Unsung Heroes Play Role In Plant's Title Run

When Plant quarterback Aaron Murray went down with a broken leg and dislocated ankle on Oct. 16 against Hillsborough, many people wrote off the Panthers. But then backup Phillip Ely stepped up, as did the running game and receivers Orson Charles and Allen Sampson, and the Plant defense rose to the occasion.

There were many other players who helped carry the team on their backs. Here's a look at five unsung heroes who played an integral role in helping Plant get to Saturday's state championship game.

Ian Collins

Collins opened with 11 tackles against Armwood on Sept. 5, and equaled his season-high with 11 against Palm Beach Gardens Dwyer last week. Tied for seventh on the team in tackles with 66, Collins was sidelined with an injury earlier in the season, and his absence was noticeable at times. He has come up with a key tackle in each of the past three games.

"He's the kind of kid that just puts his head down and goes to work," assistant coach Matt Johnson said. "He does the little things that you ask him to do, and he does it as hard as he can. He's a blue-collar kid."

Bryant Jones

Javon Mention can thank Jones for some of his 23 sacks. That's because Jones does the grunt work on the defensive line, many times taking on double teams to free up others to make plays. Along with Collins, Jones is tied for seventh on the team with 66 tackles. He also is tied with linebacker Mike Mirabella for second with 12 sacks.

"Your teammates recognize you and your coaches recognize you," Jones said. "I didn't think I would start this year. Coach Robert Weiner gave me a chance."

Nathan Marvel

Fifth on the team in receiving, Marvel has made a habit of coming up with the big catches. Against Dwyer in the state semifinals, Marvel sparked the offense with a 40-yard catch-and-run on the Panthers' third scoring drive, and he capped it with a 14-yard touchdown reception that he wrestled away from the Dwyer defender.

"The reward is, we get to be on a good team," Marvel said. "Orson and Aaron act like they're a part of the team like anyone else. It helps us all bond together."

Frank Nicholas

Many people look at Nicholas and can't believe the 5-11, 190-pound senior is the starting center for the Panthers. But Nicholas plays bigger than he is. One of the hardest-working members of the team, Nicholas, one of three returning offensive starters, is constantly seeking a competitive edge.

"I asked Coach Weiner in 2006 'how do you feel about undersized centers,' and he said 'how do you think I feel? We just won a state title with an undersized center,'" Nicholas said. "I knew that was a spot I could take."

Tyler Rhodes

Rhodes immediately stepped up when Murray went down in the Hillsborough game. His three field goals, including a pair of 41-yarders, helped the Panthers beat the Terriers. Rhodes nailed two more 41-yard field goals in Plant's victory against Chamberlain.

"I don't mind being in the background," Rhodes said. "I've got more friends by being on the team."