Playoff Game Preview - State Final vs. Tampa Plant

The 2011 Football Season started in August, with teams hitting the fields all over the State of Florida, working towards the ultimate goal: A State Championship. After the preseason classics, 11 weeks of regular season action, and 4 weeks of intense playoff competition, we have finally arrived at the last Championship weekend of the year.

After classes 1A, 2A, 3A, and 4A had their Championship games last weekend, classes 5A, 6A, and 7A will have theirs on Friday and Saturday, all leading up to the final game of the High School Football Season in the State of Florida: the Class 8A Championship game between the H.B. Plant Panthers and the Miramar Patriots.

The Big Boys.

This week, since it’s the last Football Preview article of the year, with the most importance of all, I’m going to structure this article a little differently, so that I can give you the most comprehensive look at these teams as I possibly can. Without further ado, let’s get to it:

Plant Panthers (13-1, 3-0 District 6-8A, District Champion, Regional Champion (Region 2))
Playoffs: Defeated Orlando Boone 54-21 in Regional Quarterfinal, Defeated Orlando Dr. Phillips 49-13 in Regional Semifinal, Defeated Tampa East Lake 28-21 (Overtime) in Regional Final, Defeated Neptune Beach Fletcher 26-7 in State Semifinal

Coaching and Team History

Leading the Plant Panthers is Coach Robert Weiner. This is a veteran coach, who has worked tirelessly to turn this program from a 3 win team into the perennial powerhouse they have become. Weiner’s teams have been incredibly successful, reaching the State Championship game in 5 of the last 6 seasons, winning Championships in 2006, 2008, and 2009.

The Panthers have had top Division 1 level talent throughout their rise to prominence. Quarterbacks Robert Marve, Phillip Ely, and Aaron Murray were HS All-Americans who played or are playing college ball at Miami/Purdue, Alabama, and Georgia, respectively. Tight End Orson Charles has joined with his former teammate Murray at Georgia, and has been a matchup nightmare for SEC defenses since his first day on campus. Running Back James Wilder Jr. had an amazing season at Florida State as a True Freshman this season, and could potentially start for the Seminoles next year.

With talent such as Marve, Ely, Murray, Charles, and Wilder Jr., it’s easy to see how the Panthers have been able to win lots of games, and championships. Their physical abilities are noteworthy, but the instruction they have received from Weiner and his staff has enabled those players to become the household names at the Collegiate level that they are.

Since going 3-7 in 2004, Weiner has led the Panthers to an impressive 87-11 record, which translates into a 89% winning percentage. The 98 games they have played in the last 7 years is close to the maximum possible, and is a tribute to many long marches into the playoffs.

Weiner, who serves as Head Coach, Offensive Coordinator, and QB coach, gets most of the headlines, the 

rest of the coaching staff has also played a major role in the development of this team. T.J. Lane (WR), Sean Love (OLine), Rob Smith (RB), and Jeff Murphy (TE) add high level coaching to the offensive side of the ball.

On Defense, there are even more coaches who are ready to give quality instruction to the players. Co-Defensive Coordinators John Few and Matt Johnson also coach a position (Few –LB, Johnson – DB), and are joined by Billy Minahan (DLine), Bo Puckett (DB) and Hank Brown (LB) give this team a wealth of playing and coaching experience to draw from.

On most teams, Special Teams is an afterthought. At Plant, they are a key element to a quality football program. With Matt Walker (Special Teams Coach) and Tyler Rhodes (K/P) on the job, Plant has steadily put top level kickers on the field, and that has aided the team in the field position battle for years.

Overall, the coaching staff at Plant is experienced, talented, and able to effectively motivate their players to achieve the highest levels of athletic success. They will undoubtedly have the Panthers prepared for the State Championship game, and they are excited at the prospect of raising their 4^th State Championship Trophy in the last 6 years.

Offense

Manning the QB position is Senior James Few. He and his brother (Junior Kicker William) are sons of the Defensive Coordinator. Few the Quarterback is a very cerebral player, obviously the result of being a coach’s son. He is also one of the top students in his class, having earned a 6.12 GPA so far in his HS career. That level of academic achievement has allowed Few to be recruited by several Ivy League schools, and also helped him to make smart, sound decisions with the football this season.

Through the 2^nd round of the playoffs, Few had thrown for 2100 yards and 28 touchdowns, with only 10 interceptions. With 2 more solid games under his belt, those numbers are now closer to 2600 yards and 30+ Touchdowns. While he may not be the same caliber of college prospect that Marve, Ely, and Murray were, Few has made a name for himself as a solid player, who is more than capable of winning ballgames when needed.

When Few has thrown the ball, he has generally looked toward Seniors Receiver Austin Aiken and Junior Running Back Wesley Bullock. Aiken is the top receiver target in the passing game. He has good height at 6’1’’, and he makes even the most difficult catches seem routine. With over 700 yards and 13 touchdowns going into the State Championship game, his production has matched his physicality. Bullock, the leading running back, has over 400 yards receiving on the year, numbers which are a testament to his variegated talents.

Also adding to the passing attack are Junior Dereck Mann (5’11’’, 150lbs), Senior Daniel Casselli  (6’3’’, 195lbs) and Sophomore Alex Jackson (5’8’’, 168). Each is a talented athlete who has the ability to impact the game with a big play at a moment’s notice. While they have all had almost identical numbers through the season and playoffs, any one of these players could have a big play, or a big game, at any time.

When Bullock is running the ball, he is a High School version of NFL Star Darren Sproles, standing a modest 5’6’’, and weighing 150 pounds, Bullock doesn’t have the look of a starting Running Back. But, what he may lack in immense physicality he makes up for with blazing speed, incredible quickness, and almost clairvoyant field vision, traits which enable him to see and hit holes and creases in defenses that other backs may not be able to identify. Bullock has rushed for over 1,000 yards and 10 touchdowns on the season, and has provided balance to the Panther offense.

Bullock is not the only dangerous running back on the Plant roster. Senior Antonio Crawford has rushed for over 500 yards and 6 touchdowns, with Junior Paris Bostick adding another 200 yards. Backup quarterback Aaron Banks has rushed for over 250 yards, and can add an option dimension to the offense, if needed. The Plant rushing attack has gained more than 2600 yards to this point of the season, and when paired with the prolific passing attack forms a formidable system that teams have struggled to contain for the better part of a decade.

Overall, the offense for Plant has averaged over 400 yards per game, and 37 points per game. While turnovers were not really a factor in the regular season (save the Armwood game), they have been a bit of an issue in the post season. Obviously, no team wants to turn the ball over, and the Panthers will look to keep possession of the ball in the State Championship game against the Patriots.

Defense

There’s an old football adage that “Defense Wins Championships”, and Plant has worked diligently to make that saying become a reality.

Usually, strong defenses start with a dominant line that abuses the offense and imposes its will at the point of attack. However, this Plant team is built around a playmaker with singular skills: Senior Linebacker Mike Tate. On the season, Tate has been credited with more than 200 tackles, 14 sacks, 2 interceptions, 5 forced fumbles, 2 recovered fumbles, and 11 passes defended. Those numbers may seem inflated to some, but the impact this senior leader has had on the Plant Defense is not. Anytime the Panthers need a play, it is inevitably Tate who is the one to step up and make it. He leads by example, not by voice, and his play has spoken louder than many thought possible.

Aiding Tate in his pursuit to stop opposing offense and control the game physically are another set of brothers: Senior Tate Rogers and Junior Reeves Rogers. These physical Linebackers have combined for over 200 tackles and 14 sacks on the season. That trio of players has worked incredibly hard to hone their skills and knowledge, and they swarm to the ball like few groups of Linebackers in the High School game can.

Up front on the Defensive Line, Senior Patrick Wright is the headliners. With over 50 tackles and 12 sacks on the year, Wright has put pressure on opposing quarterbacks since game 1, and he has been a monster off the edge, disrupting the opposition and their well laid plans. Also aiding at the point of attack is Senior Michael Dvornik, who comes into the State Championship game with 10 sacks. The tandem of Wright and Dvornik presents multiple problems at the point of attack, and these players will look to occupy linemen so the Linebackers can run free, and make plays, much the same as they have all season long.

Wright and Dvornik will work with Juniors Mitchell Wright and Eliel Shines to provide pressure up front. This duo has combined for another 120 tackles, along with 12 sacks to really stifle offenses up front. Between the Wright boys (who may be brothers, this was unconfirmed at the time this article published), Shines, and Dvornik, Plant has a strong group up front who have wreaked havoc on offenses all year long, and they will do everything in their power to knock Miramar off of their game.

In the secondary, Seniors David Lerom, Drew Madhu, and Keenan Stales, are the backbone of a stingy pass defense. The trio has combined with the other Defensive Backs to allow less than 2,000 yards passing on the season (143 yards per game). They find a way to constantly disrupt the offense, and have come away with a fair amount of interceptions. They know the angles of the passing game well, and their athleticism allows for them to simply read and react to the ball.

Offensive Skill players Antonio Crawford and Paris Bostick have also seen extensive action in the secondary, and their physical skills has allowed them to positively contribute to the defense as a whole.

For the season, the defense has only surrendered 240 yards per game and 13 points per game. Those numbers are among the best in the State, and the Panthers will look to the aforementioned players, and more, to ensure that they have a similarly spectacular performance come Saturday night.

Special Teams

The third phase of the game gets little recognition until something goes wrong. In the case of Plant’s team, there has been little that has been wrong with this unit throughout the season.

Senior Kicker Grant van Amant has been both steady and spectacular this season. He has made 95% of his extra points, and 12 field goals on the year. His powerful leg is a weapon for the Panthers, and they have used it with great success so far this year. In the State Semifinal, van Amant connected on 4 field goals, with a long of 52 yards. Anytime the offense with inside the 35 yard-line, he is a threat to come onto the field and boom one through the uprights, just as he has for this entire season.

As previously mentioned, Junior Will Few, younger brother of the quarterback James, is the backup kicker. He has appeared games this year, and has made 98% of his extra points, while splitting his 2 field goal attempts. He figures to be a key player next year when van Amant departs for college.

The punting duties have been split between van Amant and Junior Lawson Tripp. The pair has combined to average 35 yards per punt, while having pinned the opposition inside the 20 yard line 6 times on the year. Performance like that will need to continue in the State Championship game, as the Panthers look to pin Miramar deep in their own territory, and force the Patriots to drive a long field before having any opportunity to put points on the board.

If you were to look up the definition of a complete team, one that boasts top level coaching, an explosive offense, and physical defense, and skilled kickers, Plant would be right there. This is a complete team, and they will look to showcase their many talents on the field of the Citrus Bowl as they play for their 4^th State Championship in 6 years.

Miramar Patriots (13-0, 5-0 District 12-8A, District Champion, Regional Champion (Region 3))
Playoff: Defeated South Plantation 38-0 in Regional Quarterfinal, Defeated Cypress Bay 23-7 in Regional Semifinal, Defeated Palm Beach Gardens 35-7 in Regional Final, Defeated Miami Columbus 14-6 in State Semifinal

Coaching and Team History

Much has been said about Head Coach Damon Cogdell. He has won awards for the performance of his team, and also earned the highest accolade that any coach can achieve: a State Championship.

Cogdell has a stellar 55-10 record in his 5 years as coach, and prepares his team in the hopes of capturing their second State Championship in the last 3 years. The program has grown from a decent team to a State and National Powerhouse under Cogdell’s watch. This season, the Patriots have ascended in the National Rankings, coming in as high as 3^rd according to Sports Illustrated and USA Today. Obviously, Cogdell’s leadership has been instrumental in this trend of continuing success.

Apart from his duties as Head Coach, Cogdell is the Defensive Coordinator and Linebackers coach. He, and the rest of the staff, work very hard to instruct players, and help develop their talents. Assisting with the Darkside Defense are Kelsey Harrell (DLine), Arnold Wilkins (DLine), and Kenny Foster (DB). These coaches have developed many talented players over the years, and their work has been noticed due to the outstanding play of the defense.

The Coaches on the offensive side of the ball include T.Y. Conyers (Offensive Coordinator and WR), Herbert Hammond (WR), Jarrod Madison (OL), Costello Guyton (OL), Antwan Scott (RB), and Devon Chandler (RB). Also assisting on Offense is Assitant Head Coach (and former Offensive Coordinator) Chris Perkins. This group has over 75 years coaching football, collectively, and their experience and techniques have turned Patriots both past and present into top Division 1 prospects.

In Cogdell’s 5 years as coach, his success has been built on the athletic talents of number of players who have continued to excel on the collegiate level. Quarterback Geno Smith was a Parade All-American before going to West Virginia, where he has led the Mountaineers to a BCS game (Orange Bowl) this season. His successor, Ryan Williams, started at Memphis as a true freshman in 2010 before transferring to the University of Miami.

Wide Receiver Stedman Bailey was a first team All-State player his senior year, working in tandem with his close friend Smith. Bailey is also at West Virginia, and has set several school and conference records. Ivan “Sticks” McCartney made a name for himself by bursting on the Varsity scene with 9 touchdowns as a sophomore in 2007. He continued to excel through his high school career, and was named the first U.S. Army All-American in school history in 2010. He had many great games as a Patriot, but saved his best for last. In the 2009 6A State Championship game, McCartney teamed with Williams to shatter records. On the night, McCartney tied the record for Touchdowns receiving in a State Championship game. As the other part of that passing-catching combo, Williams set records for Completion percentage (18/21 for 85.7% completion rate), Touchdown passes (5). McCartney has continued to thrive in a system with a Miramar Quarterback, teaming with Smith and Bailey in West Virginia.

On defense, players such as Osiris Pollack, SirChristian Gordon, Keon Lyn, Josh Taylor, Stephen Blissett, Dominick Bryan, Josh Nelson, and Quinton Byrd all played major roles in the establishment of the Darkside Defense, and many of them continue to be headline players in the college ranks.

Offense

Continuing the tradition of top notch Miramar Quarterbacks is Senior Camren Hudge. The 5’9’’ signal caller has passed for more than 2,600 yards and 30 touchdowns on the season. His production has been spectacular since he took over as the starter at the beginning of the 2010 season, and it has increased to even high levels throughout these playoffs.

Hudge, who has recently committed to the University of Delaware, has been the key ingredient in the potent Patriot offense that has put points on the board with ease this season. After averaging 35 points per game in the regular season, the production has increased in the past 4 weeks under Hudge’s direction. The Quarterback had a stellar game against Miami Columbus last week in the State Semifinals, going 22/25 and throwing 2 second half touchdowns to help propel the Patriots to this State Championship contest. Hudge’s impact on this team cannot be understated, and there are some people who say that more than any other player, Tracy Howard included, this team goes as Cam Hudge goes.

The Smash and Dash running back combination of Senior D’Vontis Arnold and Junior Alex Lee has continued to produce big yards, and big plays for the Patriots. They combined for over 100 yards in the State Semifinal against Columbus, and there has not be a defense to slow down these talented backs yet this season. Their combined numbers of over 1,600 yards and 20 touchdowns speaks volumes, and their hard running style has caused headaches for the opposition all season long.

After the starters, the Patriots have plenty of depth at running back. Sophomores Trevon Rolle and Khalil Lewis are immensely talented, and would start on 90% of teams in the state. Junior Malik Mapps adds a physical presence at Fullback, and Senior Michal Moyse gets limited snaps at running back as well. Most teams struggle to find 3 capable players to run the ball. Miramar has 6, and knows how to deploy them with great success.

The Receivers are another skill position with depth. The headliners are Seniors Malcolm Lewis and Devonte Mathis. Their numbers may not be eye popping, as Hudge likes to spread the ball around to as many as 8 players in a game. However, the impact these players have on a game makes thema top priority for the opposing defense to stop.

Lewis, committed to the University of Miami, is a blazing speedster with great hands. He can go from a standing start to top speed in 2 steps, and is a threat to score on any play with the ball in his hands. Mathis, committed to West Virginia, is a bigger, stronger receiver with deceptive speed, which he displayed on a beautiful 62 yard touchdown in the Regional Finals vs. Palm Beach Gardens. It seems that almost every game Mathis catches a touchdown (18 in 28 games at Miramar), and his production over a 4 year varsity career is among the best in recent history.

Adding to the rotation at receiver are Seniors Charleston Jenkins and Reggie Lennon, Juniors Sean Avant and Delano Whitehead, and Sophomores Tanares Robinson, Geonte Smith, Kwasim West and Tyler Williams. Each one of these players has made plays through this season, and Williams and Whitehead have had especially large contributions in the playoffs (Williams had a touchdown vs. Palm Beach Gardens, and Whitehead had a 25 yard gain to pick up a 3^rd and 19 vs. Columbus). No matter who is in the lineup, the Patriots are able to put pressure on the defense with their talented receivers.  With as many as 5 of them on the field at a time, the opposition has a tough choice: who to cover, and who to leave open.

The Offensive line is among the best in the state. Junior Michael Miranda and Seniors Clevonne Davis, Kevin Gonzalez, Daniel Lennon, and Gerard Toussaint have paved the way for the offense to gain more than 4,000 yards this year, and have allowed the myriad skill position players to showcase their talents. The O-line has consistently opened holes, and provided protection with only a few penalties to note on the negative side of their performance. Many journalists have called this group the best in the State. After their performance through the first 13 games of the season, I can see why they have elicited such high praise.

Defense

With a nickname like the “Darkside”, this defense must maintain a high level of play, or run the risk of being mocked and ridiculed. Not only has this defense featured high level play, they have silenced any critics who tried to lay claim the Darkside moniker as their own.

Leading the charge has been U.S. Army All-American Cornerback Tracy Howard.  His play has been nothing short of spectacular since day 1, and teams have been wary of him on every play. He has forced some teams to completely alter their offensive gameplan, staying away from this talented ball-hawk. On the year, Howard’s numbers match his talent: 28 tackles, 12 passes defended, 9 interceptions, 2 pass interference penalties, and only 6 passes completed on throws directed to the receiver he has covered. Add in touchdowns on offense (receiving) and special teams (punt return), and Howard has impacted the game in all 3 phases. He is a finalist for U.S. Army All-American National Player of the Year. I think that says everything you need to know about #3.

Joining Howard in the secondary are Seniors Denzel Trowers, Terrell Hill, Anthony Hamilton, and Marrell Jackson. All of these players has provided steady coverage, and physical play in run support. But Jackson, the starting Free Safety, has impacted the game in a larger way than his brothers in the aptly named “No Fly Zone” Secondary.

Jackson, a fluid 6’1’’ 180lb athlete, leads all of South Florida with 12 interceptions on the year. This converted wide receiver displays great ball skills when breaking on a pass, and very good field vision and awareness. His thin frame does not strike fear in receivers coming across the middle, but he hits like a sledgehammer, and it only takes one of those jaw rattling shots to make any player think twice about running a route into Jackson’s zone.

Howard, Jackson, and the rest of the secondary are joined on defense by 3 incredible players at the Linebacker positions: Junior Jermaine Grace and Seniors Mark Rucker and Brian Williams. Williams has taken over for the injured Kameron Capers in the second half of the season, and he has maintained the high level of play that we had come to expect from his position. At 6’4’’ 210lbs, Williams brings a new physicality to the position, and his raw talent alone enables him to make plays against both the pass and the run.

Rucker, a 4 year varsity player, has been lauded for his flawless technique, and nose for the football. He seems to be involved in an inordinate amount of plays, and that is a testament to his field awareness, and passion for hitting. Rucker, nicknamed “Pretty”, is not satisfied unless he gets to hit someone on every play, and his love of contact has become infectious on this year’s defense.

Grace, better known as “Country”, may be the best player out of these 3. He is a lean 6’1’’ 205lbs, with room to add weight on his frame. He is already getting looked at by BCS level schools, and that doesn’t happen unless you are a very, VERY good player. He and Rucker have had an unofficial contest in the playoffs to see who can finish with more tackles. This friendly competition has only upped the level of Grace’s play, much to the chagrin of the Miramar opponents. Grace was credited with 11 tackles vs Cypress Bay, and another 10 vs Columbus, and he is surely looking to replicate those numbers vs. Plant on Saturday night.

Clogging holes and wreaking havoc up front is the Defensive Line. The group is 8 deep, and freely rotates players into the game without losing any of their production. Seniors D’Quan Williams, Willie Paisley, Mike Fluerinvil, Levan Porter, Fary Charles, and Trevon Coley, and Sophomore Devon Wallace all play with reckless abandon, and consistently apply pressure on the opposing quarterback.

Paisley is a 6’3’’, 330lb beast at defensive tackle. He routinely requires double teams, and that attention allows his teammates to flourish. Joining him on the inside is D‘Quan Williams (6’2’’ 315lbs). That size on the interior is usually only seen at the collegiate and professional levels, and this unique advantage allows the linebackers and defensive backs to run free from sideline to sideline and make plays. Defensive End Trevon Coley (6’3’’ 240lbs) is a very good athlete, and supreme technician, and his pass rushing prowess is just another weapon for a team with plenty of them on both sides of the ball.

Special Teams

After losing 4 year Kicker Julian Garcia after the 2009 season, the Patriots struggled with extra points and field goals a year ago. This year, the kicking performance has returned to the previously steady level, and that is due to one man: Freshman Malik Wisdom. Starting for an experienced team, Wisdom had to come along quickly when Fall practice started. He has learned quality kicking technique, and when paired with his powerful leg (he has hit from 53 yards in practice), he has transformed from place-holder to legitimate weapon. Wisdom continues to improve on a daily basis, and his performance throughout this season has made many excited for his future.

When Marrell Jackson isn’t playing defense, he’s handling the duties as punter. He, like Wisdom, started this season slowly, but has performed very well in the second half of the season, and into the playoffs. In the last 2 playoff games Jackson has been credited with 68 and 71 yard punts. He has put 5 punts inside the 20 in the playoffs alone, and his punting prowess has helped the Patriots win the field position battle in almost every game.

Tracy Howard and Malcolm Lewis are the main kick returners. The ideology is simple here: put your best players on the field, and give them opportunities to make plays in space. Both players have had big returns this season, and they will undoubtedly look to make more plays in this phase of the game against Plant. Tanares Robinson will rotate in as a returner as well, and his break-away track speed must be respected.

Why Plant Might Win: The Panthers come out fast, and score early to put pressure on Miramar. The only team who was able to do this was Flanagan, and that game came down to the wire. If Plant can come out behind their cerebral QB, and talented skill players and gain an early advantage, the pressure of public expectation may be too much for Miramar to overcome.

On defense, Mike Tate will need to have another 20+ tackle game. While the coaches say the scheme is not designed to have Tate make plays, I believe actions (and statistics) speak louder than words. When you have a player like Tate, there is nothing wrong with asking him to use his talents to lead the team to victory. Simply put, Plant will need another yeoman’s effort from their Senior leader to contain the Miramar Offense, and secure their 4^th State Championship.

Why Miramar Might Win: Camren Hudge has another MVP caliber performance. He is unfazed by the pressure of big time football, and he has all the physical tools to be successful. He has had some of the best games any Miramar QB has had, incredible to say with Geno Smith and Ryan Williams having manned this position in the recent past. Hudge will need to continue to make plays, and take care of the ball, to position his team for a victory.

Tracy Howard. He is without question the most impressive difference maker I have seen since my days at 

Deerfield Beach watching Shoelace Robinson run over, around, and by defenders. Howard can impact the game at any time, and Plant would be wise to stay away from challenging the All-American. If Howard can give us another highlight reel addition to the series “Tracy Howard makes big plays”, it may be enough to propel the Patriots to a State Championship.

What to Watch For:

Plant

• Can James Few continue to move the ball and make strong, accurate throws?
• Can the running game gain some traction against a physical Darkside defense?
• Does Mike Tate take over the game on defense?
• Which underappreciated player steps up for the Panthers?

Miramar

• Can Camren Hudge continue his MVP level performance?
• Which receiver stretches the defense?
• How can the offense neutralize Mike Tate?
• Which linebacker will have the big game on the biggest stage?
• What is the next installment to “Tracy Howard Makes Big Plays”?

The time for talking is done. It’s all about the teams, and who comes out with a smarter plan, and more heart.

The 8A Championship game kicks off at 7:06pm, and will be televised live on FSN Florida. I’ll be there tweeting live from the sidelines, just like I have been all season long. Follow me, @MiramarSports, for all the updates.

The Season has come down to the Final Showdown. Be sure you tune in, and follow, to see which team will add to their legacy.

Until Next time,

Cameron J. Underwood
Miramar Sports