PLANT CITY — Plant City fell to East Bay on homecoming night Thursday despite a stellar performance by quarterback Nick Rodriguez. Two tipped passes resulted in crucial interceptions.
Plant City (3-4, 1-2) attempted a fake punt after the first series stalled. The runner had room but tripped in the open field, one of three special teams blunders. The Raiders fell a few inches short of a 43-yard field goal and had a 26-yard attempt blocked and returned to their 7-yard line.
In the second quarter, Rodriguez had two 20-yard completions to Tavaris Chase, both of which incited unsportsmanlike conduct penalties. Chase was ejected with four completions for 85 yards in the first half. The East Bay (3-4, 2-1) defense came through in the fourth quarter, intercepting Rodriguez twice.
Bobby Winsler, Times correspondent