Supremacy at stake

Buoyed by the play of record-setting quarterback Robert Marve and a confidence-building 5-0 start, the Plant Panthers believe this is the year they will end their 12-game losing streak against the rival Hillsborough Terriers.

By SCOTT PURKS
Published October 6, 2006

TAMPA - Crusty, old footballs are lined up in the office of Plant coach Bob Weiner. Some of the balls come from as far back as the 1950s, each one featuring a score of Plant beating Hillsborough.

The thing Weiner wants to change is the fact he doesn't have a ball marking a Plant victory over Hillsborough that's less than 15 years old.

"Sure it's a rivalry that goes way back (to 1928)," Weiner said. "But lately we haven't been holding up our end of the bargain."

This year, however, might be the year Weiner puts a new football on his shelf, one with Plant beating the Terriers.

Why not?

Plant is 5-0 and has one of the best quarterbacks in the state, if not the country: Robert Marve, who has committed to the University of Alabama. The Panthers also have the festering memory of getting beat 31-14 by Hillsborough last year.

"We went into that game and got ransacked by speed," Weiner said. "It was 21-0 after the first half, and we didn't start catching up to the idea of their speed until the second half.

"This time, though, I think we're ready. This time we have some speed of our own."

Hillsborough coach Earl Garcia said he expects Plant to give his team everything it can handle this time out. He said he relishes the challenge, particularly because the game hasn't had the luster it once did.

"There is lots of electricity surrounding this year's game, and I think the place will be filled," Garcia said. "It isn't a district game, but it is a great challenge with a lot of pride at stake.

"I think both teams will get better after this week's game because it should be close."

Hillsborough (4-2) may be most concerned with its own offense, which, unlike Plant's, hasn't been ringing up touchdowns. More than anything, though, Weiner said if there is any pressure on either team, Hillsborough is the one that should feel it.

"They are the ones who have (the 12-game winning streak) in this rivalry," Weiner said. "They're the ones who are defending their reputation.

"I told our kids that this is a great opportunity, an opportunity to go down in history as the 2006 team that put an end to Hillsborough's run.

"And hopefully, after Friday, this rivalry will stay a real good one for a long time to come."

TERRIERS ON A TEAR

Hillsborough enters tonight's game against Plant having won the past 12 meetings against the Panthers

Year Score

1992 Hillsborough 20-0

1993 Hillsborough 15-13

1994 Hillsborough 49-18

1997 Hillsborough 43-0

1998 Hillsborough 29-0

1999 Hillsborough 41-20

2000 Hillsborough 35-13

2001 Hillsborough 42-14

2002 Hillsborough 28-6

2003 Hillsborough 40-14

2004 Hillsborough 26-11

2005 Hillsborough 31-14

ROBERT MARVE WAS A TODDLER...

A look at what was happening in the world in and around October 1991, the last time Plant defeated Hillsborough:

* Anita Hill testified Supreme Court Justice nominee Clarence Thomas sexually harassed her

* Actress Elizabeth Taylor wed Larry Fortensky - her eighth marriage

* Britney Spears, right, appeared on Star Search

* Gas prices hovered around $1.20 per gallon

* Richard Williamson was coaching the Bucs, who eventually would finish 3-13

- JOEY KNIGHT, Times staff writer

[Last modified October 6, 2006, 06:06:56]