Sports
Falcons Player Not 'Battened' Down Easily
Tramaine Batten had his jersey torn off his back while fighting through tackles. He scored the only touchdown in last Friday's lopsided loss to Lakewood.
Tramaine Batten led the Falcons' running game in against the Lakewood High Spartans.
Lakewood's quarterback launched a sensational air attack while the Falcons throwing game was non-existent. However, the 5-foot-9-inch junior fought for every yard he gained against a defense that had eight men up on the line without the threat of a pass.
In the first drive of the game, Batten had his jersey torn off his back while fighting through tackles.
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"Tramaine plays harder than anyone on the field, the games we have been down a lot in the fourth quarter he is still going hard every down. He is the most talented player we have," coach Max Smith said.
Smith also noted that Batten is a strong blocking back.
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Dunedin Patch caught up with Batten for a little Q&A session:
Who is your favorite NFL team and what player do you aspire to?
No real favorite team. Just watch them all, maybe the Eagles. I watch different running backs, their style of running: LeSean McCoy (Philadelphia Eagles), C.J. Spiller (Buffalo Bills).
How long have you been playing football?
Since I was 7. About 10 years ago, I started playing flag (football), I think it was at Countryside, then I started playing tackle for the Palm Harbor Panthers.
Did you ever play any other sports or do you still?
Played a little baseball when I was younger but not really interested in it.
Have you been contacted by any colleges and where would you like to play?
No I have not been contacted but I would like to play for Miami (Hurricanes) cause they are my favorite team.
Any relatives who ever played at a higher level of football or any other sports?
On my mother's side, D'Qwell Jackson of the Cleveland Browns. I met him two years ago at Thanksgiving, and he said just keep working hard and keep your head on straight.
What is your most memorable play on a football field?
My 90-yard touchdown run against Robinson earlier this year. It was a stretch play and I found a hole from a Shaquille (Dixon) block and I was untouched the rest of the way until somebody swatted my leg around the 3-yard line. I was getting tired.
Batten and the Falcons (1-3) play their first home game Friday (Sept. 30) against Gibbs High School at 7:30 p.m. The homecoming game starts at 5 p.m.
