2016 Spring Football Recap: Cedar Creek vs Episcopal

DuvalSports.com will recap all the spring football games in Northeast Florida this summer! Check out this game recap below!

Head Coach Mark Brunell is very proud of his team and the great strides they have made this spring on the football field. The Eagles lost several key starters, but have gained strength in starters at key positions this year. The offense in particular is where the team has gotten stronger and it showed in their spring contest versus Cedar Creek.

They got off to a fast start as starting Quarterback Joseph Brunell bust an 80 yard touchdown run on the first play from scrimmage. However the play was nullified due to a holding call. The penalty killed the early enthusiasm of the first drive as Cedar Creek’s defense stepped up with two sacks to force 4th down. However Brunell would convert not only on one but two fourth down conversions early to extend drives. The drive resulted in the game’s first touchdown by runningback Cam Rawls who ran 35 yards for the score. Rawl’s showing in the spring game almost certainly solidified his spot atop the Eagles runningback depth chart. He’s strong and speedy with the ability to rack up yards after contact. The coaches didn’t know what to expect from him before the game, but they loved what they saw afterward. He scored twice for them in the spring game.

Cedar Creek attempted to respond on offense as Kareem Mixon jumped out the gate for 50 yards rushing on just 7 carries. However a costly fumble ended the Saints advance. The Eagles would capitalize as Brunell showcased his versatility as a passer and a runner on the drive, which ended in a touchdown pass to #4 LeFavor for 35 yards.

Joseph Brunell is one of those “blood line” talents that commentators rave about in the NFL. He has the potential to excel at the Quarterback position in college and the pros. At 6’2 he’s right at the height where college scouts eyes get wide from intrigue. But scouts eyes will begin to get wide with amazement this fall. He started his senior campaign with an impressive showing against Cedar Creek. The hard work he’s put in this spring has paid off and it showed itself on the field. He’s ready to lead his team.

Another impressive showing was that of TE/ OLB Adam Boselli. Another bloodline kid, Adam is the leader on defense. It can be a challenge playing for your father who was the first Jacksonville Jaguar ever inducted in to the Pride of the Jaguars, but Adam isn’t affected by playing for his father offensive Coordinator Tony Boselli. Adam is a rangy athlete with the ability to make a play anywhere on the field. He proved that in the spring game with a terrific catch and run for a touchdown. He also made some nice plays on defense, which is why he is their captain.

Episcopal is a young team, but boy do they have some gems. A kid to look out for is CB AJ Wooten who is one of the hardest workers on the team. Another specimen to behold is 6’4 Wide Receiver Coles Guerrier. He made a nice catch in the game and some good plays. He’s raw right now, but they have been working extremely hard with him this spring to perfect his route running and technique. He’s one of the reasons Episcopal has the potential for play making ability from three positions on offense which is a coaches dream. It’s Head Coach Mark Brunell’s dream to not only build a successful program but build better people through his program at Episcopal. His team has a great attitude and showing maximum effort in spring, he should be proud.

Cedar Creek has no quit in them, and one of the best examples of this is in their runningbacks. Kareem Mixon had a big time 80 yard scamper for a touchdown, yet it was called back for holding. Mixon is a talented player for Cedar Creek. He showed the potential to bust one at anytime from any where on the field. Although mistakes cost his teams points, he put plays on film that the Saints can be extremely excited about. Joining him in the backfield is RB Bernarde Evans who had a very strong effort for Cedar Creek. Also, Willis Turner( rising junior) and Deante Kearse (rising junior) which makes for a versatile group of ball carriers.

Head Coach Jamie Gamel has a lot to be encouraged about. His offensive line seems to be the strongest unit on the team. Senior Trent Higginbothom can play any position on the line and Zyphin Mathis SR is 6’2 250 pounder who plays O-line and defensive end as well. He set every school record in the weight room this spring.

On defense the Saints were much smaller than Episcopal, but they can get after it. CB JaHkobie Cross -SR is pretty physical but can cover really well. He’s complimented on defense by SS/ LB D’marques Johnson. At 5’7 145lbs he’s not going to wow you with size, but he’s incredibly smart on the field, a weight lifting state qualifier, and the vocal leader of the team.

 

At Quarterback, the Saints will have a competition between Marteuz Anderson and John Thomas. Thomas started the Spring game and has the edge this spring. But both quarterbacks show flashes of greatness with every snap. Thomas scored the only points for the Saints on a 10 yard run for the touchdown.

Cedar Creek is a young team in search of an identity. After losing one of the best quarterbacks in the state Ivory Durham, they’re looking to find the right answer at the position. This summer they will hit the weight room and try to shore up the mistakes that hampered them in the spring contest versus Episcopal. The Eagles on the other hand will get 7 on 7 work done this summer and evaluate the spring tape. They know what they have at certain positions, but will be looking to shore up other areas to field a complete team.

 

Thanks for checking out this Spring Football Recap! Don’t forget to share the story, and check out more spring recaps coming soon on DuvalSports.com, Duval’s #1 Youth & Prep Sports Site!

 

 

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About the author

Andre' Ellis, Founder/ Lead Writer DuvalSports.com Florida Times Union All-City 1998,LB, Sandalwood Florida A&M Unv, BA , MBA