Coney Leads Young Raiders

Posted Nov 19, 2009 by Joey Johnston

Updated Nov 19, 2009 at 05:56 PM

Usually, a sophomore starting quarterback is not a recipe for success in the state football playoffs.

But the Plant City Raiders (7-3), who travel to Plant (8-1) for Friday night’s Class 5A first-round game, have plenty of confidence in Bennie Coney. Of course, a starting sophomore is not unique at Plant City. The Raiders expect 13 sophomore starters—and 18 underlcassmen—in the lineup against Plant.

Coney might typify the group.

He’s a playmaker, a kid who is seemingly unfazed by his surroundings. He will need those qualities on Friday night against an aggressive Panther defense.

“I’m kind of protective of the quarterbacks,’’ second-year Plant City coach Jason Strunk said. “We had Bennie down on JV last season because we wanted him to get experience and we wanted him to win some games. He did that. He came up for two varsity games last season. And ever since then, he hasn’t missed a beat. He’s our guy.’‘

Plant City began the season 1-3, but during a season-closing six-game winning streak, Coney has completed 67 percent of his passes and thrown for 10 touchdowns.

“I don’t even think about what class he’s in,’’ Raiders senior wide receiver Cortez Hargrett said. “He’s a leader. He’s in control. He puts his foot down and takes charge.’‘

Coney said he realizes the Raiders could be on the ground floor of something big. For now, though, the only thought is about beating Plant.

“I can’t wait for my senior year because we should be really, really good then,’’ Coney said. “But now, we’ve put ourselves in position to do some things. It’s amazing. But we’re here now and we’re not ready for this season to end.’‘