Quartet of Panthers commit to colleges

By KEITH NIEBUHR and SCOTT PURKS
Published February 17, 2006

TAMPA - Four Plant football players are the latest area athletes to make their college intentions known. They are: running back Kenny Allen (Western Kentucky), defensive lineman Neil Harrell (Western Kentucky), fullback Anthony Maldonado (The Citadel) and defensive lineman Beau Craparo (Washington & Lee), who each signed letters of intent Thursday.

"We thought all four had great opportunities, and that's the result of their tremendous careers here, and all the dedication and hard work they put in," Plant coach Robert Weiner said. "I know they'll do great in the future."

Plant went 9-3 last season, losing to Armwood in the second round of the Class 4A playoffs.

TAMPA - After one season as Leto's coach, Scott Palmer announced this week he is stepping down to spend more time with his family.

"It was a tough decision because I really like the kids at Leto," said Palmer, who has a 3-year-old daughter and another baby on the way. "This doesn't mean I won't continue coaching in some capacity, but if I do it will be closer to my home on the east side of the county. I was driving more than an hour to get to Leto."

Leto went 1-9 last season, winning its last game 28-20 against King in overtime.

[Last modified February 17, 2006, 02:15:35]