September 6, 2012

Douglas Pugh
FlaVarsity.com

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GAME 5 - Champions Battle					The Skinny: It's time to pack the bags and head to the big easy for some Panther-Patriot Party time. Both teams carry Top 15 national rankings in the RivalsHigh100; and both will carry the heavy weight of not just their state's expectations, but a national audience's attention into a matchup between reigning state champions. The two teams will be the second game of the Allstate Sugar Bowl Prep Classic, which will feature Lincoln vs. St. Paul's (Covington, LA) in the first tilt.
		vs
PLANT			JOHN CURTIS		Prediction: JOHN CURTIS

PLAYERS TO WATCH: John Curtis Christian - LB Duke Riley, RB Brandon Porter, RB Sherman Badie, DB Richard Allen, LB Eric Thomas, OL Brandon Godfrey, OL Anthony Taylor, RB Tevin Horton, DT Clyde Cortez, Jr. RB Raekwon James

Plant: DB Paris Bostick, OL Richy Klepal, LB Mitchell Wright, RB Wesley Bullock, WR Tristan Cooper, LB Terrance Jenkins, WR K.J. Walker.

THE OUTLOOK: Hurricane Issac forced the cancellation of Curtis' week one game, but as a matter of luck (or convenience) ended up playing St. Paul's in their season opener who was also affected by the same circumstance. The Patriots defeated St. Paul's 26-7, picking up right where they left off in two ways from last season; winning and rushing for over 300 yards on the ground.

The Panthers picked up where they left off in two ways as well; winning and using a dominating defense (like they did vs. Miramar) to overwhelm an otherwise talented team that won't be shut out again this season at Jesuit. Curtis is a 2A school in Louisiana, which is comparable to a 3A-4A school in population.

Curtis may be 2A, but these boys play on a 5A-7A level. Everything about the Patriots screams of Plant's last week opponent in Jesuit, but what they have to do to win is simple.

They must run, and run well. RB's Tevin Horton and Raekwon James combined for 23TD's last season.

Plant on offense will be looking for wherever OLB Duke Riley is lined-up. The 6-1 205lb senior went for 12 tackles vs. St. Paul's building on his total of 117 from the 2011 season. The Panthers in a similar fashion will look to get the duo of Wesley Bullock and Paris Bostick (Georgia)involved behind their imposing offensive line, led by Florida State-bound Richy Klepal.

On defense, the Panthers will put Wright, a USF commit as the key on the running game. Look for Plant to put pressure on the Patriot QB and stack the box to contain the run.

Playing at what amounts to 10:30 PM will be an experience for the Panthers, but last year they played Bergen Catholic around 8:45 PM at Manatee.

The coaching staffs are experienced in big games. Curtis has 24 state titles under their belt in LHSAA play - while Plant has appeared in four state championship games in the last six years - winning three.

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