Plant (Florida) quarterback JC Mirasola making the most of opportunities

TAMPA, FLORIDA- Plant High School has never been lacking for depth or talent at the quarterback position in the last two decades.

The list actually gets pretty expansive when thinking of all the good signal callers that have come through Dads Stadium down in South Tampa.

First that may come to mind is Robert Marve, who led Plant to its first state championship back in 2006. Then Aaron Murray in 2008, Phillip Ely and so on. You kind of get the picture that the Panthers produce good quarterbacks.

That was during a time when Bob Weiner was the head coach, but not much has changed under current lead man Hank Brown. Brown has employed a quarterback platooning system with senior Trey O’Malley and junior JC Mirasola.

The latter has been playing if his best football this season and Brown isn’t shy to proclaim him one of the better Class of 2025 quarterbacks. Eyeing a potential deep playoff run in Class 4M, Brown cites Mirasola’s continued improvement in every facet to why the junior has played at a high level.

“JC (Mirasola) has continued to evolve his game in all aspects,” Brown said. “His understanding of our offense and his comfort level to execute it have allowed him to play fast week in and week out.”

If you’re looking for eye popping numbers, it might be tough to judge the 6-foot, 180-pound quarterback based just on that. Whenever Mirasola enters the game, however, his impact can be felt.

So far this season for the 5-2 Panthers, Mirasola has completed 62-of-110 passes (56 percent) for 713 yards (6.48 yards per pass completion; 102 yards per game) and 12 touchdowns to just one interception.

Last season, Mirasola completed 45-of-65 passes for 615 yards, eight touchdowns and two interceptions.

Mid-Season Highlights!@irltb85 @plantpanthersfb @QBcoach1 @CJBennett_08 https://t.co/utxfM5QZCi
— JC Mirasola (@JcMirasola) October 4, 2023

Mirasola isn’t afraid to tuck and run it when need be as the junior has 18 carries for 178 yards (9.89 yards per carry) and two touchdowns.

With a tough road game this week at Plant City on Friday night, Brown will need a good game out of his two quarterbacks in order to come away with win No. 6. Mirasola has made the most out of his opportunities under center and will look to against a talented Raiders’ defensive group.

“His hunger to understand the game plan and grow each week as a teammate, leader and competitor has resulted in his team’s current record and his current stats to date this season,” Brown added. “Big things are ahead for 15 and the Panthers.”

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-- Andy Villamarzo | villamarzo@scorebooklive.com | @sblivefl

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