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Marquee matchup: Plant City LB vs. Tampa Bay Tech QB

 
Plant City linebacker Steven Ogletree. (Loren Elliott, Times)
Plant City linebacker Steven Ogletree. (Loren Elliott, Times)
Published Sept. 29, 2016

Steven Ogletree, a hard-hitting inside linebacker, is the leader of Plant City's defense. He is a three-star recruit who decommitted from Florida Atlantic earlier this month and has offers from 12 schools. His job Friday night is to contain Tampa Bay Tech's Michael Penix Jr., a dynamic dual-threat quarterback who transferred from Pasco in the offseason. Penix is a three-star prospect who has offers from five schools, including Arizona, Tennessee and USF. Penix will try to avoid Ogletree as much as possible. This is the first time the two have met on the football field. There is plenty at stake with the winner having the inside track in claiming the Class 7A, District 9 title.

Steven Ogletree, Sr., Plant City

Height/weight: 5-11, 211

Season stats: 25 tackles, one forced fumble

On stopping Michael Penix Jr.: "(Penix Jr.) reads the field like I've never seen before. He's a great quarterback and can hurt you in different ways if you let him. It's going to be a challenge but one that I think we can overcome. We have to apply pressure."

Michael Penix Jr., Jr., Tampa Bay Tech

Height/weight: 6-3, 180

Season stats: 1,037 yards passing, 20 touchdowns (14 passing, six rushing)

On stopping Steven Ogletree: "We have to account for everyone on the field. I've never played against Steven but from watching film he stands out because of his speed and ability to make plays. We just have to continue to play physical football in order to win."