cougars’ defense. The junior has 49 tackles on the year and leads the team with six sacks, including one to end the game last week against Tampa Bay Tech.

Have you been playing football long?

Three years

defense is all about.

What got you into football?

My older brother was playing, and I always wanted to get out there but never had a ride. My brother got me to come out.

How long have you been playing defense?

Just this year

After getting your first playoff win last week, what was that like?

It gave us more confidence, because not everyone thought we would beat Tampa Bay Tech, and we did.

What’s your favorite part of playing defensive end?

I really like to pass rush.

Matt Mauney

The coaches at Plant City and Durant high schools say they want to see the sport grow locally.

What’s your progression been like in the adjustment to the position?

First, I started off not good at all. I was at tight end at first and then moved to defensive end. The coaches told me that if I did well, that this would be my position, and I showed out.

a preseason tournament will help them prepare against familiar foes.

Tice noted the game of basketball has a rich history in the area, dating back many years. Plant City won a state championship back in 1981.

“The Plant City area knows high school basketball, and I think if you come and watch our games (DurantPlant City), those are some of the most exciting games, and the stands are full,” Tice said. “It’s a great thing to be a part of, and I suggest people come and check it out.”

Durant will open the regular season after Thanksgiving against Riverview on Nov. 27, while Plant City will host King.

Durant will host Plant City for the Ron Frost Trophy Jan. 23.

Contact Matt Mauney at mmauney@ plantcityobserver.com.

What was the hardest adjustment for you?

Getting blocked. I wasn’t used to that.

In your first year playing varsity ball, what was it like going 10-0 in the regular season?

I went undefeated JV year, but going undefeated with varsity is something.

When we beat King in the final regularseason game, I was shocked to think, “Wow, we’re 10-0.”

What’s it going to take moving forward to continue succeeding?

Just hard work and dedication. That’s what it’s all about.

What did you take from the Newsome game earlier this season, and what will it take to get another win this Friday?

I have to watch out for Will Worth.

He’s a great athlete. He’s one of the main people I’m focused on.

I know you play basketball, as well.

How long have you been playing?

I played freshman year but didn’t play last year.

This defense has been really strong this year.

What do you credit to the success of this defense?

We play as one. You can’t go without heart, and that’s what

Outside of sports, what do you like to do?

I really like video games.

I’m playing “Call of Duty Black Ops II” a lot now.

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Plant city observer

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2012

by Matt Mauney | Associate Editor

Advantage Academy’s Olivia Iglesias received some last-minute tips from head coach Chris Doucette before the race began.

The race featured several charter schools from throughout the area.

Shiloh’s Virginia Wallnofer competed hard.

Dillion Patrick and Cameron Turley had some fun before the start of their race.

Charter school athletes lace up for cross country championships Make way for Plant City’s next crop of athletes.

Charter schools from around the area gathered Nov. 9, at Ellis Methvin Park, for the Charter School Cross Country Championships.

The event featured thirdthrough eighth-graders from Shiloh Charter School, Advantage Academy, Valrico Academy and Winthorp Charter School.

Two races took place —

one featuring older runners and a second for the younger students. Boys and girls ran together, but awards were given accordingly.

Shiloh’s Abigail Devane placed first in her division, while Advantage Academy Olivia Iglesias finished second. Shiloh’s Cody Cribbs had a good day as well, placing second overall in the boys division, while Luke Badenhorst finished in sixth place.

Shiloh’s Abigail Devane placed first in her division at the Charter School Cross Country Championships.

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Plant city observer

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2012

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16 PlantCityObserver.com