September 2, 2012

Joe Dayan
FlaVarsity.com

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TAMPA - Plant used a quick start and a strong defensive finish to shut out Jesuit 18-0 before a sold-out Corral Stadium on the campus of Jesuit High School.

The trademark of both teams this year will be defense. Plant has two solid FBS commits in DE Mitchell Wright (USF) and S/RB Paris Bostick (Georgia). You can expect at least 3 or 4 other seniors on this defense to play at the next level.

Not to be outdone, Jesuit, also boasts numerous prospects on their defense, including three headed USF. DE Brad Smith DT/OG Cameron Ruff and DE Robert Garcia, and FAU commit - DB Reggie Brown

. Both defenses played up to their billing. On offense, both squads are led by new quarterbacks. Aaron Banks takes the helm of the Plant offense this year and Leland Saile handles duties under center for the Tigers.

The first quarter set the tone for the defenses, as neither team had success moving the ball. However, Plant was able to take advantage of turnovers and Jesuit was not.

The Panthers first score was set up by a muffed punt. This put the Panthers in business just outside the Tigers 30. Bostick capped this short drive with a 2 yard run to get the Panthers on the board.

A short time later Saile was intercepted by Reeves Rogers. Plant took over inside the Tigers 15 yard line. Banks finished the drive with another short 2-yard run. The two-point try failed and Plant led 12-0. Jesuit never got into a rhythm offensively. Plant kicker William Few closed the first half scoring with a 37-yard field goal to put Plant up 15-0 late in the half.

The second half was also uneventful from an offensive perspective. The only scoring came when Few was able to convert on a 42-yard field goal for the Panthers to put Plant up 18-0 early in the third quarter.

Jesuit appeared to get back in the game when Travis Johnson took the ensuing kickoff all the way back for touchdown. However, the Tigers were flagged for a block in the back.

Expect both offenses to improve as the year goes along. The lack of scoring spoke to the prowess of the defenses on the field and rather than the lack of quality offenses. Both teams are favorites to win their districts and both teams should make deep playoff runs.