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Bond Benefits Plant D

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By KATHERINE SMITH

ksmith@tampatrib.com

Published: December 12, 2008

TAMPA - The players walk hand-in-hand onto and off the football field for a reason.

Plant High's football motto is "Always a Link." And that's never been more representative this season than by the play of its defense. Long overshadowed by its high-powered offense, the Panthers defense has continually gone to work with little recognition.

Until now.

That strong bond of brotherhood has translated into victories for Plant (12-1), which takes on a talented Palm Beach Gardens Dwyer (12-1) offense in tonight's Class 4A semifinal.

"We have a saying that none of us is as strong as all of us," co-defensive coordinator John Few said. "The players have bought into that."

There are many times during film sessions when coaches count 10 or 11 guys in on a play. That happens a lot throughout the course of a Plant game, with defensive players swarming to the ball.

"Preparation and hard work is the key and so is getting kids to buy into the system and actually holding every one accountable," co-defensive coordinator James Harrell said. "It's making sure that everyone understands that we play 11-man football. We don't rely on just one guy to get it done. Everybody has a responsibility."

The coaches trust the players, so much so that they hand over the reins on Friday nights. Coaches put in the work during the week, including Harrell's countless hours on Saturday of breaking down opponents' film, then put the game plan into the players' hands.

It starts up front with the pressure the defensive line creates, led by defensive tackle and Ironman Austin Clark, who hasn't missed a game in four years, and defensive end Javon Mention, who has 23 sacks this season, one shy of the county record. But then there are the quiet warriors, David Gamble and Bryant Jones, who take on double teams to create opportunities for others.

Linebackers Beau Hume, Mike Mirabella and Josh Varon are a formidable group with some of the leading tacklers on the team. Collectively, the starting linebackers have 32 sacks. The third tier of the scheme is led by safety Hunter Baldwin, who is second on the team in tackles.

"I think our whole defense feeds off each other," Mirabella said. "I think everyone plays in sync. We work together and know where we're supposed to be and just play."

Reporter Katherine Smith can be reached at (813) 259-7860.

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