Plant’s run to states different this time around

The Panthers have had memorable runs to states, but this one is a little different

TAMPA, FLORIDA- When you dive into the history of Plant Panthers’ football, reaching the state semifinals isn’t uncharted territory. 

In fact, it used to be an annual stomping ground for nearly two decades between 2006-2017. 

During that span, Plant came away winning four state championships and was always known for producing Power Five level talent along the way. Named like Robert Marve, Orson Charles, Aaron Murray, James Wilder Jr. and a long list of others led the Panthers to deep playoff runs. 

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That along with top notch coaching, led by Bob Weiner, was how Plant would make its way to states. This time around in 2023, the formula to success has come a little bit differently for the Panthers. 

The top notch coaching is there with Hank Brown, who was an assistant under Weiner, leading the way. What has changed more so is this Plant team isn’t overpowering teams with being an overall talented juggernaut. 

Plant does it with players that shows next level instincts when it comes to making plays on either side of the football. There’s no shortage of those guys playing on the team nowadays. 

One of the first players that immediately fits the bill is running back/linebacker Chase Jarrett. The senior throughout the season has been the team’s spark plug on defense, but last week was tasked with stepping up as Waltez Clark (Florida commitment) went down with an injury. 

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It’s next man up mentality for the Panthers and Jarrett assumed the role. Jarrett may have not had any flashy statistics, but his impact went way beyond the stat sheet. It would be timely plays made on offense, including what would be the game’s go-ahead touchdown to lead Plant to a 20-14 Class 4M, Region 2 final win over Sumner, that defined Jarrett’s meaning to the team. 

Senior linebacker Alex Tate is another player that embraced the role of stepping up with Clark out. Tate helped in getting after Sumner quarterback Greg Smith III, tallying four sacks in the process. 

Plant, always known for quarterbacks, employs two of them in Trey O’Malley and JC Mirasola and it always seems like in these big moments one steps into the spotlight. It would be Mirasola this time around, with the junior completing all eight of his passes for 132 yards and a touchdown. 

The days of the roster being littered with Power Five talent may be of the past, but what the Panthers may lack in that department they match with heart and ability. 

They’ll need everything and more when they hop into a charter bus and head down to Miami to face Columbus this Friday night. The Explorers will undoubtedly be the toughest test the Panthers have faced all season long and it’ll be the first time Plant has traveled outside of Tampa Bay this season. 

The road hasn’t been easy all season long and this week; they’ll have to win differently than they have during the season. That’s fine for Plant, because it’s a much different team compared to years past. 

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FHSAA 2023 CHAMPIONSHIPS BRACKETS

2023 FHSAA CLASS 4M STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS

2023 FHSAA CLASS 4S STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS

2023 FHSAA CLASS 3M STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS

2023 FHSAA CLASS 3S STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS

2023 FHSAA CLASS 2M STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS

2023 FHSAA CLASS 2S STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS

2023 FHSAA CLASS 1M STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS

2023 FHSAA CLASS 1S STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS

2023 FHSAA CLASS 1R STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS

-- Andy Villamarzo | villamarzo@scorebooklive.com | @sblivefl