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A Most Successful Season

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By DAREK SHARP

dsharp@tampatrib.com

Published: December 24, 2008

PLANT CITY - The Pinecrest Pilots organization had quite a year, recently turning in three championship performances including one magnificent capper to the Pee Wee team's season. Pinecrest won the Florida Youth Football and Cheerleaders Association's Super Bowl title in the Mighty Mite, Super Midget and Pee Wee age groups. The Super Bowl games were played in Brandon in late November.

It was likely the most successful season in Pinecrest history, adding in six association Cheer-Off championships for the Pilots cheerleading squads.

"We don't have a registered historian for our league, but it would be hard to imagine a more successful year for our program," league President Gene Stallings said. "It happened because of the support of our many volunteers, parents, coaches, board members, sponsors and the great energy of our youth in this organization."

The Pilots were founded in 1978.

For the Pee Wee (6- and 7-year-olds) team, a 33-0 victory over Valrico Rams reflected the incredible dominance the Pilots showed throughout the season. Pinecrest went the regular season without giving up a point. The only time the Pilots were scored upon came in the second round of the playoffs when they beat the Brandon Cowboys 21-13.

Valrico was the only squad to even come close to Pinecrest during the regular season, losing 13-0. The Pilots scored at least 20 points in the other nine games.

In the Mighty Mite (4- and 5-year-olds) final Pinecrest beat the Brandon Cowboys 20-6 and the Super Midget (10- and 11-year-olds) game was the closest played in the six age groups, with Pinecrest edging Antioch 6-0. Both teams went 9-1 through the regular season to earn a first-round playoff bye and had final records of 11-1.

The Pilots also had the Junior Varsity team win its division, before losing a close game to the Brandon Cowboys in the second round of the playoffs. The JV squad had won the last three Super Bowls.

On Nov. 8, the Pilots six cheer squads competed in the association Cheer-Off against the seven other league organizations at Plant City Stadium. While some first place finishes were expected, no one foresaw that all six would be crowned champions.

"These girls and coaches have worked so hard this year, it's great to see them get rewarded for their hard work," Pinecrest Cheer Trustee Melanie Montanaro said.

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