FOOTBALLCLAY TODAY HIGH SCHOOL 2017 PREVIEW

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Clay High District 5-5A * Aug. 25: 7A Fleming Island Sept. 1: @ 6A Middleburg Sept. 8: @ 7A Bartram Trail Sept. 15: @ 5A Orange Park* Sept. 22: 7A Oakleaf Sept. 29: 5A Menendez* Oct. 13: @ 5A Ridgeview* Oct. 20: 5A Baker County* Oct. 27: 5A Palatka* Nov. 3:@ 2A University Christian

Fleming Island District 3-7A* Aug. 25: @ 5A Clay Sept. 1: 9A Sandalwood Sept. 8: 6A Middleburg Sept. 15: 7A Buchholz* Sept. 22: @ 5A Ridgeview Sept. 29: @ 7A Oakleaf* Oct. 13: 7A Bartram Trail* Oct. 20: @ 7A Creekside* Oct. 26: @ 6A Ed White Nov. 3: 5A Orange Park

4 • CLAY TODAY • 2017 FOOTBALL PREVIEW Keystone Heights Oakleaf District 5-4A* District 3-7A* FOOTBALL Aug. 25: 4A Fernandina Beach Aug. 18: @ 7A Camden Sept. 1: 4A P.K. Young* Aug. 25: @ 5A Orange Park Sept. 8: @ 4A Bradford* Sept. 1: 4A Glades Central Sept. 15: @ 4A Umatilla Sept. 15: @ 7A Bartram Trail* SCHEDULES Sept. 29: @ 1A Hawthorne Sept. 22: @ 5A Clay Oct. 6: @ 1A Crescent City Sept. 29: @ 7A Fleming Island* Oct. 13: @ Ind. Wildwood Oct. 13: 4A Raines Oct. 20: 4A The Villages* Oct. 20: 7A Buchholz* Oct. 27: 4A Interlachen* Oct. 27: @ 7A Creekside* Nov. 3: 1A Pierson-Taylor Nov. 3: 6A Vanguard

Middleburg Orange Park District 4-6A* District 5-5A* Aug. 25: @ 5A Menendez Aug. 25: 7A Oakleaf Sept. 1: 5A Clay Sept. 1: @ 6A Nease Sept. 8: @7A Fleming Island Sept. 8: @ 7A Atlantic Coast Sept. 15: @ 6A Englewood* Sept. 15: 5A Clay* Sept. 22: @ 5A Orange Park Sept. 22: 6A Middleburg Sept. 29: 6A Ed White* Sept. 29: A 5A Ridgeview* Oct. 6: 5A Ridgeview Oct. 13: 5A Baker County* Oct. 13: 6A Nease* Oct. 20: @ 5A Palatka* Oct. 27: @ 6A St. Augustine* Oct. 27: 5A Menendez* Nov. 3: 4A Bradford Nov. 3: @ 7A Fleming Island

Ridgeview St. Johns Country Day District 5-5A* Independent Aug. 25: @ 4A Andrew Jackson Aug. 25: 2A St. Francis Sept. 1: 7A @ Creekside Sept. 1: Ind. Bishop Snyder Sept. 8: 5A Westside Sept. 21: Ind. Florida Deaf Sept. 15: @ 5A Palatka* Sept. 29: 2A Maclay Sept. 22: 7A Fleming Island Oct. 6: @ 2ASt. Joseph Sept. 29: 5A Orange Park* Oct. 13: @ Ind. Oak Hall Oct. 6: @ 6A Middleburg Oct. 20: 2A Halifax Academy Oct. 13: 5A Clay* Oct. 20: @ 5A Menendez* * District game Oct. 27: @ 5A Baker County*

SEPTEMBER 2017 • 5 SUPER 11

How do we choose? Ryan Smenda Super 11 is selected each LB FIHS Senior 6-2, 230 lbs. year based on interviews with Four-year starter; coaches, players and media on Wake Forest commit; LB, punter, RB at times previous year's performance and Wickedly athletic with a mean expectations for the upcoming year. streak

Tyler Huff Jackson Bull

QB RHS Junior 5-10, 200 lbs. LB/RB, FIHS, Senior 6-0, 190 lbs. Passing: 110-218 for 1654 Intellectual defender with yards, 14 TDs, 13 INTs; Also penchant for big play. Bull is rushed 54 times for 279 yards due for big year; was slated and 5 TDs. for some offense also. Field general for Panthers

6 • CLAY TODAY • 2017 FOOTBALL PREVIEW KeShawn King Caleb Eason

RB, OHS, Junior 6-1, 175 lbs. QB, CHS Senior 6-2, 175 lbs. Power back with speed. Got start in Blue Devils’offense Sub-11 second 100 meter strategic change; produced track guy. Slices for yardage Final Four run; 1,141 Yds, with lightning acceleration. 12TDs, 5 Interceptions. 1,351 Yds, 16TDs, 6-100+Yds games; Long 92 yarder; 18 passes, 2TDs

Dexter Moore Jason Brooks

LB, OHS Junior 5-10, 205 lbs. OL, CHS, Senior 6-1, 250 lbs. Groomed since freshman Follows footsteps of big, year, now the defense mobile blocker with friends. belongs to him. Top returner from Final Four SUPER 11 74 tackles; 6 for loss; 2 Sacks offensive line.

Marquis Brown Ajay Belanger

RB, OPHS Senior 5-8, 180 lbs. WR, CHS, Senior 6-2, 175 lbs. He breaks away. Shifty, fast, Game changer for Blue elusive, has knack for long Devils’ offense; 41 catches, kick returns. Can set up OPHS 11TDs. Answered big calls in offense with great fi eld posi- 2016 Final Four run. tion.

Garrett Blanchett Kodi Carrington

QB, MHS, Senior 6-2, 225 lbs. LB MHS Senior 6-1, 245 lbs. Weathered stormy season Big, strong, angry meddler of and got Broncos to region the middle. Can deliver the playoff berth. Has cannon knockout blow on his own. arm. Strong in pocket. At fullback, scary sight for DBs.

SEPTEMBER 2017 • 7 8 • CLAY TODAY • 2017 FOOTBALL PREVIEW Clay High Blue Devils

Primed for one extra game

By Randy Lefko Championship games having playoff games at home.”

GREEN COVE SPRINGS – Making the 2016: Clay vs. Ponte Vedra (state Questionable season Final Four of any sport is nice and Clay semifinal, lost 52-42) Hoekstra, who stumbled in the High football has reached the pinnacle 2015: Clay vs. Wakulla (State early part of 2016, with losses to rival numerous times; three times in the semifinal lost 35-24) Fleming Island in game one (24-14), last four years, with a 52-42 near miss 2014: Clay vs. Bishop Kenny (Region an ugly 15-0 win over Flagler Palm last year, a 35-24 loss to Wakulla in semifinal) Coast, a closer than close win over 2015 and a winning 40-38 barnburner 2013: Clay vs. American Heritage a game Orange Park team (35-27) in 2013 that propelled the Blue Devils (5A championship, lost 66-9; won and a crushing loss to 7A-Oakleaf to a state title shot that wound up a state semi 40-38 vs. Lakewood) Ajay Belanger (48-13) that put the Blue Devils in a 66-9 bruising by American Heritage. questionable position going into the “Not winning the district put High head coach Joshua Hoekstra in those four years plus some. “We’ve second half of the season. A 28-14 us on the road for three region (pronounced Hoke-stra), who has had success in winning 10 games a loss to eventual district champion playoff games last year,” said Clay orchestrated the Blue Devil history year for the past four years. It helps Baker County put Clay in the travel

Statistics Clay High New faces to Wake Forest, RB sub-11 100 meters) Region 2 | District 5-5A | Blue Devils Aundre Carter RB; Josh Griffis DE; Mason Adams Sept. 1: @ 6A-Middleburg (4-6, QB, MLB return, LB; Spencer LeSage RB; Marcaun Robinson LB; Ty district runners-up) Key returners Whitaker WR Sept. 8: @ 7A-Bartram Trail (8-5, 3-7A runner-up, Caleb Eason QB; Ajay Belanger WR; Raequan Joey Gatewood back at QB 21TDs) Williams LB; Christian Swilley RB; Cody Devore 2016 Sept. 15: @ 5A-Orange Park* (4-5, WR returns, DE; Dakari Augustin DB; Jason Brooks OL; Colby Lost to Fleming Island (24-14); Beat Flagler (15-0); Lefty QB) Butler DL; Zack Alvarado DB; Liz Fogarty K; Chris Beat Gainesville (43-7); Beat Orange park (35-27); Sept. 22: vs. 7A-Oakleaf (7-3, RB all state, MLB Hancher K; Tyler Lewis RB; Tymious Goodman RB Lost to Oakleaf (48-13); Beat Menendez (44-14); returns, 4 Yr QB gone) Beat Ridgeview (48-22); Lost to Baker County Sept. 29: vs. 5A-Menendez* (4-6, RB 8TDs, DB 3 Key losses (28-14); Beat Palatka (31-24); Beat Middleburg INTs) Jaylan Jenkins QB/WR; Marcus Jones RB; Rico (42-13); Beat North Marion (41-38, playoff); Beat Oct. 6: BYE Schnitzler LB; Colin Wilson RB; Derek Smith Baker County (42-14, playoff); Beat River Ridge Oct. 13: @ 5A-Ridgeview*(0-10, QB, WR return, WR; Tobiah Griffin DL; Matt Adams OL; William (39-17, playoff); Lost to Ponte Vedra (52-42, new RB from Clay) Cornwell DL; Devon Vatick OL; Jarrod Leeds OL; playoff) Oct. 20: vs. 5A-Baker County* (9-2, RB 20 TDs) Antwan Coleman DL; Marquez Delafield DB Oct. 27: vs. 5A-Palatka* (4-5, new coach) 2017 Schedule Nov. 3: @ 2A-University Christian (10-2, 2X-2A Aug. 25: vs. 7A-Fleming Island (6-3, MLB commit defending champions)

SEPTEMBER 2017 • 9 “To get so close each of the last two years will drive us to improve and to find ways to get better.” – Joshua Hoekstra, head coach

bus for the playoffs. A hard-fought pound, 1200 yard, 26TDs transfer 31-24 overtime win over district rival from Bradford County High School, Palatka put even more questions in to add his heft to the Blue Devil’s the Blue Devil system, but a switch corral. at quarterback from speed runner Eason wants a second bite of the Jaylan Jenkins, now graduated, to apple that got away from him last pocket passer Caleb Eason turned year when his Blue Devils’ football the trick. team fell short in the Class 5A state Putting Jenkins on the outer semifinal to eventual runner-up edges of the offense and being able Ponte Vedra High School. to utilize his breakaway speed and “Fundamentals; getting the little tendencies opened the doors for things right,” said Eason. “I’ve been Eason, less mobile, but a more pre- working to getting the ball out faster cise passer, to put the Clay offense and making better reads. We want at a different look with more passes to go to the next game. We need to downfield. finish games.” In Clay’s epic run through the Eason returns region playoffs; with three games on Eason returns to guide the the road ending with the state semi- offense with favorite passcatcher final at home, Eason put on a display senior Ajay Belanger (41 catches, of marksmanship from the pocket 11TDs) as well as a troop of ball that created opportunities for a Blue carriers behind him; including Class Devils’ offense that has traditionally Transfer running back Aundre Carter, from Bradford County, adds 4A All Stater Aundre Carter, a 225 relied on a rugged ground game to some heft and power to Clay backfield. Carter was 4A all stater.

Rock The House Blue Devils!

The Clay High offensive line has been a force of power for Blue Devils with Jason Brooks, No. 51, here with Clay Today Player of the Year Jarrod Leeds, No. 66 shown here, now at Georgia Southern Hold the line. University. We're Your #1 Fans! Have a great season... Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.® CLAY Publisher Account Representatives Jon Cantrell Peg Oddy, Sales Manager Diane Banks, Agent TODAY claytodayonline.com Editorial Staff Susan Sawyer, Sales Martha Bagby, Classifeds 1627 Idlewild Avenue 3513 U.S. Highway 17 Green Cove Springs, FL 32043 Eric Cravey, Managing Editor Christie Wayne, Legals Bus: 904-284-4800 Bus: 904-272-1136 Fleming Island, Fla. 32003 Randy Lefko, Sports Editor Hugh Osteen, Webmaster www.insuregreencove.com 904-264-3200 Jesse Hollet, Staff Writer Kile Brewer, Staff Writer

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10 • CLAY TODAY • 2017 FOOTBALL PREVIEW succeed. and junior Jordan Collins, both stout Against North Marion, in the re- returners with incoming talents gion quarterfinal, Eason found Jen- junior Ross Doan (235 pounds), kins with a 50-yard strike that sealed junior Jason Cahill (260 pounds), the game. In the region semifinal, a junior Mike Carns (285 pounds) rematch with Baker County, Eason and sophomores Joseph Grelli (220 hit for three scores off 268 yards in pounds) and Colin Dumas (255 a 42-14 blowout before the region pounds). final, against River Ridge, where “We got lots of potential on the Eason misfired in the first half on line with two good sophomores; a handful of passes, but regrouped Dumas and Grelli,” said Brooks, over halftime and sliced passes to a senior three year starter. “Last Belanger as Clay won 39-10 to head year, not everyone bought into the back home. season. This year, the whole team Against Ponte Vedra, Clay, with has bought in and been strong in Eason and Belanger working around the whole summer preparation and theatrics from Jenkins and Louis- that will get us over the hump. You ville-bound slugger Colin Wilson, can’t just turn the switch on Friday stayed within three points through nights; got to show up every day of the second half only to fall short with the week.” 4:43 to go and the score at 45-42. One notable absence by sight “To get so close each of the last and also by audio, is loud and two years will drive us to improve frenzied defensive coordinator and to find ways to get better” said Clay High offensive line coach Matt Lawrence, a University of John Stilianou who has stepped Hoekstra, after the final score fin- Wisconsin standout, has developed the formula for creating great off the football sidelines to watch ished at 52-42. “I was very impressed offensive linemen for the Blue Devils. his daughter finish her high school and proud of our kids to keep slot back Spencer LeSage, a Chris- who nows has a handful of NCAA career. Replacing Stilianou, long the answering. The offense had over 550 tian McCaffrey type multi-talented Division I players sprinkled around driving force of many of the Blue yards and scored 42 points.” runner, offers a pass and run threat the country’s college ranks includ- Devils fourth quarter defensive In the final series for Clay, Eason, out of the backfield to loosen up ing Jacob Conrad at Furman, Zach stands, will be Palatka High and forced to throw downfield, was defenses looking to clog the box. Baker at Duke, Micheal Howard Purdue University grad Willie Fells. intercepted. Eason finished with 327 Wilson, who returned to his bashing at Ole Miss and Tyler Grimsley Fells spent the last five years at passing yards against Ponte Vedra, run form in the region playoff run, at South Alabama. Youth will join ex- Bethel College in Tennessee and has 1,141 for the season with 12 TDs is presently on the University of perience led by senior Jason Brooks installed a 3-4 defense; three down and just five interceptions. Louisville roster. linemen and four linebackers. Also in the backfield, Hoekstra The backfield has senior Tymious Goodman, who In the backfield, Carter will join had nagging injuries most of last senior Christian Swilley, who offers year, and linebacker Josh Colson, some outside speed; junior Cedric who started as a running back over Brown (622 yards in seven games the summer and has been slated as including 261 yards with 5TDs a linebacker. against Ridgeview), who exploded at Open mid-season last year when pushed Offensive line Ronnie’sWings, Oysters & More into duty to fire up the offense with On the offensive line, where Clay 7 Days a graduate Colin Wilson struggling to plants the seeds to their Final Four Week return from an injury. Sophomore runs under coach Matt Lawrence, Good Fun, GoodG Food, Good People...You! CLAY COUNTY’S #1 FAN FOOD • FUN • FOOTBALL

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SEPTEMBER 2017 • 11 # Dakari Augustin # Derek Holt # Wilguens Dorvinus # Spencer LeSage # Raequan Williams 1 Senior • CB 2 Sophomore • SS 3 Junior • CB 4 Junior • RB 5 Senior • LB

# AjayAjay Belanger Belanger # Marcaun Robinson # Mason Adams # Cedric Brown # Turner Erstad 11 SeniorSenior • WR• WR 12Senior • LB 13 Junior • LB 14 Junior • RB 17 Junior • QB

# Marchel Robinson # Darrel Watson # Aundre Carter # Edwin Garcia # Brenton Wimberly 24Senior • LB 26 Senior • LB 28 Senior • RB 30 Sophomore • FB 31 Junior • DB

# Connor Davies # Liz Fogarty # Daniel Moreland # Ross Doan # Jason Brooks 41 Senior • DE 42 Senior • K 44 Senior • LS 50 Junior • OL 51 Senior • OL

# Ty Summerford # Colby Butler # Anthony Walters # William Brown # Michael Carns 57 Sophomore • NG 58 Senior • DL 59 Junior • DE 60 Junior • OL 63 Junior • OL 12 • CLAY TODAY • 2017 FOOTBALL PREVIEW # Marcus Dixon # Caleb Eason # Tyler Lewis # Tymious Goodman # Josh Griffis 6 Junior • FS 7 Senior • QB 8 Senior • RB 9 Senior • RB 10 Sophomore • DE

# Cody Devore # Zack Alvarado # Josh Colson # Christian Swilley # Eric Predmore 18 Junior • OLB 19 Senior • SS 21Senior • LB 22Senior • RB 23Junior • FS

# Ricky Bernabeu # Dylan Taylor # Chris Hancher # Brett Cassano # Jeremy Sims 33 Junior • RB 34 Junior • SS 35 Senior • K 36 Senior • K 40 Sophomore • DL/NG

# Justin Johnston # Dante Benigina # John Haymorn # Colin Dumas # Mario Reese 52 Junior • LB 53 Senior • OL 54 Sophomore • OL 55 Sophomore • OL 56 Senior • DL

# Jordan Collins # Jason Cahill # Jordan Bell # Joseph Grelli # Christopher Davis 64 Junior • OL 66 Junior • OL 69 Sophomore • C 74 Sophomore • OL 80 Sophomore • TE SEPTEMBER 2017 • 13 Defense middle at noseguard with Devore replaced by On defense, with some big names leav- Connor Davies and joining Bradford County ing, one returner that has moved closer to transfer Josh Griffis who adds a second attack the action is senior Raequan Williams, who point on the opposite end position. Kenny moved from a secondary position to an inside Johnson, at 6’-3”, 225 pounds, struck for two linebacker to offer some faster reaction to the sacks in Clay’s spring game. In the secondary, ball. “Marcaun Robinson, a senior, and myself senior Dakari Augustin (23 tackles, 4 pass de- will be in the middle,” said Williams, with 86 fenses), a six-footer with range speed, could be tackles last year. “I’ll bring a little more speed the shutdown cornerback with fellow senior and aggressiveness to the position because I’ll Jordan Copeland (44 tackles, 3 INTs, 11 pass be closer to the action.” defenses), also near six feet, offering no less of The other two linebackers could be Mason a target for enemy quarterbacks looking for a Adams, brother to Clay Today Defensive strong side. Senior Zach Alvarado (78 tackles, Player of the Year Mike Adams, a linebacker 6 fumble recoveries) made numerous big now at Bethel, and Marchel Robinson, brother plays last year from the secondary and returns # Denaud Valmyr # Jack Schoen to Marcaun Robinson, who had a handful to make the trio up top very solid. 81 Senior • TE Junior • K of vicious tackles for loss in a recent Clay 97 scrimmage. From the defensive line, junior de- Kicker fensive end Cody Devore is slated to stand up Kicking the ball, Hoekstra has all seniors as an outside linebacker to use his quickness returning with soccer ace Liz Fogarty, Brett to slow down end sweeps against the Clay Cassano and Chris Hancher, all getting shots defense. Devore, though small by defensive at field goals, kickoffs and PATs. Fogarty, head- end stats, was as disruptive a force on his ing to Mississippi State for soccer, converted pass rushes mainly from his speed around 32 PATS last year in 37 tries. Hancher was 10 the corner. Now, he can use his quickness in of 10 in PATS while handling punt duties at coverage calls. Devore will likely tandem with 28.8 yards per kick average on 32 kicks. Clay Josh Colson as the outside backers. had just two fields goals on four tries; Fogarty from 27, Hancher from 37 yards out. Defensive line Right now, in mid-August, Clay’s answers # Tyler Cain # Kenneth Johnson On the defensive line, senior Colby Butler will come from the maturity of the offensive Junior • TE Junior • DL (265 pounds) returns as the main thrust in the line. 85 99 Varsity cheerleaders

First row from left: Nadyia Jones, Carlie McRae (captain), Abby Padgett, Meghan-Grace Gibson (captain), and Shannah Alwran. Seond row from left: Julia Sowers, Brooke Berger, Tiffany Hunnicutt, Amelia Hall, Kenzei Jones, Tori Hughes and Katie McKenzie. Thirs row from left: Brookelyn Gerush, Eden Carrier, Jade Berger, Makenzie Davis, Sereniti Forkey, Bri Jordan, Ally Rose and Nicole King. Not pictured: Karlie Rogers.

Photos by Jordyn Ferguson Junior Varsity cheerleaders

Front row from left: Abby Raymond and Priscilla Hall. Second row from left: Jazlyn Rider, Mionna Spencer, Stevi Outtin, Kayla Coussens and Megan Ferer. Third row from left: Kiley Burke, Kailee Kratz, Summer Primrose, Kylee Griffin, Mallory Sweat, Bailey Whitlow and Shayla Raggins. Not pictured: Samantha Migliore.

14 • CLAY TODAY • 2017 FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2017 Clay Blue Devils

SEPTEMBER 2017 • 15 TEAMWORK POWERS SUCCESS. VyStar Proudly Supports High School Football in Clay County.

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16 • CLAY TODAY • 2017 FOOTBALL PREVIEW Fleming Island Golden Eagles Statistics Fleming Island 2016 Oct. 13: vs. 7A-Bartram Trail (8-5, 3-7A runnerup, Region 1 | District 3-7A | Golden Eagles Beat Clay (24-14); Beat Middleburg (3-0); Lost to Joey Gatewood back at QB 21TDs) Bartram Trail (10-0), Beat Ridgeview (38-20); Lost Oct. 20: @ 7A-Creekside (0-9, New coach, 0-22 in Key returners to Oakleaf (59-37); Beat Creekside (27-14); Lost last two years) Ryan Smenda LB/P; Anfernee McCaskill RB; to Buchholz (28-14); Beat Ed White (31-21); Beat Oct. 26: @ 6A-Ed White (3-6, RB returns-9TDs, Jackson Bull RB/LB; Jack Surgeoner LB;Isaiah Orange Park (29-0) Two 6’-5”, 300-lbs OL) Walker SS; Nick Ferendo TE; Jose Concepcion Nov. 3: vs. 5A-Orange Park (4-5, WR returns, Lefty OL/DL; Darius Gooden OL/DL; Chauncey 2017 Schedule QB) Garrison RB; Noah Hamlett K; Max Michaels DB; Aug. 25: @ 5A-Clay (10-4, lost 52-42 in state Josh Gessner OL. semifi nal 5A, QB returns, All State transfer at RB) College Sept. 1: vs. 9A-Sandalwood (7-2, Huge LB Austin Smenda at South Dakota State; OL Key losses graduation class) Neal Mars at Florida International University; DL Brandyne Mackey DL; Brandon Becar OL; Robert Sept. 8: vs. 6A-Middleburg (4-6, QB, MLB return, Brandon Becar at Davidson; WR Bryce Motes at Palmer RB/LB; K.B. Ashe QB; Kesean Young RB; district runnerups) Woff ord; OL John Broyles at Princeton; LB Jalen Austin Slack OL; Naji Inman DB. Sept 15: vs. 7A-Buchholz (5-4, district champion, Kindle at Delaware; DL Khalil Bryant at Princeton; lots of returners, QB 1400 Yds, LB 6 sacks) QB Michael Scarnecchia at South Carolina; OL New faces Sept. 22: @ 5A-Ridgeview (0-10, QB, WR return, John Biscardi at Presbyterian; DL Brandyne Glenn Rodgers DB; Landon Perry DB; Jake new RB from Clay) Mackey at Shaw University Libretto DL; Sam Snyder OL; Aaron Ramirez WR; Sept. 29: @ 7A-Oakleaf (8-2, RB all state, MLB Brody Domenico ATH. returns, 4Yr QB gone) Oct. 6: BYE

SEPTEMBER 2017 • 17 Reset for the Golden Eagles

By Randy Lefko nal 27-0, before the Bears would lose in the region finals 61-59 to Robert E. FLEMING ISLAND – They beat Clay Lee. Lee is already touted as a top 10 in game one. Class 7A pick for 2017 with Oakleaf and Fleming Island both having to Long pause..... prove themselves. Oakleaf (8-2) lost to both Buchholz and Bartram Trail If you recall the situation around while Fleming Island’s 10-0 loss to the debacle of the Fleming Island Bartram Trail is one that Springs and High football team losing coach his boys want back in 2017. Frank Hall amidst rumors and in- “That threw a double pass late nuendo two years ago and interim in the game, then made a field goal,” coach Damenyum Springs stepping said Springs. “We went toe-to-toe up and saving that season with four with them, but couldn’t get points on wins in the final five games, plus the board.” The stinging losses last Springs orchestrating a devastating year spread enough fuel on summer defeat of the Final Four-bound Blue preparations for senior returners Devils in 2016, you could say that Ryan Smenda (15 tackles for losses), 2016, though a 6-3 won/loss finish, Jackson Bull and Jack Surgeoner wasn’t half bad last year. irritated enough to push the summer Not Springs. STAFF PHOTOS BY RANDY LEFKO practices to the next level. “I try not to talk about the records Senior running back Anfernee McCaskill wowed the Lee High “It’s been hard and long; we sweat and the other teams,” said Springs, Generals with this 96 yard kickoff returned for a touchdown in August. a lot and put a lot of work out there who doubled down in week two this summer,” said Bull, a linebacker 2016 with a 3-0 win over 6A-Middle- getting ourselves better each day.” bring a sense of near-miss to the and wingback type offensive threat burg, also a region playoff team. “Do Springs’ three losses in 2016; to Golden Eagle camp. Ironically, Buch- who caught for two scores in the the small things and the records will district champion Buchholz (28-14), holz, the district 3-7A champion over Golden Eagles spring game against come. We try to get better in what we district runnerup Bartram Trail (10- Bartram Trail would eventually lose Pedro Menendez. “I expect great do. We just work and worry about 0) and district rival Oakleaf (59-37), to Bartram Trail in the region semifi- things.”

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18 • CLAY TODAY • 2017 FOOTBALL PREVIEW of speed, brawn and savvy in his of- Offense fensive backfield with Hyams learning On the offense end of the attack, how to direct his bevy of weapons. Springs is set to go back to sopho- “Dean has a majority of seniors more quarterback Dean Hyams, who around so he knows, as the young survived a trial by fire last year with guy, he has to step up and I think he noble results, but is touted to have likes that role,” said Springs. “Bull is joined his brethren in the weight an ‘as needed’ body in the backfield room over the summer to improve right now to keep him strong for his his game. linebacker position. We have plenty “I’ve worked on my throwing mo- of guys to run the ball; Garrison, tion and how to throw on the run,” McCaskill, a new guy Bobby Brown said Hyams. “It’s new only to getting (transfer from Terry Parker) and me more time to make my reads. Naji Northrup with Ozzie Ramirez a Last year, I was a little unnerved, I receiving threat out of the backfield.” think, by the Friday lights and all the Up front, with seniors loading up people. Nick Ferendo has been the the offensive line, Jackson Peery, a guy in the huddle to try and settle me junior, starts up at center with the re- down.” turning guys all one-year under their Ferendo, at 6’-2” and with 14 belt seniors. The secret weapon, for catches and two scores last year as a Fleming Island senior lineman Darius Gooden is equally adept on Springs, is the installation of former tight end, called last year the year for both sides of the line of scrimmage and can add valuable experience Fleming Island High ace Armando setting the foundation for the 2017 on either side if the Golden Eagles feel the need. Bonheur as offensive line coach after season. an outstanding college career at Sam- “I think we got past the last Menendez defense then found Bull rison, who was a key factor in the ford University and a recent call-up couple of years of stuff away from us,” on a backfield swing pass that Bull Clay game in 2016 before getting for the NFL’s New York Giants. said Ferendo, a possible West Point took 40 yards to paydirt. a season-ending injury. McCaskill “He’s a great leader and prime Academy athlete. “We are all on the “He’s very explosive and such a finished with a 6.6 yards per catch example of hard work getting you to same page with the same goals. The smart player,” said Hyams, of Bull. average on 579 yards with seven your dreams,” said Springs. “At Sam- intensity is very high; everyone is “He leads by example and makes us touchdowns and nine receptions. ford, they run, run, run for 400-500 getting after it in practices. We lost a want to succeed on each down.” “I don’t think there is going to yards a game and he was a big part of season in 2015, last year we pulled be a focal point on offense,” said Fe- that. The NFL likes him and we’ll use ourselves all together because of it The backfield rendo. “We are coming after people him until he gets his call.” and now we are ready to show who In the backfield, Hyams will from all angles.” Bonheur, at 6’-4”, near 300 pounds, we are.” have not only Bull nearby, but track Springs’ like the combination said the Giants liked his skills, but Hyams, who kept drives alive in regional sprinter Anfernee Mc- the Golden Eagles spring game, hit Caskill, a sub-11 second 100 meter Bull for a score over the top of the guy, and bullish Chauncey Gar- Supporting ALL Local Schools! “Do the small things and the records will come. We try to get better in what we do. We just work and worry about getting ourselves better each day.”

– Damenyum Springs, Head coach

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Fleming Island senior linebacker Jack Surgeoner is tactical player FLEMING ISLAND that stays in position for most offensive attempts. Over the summer, Surgeoner visited numerous colleges that have made him offers. 1803 East-West Parkway • (904) 375-2559 SEPTEMBER 2017 • 19 Fleming Island senior kicker Noah Hamlitt is steady and accurate Twin brothers Jared and Jacob Ashe bring same energy to the field after being state champion defender for Golden Eagles boys soccer as older brother K.B. Ashe who was a standout quarterback and team that won Class 4A title last spring. defensive back for Fleming Island last year. want more size. Gessner and Jose Concepcion . Late his years. “Smenda is the silent leader; “I showed them my good feet in the summer, defensive tackle “Sam was getting a lot of talk he doesn’t say much,” said Springs. and agility, but they said I have Jose Concepcion, a top wrestler for from coaches that saw him at camps “Those guys; Smenda, Surgeoner, short arms and would need to work Fleming Island High, moved into an because of his work as a tight end Bull and safety Isaiah Walker, have on being effective despite that,” offensive lineman slot. One of the and defensive end and then as an been starters for four years. They just said Bonheur at an early summer surprises for Springs was the move offensive tackle,” said Springs, who do what they do. Bull, I think, will practice. “I’ll just keep working and from tight end to offensive tackle also commented Snyder has earned have the break out season for us.” help here.” of junior Sam Snyder, who though a captain tag for the team. “He was Behind the linebacker trio, Top guy on the line seems to be physically smaller than most Class defensive line in the spring before senior Isaiah Walker is the strong one of four seniors; Darius Gooden 7A tackles at 6’-3” about 190 pounds, we lost a kid to a transfer, then he safety with track speed and fully with Peery at center, Ben Creel, Ben has shown some instincts beyond went to tight end, then a tackle. We recovered from a season-ending told him if he gets any bigger, we injury in the Middleburg game last may put him at a guard spot. He’s year in week two. very smart and uses his strength “I feel just as fast as I was before Bring the Family or the Team! with leverage to do his job.” the injury,” said Walker. “Our defense Springs agreed that his line- will be strong and we expect to backer crew of Smenda, already control games.” committed to Wake Forest Univer- On the corners, Springs has sity; Bull and Surgeoner who both athletes in Max Michaels, Ridgeview are garnering college offers, is a solid transfer and state hurdler Glenn trio that can pull together some Rodgers and James Martin, a Brad- new faces on the front four or the ford County transfer with Landon secondary three. Perry, a Palatka transfer. Your NEW Wing Headquarters!

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2349 Village Square Pkwy #101 11043 Crystal Springs Rd. One of Fleming Island High’s standout graduates, linebacker Jalen Fleming Island, FL 32203 Jacksonville, FL 32221 Kindle, a Clay Today defensive Player of the Year, is slated as starting 904-272-9464 904-355-9464 linebacker at the University of Delaware. 20 • CLAY TODAY • 2017 FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2017 Fleming Island JV Golden Eagles

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Dr. June Gentle specializes in Sports injuries and Family Wellness care for all ages including infants and teenagers. Fleming Island offensive lineman, left to right, Austin Abrood, Jose Concepcion and Jackson Peery are responsible for letting loose the speed and air attack of the Golden Eagles’ offense.

the corner and Robinson back as Up front, with Clay Today de- a linebacker. Libretto, a Ridgeview Get connected with fensive player of the year Brandyne High transfer off ers a tall, athletic chiropractic care. Mackey gone to Shaw University, outside pass rusher while Wright Springs will look to Marquavian is the stout-size plugger on the op- 3535 US Hwy 17 Ste. 11 • Fleming Island, FL Wright, Jake Libretto (37 tackles, fi ve posite side. sacks, fi ve hurries), Jaylin Robin- One newcomer may be Jeremi- 904-644-8100 son and Darius Gooden to fi ll the ah “Th e Bus” Jackson, a Pop Warner Call For A Complimentary Consultation big shoes. Mackey teamed nicely defensive line standout. with Concepcion last year as the Noah Hamlett and Hyams will defensive front with Gooden on be kicking fi eld goals. GentleJune.com SEPTEMBER 2017 • 21 # Kevin Frieberger # Ryan Smenda Jr. # Isaiah Walker # Logan Motes # Marquavian Wright 00 1 Senior • LB 2 Senior • SS 3 Senior • WR 4 Senior • DL

# Jack Surgeoner # Brian Brown # Naijeh Northrup # Aaron Ramirez # Danny Laverette 10 Senior • LB 11 Junior • QB 12 Junior • WR 13 Senior • RB 14 Senior • WR

# Eric Alexander # Glenn Rodgers # Dylan Hair # Daelan Nesselrode # Courtney Williams 22 Senior • RB 23 Junior • DB 24 Junior • DL 26 Senior • CB 30 Sophomore • WR

# Jerimiah Jackson # Austin Abood # Zachary Sprague # Sam Snyder # Jose Concepcion 45 Sophomore • DL 50 Senior • OL 51 Junior • OL 52 Junior • OL 54 Senior • OL

# Will Hudgins # Ben Creel # Westley Pye # Jonathan Pinder # Jake Libretto 71 Senior • OL 72 Senior • OL 75 Senior • OL 78 Junior • OL 81 Junior • DL 22 • CLAY TODAY • 2017 FOOTBALL PREVIEW # Jackson Bull # Josh Harris # Dean Hyams # Jalyn Robinson # Noah Hamlitt 5 Senior • ATH 6 Senior • LB 7 Sophomore • QB 8 Senior • DL 9 Senior • K

# Jared Ashe # Cole Pittman # Jacob Ashe # Chauney Garrison II # Anfernee McCaskill 15 Senior • WR 17 Junior • DB 18 Junior • DB 20 Senior • RB 21 Senior • RB

# Ernie Jones # Trae Brossia # Max Micheals # Eugene Oglesby # Landon Perry 31 Junior • DB 33 Junior • LB 34 Junior • RB 35 Junior • DB 40 Junior • DB

# Darius Gooden # Josh Gessner # Moises Moreno # Dylan Dominey # Jackson Peery 55 Senior • DL 56 Senior • OL 60 Senior • OL 61 Junior • OL 62 Junior • OL

Not Pictured

# James Martin # Gavin Cisneros # Bennett Corey 16 Junior • RB 41 Junior • DL 70 Sophomore • OL # Bobby Brown Junior • RB # Jaelin Blount # Tristian Murphy 25 43 Junior • DL 84 Junior • OL # Dewayne McBride # Zachary Fletcher # Gabriel Petit-Homme 32 Sophomore • DB 44 Junior • K 90 Junior • OL # Nick Ferendo 88 Senior •TE SEPTEMBER 2017 • 23 Varsity cheerleaders First row from left: Tyler Heineman, Cameron La Belle, Lauren Stephens, Lucy Jackson, Ellie Ungaro and Courtney Smith and Kassidy Seybolt. Second row form from left: Carson Byers, Lila Sarsen, Megan DeLong, Ashley Byrd, Emily McFarland and Emily VanHook and Olivia Dukes. Thirs row from left: Chase Russo, Makayla Grace, Joseph Green, Tegan Dunlap, Colton Ferrin, Taylor Spach, Courtney Googe, Kyle Nimitz and Lindsey Reneau Not pictured: Milan Amar, Josh Harris and Samantha Zima.

Fleming Island Golden Girls Junior Varsity cheerleaders First row from left: Kimberly Taman, Olivia deMontmorency, Allison First row from left: Alyssa Mueller, Allison Chenette, Sadie Mack, Whetstone, Grace Mitchell and Jourdan Beavers. Hannah D’ Olimpio, Elaina Argent, Kaitlyn Rosenberg and Sofia Harry Second row from left: Misaki Schoeppey, Hannah Arnold, Ashlyn Second row from left: Ella Shaw, Hadley Atchison, Holly Cook, Cummins, Taylor Williams, Haley Stout and Abby Crisp Makayla McClain, Bianca Horen, Tern Murphy, Peyton LaBelle, Grace Third row from left: Halley Heyer, Katie Johnson, Anna Gardella, Savoie, Madison Brooks and Kailey Donahue. Rosie Powell, Lindsey Peck, Natalie Krupsky, Sydney Billingsley, Emily Third row from left: Eddy Rush Lilly, Fletcher Connor Blanchard, Zoe Thomas and Erica Stadelmaier Anserson, Brysen Allen and Alanna Stevenson Not pictured: Jenala Daka, Rachel Aiken, Taylor Swanson and Not pictured: Xavier Cainion, Josh Cook, and Sarah Zima. Karingtyn Fenbert

24 • CLAY TODAY • 2017 FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2017 Fleming Island Golden Eagles

SEPTEMBER 2017 • 25 St. Vincent’s Clay County High School Football CUP CHALLENGE

LOVE THE GAME – LOVE THE COMMUNITY The St. Vincent’s Clay County Cup will be awarded to the high school football team with the most wins for the season.* • Each week on game day every high school’s flag will fly on St. Vincent’s Clay County Campus. • The flags of the teams that win will fly the rest of the week. • The overall winner will be presented with the cup and it will remain on display at their school until the following season. The winner’s flag will fly on St. Vincent’s Clay County campus for the entire month following the season.

TRAVELING CUP The Cup will travel to each school for one home game during the season. 8/18 – Ridgeview High School 8/25, 9/22. 10/20 – Clay High School 9/1, 9/29 – Oakleaf High School 9/8, 11/3 – Fleming Island High School 9/15. 10/13 – Orange Park High School 10/6 – Middleburg High School 10/27 – Keystone Heights High School

*The winner of the Cup is determined by total wins including playoffs 1. Tie Breaker #1 – Head to Head 2. Tie Breaker #2 – Total Point Differen- tial

26 • CLAY TODAY • 2017 FOOTBALL PREVIEW Keystone Heights Indians Statistics Keystone Heights NFL-er Pooh Bear Williams, beat Keystone 12-0 in Region 1 | District 5-4A | Indians spring jamboree) Oct. 13: @ Ind.-Wildwood (0-10, new coach) 2016 Oct. 20: vs 4A-Villages (3-7, returning QB, WR) Lost to Fernandina Beach (14-12); lost to Villages Oct. 27: vs. 4A- Interlachen (4-5, LB 112 tackles, (31-7); beat Bishop Snyder (48-0); lost to Hilliard RB 610 Yds, 7TDs) (26-13); beat P.K.Yonge (25-19 2OT); lost to Nov. 3: vs. 1A-Pierson-Taylor (6-3, 2 RBS 1668 Yds, Bradford (48-11); lost to Interlachen (14-0); lost to 23TDs) Santa Fe (48-7); lost to Hawthorne (22-15) Graduates 2017 Schedule Ray Trimble RB playing at Huntington College Aug. 25: vs. 4A-Fernandina Beach (4-6; LB and (AL); Michael Dickinson OL at Marietta College DE both with 50 tackles) (OH), Nolin Robertson LB at Methodist University Sept. 1: vs. 4A-P.K. Yonge (1-7, 16 returners) (NC); Brighton Gibbs WR, started at Benedictine Sept. 8: @ 4A-Bradford (7-2; new coach, College (KS), now at Florida International defending champs) University Sept. 15: @ 4A-Umatilla (0-10, new coach, OL returns) Sept. 29: @ 1A-Hawthorne (6-3, RB 821 Yds, Wideout Dylan Thompson is a tall pass 3TDs; WR 25 catches-6TDs; FS 70 tackles, 7 sacks) target with soft hands for quarterback Oct. 6: @ 1A-Crescent City (4-6; new coach Adrien Ciena. SEPTEMBER 2017 • 27 Indians backfield is their strongest weapon

By Randy Lefko the scheme,” said Dickinson. “Blake came in the second half of the sea- KEYSTONE HEIGHTS – With ball son before our district game against carriers Blake Sanders, Alex Cruz Santa Fe. Briar stepped in and ran and Briar Smith, all seniors, all for 80 yards in that game. He only returning to his backfield, Keystone ran in five games for us.” Heights High School football coach At the controls for the Indian Chuck Dickinson has one part of the offense will be newcomer Adrien 2017 season checked off. Ciena, a junior off the junior varsity “We’ve always had guys that team, as 2016 starter Matt Stovall could run the ball and that’s a pretty has not attended summer practices. good history here,” said Dickinson, “Adrien was in line to be a who finished a dismal 2-7 last year contender for the quarterback last with a slew of injuries taking down year, but got hurt,” said Dickinson, Tailback Briar Smith is an ornery athlete with a penchant for breaking his 25-20 man roster and the leaving who had five players trying to get tackles in the middle of the line of scrimmage. the Indians veteran coach looking the quarterback call in 2016. “Skill- for bodies in the hallways. “I see wise, he’s a solid quarterback with a guys walking around that I think are decent arm and a good understand- big enough, or look strong enough, ing of the game. Just like always, it but being big and strong is not a will be up to the offensive line as to clear path to being a good football whether we primarily run or we get player. Football is hard work; plain some passes out there.” and simple.” Offense Running crew Big offensive lines have been a Sanders led the running crew forte for Dickinson, but graduates last year with 873 yards, a 4.7 yards include Michael Dickinson, Nolin per touch average and 12 touch- Robinson and Matt White, all near downs and Dickinson is hoping for 300 pounds of path-clearing power. similar numbers. Sanders ran for Returning is huge junior Dan 277 yards and four scores against Dodd, at 6’-4”, 265 lbs., who comes P.K. Yonge, a 25-19 overtime win, back after minor playing time due to and had a 144 yard game against an early season injury. Bishop Snyder, a 48-0 win. “We are trying a new block “Briar Smith, who has been to system; almost a Wing-T formation every summer workout, actually that gives the linemen more angle came in and added numbers in the blocks rather than straight up,” said final couple of games for us and Dickinson. “If we can’t get sized looks ready to be a bigger part of guys, we have to give them a chance Senior Alex Cruz is the most seasoned athlete in Keystone Heights attack as a running back and also a leading tackler at linebacker.

Senior running back Blake Sanders was on track for big yards last year Keystone Heights junior quarterback Adrien Ciena, No. 15, is strong before an injury slowed him down. Sanders should get some help in the pocket at 6’-2” and has a capable arm to offset a normally with the Indians’ backfield being filled with returners. strong run attack, with Alex Cruz, No. 25, behind him.

28 • CLAY TODAY • 2017 FOOTBALL PREVIEW fensive line guy, but can step in.” said Dickinson. “Keystone Heights Also on the list will be inexperi- has always had guys who could ence with just 14 seniors, but Dick- attack and play defense, again, it’s inson likes senior Nolan Sapp as a injuries that kill us because we have big, 6-5 tight end; Sawyer Maxwell at no depth.” wide receiver, also a safety; Bryson As a freshman, Andrew Cox Davidson, at defensive end and even was a top tackler from his strong a quarterback candidate last year.” safety slot with 72 tackles with Cruz Dickinson sees Dodd and registering 58 grabs for the year. Hughes offering at least one strong Smith finished with 46 tackles with side for his offensive scheme, with Sanders getting 37, thus, Dickinson coach Lantz Lowery in charge of the apprehension concering depth. line after a series of strong lineback- “Our four running backs; Sand- er coach stints for Dickinson. ers, Cruz, Smith and newcomer Ty “The inexperience itself is not al- Friedlin make up our three lineback- ways a negative thing as we get kids ers,” said Dickinson. “Carter Semi- that have no preconceived notions one, with 36 tackles is also a possible on how to play offensive line,” said linebacker or defensive lineman. We Dickinson. “We can teach them our may even move Andrew Cox closer way with little conflict from other as a linebacker.” programs or junior high.” In the secondary, Dickinson has a variety of players that can play the Defense field with seniors Hunter Stitt and On defense, with such stout Sawyer Maxwell top seniors, juniors players gone like Rian Prieto, Justin Colton Crane, Trey Horton and Raysin, Robertson, Tyler Ricketts Michael Touchton coming in. and Taylor Beall, Dickinson is also “Again, our lack of depth is our Junior defensive lineman Josh Hughes can combine with huge looking for new faces to step up and achilles heel,” said Dickinson. “Our defensive tackle Dan Dodd, pictured on page 27, to give Indians put the Indians back in contention 7-3 season in 2015, I think we had advantage against opposing run attacks. after getting to the playoffs two years two critical injuries with tailback ago. Anton Noble getting hurt late in the “We’ve always had guys that could run “Alex Cruz was one of our lead- season before some critical district the ball and that’s a pretty good history ing tackles and we hope Dan Dodd games. That’s all it takes when you here,” can stay healthy and that will help,” have just 24 players.”

– Chuck Dickinson, head coach

to beat blocks with angles and the Indians may be able to just misdirection.” smash people downfield. Should Dodd be healthy and be “Dodd benches about 330 able to shore up the line with some pounds and squats a house,” said of his big friends including Josh Dickinson. “We normally have Hughes, a 225 pound sophomore, strength. Hughes is primarily a de-

Good Luck Keystone Heights Indians

7380 State Road 100, Suite 1 Keystone Heights Graduated running back and linebacker Justin Raysin was a tough, 352-473-4982 gritty player on both sides of ball that pushed Indians for three years. www.myhitchcocks.com SEPTEMBER 2017 • 29 # Colton Crane # Brandon Spivey # Dominic Randall # Chandler Padgett # Jackson Garvey 1 Junior • RB/DB 2 Senior • RB/DB 3 Senior • WR/DB 5 Junior • FB/LB 6 Junior • FB/LB

# Trey Horton # Brian Smith # Tyler Friedlin # Kaison Harvey # Adrien Ciena 7 Junior • RB/DB 8 Senior • FB/LB 10 Sophomore • TE/DE 14 Senior • WR/DB 15 Junior • QB/DB

# Dakota Lugin # Ryan Williams # Carter Semione # Alex Cruz # Blake Sanders 18 Senior • WR/LB 20 Senior • WR/DB 22 Junior • RB/LB 25 Senior • RB/DB 33 Senior • RB/LB

# Michael Touchton # Andrew Cox # Jacob Jefferson # Cody Wells # Tyler Cumbus 42 Junior • WR/DB 51 Sophomore • OL/LB 52 Senior • OL/LB 55 Sophomore • OL/DL 56 Junior • OL/DL

# Drew Love # Josh Hughes # Dan Dodd # Joey Baxter # Jason Belvet 62 Senior • OL/DL 63 Junior • OL/DL 66 Junior • OL/DL 75 Sophomore • OL/DL 77 Senior • OL/DL 30 • CLAY TODAY • 2017 FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2017 Keystone Heights JV Indians

Not Pictured # Nolan Sapp 44 Senior • TE/DL

# Dylan Thompson # Hunter Stitt # Sawyer Maxwell 80 Junior • TE/DE 89 Senior • WR/DB 90 Senior • WR/DB

Branden Trusler Waters Real Estate Professional TREVOR WATERS REALTY, INC. Cell: 352-222-2888 Fax: 352-473-4777 [email protected] • www.trevorwatersrealty.com 7374 State Road 21 • Keystone Heights, FL Graduated running back Ray Trimble is up at Huntington College in Alabama hoping to crack the starting lineup. Trimble was also a standout soccer athlete at Keystone Heights. 352-473-7777 SEPTEMBER 2017 • 31 Varsity cheerleaders

Clockwise from bottom left: Mandy Rodriguez, Sarah Garcia, Chloe Singletary, Jenna Williams,Jordyn Fischer, Kylie Fischer, Ashley Hicks, Kelsea Cox, Parker Grooms, Skylar Rollins, Morgan Mann, Kylee McManis, Alyssa Smith, Grace Cirigliano, Quartney Thursby, Perla Alonzo,Sara Mason, Savanna Standridge and Victoria Bannon. Not Pictured: Madison Loftis.

Junior varsity cheerleaders

First row from left: Skylyn Cooper, Bethany Burgess, Bailey Nelson, Jordan Etcher, Kiley Taylor, Kate Harrison and Emma Givens.

Second row from left: Kadence Bishop,Caitlin Cech, Ally Vargas, Emma Cirigliano, Sarah Siebert and Carly Rogers, not pictured: Charity Packham

32 • CLAY TODAY • 2017 FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2017 Keystone Heights Indians

SEPTEMBER 2017 • 33 Middleburg Broncos Had a playoff taste and want more

Statistics Middleburg New faces Sept. 22: @ 5A-Orange Park (4-5, WR returns, Region 1 | District 4-6A | Broncos Andrew Thomas RB; Cole LeClair OL; James Lefty QB) Kessler LB; Bryce Donaldson DB; Malik Ally WR Sept. 29: vs. 6A-Ed White* (3-6, RB 700 YDs, 9 Key returners TDs; 2OLs over 270 lbs.) Garrett Blanchett QB; Kodi Carrington LB; Tyler 2016 Oct. 6: vs. 5A-Ridgeview (0-10, QB, WR return, Bryant LB; Matt Oliver K; Andre Jean-Pierre DL; Lost to Menendez (39-13); Beat Ridgeview (14- new RB from Clay) Brandin Blockinger OL; Jesse Saunders OL; Kaleb 12); Lost to Fleming Island (3-0); Beat Englewood Oct. 13: vs. 6A-Nease*(3-6, DB 3INTs, 2 WRs 7TDs) Strength DL. (40-7); Lost to Orange Park (20-14); Beat Ed White Oct. 20: BYE (35-27); Beat Nease (20-6); Lost to St. Augustine Oct. 27: @ 6A-St.Augustine* (11-2, Region Key losses (44-18); Lost to Clay (42-13); Lost to Crestview fi nalist, 20 grads) Tre’Von Williams LB; Alituan Temoney SS; (35-0, playoff s) Nov. 3: vs. 4A-Bradford (7-2; new coach, Antwain Stone WR; Rashaan Swain WR; Carvin defending champs) Duverge DE; Andrew Austin DL; Terron Allen RB; 2017 Schedule Nehemiah Everett WR; Trevor Huff SS; Alex Joe Aug. 25: vs. 5A-Menendez (4-6, RB 8TDs, DB 3 Off to college RB; Travis Collins DB; Jeremiah Everett RB; Allen INTs) Robert Barnard OL Mayville College; Brent Wimberly DB; Shardrach Taylor LB; Rob Lowder Sept. 1: vs. 5A-Clay (10-4, lost 52-42 in state Caviness OL Mayville College; Rob Lowder RB RB; Daniel Burnsed DL; Cody Miller OL; Robert semifi nal 5A, QB returns, All State transfer at RB) Bluefi eld College; Terron Allen WR Methodist Barnard OL; Lavarrius Key OL; Ryan Wiggins OL; Sept. 8: @ 7A-Fleming Island (6-3, MLB commit University; Andrew Austin DE Weber; Carvin Brandon Starvaski OL; Joel Enriquez DL; Adrian to Wake Forest, RB sub-11 100 meters) Duverge DE Hutchinson CC; Daniel Justino K Toney DL; Eric Mortimer WR; Brent Caviness DL. Sept. 15: @ 6A-Englewood* (1-9, new coach, LB Florida; Hunter Toomer LB CentralArkansas. 40 tackles)

34 • CLAY TODAY • 2017 FOOTBALL PREVIEW calls) was a fluke.” Broncos look for Blanchett loses weapons on the outside in wideout Eric Mortimer improved 2017 and Travis Hupp, but Malik Ally, at 6’-3”, has pushed himself to be the go-to guy with junior tailback By Randy Lefko Andrew Thomas, showing off some deftness in the backfield. MIDDLEBURG – Middleburg High “Garrett and Andrew have head football coach Karl Smeltzer stepped up as leaders with Kodi admitted being a bit worried that his one of the vocal guys out there,” said process was not getting results in his Smeltzer. “Brandin (Blockinger, 6’-2” first four years. 220 tackle) is going to be a monster “I was getting a little worried on the offensive line.” there because I stress believing in Smeltzer admittedly is a run- the process,” said Smeltzer, who strong offensive guy, but likes the begins his fifth year at the helm with tall Ally as a vertical weapon with last year seeing the Broncos ending newcomer Kevin Littles out of Lake a 13 year region playoff drought. Asbury Junior High, adding his skills “When we struggled in the begin- to the mix. “If they want to squeeze ning, I was kind of worried about it, the box, we’ll go over top,” said but last year, we saw it work.” Smeltzer. “We’ll see what the defense With a bevy of returners in key gives us.” positions; mainly senior quarterback Gone are the strong duo of Garrett Blanchett, junior linemen Robert Lowder and Alex Joe who Jesse Saunders and Kaleb Strength Middleburg senior linebacker Kodi Carrington is double duty player with some carries as fullback adding to Broncos’ attack. both powered Middleburg’s run and senior linebacker Kodi Car- game to the playoffs with speedsters rington, Smeltzer sees a shift in the Rashaan Swain and Antwain Stone Middleburg passion for football. both playmakers and both gradu- “When you start to win, people ated. notice,” said Smeltzer, who finished at 4-6, but 3-1 in district 4-6A play. Front of the attack “It’s no longer expecting to just In front of the attack will be the finish the season, but the guys are burly, 240 pound Carrington, a mas- hungry for wins and playoffs. I don’t sive blocking back and an imposing think it’s a rebuild year as much as trench runner that can get to the a reload.” second tier of defenses and wreak For Blanchett, who was erratic in havoc on much smaller defensive his role as the leader of the Bronco backs. Thomas, a solid 4.5 second, offense, but steady in games that 40 yard dasher, said that Carrington needed to be won, the taste of in front him will move the ball. playoffs has fueled one of the better “I like the idea of a large of- offseasons in recent summers. fensive line, a big blocking fullback “I think the experience I had last and getting downfield,” said Thomas, year is going to make me better this who shares duties at safety on the year,” said Blanchett, at 6’-2”, 210 defense as well. pounds. “We had one of our best “We’re a power team; we like to summer training months that I’ve run power,” said Smeltzer. “We run had since I’ve been here. We want traps and veer. If you can stop us, to go deeper into the playoffs. That we will consider throwing it, but we Now a graduate, tailback ball carrier Robert Lowder put the Broncos’ playoff game (a 35-0 loss to Crest- probably won’t. Andrew is not large view with a few questionable referee attack in a breakaway mode on any play.

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SEPTEMBER 2017 • 35 by running back standards, but he size. is a strong, upright runner in the “We’re bigger and more athletic crowds.” up front; 265 pounds across the front,” said Smeltzer. “We’ve had the Offense guys in the hallways, but couldn’t On the offensive line, Blanchett get them on the field and winning likes the new faces that will be helps that.” replacing a bevy of power push- Smeltzer commented the new ers from last year; Robert Barnard, faces on the offensive line are almost Dylan Hanna, with Blockinger, Ka- a blessing because the coaching leb Strength (245 pounds) and Dan- starts at ground zero and bad habits iel Chaput (255 pounds) all bringing don’t have to be retaught. heft to the attack with center Jesse “Their inexperience may be a Saunders (260 pounds) the leader of blessing to us because they don’t the group. Sophomore Cole LeClair have bad habits,” said Smeltzer. (235 pounds) is a former wrestler “We’ve taught them our way and that has putting in the work to be a they’ve caught on quickly with a strong lineman. great camp experience.” “Those guys grew up a lot from Senior Jesse Saunders leads the last year and can make a difference,” pack with two sophomores; LeClair said Blanchett. “They have been very and Colby Warner, adding some good so far.” power. Smeltzer likes the offense line “Both sophomores are 250 as well, with the boys up front at pounds plus; Jesse is 250-plus and Middleburg always being huge in the tackles; Brandin Blockinger, the

“When you start to win, people notice. It’s no longer expecting to just finish the season, but the guys are hungry for wins and playoffs. I don’t think it’s a rebuild year as much as a reload.” Middleburg High junior tailback Andrew Thomas will have plenty of – Karl Smeltzer, head coach beef in front of him to clear way for possible long runs with his 4.5-40 speed.

Middleburg High’s defense, here with Travis Hupp, No. 28, and Joel Enriquez, reaching for field goal attempt by Fleming Island kicker Noah Hamlitt, came within a whisker of an upset that ended with Golden Eagles taking a hard-fought 3-0 win at Middleburg High School.

36 • CLAY TODAY • 2017 FOOTBALL PREVIEW small one at 6’-3”, 225 pounds and the big one at 305 pounds.”

Linebacker At linebacker, Carrington is the ring leader of a core of defenders that showed off some power against the likes of Oakleaf High in a sum- mer scrimmage at Camp Blanding. On his sides, James Kessler and Tyler Bryant are both tough, athletic chasers.

Defense “We’re running a 3-4 this year and our defensive line is pretty stout,” said Carrington. “I think our hustle to the ball is improved. Our pressure to the quarterback is going to improve.” Carrington cited defensive coordinator Alan Burnsed’s knack of surprise blitz packages and stunts as a key to Middleburg’s defensive success. play for us,” said Carrington. “We get Carvin Duverge. but hurt his knee two years ago and “We have pretty good corners the blocks and I get downfield, I like In the secondary, newcomer has come back strong.” and they will take advantage of my chances against a defensive back Collin Henderson, who has varsity us guys up front putting pressure for extra yards.” baseball experience, comes in to Kicker behind the line of scrimmage,” said On the defensive line, senior take a defensive back slot. Junior Kicker Matt Oliver, a senior, Carrington. Andre Jean-Pierre, at 235 pounds, Storm Mercado looked good in returns to offer a solid three-point Carrington also likes his chances has been the most physical attacker summer sessions as well. play if needed with Joe Justino, at carrying the ball when the Bron- on the line in recent scrimmages “Probably one of the best brother to Daniel Justino, a graduate cos call his number to bludgeon up with the Broncos surely needing to athletes I’ve ever coached, Bryce now fighting for a kicker slot at the the middle. replace the outstanding defensive Donaldson, will be on the other University of Florida, also carrying a “That will be a bread and butter end duo of Andrew Austin and side,” said Smeltzer. “He’s a senior, consistent leg.

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# Collin Henderson # Dylan Menton # Nathan Forrest # Torin Schwertfager # Brandon Holden 14 Junior • DB 15 Junior • SS 16 Junior • DB 19 Junior • FS 20 Junior • DE

# Bryce Donaldson # James Kessler # Brody Senn # Jesse Saunders # Devin Abbott 28 Senior • CB/WR 30 Senior • LB/FB 33 Sophomore • LB 53 Junior • C 54 Junior • C

# Daniel Chaput # Jordan May # Colby Warner # Harlee Golob # Devin Moody 73 Senior • OL 75 Senior • OL 76 Sophomore • OL 78 Senior • NG 81 Junior • TE

# Tristan Williams # Laron Bryant # Jay Lane # Keyan Russo 86 Junior • WR 87 Sophomore • WR 88 Freshman • WR 89 Senior • WR 40 • CLAY TODAY • 2017 FOOTBALL PREVIEW # Tyler Bryant # Trey Barker # Garrett Blanchett # Kodi Carrington # Malik Ally 6 Junior • LB/RB 8 Senior • SS 10 Junior • QB 12 Senior • LB/FB 13 Senior • DBWR

# Omar Torres # Noah Janda # Storm Mercado # Dylan Keller # Trevor Haymond 21 Junior • WR 22 Junior • DE 23 Junior • SS 25 Junior • DE 26 Junior • RB

# Andre John Pierre # Kaleb Strength # Brandin Brockington # Richard LeClair # Chase Brumfield 55 Senior • DL 57 Senior • DE 58 Senior • OL 60 Sophomore • OL 63 Junior • DL

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42 • CLAY TODAY • 2017 FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2017 Middleburg Broncos

SEPTEMBER 2017 • 43 Stingrays regrouping with new Week 6 Games coach. Raiders speed pokes its September 29 head; Marquise Brown shreds. 2A-Maclay at IND-SJCDS OPHS 28, Atlantic Coast 7 Maclay loaded. 5A-Westside at 5A-Ridgeview Maclay 26, SJCDS 12 Week Panthers’ defense has to stop 5A-Orange Park at 5A-Ridgeview Westside speed. Westside 16, Could be in the mix for playoff RHS 14 nod for either team. Missed PAT by IND-Bishop Snyder at IND-SJCD costly. OPHS 21, RHS 20. St. Johns pass game explodes. 7A-Fleming Island at 7A-Oakleaf Spartans 38, Snyder 3 This game went to near 100 points last year. FIHS LB trio is Week Week 4 key to slowing King. FIHS QB 2A-St. Francis at IND-SJCDS September 15 must stay calm with OHS DEs Bill Sellinger has solid 1-2 in QB 5A-Palatka at 5A-Ridgeview Note: Oakleaf travels to Camden County chasing him. FIHS Ferendo is key. Max Monroe and wideout Cade District rematch of fourth (GA) on August 18 in season opener for both FIHS 28, OHS 27. Walden. St. Francis has offensive quarter implosion by Ridgeview schools. All other teams open August 25. 6A-Ed White at 6A-Middleburg weaponry on hand. May be ugly last year. “R” Panthers get-back MHS 26, Ed White 13 opener. St. Francis 27-26 in a game. RHS 28, Palatka 14 August 18 4A-Keystone Heights at shootout. 5A-Clay at 5A-Orange Park 7A-Oakleaf at 7A-Camden County (GA) 1A-Hawthorne: Keystone Heights Raiders front seven on defense After a preseason tuneup with first test. key here. Clay pass just enough 4A champions Trinity Christian Week 2 Hawthorne 18, Indians 13 for district win in another close on August 12, the Knights look September 1 5A-Menendez at 5A-Clay 7A-Creekside at 5A-Ridgeview match. Clay 17, Orange Park 14. to start their gauntlet schedule Eason pass game arrives. Clay 42, Ridgeview gets street cred here 7A-Oakleaf at 7A-Bartram Trail with Camden County. Camden Menendez 21 County has a long history of against 0-23 Knights. RHS 28, Secondary is key for Knights. top-tier football in Georgia, but Creekside 10 Bartram Trail exploits downfield. Week 7 a new coach and key grads left 5A-OPHS at 6A-Nease Bears are the Knights “monkey.” October 6 Even match. OPHS 18, Nease 12 Bartram Trail 27, Oakleaf 20 the Wildcats 2-7 in 2016. IND-SJCDS at 2A-St. Joseph 4A-Glades Central at 7A-Oakleaf: 6A-Middleburg at Oakleaf 37 Camden 16 Spartans must stop big RB. St. Pass happy offense at Glades, 6A-Englewood: MHS 43, Johns 16, St. Joseph 7 Oakleaf secondary got hit vs. Englewood 7 Week 1 5A-Ridgeview at 6A-Middleburg Trinity. Glades 28, Oakleaf 21 4A-Umatilla at 4A-Keystone Heights August 25 Broncos have depth to outlast 6A-MHS at 5A-Clay: Clay may Ciena gets hot, Briar Smith 2TDs. 5A-Orange Park at 7A-Oakleaf Panthers. MHS 31, RHS 14 have letdown from thriller at Indians 40, Umatilla 13 May be a tuneup or may be 4A-Keystone Heights at Fleming Island. This will be 7A-Buchholz at 7A-Fleming Island an all-out upset. OPHS coach 1A-Crescent City: NFL guy rugged. Broncos like rugged. District champs visit. FIHS Macpherson is a wily rascal and coaching Crescent City. Indians Carrington TD in fourth quarter. linebacker trio is key to speed is on his size. Size, though, prevail in tough battle. Keystone MHS 10, Clay 7 strong Bobcat pass game. Put is not. Oakleaf 27, OPHS 24 Heights 17, Crescent City 12 7A-Fleming Island at 5A-Clay: 9A-Sandalwood at 7A-Fleming Island Concepcion next to Gooden on Ouch! from last year. Fleming Sandalwood graduation DL. Bull blocks PAT. FIHS 16, Week 8 Island RB Chauncey Garrison depleted. McCaskill 3TDs, Buchholz 14 October 13 Smenda Pick-Six. FIHS 33, may be on the field. He was key 5A-Clay at 5A-Ridgeview Sandalwood 8 in last year’s Golden Eagles win. Week 5 Clay revved after bye week. Clay 4A-P.K.Yonge at 4A-Keystone Heights Fleming Island has breakaway September 22 38, Ridgeview 21 Keystone Heights 16, P.K.Yonge 3 7A-Oakleaf at 5A-Clay threats. Clay has bludgeoning 7A-Bartram Trail at 7A-Fleming Island Battle of linebackers. Who stops power. Slugfest (Again). At Clay, Could be for all the marbles. King? Who stops Carter? Clay 14, who knows? CHS DB Augustin Week 3 Diversion offense by Bartram Oakleaf 13. Liz Fogarty PAT wins gets key interception. Clay 32, September 8 Trail may trip up Golden Eagles 4A-Keystone Heights at 4A-Bradford Co. game. Fleming Island 30 secondary. Walker key to victory. Bradford under new coach, 7A-Fleming Island at 5A-Ridgeview 5A-Menendez at 6A-Middleburg Fleming Island 17, Bartram Trail Keystone Heights revengeful. Fleming Island breakaway speed Broncos are arguably strongest 3 Indians 15, Bradford 10 too much. FIHS 38, RHS 20 team of the two and have chip IND-Wildwood at 4A-Keystone Heights 5A-Clay at 7A-Bartram Trail: Clay 6A-Middleburg at 5A-Orange on shoulder from bad ending in Wildwood back after missed roughed up in first two. Not easy Park: Wow! Barnburner. Orange 2016. MHS 27, Menendez 3 season. Keystone Heights 24, here against perennial power Park 52, MHS 48. Orange Park 5A-Ridgeview at 4A-Andrew Wildwood 7 program, but Blue Devils get has last possession; Mealer to Jackson: Panthers set to reverse 6A-Nease at 6A-Middleburg lineup changes in tact and excel Johnson for the win. season 2016. Huff and Turner go Broncos did it once to get in on big stage. Clay 28, Bartram wild. 31-0. playoffs; Deja vu-Broncos 27, Trail 17 4A-Fernandina Beach at 4A-Keystone Heights Thurs., September 21 Nease 16 6A-Middleburg at 7A-Fleming Island IND-Florida Deaf at IND-SJCDS Keystone Heights’ new 4A-Raines at 7A-Oakleaf This was 3-0 battle last year. Spartans rolling. quarterback prospect, Adrien Knights on paper much bigger, Expect tensions high. Fleming SJCDS 42, Deaf 0 Ciena, looks solid through stronger. Raines tough kids and Island speed difference. FIHS 31, summer, slings away, Indians 17, with plenty of key returners. MHS 24 Fernandina Beach 10. A fourth quarter thriller. King 5A-Orange Park at 7A-Atlantic Coast 44 • CLAY TODAY • 2017 FOOTBALL PREVIEW breaks long 28-27. 5A-Baker County at 5A-Orange Park October 27 Macpherson faces 5A-Palatka at 5A-Clay Strength of Schedule former team with kids he Clay on traditional late 2 Points for wins, 0 for losses 10 wins in 5A, 0 Losses Example: Fleming Island coached for two years. season roll. Eason hot- 1 point over classi cation, 1 point Perfect schedule, 200 points vs. Clay (2016 record 10- Interesting. Orange Park 4TD passes 48-12 less for under classi cation 4=20, 7A vs. 5A=(-2)= (18) needs Bartley fi eld goal 4A-Interlachen at 4A-Keystone Middleburg 23-20. Heights Fleming Island Keystone Heights 5A - Clay (10-4; 20, -2) (18) 5A Menendez (4-6; 8,-1) (7) 4A Fernandina Beach (4-6; 8, 0) (8) IND-SJCDS at IND-Oak Hall Tough match for Indians. 9A Sandalwood (7-2; 14, +2) (22) 5A Clay (10-4; 20,-1) (19) 4A P.K.Yonge (1-7; 2, 0) (2) Rough test for Spartans. Interlachen eeks win 6A MHS (4-6, 8,-1) (7) 7A Fleming Island (6-3; 12, +1) (13) 4A Bradford Co. (7-2; 14, 0) (14) Keep it close though 17-14 7A Buchholz (5-4; (10, 0) (10) 6A Englewood (1-9; 2, 0) (2) 1A Hawthorne (6-3; 12, -3) (9) 55-40. 6A-Middleburg at 6A-St. Augustine 5A Ridgeview 0-10..0..-2 (-2) 5A Orange Park (4-5; 8, -1) (7) 1A Crescent City (4-6; 8, -3) (5) If everyone healthy, MHS 7A Oakleaf (7-3; 14, 0) (14) 6A Ed White (3-6; 6, 0) (6) IND Wildwood (0-10, 0, 0) (0) Week 9 wins 16-14 for thrilling 7A Bartram Trail (8-5;16,0) (16) 5A Ridgeview (0-10; 0, 0) (0) 4A Villages (3-7; 6, 0) (6) October 20 district title. 7A creekside (0-9; 0, 0) (0) 6A Nease (3-6; 6, 0) (6) 4A Interlachen (4-5; 8, 0) (8) 2A-Halifax at IND-SJCDS 7A-Oakleaf at 7A-Creekside 6A Ed White (3-6; 6,-1 (5) 6A St. Augustine (11-2; 22, 0) (22) 1A Pierson Taylor (6-3; 12, -3) (9) 4A Bradford (7-2; 14,-2) (12) Sellinger ends on good Oakleaf rolls 45-6 5A Orange Park (4-5; 8, -2) (6) 61/200 points out of 200 note after exciting Oak 5A-Menendez at 5A-Orange Park 101 points out of 200 94/200 points out of 200 35-49 Overall opponent record Hall game last week. A.J. Mealer 3TDs, Brown 48-54, Overall opponent record 49-53 Overall opponent record Spartans celebrate 27-0. 80 YD kickoff score. St. Johns Country Day 5A-Ridgeview at 5A-Menendez Raiders push to district Clay 1A Branford (4-6, 8, +1) (9) Panthers get on track. top tier 38-15 7A Fleming Island (6-3; 12, +2) (14) Orange Park 2A St. Francis (4-5, 8, +2) (10) 42-12 5A-Ridgeview at 5A-Baker County 6A Middleburg (4-6; 8, +1) (9) 7A Oakleaf (7-3; 14, +2) (16) IND Bishop Snyder (2-8, 4, 0) (4) 5A-Palatka at 5A-Orange Park Panthers put up fi ght to 7A Bartram Trail (8-5; 16, +2) (18) 6A Nease (3-6; 6, +1) (7) IND-Florida Deaf (0-8, 0, 0 (0) Raiders topple second set end season on positive 5A Orange Park (4-5; 8, 0) (8) 7A Atlantic Coast 3-7...6..+2 (8) 2A Maclay (4-7; 8, +2) (10) of Panthers 28-14. note. Baker County 17-14 7A Oakleaf (7-3; (14, +2) (16) 5A Clay (10-4; 20, 0) (20) 2A St. Joseph (7-2; 14, +2) (16) 6A Middleburg (4-6; 8, +1) (9) 7A-Buchholz at 7A-Oakleaf 5A Menendez (4-6; 8, 0) (8) IND Oak Hall (10-0; 20, 0) (20) 5A Ridgeview (0-10; 0, 0) (0) 2A Halifax (3-6; 6, +2) (8) Shootout for playoff 5A Ridgeview (0-10; 0, 0) (0) Week 11 5A Baker County (9-2; 18, 0) (18) 5A Baker County (9-2; 18, 0) (18) spot. Simmons to Jakari November 3 5A Palatka (4-5; 8, 0) (8) 5A Palatka (4-5; 8, 0) (8) 77/200 points out of 200 Williams for three TDS. 5A-Orange Park at 7A-Fleming 2A Univ Christian (10-2; 20, -3) (17) 5A Menendez (4-6; 8, 0) (8) 34-42 Overall opponent record 28-24. Island 7A Fleming Island (6-3; 12, +2) (14) 4A-Villages at 4A-Keystone Fleming Island little too 116/200 points out of 200 Indians defense much. 28-24 56-47 Overall opponent record 108/200 points out of 200 against inexperienced 6A-Ocala Vanguard at 7A-Oakleaf 50-52 Overall opponent record quarterback. Keystone Oakleaf slips against Oakleaf Heights 14-7. tough 6A. 17-14. 7A Camden (2-7; 4, 0) (4) Ridgeview 4A Andrew Jackson (0-8; 0, -1) (-1) 7A-Creekside at 7A-Fleming Island 4A-Bradford at 6A-Middleburg 5A Orange Park (4-5; 8, -2) (6) 7A Creekside (0-9; 0, +2) (2) Laugher. 45-3 Broncos roll 31- 4A Glades Central (9-3; 18, -3) (15) 7A Bartram Trail (8-5; 16, 0) (16) 5A Westside (4-4; 8, 0) (8) 5A-Baker County at 5A-Clay 10, Blanchett with 5A Clay (10-4; 20, -2) (18) 5A Palatka (4-5; 8, 0) (8) Playoff showdown. Baker outstanding season and 7A Fleming Island (6-3; 12, 0) (12) 7A Fleming Island (6-3; 12, +2) (14) County coach Jamie playoff spot. 4A Raines (7-3; 14,-3) (11) 5A Orange Park (4-5; 8, 0) (8) Rogers vs. Clay coach 1A-Pierson Taylor at 4A-Keystone 7A Buchholz 5-4...10 (10) 6A Middleburg (4-6; 8, +1) (9) Joshua Hoekstra in battle Heights: 7A Creekside (0-9; 0, 0) (0) 5A Clay (10-4; 20, 0) (20) of wits. Liz Fogarty wins Tough run games on both 6A Ocala Vanguard (10-2; 20, -1) (19) 5AMenendez (4-6; 8, 0) (8) another game 13-10. sides. 17-16 Keystone 5A Baker County (9-2; 18, 0) (18) Heights. 111/200 points out of 200 96/200 points out of 200 5A-Clay at 2A-University Christian 61-45 Overall opponent record Week 10 45-52 Overall opponent record Thurs., Oct. 26 Clay readies for playoff s. 7A-Fleming Island at 6A-Ed White Belanger 3TDs 27-24. Annual athlete fest, but Ed White not up to par, 32-16. “Football is an honest game. It’s true to life. It’s a game about sharing. Football is a team game. So is life.” – Joe Namath Fresh Food & SMOOTHIES! Tropical Smoothie Café offers a refreshing variety of eat-better, feel-better food and smoothies to please everyone in the crowd.

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46 • CLAY TODAY • 2017 FOOTBALL PREVIEW Oakleaf Missed 2016 playoffs Knights hinders street cred

Statistics Oakleaf High 2016 Oct. 13: vs. 4A-Raines (7-3, 4A runnerup 2015, QB Region 1 | District 3-7A | Knights Beat Camden County (GA) 27-13); Beat Westside 1,840 Yds 20TDs, RB 7TDs, WR 5TDs) (27-6); Lost to Ponte Vedra (41-24); Lost to Oct. 20: vs. 7A-Buchholz* (5-4, district Key returners Buchholz (10-7); Beat Clay (48-13), Beat Fleming champion, lots of returners, QB 1400 Yds, LB 6 Keshawn King RB; Dexter Moore LB; Jakari Island (59-37); Beat Arlington Country Day (57-8); sacks) Williams WR; Mitch Romig OL; Jalen Rivers OL; Beat Creekside (42-7); Lost to BartramTrail (49-35), Oct. 27: @ 7A-Creekside* (0-9, New coach, 0-22 Chantz Williams DL; Tristan Brown SS; Jakobie Beat North Marion (28-14) in last two years) Baker RB; Javier Bovell DL; Carson Sams OL Nov. 3: vs. 6A-Ocala Vanguard (10-2, 2X district 2017 Schedule champs, QB back, 400 yds o ensive per game, RB Key losses Aug. 18: @ 7A-Camden County (2-7, RB 400 rush, All State 18TDs, SS 48 tackles) Key losses: Jordan Johnson QB; Rontrez Morgan 47 catches, LB 83 tackles) WR; Kwame Clark SS; Nick Roberts DB; Anthony Aug. 25: @ 5A-Orange Park (4-5, WR returns, Off to college Norris OLB; Javohn Journigan RB; Dom Mitchell Lefty QB) Chris Westry DB Kentucky; Shaquille Quarterman DL; Gio Abreu K; Todd Nixon K; Jayon Bradley DL; Sept. 1: vs. 4A-Glades Central (9-3, QB now at LB Miami; Darrion Owens LB Miami; Aaron Bradley Williamson-Hunter DL; Connor Jernigan FSU, Wicked pass game) Duckworth RB Idaho; Keylan Brown RB OL; Justin Way DL: Eric Rand OL; Keifer Mckisick Sept. 8: BYE Davidson; Rontrez Morgan WR Indiana State; OL Sept. 15: @7A-Bartram Trail* (8-5, 3-7A Nelson Santiago OL South Alabama; Khalif runnerup, Joey Gatewood back at QB 21TDs) Copeland DB Indiana State; Dominique Mitchell New faces Sept. 22: @ 5A-Clay (10-4, lost 52-42 in state DL Jacksonville; Jordan Johnson FIT; Bradley Walter Simmons QB; Julian Gonsalves WR; Jalen semi nal 5A, QB returns, All State transfer at RB) Williamson-hunter DL Warner; Nick Roberts DB Hagan OL; Dominic Stan eld DL; Demonte Sept. 29: vs. 7A-Fleming Island* (6-3, MLB South Florida Richmond RB; Jordan Randall LB; commit to Wake Forest, RB sub-11 100 meters) Oct. 6: BYE

SEPTEMBER 2017 • 47 Knights hope game momentum on a dime. King scored 16 touchdowns off 1,351 to get monkey yards of rushing with six 100-plus yard games. off their backs “Keshawn is exceptional, but teams have to worry about Jakobie as well and even Jamaric coming out By Randy Lefko of the backfield,” said Reynolds. Reynolds likes his size on the OAKLEAF – Granted, the Oakleaf offensive line. High School football team is in one of the strongest districts in Florida Offense with Gainesville Buchholz, Bartram “Our offensive line is really pick- Trail and even Fleming Island all ca- ing up some steam right now,” said pable Class 7A squads that annually Reynolds. “With all the firepower we produce playoff worthy athletes. have, we hope to put a nice product Problem is, Oakleaf and Fleming on the field.” Island have both seen the playoff Add gigantic offensive tackle side of November football, albeit Jalen Rivers, a sophomore, at 6’-5” three years ago. and 330 lbs. with a laundry list of Thus, the monkeys on their NCAA Division I college offers backs; losses to Buchholz and already sitting on his mom’s kitchen Bartram Trail, that have kept the table and you have the makings Knights home in November. of a very strong side either left or “We’ll be there this year,” said se- Oakleaf sophomore linebacker Dexter Moore has matured right of center Mitch Romig, a 6’-1”, nior offensive lineman Mitch Romig. into defensive weapon for Knights’ defense and will be critical 250 pound veteran blocker tutored “We have lots of young guys that are component in stopping top offenses from potent Buchholz and under departed offensive line guru contributing.” Bartram Trail squads. coach Jeff Nettles. “We have a pretty big offensive Off to college Moore, who under trial by fire last line,” said Romig. “There are some Oakleaf High was riding high off year, has excelled in his learning young guys stepping up.” of a first-time region championship curve to be putting his football intel- Add on the other side of the game (a 35-0 loss to Niceville) in lect with his outstanding football line of scrimmage, sophomore 2014, but have stubbed their toes physical sense. Moore was team defensive end Chantz Williams, a the past two years with inopportune leader with 74 tackles last year with 6’-4”, 215 pound lightning bolt of games against Bartram Trail and six for losses. defensive pressure, with strongman Buchholz. Thus, the playoff drought. Moore has been playing, thus far, Javier Bovell (6’-0”, 240 pounds) Gone is four year starting quar- in the shadow of Quarterman, but above center and newly-installed terback Jordan Johnson to Florida Reynolds likes his young attacker as offensive line to defensive line Mitch Tech University. Gone is four year filling the bill. Cuthbertson at 6’-2”, 220 pounds, middle linebacker Shaquille Quar- and you have one of the best 3s of a terman to the University of Miami Defense 3-4 defense a coach could imagine. and gone is running back Aaron “Dexter and the other defensive Bovell finished with 36 tackles, 11 Duckworth to University of Idaho. guys also realize that Shaq set a high for losses and 2.5 sacks last year with In is a freshman quarterback, standard,” said Reynolds. “It’s a point much of those in the second half of Walter Simmons, an Oakleaf Junior of pride. Kenny Davis and Jordan the season. High product with excellent skill Randle are very athletic on the out- “There is a lot more energy on sets for a young athlete, much like side. We like a lot of hats on the ball the defense to go after the ball,” said Johnson. after a player’s job is done.” Bovell. “Walter is coming around nicely,” In is junior running back Kes- Oakleaf freshman quarterback Reynolds likes the entire front said Reynolds. “He’s a quick learner hawn King, one of the fastest, more Walter Simmons has pedigree seven as a unit with Moore the and has a great group of leaders elusive ball carriers in Florida, that at the helm thus far with plenty leader and Williams and Cuthbert- around him.” thrilled fans last year with his break- of returning weapons around son to be the havoc-creators. In is junior linebacker Dexter neck speed and ability to change him. “Our front seven is going to be 2017 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500 LAST NAME DEPENDABLE, FIRST NAME MOST THE MOST DEPENDABLE, LONGEST-LASTING FULL-SIZE PICKUPS ON THE ROAD1 Dependability based on longevity: 1987 – July 2016 full-size pickup registrations. 1166 Blanding Blvd. • ORANGE PARK • 272-2200 • www.gordonchevy.com 48 • CLAY TODAY • 2017 FOOTBALL PREVIEW really strong, but teams like Bartram the ball downfield. Trail will test them very quickly,” “There is a lot more intensity on “Our offensive line is really picking up said Reynolds. the defensive side,” said Cuthbert- some steam right now. With all the firepower Williams, 30 tackles, four sacks, son. “Chantz and I are working hard we have, we hope to put a nice product on has already received some big-time to make a great pair.” the field.” offers just for his athletic skills and Having said all this, one would quickness to the ball off the corner, think Oakleaf coach Steve Reynolds – Steve Reynolds, head coach but, knowing his skills also permeate just goes to Auto-Pilot and games to being the shot-block king of Oak- get won. leaf High basketball, football may Ironically, they do, except for Filling out the defensive front has bookend giant Allen Adams, a or may not be on his radar in a year them pesky Buchholz and Bartram seven of the 3-4, the 4s, Moore is junior, opposite tackle to him at 6’-4”, or two. Cuthbertson has taken the Trail guys, plus the 5A-Ponte Vedra joined by senior Ken Davis (45 280, with senior Carson Sams, 6’-2”, freedom of chasing and attacking High team that took them out last tackles), sophomore Jordan Randall 290, and newcomers King Solomon, much better on the defensive side to year en route to a spinetingling win (11 tackles) and a handful of sopho- a junior, Devon Jackson, a sopho- his much more regulated offensive over Clay before losing in the 5A mores vying to get spot play. more and junior Anthony Troupe. steps and angles designed to move state championship by a whisker. On the offensive line, Rivers

SEPTEMBER 2017 • 49 # Jakobie Baker # Jakari Williams # Jordan Randall # Keshawn King # Julian Gonsalves 1 Senior • WR 2 Senior • WR 3 Sophomore • LB 4 Junior • RB 5 Senior • WR

# Bailey Bilodeau # Walter Simmons III # Tristan Brown # Damarious Flowers # Mehlyn Clinkscale 11 Junior • WR 12 Freshman • QB 13 Senior • DB 14 Junior • RB 15 Sophomore • WR

# Demonte’ Richmond # Donovan Sparrow # Donovan Thomas # Luis Hubbard # Jordan Hardyway 22 Senior • TE 23 Sophomore • DB 24 Sophomore • DB 25 Sophomore • RB 28 Sophomore • DB

# Tayari Otis # Stanley Jean-Baptiste # Javiera Bovell # Justin Henry # Jalen Hagan 40 Junior • DL 41 Junior • DL 44 Senior • DL 45 Senior • DL 50 Senior • OL

# Jason Mitchell # Devon Jackson # King Solomon # Carson Sams # Antonio Marshall 61 Sophomore • DL 62 Sophomore • OL 65 Junior • OL 75 Senior • OL 80 Sophomore • WR 50 • CLAY TODAY • 2017 FOOTBALL PREVIEW # Aaron Jones # Demonte’ Stephens # Jamaric Bonner # Zander Warner # Mitchell Cuthbertson 6 Senior • WR 7 Senior • DB 8 Junior • WR 9 Junior • QB/TE 10 Senior • DL

# Darrius Allen # Kenneth Davis Jr. # Zephariah Nesby # Cadarius Dixon # Caleb Reynolds 16 Sophomore • LB 18 Senior • LB 19 Junior • DB 20 Senior • DB 21 Junior • DB

# Travis Clark # Daryl Thomas # Chantz Williams # Dexter Moore # Marques Anthony 30 Sophomore • LB 32 Senior • RB 33 Sophomore • DL 34 Junior • LB 35 Freshman • LB

# Mykal Hill # Allan Adams # Jalen Rivers # Mitch Romig # James Gerrity 51 Sophomore • LB 52 Junior • OL 54 Sophomore • OL 55 Senior • OL 60 Sophomore • OL

# Colin Buckley # Michael Williams # Jason Alexandre # Mason McKenney # Machi Parks 82 Senior • K/P 83 Junior • WR 84 Senior • WR 85 Senior • K/P 88 Sophomore • WR SEPTEMBER 2017 • 51 Varsity cheerleaders Front row: Kaitlyn Davison (Captain) and Jalen Turner (Captain). Second row: Hannah Wedding, Alexa Lambrecht, Jocelyn Knox, Jordan Roysdon, LiFenity Dismuke, Tytiana Carr, Au’Nisti Rogers. Third row: Melina George, Aniya Norman, Selena Stratton, Valerie Rosario, Gabrielle Reynolds, Nikayla Bagom, Devin DiGiacomo, Angela Mann. Fourth row: Kennedy Bostic, India Watts, Emma Rexroad, Nicole Masters, Delaney Grannis,Brea nte Winlock, Jakyah Gribble, Not Pictured: Caylin Bowles (captain). Lauryn Philpot, head cheerleading coach.

Junior varsity cheerleaders First row from left: Niyah Pollock, Anelise Rivera (captain), Ra’shonda Daniels (captain), Morgan Cole (captain), Audrey Kelly (captain) and Savannah Sims. Second row from left: Nikki Russo, Asia Barnett, Allison Burley, Taylor Lawrence, Taliya Pryor, Taylor Miller and Rylee Roper. Third row from left: Taylor Musumeci, Fallon Yearty, Toni Carter, R’Riana Moore, Alyssa Renick, Emily Burns, Taylor Bridges and Alexis Eck.

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52 • CLAY TODAY • 2017 FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2017 Oakleaf Knights

SEPTEMBER 2017 • 53 ner, 16 pass catches, four touch- built than Williams. downs, is dangerous downfi eld Oakleaf has been known for receiver if not a motion speed jet supremely athletic and dangerous ballcarrier able to turn the corner wide receivers; Rontrez Morgan, and fi nd open fi eld quickly. Leading Cari Coleman, Darius Perry, Marcus the way for either of the quick trio Johnson, etc. and Williams and Gon- aforementioned, rugged Demonte salves can fi ll the bill if Simmons can Richmond, at 5’-10”, 205 pounds, is get the ball out. a bowling ball that will knock down In the defensive secondary, se- enemy combatants to open holes. nior Tristan Brown will be the gang With Simmons new to Class 7A leader destined to fi ll the shoes of style defense, the passing game will Kwami Clark and Nick Roberts; two be a question mark based on the outstanding graduates and college- off ensive line’s prowess, Simmons bound secondary experts, both with pocket poise and receivers Jakari six interceptions last year. Brown Williams and Julian Gonsalves abil- fi nished 51 tackles with three picks ity to stay in range. Williams, at 6’-2”, and a fumble recovery. 200 pounds and one of the more “We have a lot of young guys and impressive all-around athletes on I have to be the leader,” said Brown. the fi eld with big, strong hands and “We’re aggressive.” a chiseled body body up against Junior Zechariah Nesby, with cornerbacks willing to test his verti- two interceptions last year, has had cal prowess. Williams was second an outstanding summer fi nding his behind Morgan last year with 32 way against the prowess of Williams catches and two touchdowns; Mor- and Gonzalves who replicate much gan led with 40 passess and eight more than what the district off ers as Oakleaf senior defensive tackle Javier Bovell is uber-strong middle touchdowns. far as receiver threats. man for Knights defensive line with breakout second half of 2016. “Guys like Rontrez Morgan set Oakleaf has had a history of a high standard at the wide receiver quality kickers in past year with a slot,” said Williams. “Walter and I soccer guys last year after Xavier The Backfield pounds, off ers a nice complement have great chemistry on the fi eld.” Lewis graduated, but this year will In the backfi eld with King, senior to King’s slashes with his off -tackle Gonsalves is a bit more of a long be a new face. power back Jakobie Baker, at 200 power. Junior slot back Jamari Bon- receiver at 6’-3” but more slightly

2017 Oakleaf JV Knights

54 • CLAY TODAY • 2017 FOOTBALL PREVIEW FHSAA Board of Directors

New football playoff plan for 2017 approved

Clay High, pictured here with captains Ryan Trossevin and Wes Weeks shaking hands with American Heritage captains in Orlando at the coin toss of the Class 5A championship game in 2013. Clay has annually had one of the more productive schedules that has produced a list of region and state playoff appearances. In 2017, the playoff system changes slightly and could put more Clay County schools on the road to Titletown, Florida. By Joshua Wilson 10-games each team plays worthy totally different approach is being Category 1 includes teams that FloridaHSfootball.com of something, which is not the case taken, which includes eliminating have won 80 percent of their games currently as all playoff brackets are districts for the first time in FHSAA (records of 8-2 up to 10-0 with GAINESVILLE, Fla. – It has been the already set prior to final regular history. Teams in these classifica- no more than two losses) with 50 change a lot of people involved in season game in Week 11. tions will instead be assigned to one points for a win and 35 for a loss. Florida high school athletics have How will this all work? It will de- of four regions which will be used Category 2 includes teams that been waiting for – a chance to make pend on what classification a team only for playoff seeding purposes. have won 60-79 percent of their high school football better. is in as to how things will work. This new approach for Classes games (records of 6-4, 6-3, 7-2, 7-3) That change for the better will 1A through 4A will leave teams with with 45 points for a win and 30 for start in the 2017-18 school year The setup the full responsibility of scheduling a loss. when the Florida High School Ath- Teams assigned in Classes 5A all 10 of their regular season games. Category 3 includes teams that letic Association revamps its playoff through 8A will still be assigned to At the same time, though, they can have won 40-59 percent of their format for the first time since 1993. one of 16 districts per class, carrying set up their own conferences to games (records of 5-5, 4-6) with 40 In a 14-2 vote, the FHSAA Board on the current assignment basis as it allow for guaranteed games if they points for a win and 25 points for a of Directors voted to drastically has been for well over four decades. wish. loss. change how teams qualify for the However, only district champions As for qualifying for the playoffs Category 4 includes teams that playoffs since district runner-ups will be granted automatic berths to in Classes 1A through 4A? Four at- have won less than 39 percent of were first granted playoff berths in the playoffs, with a seeding guaran- large qualifiers from each region will their games (records from 0-10, 1-9, 1993. teed from 1 through 4 based upon be seeded using points earned to fill 2-8, 3-6, 3-7) with 35 points for a win The vote for the new football points in each region. out a 16-team bracket in each class. and 20 points for a loss. playoff format follows an 11-2 vote The runner-up spots in Classes For all classifications, the higher The points, which will all be that endorsed the proposal from the 5A through 8A will be replaced with seed will host during the regional calculated at end of the season, will Athletic Directors Advisory Com- four wildcard berths for each of the portion of the playoffs with hosting give each team points for each of the mittee back on September 7, 2016. four regions, meaning that three or for state semifinals to be determined teams they played based upon that Now teams starting in 2017 will four teams from one district could by the FHSAA. This will eliminate opponent’s end-of-season record. qualify for the playoffs using a point possibly qualify for the playoffs. a previous rule of alternating line The total points will then be added system format that is modeled after Wildcard teams will be seed with brackets that is currently in place. up and divided up by however many a similar point system used by the seeds 5-8 in each region. games that team plays for a point Nebraska School Activities Associa- Thirty-two teams from Classes Points & qualification average which will be used for final tion. The point system will be used 5A through 8A will qualify for the Teams will earn points based seeding purposes. in all eight classifications. playoffs. upon four category levels of points Ultimately, this will make all For Classes 1A through 4A, a as seen in the table below. CONTINUED ON PAGE 64

SEPTEMBER 2017 • 55 Orange Park Raiders

Looking for Mac Attack 2

Statistics Orange Park High to Clay (35-27); Beat Middleburg (20-14); Beat Region 2 | District 5-5A | Raiders Ridgeview (38-20); Lost to Baker County (42-12); Lost to Palatka (34-20); Lost to Menendez (50-48); Key returners Lost to Fleming Island (29-0) Marquise Brown, WR, Senior; David Frederick, WR, Senior; Robbie Reynolds, SS, Senior; Josh 2017 Schedule Rhodes, OG, Senior; Ben Elliott, DL, Senior; Aug. 25: vs. 7A-Oakleaf (7-3, RB all state, MLB Zykeim Sermons, RB, Junior; Drew Bartley, K, returns, 4Yr QB gone) Senior Sept. 1: @ 6A-Nease (3-6, DB 3INTs, 2 WRs 7TDs) Sept. 8: at 7A-Atlantic Coast (3-7, new coach) Key losses Sept. 15: vs. 5A-Clay (10-4, lost 52-42 in state Demarae Byrd, QB; Jordan Bundy, WR/CB; Darrell semi nal 5A, QB returns, All State transfer at RB) Vann, RB; Gri n Burrows, OL; Tyler DeHart, OL; Sept. 22: @ 6A-Middleburg (4-6, QB, MLB return, Nartorian Lee, CB; Shawn Bizzell, DL; Ken Taldi, district runnerups) OL; Alex Bailes, OL; Kris Thomas, LB; Norman Sept. 29: @ 5A-Ridgeview (0-10, QB, WR return, Andara, DE; Twain Newton, LB; Darrius Porter, CB; new RB from Clay) Jacob Manion, DE; Kevin Dean, RB; Garrett Good- Oct. 6: BYE bread, CB; Devaughn Brooks, RB; Devin Jones, Graduated multi-talented quarterback Oct. 13: vs. 5A-Baker County (9-2, RB 20 TDs) WR; Tommy Moore, QB Demarae Byrd put the Raiders high-fl y Oct. 20: @ 5A-Palatka (4-5, new coach) offense on track in 2016. Oct. 27: vs. 5A-Menendez (4-6, RB 8TDs, DB 3 New faces INTs) Terrance Johnson, WR; Kadin Elmore, DB; Kendy 2016 Nov. 3: @ 7A-Fleming Island (6-3, MLB commit to Charles, DL; Cedric Flanders, DL Beat Creekside (34-14); Beat Yulee (10-7); Lost Wake Forest, RB sub-11 100 meters)

56 • CLAY TODAY • 2017 FOOTBALL PREVIEW Raiders set to challenge for the spring game, he has a lot of catching up, but he has speed, a 33- 5-5A stalwarts with inch vertical leap and a new attitude offensive prowess to work hard.” Behind center, junior A.J. Mealer, By Randy Lefko a left-handed run/pass threat, of- fers a dual or even triple option if ORANGE PARK – Orange Park High Macpherson rolls him out of the football burst out in their spring pocket. game with a flurry of offensive “He can run, but we want to give highlights behind wideout Marquise him options,” said Macpherson, who Brown, running back Zykeim Ser- loses Demarae Byrd at quarterback mons and quarterback A.J. Mealer to graduation. “We want to create and Raiders coach Tom Macpher- a package that gives him the best son sees the 2017 Raiders morphing route to success. He played some into a fast-flying attack. last year, but has limited experience at the varsity level. He’s learning fast The objective though.”Mealer looked efficient in “Our objective is to get the ball 7-on-7 action over the summer with into Marquise Brown’s hand 10-15 well-placed passes to both Brown times a game,” said Macpherson. and Johnson with slants going to “Whether we hand him the ball, Brown and Johnson going vertical throw him the ball or snap it to him, for plenty of yardage. we need to get him the ball and let him do his thing. If what we are The backfield doing doesn’t get him ball, we have Orange Park’s latest defensive weapon will be defensive lineman In the backfield, returning to revamp our strategy, he’s that Kendy Charles who created havoc in backfield against St. Augustine to carry the ball will be Zykeim explosive.” in August scrimmage. Sermons at 190 pounds and Robbie Against Terry Parker High in Reynolds plus track ace Keenan stride in open field. who added senior David Frederick their spring game, Brown sizzled Restall, who was a regional long “What I do is break away,” said as a pass catching threat. “Terrance the field for a 72 yard score, a 30 jumper and sprinter for the Raiders Brown. “I’m a little small, but I can is really our wild card on offense. He yard score and a 20 yard rumble; in 2016. Sharing duties from his get away. Elijah Jones is another has improved his attitude, his work Sermons scored on an 80 yard linebacker position will be Deonte breakaway threat for us.” ethic and his practice effort. With kickoff return and Mealer slashed Domineck at a fullback position at a no varsity last year and not eligible for runs of 20, 30 and 15 yards to set solid 190 pounds. Other side of the field up red zone touchdowns. Brown On the other side of the field, also raced to a 75 yard kickoff return Macpherson has a prototype elite score against Baldwin in the spring wide receiver in Terrance Johnson, scramble opener. a 6’-3” product with good reach and Brown, at 5’-7” and possessing a long speed. breakaway 4.4-4.6 40 yard speed, is a “Terrance gives us a little more threat from any part of the field, but height and some leaping ability in Family Owned & Operated most dangerous if able to get to full the end zone,” said Macpherson, Where Clay County Eats Breakfast & Lunch 7 Days A Week! 5:30am to 2pm Daily Breakfast & Lunch Specials

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Orange Park offensive lineman James Rhodes, a junior, will be part 215-19566 of large-sized five-man package hoping to open holes for speedster Marquise Brown, pictured on page 56. 834 Kingsley Ave., Orange Park SEPTEMBER 2017 • 57 “Sermons is going to be our Offense main ball carrier with Reynolds and Of course, the key to all the Domineck adding to the backfield,” highlight film exploits is also said Macpherson. “Whether we get predicated on the up front push- Restall, who hasn’t played since ers; the offensive line, where lone junior high, up to speed for football senior Josh Rhodes has a large list of will be seen. If he develops quickly, compadres. he can add a speed dimenson.” “I’m up front with my brother Jacob (both near 290-300 pounds) Creating yardage with Silas Little (at 275) and maybe Macpherson would like to see Ben Elliott, who also plays defense,” Mealer carry the ball 8-10 times per said Rhodes, a guard. “A.J., our quar- game just to keep defenses honest. terback, has a dynamic understand- “Our read game is subject to the ing of what we are doing up front reaction of the defense so we can’t and that can help with his reads.” guaranteed who gets the ball,” said Macpherson cited the youth on Macpherson. “We have some pre- the line as a good and bad with each determined runs for A.J. just to keep returning with the top seven guys that option there and make defenses all coming back with a little more think of it.” knowledge of the intricacies of the Macpherson’s use of statistical position. probability determining his offen- “Coach Jeff Moore has been with sive scheme is predicated on getting most of them for two or three years,” the ball to his best option to create said Macpherson. “Josh is the main yardage. guy, but we are still experimenting “When we run this stuff the right with comfort zones for most of them way, we have a hit chart of who we to see where the top five can fit.” like getting the ball,” said Macpher- James Rhodes, Josh’s junior son. “I take our best players capable brother, adds his heft on the line of breaking away and making big with Elijah Mack and Silas Little plays to determine how many times both back with varsity reps. Orange Park’s backfield will have returners Zykiem Sermons, No.13, those guys get the ball.” “We’re moving guys around and and David Araujo as lead weapons to move the ball for coach Tom Ben Elliott has been slotted in, but Macpherson. we want to save him for defense,”

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58 • CLAY TODAY • 2017 FOOTBALL PREVIEW “What I learned from my frist yeat at Baker County High when I left Ridgeview was that my philosophy of football is hard to learn in one year.” – Tom Macpherson, head coach said Macpherson. Moore all taking shots in there,” said One gigantic candidate is junior Macpherson. “Carson Jackson is Cedric Flanders, a 6’-4”, 310 lbs. another candidate.” product with surprising athleticism, On the corners, Reynolds is a that Macpherson hopes can develop solid cover linebacker with young- quickly. sters Jeremy Barber and David “He’s great in the weight room, Araujo showing potential in spring got great feet and flexibility, but and summer sessions. he’s green as green can be,” said Where the Raiders could get Macpherson. “In time, and that’s on some defensive scores is from the him, he can be a good one.” secondary with a variety of cover- men with speed. Defense “Spencer Kirkham is a new kid On defense, Macpherson has at safety who is smart, less athletic some holes to fill with most of his than most safeties but a guy who 2016 defense graduated but likes probably will be in the right spot to his returners in sophomore middle stick a ball carrier,” said Macpherson. linebacker Deonte Domineck at a “Kaden Elmore is a track miler with strong 190 pounds who elevated speed and looked good in our pass up from junior varsity last year and drills. Isiah Blair, a sophomore, is a veterans Robbie Reynolds and Ben third athlete that can damage bad Elliot. passes from opposing quarterbacks.” “We’re rotating three guys in the Gone are some big guns on the Junior athlete Terrance Johnson is multi-faceted ball talent that can middle linebacker spots with Domi- defensive line with Shawn Bizzell, catch passes, run the offense from center and take pitches around neck, junior Hunter Moore and Alex Jacob Manion, Alex Bailes and the ends.

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SEPTEMBER 2017 • 59 Norman Andara all standout gradu- Macpherson was excited with ates. Looking good thus far are Jacob his second year of growth at Orange Moore at the nose tackler spot at Park, citing the players and coaches 190, “a guy who can wreak havoc reaching a solid common ground on because he’s small, but can squat a terminology as the biggest obstacle house,”Kendy Charles, a freak of an last year. athlete and returner Ben Elliot, the “What I learned from my first line’s focal point. year at Baker County High when I left Ridgeview was that my philoso- Old talent and new talent phy of football is hard to learn in one “We lost a ton of talent,” said year,” said Macpherson, who spent Macpherson,”The young guys did two years at Baker County High well in our spring game. Once before coming to Orange Park after Kendy and Jacob will need to learn leaving Ridgeview High after more the football skills necessary to be than a decade. “i think we are in a excellent, but they will both disrupt good spot here with the kids starting things just on their strength. Jacob to see where what we are coaching reminds me of Aubrey Felder, an works. When I got here at Orange Orange Park kid who wound up Park, I had to assess the football IQ a cornerback at Navy, but played of the athletes then create a learning nosetackle here; fast, strong and got environment. I think this year will after it.” be a step up from last year in that thought.”

Senior tailback Marquise Brown, No. 2, is fast and elusive, while junior Zykiem Sermons offers the bulk in the Raiders’ backfield. Teamwork... Work Hard/Win Big Offensive line coach Jeff Moore talks with offensive line hopeful during practice.

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PRIMARY CARE SERVICES Varsity cheerleaders • Family Care First row from left: Breanna Slate, Kalei Cocco, Kendall Norvelle and • Internal Medicine & Wellness Madison Gayheart. Second row from left: Destiny Pates, Jordyn Johnson, Shayna Vatelle, • Women’s & Men’s Care Estrella White and Carrington Robinson. • Living Well Program Third row from left: Madison Brooks, Jacquoia McCray, De’Aja • Bone Density & Body Comp Reeves, Kaylee Ohar and Ashley Barber. Not picuted: Lauryn Hyde and Jazmine Simmons. • EKG Testing • Stem Cell Therapy • CT Imaging • Glaucoma Tests • Botox, Juvederm & Kybella HORMONE THERAPY BENEFITS • Menopause Relief • Increased Testosterone • Boost Energy Levels • Treat Depression • Increase Libido • Regulate Moodiness One of Orange Park High’s finest graduate athletes; linebacker • Promote Deep Sleep Terrance Plummer, who after a stellar career at the University of • Mental Clarity Central Florida, is now a player for the Toronto Argonauts in the • Stronger Bones Canadian Football League after stints with the NFL Washington Redskins and Minnesota Vikings. • Weight Loss • Increase Muscle Mass Full Service Retail Compounding Pharmacy On-Site Appointments 276-5700 Pharmacy 272-1919 Orange Park: Beaches (Fridays Only): 1996 Kingsley Avenue 905 Beach Blvd., Suite B (across from Orange Park Medical Center) (Jacksonville Beach) (904) 276-5700 (904) 276-5700 Orange Park defensive end Norman Andara, No. 15, and linebacker Twain Newton, No. 21, will be replaced by the young faces of Deonte Online Appointments Domenick and Hunter Moore as the Raiders must contend for perennial power Clay High in district 5-5A. @ www.pointemed.com SEPTEMBER 2017 • 61 # Kadin Elmore # Marquise Brown # Robbie Reynolds # Isiah Blair # Terrance Johnson 1 Sophomore • DB 2 Senior • WR 3 Junior • LB 4 Sophomore • DB 5 Junior • WR

# Deonte Domenick # AJ Mealer # David Frederick # Kendy Charles # Spencer Kirkham 6 Sophomore • LB 7 Junior • QB 8 Junior • WR 9 Sophomore • DT 10 Sophomore • SS

# Stewart Edel # Diallo Bryant # Jeremy Barber # Deion Harris # JuWan Swain 16 Sophomore • RB 17 Junior • RB 18 Junior • FS 19 Junior • CB 20 Junior • DB

# Jean Breville # Aundre Butler # Robbie McGinn # Kyric Louis # Silas Little 26 Junior • SS 27 Sophomore • SS 30 Junior • LB 45 Junior • OL 50 Junior • OL

# Elijah Mack # James Rhodes # Josh Rhodes # Russell Craggett # Ethan Miller 64 Junior • DT 70 Junior • OL 72 Senior • OL 74 Sophomore • OL 75 Junior • OL 62 • CLAY TODAY • 2017 FOOTBALL PREVIEW # Elijah Jones # Antwan Cooper # Zykiem Sermons # Carson Jackson # David Araujo 11 Senior • DB/WR 12 Senior • WR 13 Junior • RB 14 Junior • LB 15 Senior • SS/FB

# Shaquille Magwood # Johnnal Williams # Keanan Restall # Dennis Mitchell # Hunter Moore 21 Senior • LB 22 Senior • RB 23 Junior • WR/DB 24 Junior • WR 25 Sophomore • LB

# Adam German # Jonathan Stadtmiller # Ethan Walsh # Isiaih Leavings # Clayton Peddicourt 51 Senior • OL 52 Junior • LB 56 Junior • LB 57 Senior • OL 63 Junior • OL

# Brock Winder # Ben Elliott # Cedric Flanders # Angel Ocasio # Travious Hawkins 77 Junior • OL 78 Junior • OL 79 Junior • DL 84 Junior • WR 88 Senior • WR SEPTEMBER 2017 • 63 2017 Orange Park JV Raiders

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 55 All teams will have to have at least eight games minimum on their schedule to be eligible for the play- off s, also a change from when it only district games counted for qualifying no matter if a team had fi ve games or 10-games on their schedule.

The brackets Teams will be seeded in brackets for each region in each classifi ca- tion based upon the points earned. Th e goal for the FHSAA is to host an NCAA-style selection show on the weekend after Week 11 (likely on that Sunday) to reveal the brackets and pairings for all eight classifi ca- tions.

Other things Under the new football playoff format, there will be new rules on how teams will have to handle cancellations, postponements, and forfeits as well new rules for how In region playoff game against Crestview High in 2016, Middleburg High wideout Terron Allen, No. 9, now tiebreakers will work. graduated, was big playmaker for Broncos offensive attack with his speed downfi eld. Broncos will need to No longer will teams be able replace Allen’s threat with either Malik Ally or Andrew Thomas out of the backfi eld. to replace a canceled game with a a three-way tie for a district cham- over a year-ago when second-year clinic in Daytona Beach. diff erent team during the season pion that cannot be broken through FHSAA football administrator Frank Beasley also surveyed all the and have it count. Th e schedule that head-to-head competition, the team Beasley was tasked to come up member schools to get their input is in the FHSAA database system, with the best average of points will with a plan to improve the playoff s heard. through C2C Schools, a week prior be awarded the district champion- for football. Since the plan became As a result of that survey, over to the season will count as the of- ship. publicly known, in mid-May, Beas- 500 member schools responded fi cial schedule the FHSAA will go by As for breaking ties, for playoff ley has had many discussions with with over 70% endorsing the change for the purposes of awarding points seeding, there is a four-step process athletic directors and head coaches to the new format. Included in that for seeding purposes. the FHSAA will follow to break those around the state that lead to the plan survey were over 30-plus schools For teams still in districts, the ties, if needed. that was approved today. Th at also that are currently classifi ed as inde- elimination of the district tiebreaker included mulitple presentations at pendent, that would seek to return that is used if needed will com- Getting to this point the FHSAA’s June Board of Director’s to being eligible for the FHSAA pletely disappear as well under the Th e plan to change the structure meeting as well as the Florida Ath- football playoff s if the new plan was new format. For example, If there is of the FHSAA playoff s started just letic Coaches Association summer approved.

64 • CLAY TODAY • 2017 FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2017 Orange Park Raiders

SEPTEMBER 2017 • 65 Ridgeview Panthers

Chomping for first win

Statistics Ridgeview High New faces Sept. 15: @ 5A-Palatka (4-5, new coach) Region 2 | District 5-5A | Panthers Trent Colemen FB; Nick Staefe OL; Cory Nichol- Sept. 22: vs. 7A-Fleming Island (6-3, MLB commit son OL; Gary McClendon RB to Wake Forest, RB sub-11 100 meters) Key returners Sept. 29: vs. 5A-Orange Park (4-5, WR returns, Tyler Hu QB; Kiaran Turner WR; Jaidan Turner RB; 2016 Lefty QB) Josh Kuseck OL; Steven Boyd LB; Jacolbi Samp- Lost to Yulee (42-25); Lost to Middleburg (14- Oct. 6: @ 6A-Middleburg (4-6, QB, MLB return, son RB; Matt Koziolek WR 12); Lost to Bartram Trail (54-7); Lost to Palatka district runnerups) (36-30); Lost to Fleming Island (38-20); Lost to Oct. 13: vs. 5A-Clay (10-4, lost 52-42 in state Key losses Orange Park (28-20); Lost to Clay (48-22); Lost to semi nal 5A, QB returns, All State transfer at RB) David Plyler SS; Jake Denny WR; Chandler Cole Menendez (37-23); Lost to Baker County (49-17); Oct. 20: @ 5A-Menendez (4-6, RB 8TDs, DB 3 QB; Brandon Pe er WR; Tahj Smith LB; Nick Mc- Lost to Wolfson (27-0) INTs) Carter K; Jason Concepcion LB; Nick Freeze DL; Oct. 27: @ 5A-Baker County (9-2, RB 20 TDs) Noah Hearn LB; JJ Odum OL; Johnathan Heard 2017 Schedule OL; John McDow OLDL; Reynaldo Grey WR; Ryan Aug. 25: @ 4A-Andrew Jackson (0-8, 18 games Williams LB losing streak) Sept. 1: vs. 7A-Creekside (0-9, New coach, 0-22 in last two years) Sept. 8: vs. 5A-Westside (4-4, WR 6 TDs, RB 4TDs)

66 • CLAY TODAY • 2017 FOOTBALL PREVIEW Sampson, at 215 pounds and with Team learned plenty of track speed. valuable lessons in 2016, “We want to add to our big springs season where we had a coming back stronger pretty good spring game,” said Cole- man, who was slated for a linebacker By Randy Lefko at Clay, but wanted more ballcarry- ing duties. “Coach is working with ORANGE PARK – As would any us in becoming a team more and player on a winless team, the chip working as a unit. We’re hoping for a on the shoulder for the upcoming combination of weapons.” season is usually pretty big. With Huff mobile from the “There is definitely a chip on our pocket, Kiaran Turner is determined shoulder,” said senior wideout Ki- to be a key target for downfield. aran Turner. “We didn’t like how the “My chemistry with Tyler is season ended. It’s got to change.” much better,” said Turner. “We’ve For Ridgeview High, 0-10 last been working hard to get some solid season under first year coach Cam- pass plays that we think we can hit eron Porch, the excitement over the all the time. It’s up to me to break a summer conditioning and training couple of those for big plays.” program would indicate that things Huff will also try to find trackster will be much different in 2017. Matt Koziolek, a junior with 50-sec- “We knew that first year was ond 400 meter speed, who stands at going to be tough,” said Porch, who 6’-2” and junior Brian Jackson in a had success at Gainesville Eastside stable of fleet passcatchers. Defen- in years past as a stellar defensive sive back Courtney Rocket is a fast coordinator. “We have a good group flyer that can take a ball downfield coming back with seniors in the right quickly if he gets into the offensive spots. The day after Thanksgiving last huddle with senior Damien Toney year started our new season.” a veteran.

Quarterback Offensive plan For junior quarterback Tyler Clay High transfer tailback Trent Coleman is a burly ball carrier with Part of the plan for the offensive Huff, who struggled through late speed that can add to the Panthers’ attack off tackle. comes from improved techniques game losses, but had some highlight on the offensive line with senior Josh reel starts, the key is to last four and he comes back.” prey to a hard rush and interception Kuseck (200 lbs) the top returner. quarters. Panther coach Cameron Porch despite putting up 272 yards of of- “I’m the only returner, but we’re “Expectation is to finish the thinks the weight room is the big fense against the Broncos. building back up,” said Kuseck. “I whole game,” said Huff, who finished difference this year. In an early offensive explosion want the backs to feel confident that with 1654 yards and 14 touchdowns “Bigger, stronger athletes are bet- against Fleming Island, a 20-9 early we’re going to open the holes. Our for the year, but no wins.. “Every- ter able to tackle and block and go lead, Ridgeview shorted out in the backs are pretty good and it’s up to body really bought into the sum- the whole four quarters,” said Porch, second half to lose 38-20. Huff hit us to get them downfield.” mer weightlift program. The goal is who coached the boys weightlift Turner with two long passes to ener- Size-wise, the offensive line to close the games that we have a team to an undefeated season. “We gize the upset attempt. has junior Cory Nicholson at chance to win. had a lot of success in the weight “It was our best half all season, 312 pounds, Zack Orman at 230 On the ground, Huff accounted room. It was not just on-the-field not best game,” said Porch, after the pounds, Anthony Troup at 275 for 279 yards rushing with no Pan- stuff that caused disconnects on game. pounds and Holden Anderson, a ther running back getting over 400 the field and we’ve addressed those Coleman (180 lbs), a Clay High junior, at 280 pounds to bolster the yards. issues this year.” transfer as a tailback, will join the up front powergrid. Sophomore “Our three running backs this Turner brothers, Jaidan and Kiaran, Nick Staefe, at 200 pounds, should year; Trent Coleman, Jaidan Turner 2016 Games as well as Plyler (175 lbs) as the get some reps as well. and Caleb Plyler, will have to take In their closest game of 2016, a main offensive weapons. Also in On the defensive side, senior the pressure off,” said Huff. “Kiaran 14-12 loss to Middleburg, Huff fell the mix is junior power back Jacolbi linebacker Steven Boyd has Turner, a senior, was my top receiver

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68 • CLAY TODAY • 2017 FOOTBALL PREVIEW Varsity cheerleaders

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SEPTEMBER 2017 • 69 2017 Ridgeview JV Panthers THANK YOU FOR BEING A LOYAL CLAY FOOTBALL FAN!

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70 • CLAY TODAY • 2017 FOOTBALL PREVIEW # Caleb Plyler # Kiaran Turner # Rolando Grey # Dorian Duchene # Tyler Huff 2 Junior • RB 3 Senior • WR 4 Sophomore • RB 5 Senior • Saf 6 Junior • QB

# Steven Boyd # Brandon Thomas # Jaiden Turner # Troy Harris # Damien Toney 7 Senior • OLB 8 Senior • CB 9 Junior • RB/N 10 Senior • Saf 12 Senior • WR

# Brian Jackson # Jaelon Eiland # Mike Green # Dominic Stanfield # Courtney Rockett 13 Junior • WR 14 Senior • CB 15 Junior • LB 16 Junior • DE/LB 18 Senior • CB

# Matt Koziolek # Charlie Barrett # Jacolbi Sampson # Trent Coleman # Wesley Morris 19 Junior • WR 20 Senior • K 21 Senior • RB 22 Senior • RB 23 Junior • Saf

# David Osborn # Julian Valle # Wayman Eady # Isaac Chaffin # Joseph Chiellino 25 Junior • CB 28 Junior • CB 29 Junior • WR 30 Sophomore • WR 31 Junior • TE/LB SEPTEMBER 2017 • 71 # Anthony Drabek # Mark Butler # Matt Dye # Austin Bland # Ryan Inman 32 Senior • OLB 33 Senior • FB/DE 35 Sophomore • CB 42 Senior • TE 46 Junior • TE

# Dalton Frascello # Jordan Jackson # Tyler Duggan # Dawson Smith # Josh Kuseck 49 Junior • WR 51 Sophomore • DT/OG 52 Sophomore • C 53 Senior • DT 54 Senior • OG

# Nick Staefe # Austin Childers # Chandler Russom # Christian Ortiz # Sean Graff 55 Sophomore • OT 56 Junior • MLB 59 Junior • DE 60 Junior • OG 61 Sophomore • DT/OG

# Holden Anderson Anthony Troup Cory Nicholson Rodney Xavier Junior • DT # # Grayson Edwards # # 62 63 Junior • OT/DT 67 Junior • TE 70 Junior • OG 71 Senior • DT

# Chase Tavenner # Nathan Baugh # Zack Ortman # Hartson Gelinas 72 Junior • OT 74 Sophomore• OL 76 Junior • OL 81 Junior • WR 72 • CLAY TODAY • 2017 FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2017 Ridgeview Panthers

SEPTEMBER 2017 • 73 2017 FUNDRAISING PROGRAM Everbank Field NON-PROFIT GROUPS EARN $$$ BY OPERATING STADIUM CONCESSION LOCATIONS Season Earning potential $8,000 - $16,000 (12-25 volunteers) $18,000 - $35,000 (26-45 volunteers) Figures based on 2016 net sales. Contact: Delaware North Sportservice 1 Everbank Field, Jacksonville, FL 32202 904-633-6163 • [email protected] 74 • CLAY TODAY • 2017 FOOTBALL PREVIEW Spartans have the size Top returners key to winning season

By Randy Lefko Monroe, also a standout soccer player and the team’s fi eld goal ORANGE PARK – St. Johns Country kicker, has returner Eli Morton as a Day School head football coach Bill second receiver and ball carrier and, Sellinger is an excitable guy nearly Walden’s younger brother, Brady, everyday, but his fi rst day of practice near 6’-2”, as a third. brought more of that giddiness than “We get time, Max makes good last year. reads and we go,” said Sellinger. “We had 19 guys on the very fi rst “Coach Rocky Bantag will be keep- day of practice and I know there ing defenses guessing to where the were four or fi ve that were out with ball is going very quickly.” doctor or dentist appointments,” Th e Spartans, who played in said Sellinger, who fi nished up his two Freelance Football Conference fi rst year with just one win last year championship games under former against six losses. “We have better head coach Todd Zehner, now the size than last year, good numbers school’s headmaster, have a knack of and a little more maturity in key providing defenses with odd forma- positions.” tions and unique looks prior to the Top returners on off ense will snap that often leaves defenses shift- be quarterback Max Monroe, just a ing into position late. freshman, but with plenty of varsity “Todd used to call it off ense by reps last year with departed Joshua putting defense on its’ heels and Sherrill, and, at wideout, Cade I just continued the philosophy Walden, a 6’-4” athlete that made the because we didn’t have big guys top 10 in receiving yardage last year that could just bash people up front in north Florida and off ers a prime and get out ball carriers downfi eld,” target for Monroe. said Sellinger. “Now, I think we have “We think we can score a bunch some new kids with size and things of points with our off ense again,” may be diff erent in that aspect of said Sellinger. “With our depth the our attack.” biggest thing we have to worry In the backfi eld, Monroe, a pro- about because most of our guys will totypical pocket passer with an abil- Though a freshman, St. Johns quarterback Max Monroe brings size play both ways, we’re hoping for ity to run to survival, but probably a and athleticism to the helm and can move the ball with protection better results.” minor threat to go the distance off a with ace wideout Cade Walden.

Statistics

St. Johns Country Day Lost to Munroe (33-17); Rocky Bayou (41-21), St. Oct. 13: @ Ind.-Oak Hall (10-0; 7 returners; QB Independent | Spartans Francis (34-31); Maclay (37-23); Oak Hall (52-10); 1500 Yds pass, 1200 Yds rush, 53 TDs is son of NFL St. Joseph (41-0). Note: Oak Hall was undefeated player; LB 55 tackles, 14 for loss) Key graduates conference champion with seven returners. Oct. 20: vs. 2A-Halifax Academy (3-6 in 2015; Joshua Sherrill QB; Evan Englebrecht LB; Joe restarted program; new coach) Nelson DE; Tyler Grogg DT; Brandon Livingston 2017 Schedule OL; Andrew Willoughsby WR; Trey Teahan WR Aug. 18: @ 1A-Branford (4-6; new coach, RB 731 Graduates Yds, 12TDs) Merrick Isley RB, at Air Force Academy; Billy Key returners Aug. 25: vs. 2A-St. Francis (4-5; QB 1,500 Yds Sellinger QB, 2 Yrs. at Webber for football, now at Max Monroe QB (Fr); Cody Myers OL/RB (Sr); 19TDs, DE 85 Tackles. 6.5 sacks) Santa Fe for golf; Bob Vogt OL, local landscaping Troy Myers OL/RB (Sr); Cade Walden WR (Sr); Eli Sept. 8: vs. Ind.-Bishop Snyder (2-8; LB 47 tackles) business owner (Turf Doctor); Joey Clemente Morton WR (Jr); Jacob Asdot WR/SS (Jr); Ashton Sept. 21: vs. Ind.-Florida Deaf (0-8; secondary OL/LB U.S. Army; Drew Petty QB, attended UNF; Correia OL (Jr); Wyatt Smith OL (Jr) year coach; RB returner) Trey Teahan WR, attended Valdosta State; Patrick Sept. 29: vs. Maclay (4-7; WR returns with 24 TDS, Harding K/LB, goalie at Jacksonville University 2016 1,680 Receiving yards, RB with 800 Yds); (soccer); Garrett Hays RB/LB, EMT; Evan Carter RB, Beat Florida School of Deaf and Blind (27-8); Oct. 6: @ 2A-St. Joseph (7-2, new coach; Big Gun at University of Central Florida. RB graduated)

SEPTEMBER 2017 • 75 “We had 19 guys on the very first day of practice ... We have better size than last year, good numbers and a little more maturity in key positions.” – Bill Sellinger, head coach

scramble. line, we make solid tackles and gang “We may add a thing called up as much as possible and we’re Rhino that leaves an extra back in good to stay close in games. Our the backfield to protect Max a little plan is to score and hold.” so we can open up the pass game,” On the offensive and defensive said Sellinger. “We have a couple of lines is where Sellinger, Bantag and little Wes Welker kind of guys going line coach Jamie Cox have to work downfield.” out new guys in experience, but guys Sellinger had a burly fullback with some size in 2017. in Brom Peterson, at near 210-220 “We got thrown in together last pounds, but he decided against with Todd (Zehner) getting the football in August, and tailback Troy headmaster and it was a flurry of Wideout Cade Walden was top yards-per-catch guy last year and Myers, both three year dual position preseason activity that was new to comes back a inch or two taller at 6’-2”. players. Peterson was a middle me,” said Sellinger. “This year, we linebacker with Myers an outside had time to have meetings, discuss linebacker with twin brother Cody strategies and create a plan.” Myers a probable returner pending On the line, youngsters like Ash- some summer shoulder surgery. ton Correia, 6-2, 220 pounds; Joseph “The linebackers are solid; all Shimko, 5-3, 180, and Grayson Hall, three, and we hope Cody can get 5-9, 175, all had playing time last cleared soon,” said Sellinger. “We get year and should be ready. some guys up front to just hold the

Savvy ball carrier and defender Eli Morton is veteran of the Spartans’ attack on both sides of ball.

St. Johns Coaching Staff Left to right - Rocky Bantag, offense; Jamie Cox, linemen, and Bill Sellinger, head coach and defense. Graduated quarterback/wideout/safety Joshua Sherrill was prototype multi-faceted athlete necessary for Spartan success.

76 • CLAY TODAY • 2017 FOOTBALL PREVIEW Running back Troy Myers stretches to break tackle in 2016. Myers Offensive line coach Jamie Cox has some improved size of his guys brings dual abilities as running back and linebacker to the Spartans’ this year that may add some power to Spartans’ attack. strategy.

Varsity Cheerleaders Spartans varsity cheerleaders from left: Natalie Zapp, senior; Jessica Linge, sophomore; Emma Harward, freshman; Lizzie Stoeber, sophomore; Anna Harward, senior and Sheila Hodges, sophomore. Not pictured are Jamie McDonald, Devan Ruhl and coach Lauren Studer.

SEPTEMBER 2017 • 77 # Logan Higby # Max Arnold # Cody Myers # Brady Walden # Max Monroe 1 Junior • RB/DE 2 Freshman • ATH 3 Senior • LB 4 Junior • WR/FS 5 Freshman • QB/K

# Patrick Lindholm # Marcus Coleman # Cade Walden # Troy Myers # Justin Guyot 7 Junior • WR 10 Freshman • WR 12 Senior • WR 15 Senior • RB/LB 21 Senior • DE

# Eli Morton # Jacob Asdot # Tyler Karamoto # Grayson Hall # Jeff Shimko 22 Junior • WR/LB 30 Junior • WR/CB 50 Junior • RB/DT 55 Sophomore • OL/DL 62 Sophomore • OL/DL

# Derek Neal # Ashton Correia # John Nowicki # Wyatt Smith # Anthony Morris 64 Sophomore • WR 65 Junior • DL/OL 70 Freshman • DL 72 Junior • OL/DL 77 Sophomore • OL/DL 78 • CLAY TODAY • 2017 FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2017 St. Johns Country Day

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80 • CLAY TODAY • 2017 FOOTBALL PREVIEW