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Raider Boys Try To Stay Under The Radar

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By DAREK SHARP, The Tampa Tribune

Published: December 5, 2007

PLANT CITY - If it's possible to be undefeated and still stay "under the radar" then well, that would suit the Plant City High School boys soccer team and its coach just fine.

But that is bound to be tough if the Raiders keep going the way they have been.

Plant City cemented its status as one of the top teams in the area with an impressive 4-0 victory over Durant last week. That put the Raiders' record at 9-0, or 7-0-2 depending on how one looks at it.

"I don't care about the record, really, as long as we're playing well," Plant City second-year coach KC Van der Luit said. "Especially if we're playing well at the end of the season."

In fact, the Raiders won their first nine games. Two of Plant City's victories came in overtime at the preseason Wharton Invitational. Since regular-season games do not go to overtime, any such tournament games during the regular schedule go down as a tie.

Plant City could be headed to the best record in school history. With a roster containing mostly players who compete at the club soccer level, Plant City has its most skillful collection ever.

And Van der Luit knows it - he hopes the players don't get carried away.

"I have to keep them grounded. We have a good team, and if they keep their heads together they can make Plant City High School history," he said.

A Raider team has never made it past the second round of the playoffs.

Getting the top seed for the District 6A-8 tournament would be a good start in obtaining a favorable status for the postseason. The victory over Durant was Plant City's third in as many district games. On Tuesday, the Raiders were scheduled to visit Sarasota Riverview, and they will complete the district campaign against Lakeland next week.

Through the first three district contests, the Raiders outscored their opponents 9-0. The defense, led by Omar Saenz, has been a critical factor.

"We don't dictate the play offensively, and that's hard for someone like me who likes to play an offensive style," Van der Luit said. "But we are a more counter-attacking style team. Our defense has been outstanding."

In the first nine games, all but two were shutouts.

Johnathan Dupree and Steve Lamas have led the Raiders in scoring.

One part of Van der Luit's approach is unique and, he feels, a key to the Raiders' success.

With most of the players practicing regularly with club teams, the Raiders practice very little as a group.

On most days, players have "motivating sessions" that take about 10 minutes after school. A big focus is going over the upcoming opponent and its top players.

"Hey, I don't have to teach them how to play soccer. The big thing for me is to get the guys motivated," Van der Luit said.

Reporter Darek Sharp can be reached at dsharp@tampa trib.com.

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