In the battle for the best in the Bay Area, Armwood's defense once again proved why the Hawks are a state title contender every year, as they forced four Plant turnovers and held the Panthers to 184 total yards in a 21-3 win.
There was plenty of hype leading into the showdown of #1 Plant and #2 Armwood, but it turned into a game marred by penalties, sloppy play and a 73-minute lightning delay, and the Hawks emerged victorious for the third time in the last four regular season meetings between Hillsborough County's top programs.
Armwood's rushing attack broke through for just enough big plays, behind junior QB Darrian McNeal (123 rush yds, 2 TD) and senior RB Erin Collins (76 rush yds, TD). The linebacking corps of Kyheem Campbell, Justin Manning, Dedarallo Blue and C.J. Jones seemed to live in Plant's backfield, as the Hawks recorded 13 tackles for loss. CB Tareeq Welch recovered two fumbles and SS Mekhi Lapointe had an interception in the second quarter.
Tykese Keaton-Baldwin was Plant's leading offensive player, finishing with 70 rushing yards on 15 carries. Plant quarterbacks Kyle Trina and Dane Frantzen finished a combined 10-for-19 for just 70 yards in the air.
Plant (3-2) jumps back into district play next week with another tough road test against undefeated Wharton. Armwood (4-0)also returns to district play, hosting Blake.
Click on the video link for highlights and analysis.
HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL WEEK 5 SCORES FOR TAMPA BAY AREA TEAMS:
- Lakeland, Haines City - CANCELLED
- Lake Region 0, Winter Haven 22 - F
- Pasco 0, Jesuit 17 - F
- Clearwater 28, Dunedin 7 - F
- Tampa Catholic 28, Clearwater Central Catholic 49 - F
- Bayshore 0, Palmetto 35 - F
- Leesburg 14, Braden River 48 - F
- Auburndale 0, Kathleen 10 - F/Half
- Sickles 36, Gaither 0 - F
- Durant 24, Lennard 27 - F/OT
- Frostproof 0, Lakeland Christian 21 - F
- Gibbs 14, Countryside 34 - F
- Sunlake 34, Lakewood Ranch 14 - F
- Plant City 22, East Bay 7 - F
- Crystal River 33, Nature Coast 39 - F