FOX Sports Florida Kickoff Classic to feature Tampa Plant vs. Tallahassee Godby
TAMPA, Fla. -- FOX Sports Florida announced today they will be airing the newly titled FOX Sports Florida Kickoff Classic at Raymond James Stadium live on Sun Sports statewide.
On Saturday, August 24, at 3:00 p.m., Prep Zone will be in Hillsborough County for a clash between state powers Tallahassee Godby and host Tampa Plant. This is the first year of the Classic being held in Tampa and in addition to airing on Sun Sports, the game will be televised on FOX Regional Sports Networks around the country. Veteran sportscaster Paul Kennedy will call the game, alongside color commentator Brady Ackerman with Jessica Blaylock reporting from the sidelines.
Defending Class 5A state champion Godby return much of their skill position talent led by senior quarterback J.T. Bradwell (2,400 yards, 19 touchdowns) and wide receivers Javon O'Neal and Jaylin Hayward. Defensively, 6-foot-4, 236-pound senior linebacker Jacob Pugh, a Florida State verbal commit, anchors a fantastic back seven that also features senior defensive backs De'Eric Culver (Louisville) and Deion Singleton. Long populated by standout performers, Tampa Plant doesn't boast a dominating superstar this season, but rather a well balanced team. The strength of the offense will rest on what may be the best offensive line in the program's history, led by seniors Ray Raulerson (Tennessee) and Richard Bush and junior Jake Fruhmorgen. On defense, 6-foot-3, 230-pound senior linebacker Andrew Beck (Texas) and senior defensive back Mazzi Wilkins head what should be a stingy unit.
"We are proud to be part of the FOX Sports Florida Kickoff Classic at Raymond James Stadium," said Stephen Grecsek of OUR TEAM. "This event showcases extraordinary talent from Tallahassee and Tampa's own Plant High School. This is a great opportunity for high-school standouts to experience playing in a major league venue on national television. A special thank you to our sponsors and partners who are helping to make this happen: FOX Sports Florida, The Greater Tampa Bay Area Buick & GMC Dealers, Tires Plus, the Tampa Tribune, and 98.7 The Fan. They've all stepped up in a big way to support prep athletics in our community."
Plant Head Coach Robert Weiner―who's entering his tenth year as head coach―said, "What an exciting way to start the season! All of us at Plant High are thrilled to start the season with high school football's triple threat: playing an amazing opponent in the reigning 5A State Champion Godby Cougars, playing in one of the greatest stadiums in the country at Raymond James, and airing on Fox Sports Florida with all of their incredible coverage. It doesn't get any better than that."
Godby's Head Coach Ronnie Cottrell adds, "It is an honor for Amos P. Godby High to participate in such a prestigious event. Plant High School is one of the top programs in the country and to be associated with them in a game at Raymond James Stadium is a blessing. Head Coach Robert Weiner is an icon in our state and one of the finest offensive coaches in the country. The fact that both teams are ranked nationally makes this a game to see."
Admission to the game is $10 and includes admission to the Fan Zone that will open at 1:00 p.m.
Additional details and information can be found at: https://foxsportskickoffclassic.launchtrack.com/register/plant-vs-godby
FOX Sports Florida & Sun Sports are the regional television homes of the Orlando Magic, Tampa Bay Rays, Miami HEAT, Miami Marlins, Tampa Bay Lightning, Florida Panthers, Florida State University and the University of Florida. The regional sports networks are available in more than 6.5 million cable & satellite homes across the state. FOX Sports Florida and Sun Sports are committed to making a positive impact in the communities we serve by engaging our audiences and providing award winning TV and web coverage of Florida's hometown sports teams. For more information, channel listings and how you can get involved with FOX Sports Florida / Sun Sports, visit www.foxsportsflorida.com.
OUR TEAM Management Group, LLC is a Tampa-based sports marketing agency that specializes in high school programming, content development, television and live stream production, event management, and sponsorship sales. The primary focus of OUR TEAM's high school content is celebrating the athletes and the community organizations that support them.
