DuvalSports.com will recap all the spring football games in Northeast Florida this summer! Check out this game recap below!
Both the Clay Blue Devils and the Bartram Bears coaching staffs had good things to be happy about after their spring football game. One team started fast and made several plays with the first unit. The other team would show the ability to score with their first unit but mount a comeback with the back ups and JV. Good things from both teams and it was Clay that would start fast.
✌🏽 #WDE pic.twitter.com/tcDw0UfkvQ
— Joey Gatewood (@Joey1gatewood) June 21, 2016
The high powered rushing attack of 2015 began 2016 by passing as Jaylan Jenkins connected with Marcus Jones on a 24-yard touchdown in the first quarter. Jenkins who played predominately wide receiver last year, is explosive with the ball in his hands. This spring he worked on his passing and its paid off as he is now a duel threat QB in the backfield. Last year he was called upon to use his legs, now he has confidence of the coaches to make decisions in the air. He’s a phenomenal talent.
Marcus Jones is one of the players that stands out on a football field. He’s big, physical and able to do a lot of different things. He showed his versatility catching the touchdown reception. It’s clear that offensive coordinator Ryan Wolfe is going to find unique ways to get him involved in the offense. Head Coach Josh Hoekstra has built a team where players can excel in multiple areas. He made adjustments after halftime and Jaylan Jenkins came out firing again this time to WR Ty Whitaker to go up 15-7. Whitaker was able to take advantage of the huge cushion given to him by Bartram’s CB Isaiah Bolden. Whitaker may be a player to watch this year, especially if Jenkins had enough confidence in the rising junior to throw at Bolden a recent Florida State commit.
A player everyone will be watching is RB Colin Wilson of Clay. Wilson is an ESPN top 400 and showed why in the spring game. He bull dozed his way for several yards including a long scamper to the endzone. He’s massive at 6’1 225lbs, and runs a 4.6 40 yd dash. Wilson is the real deal. He was also a big play guy at CB last year. With him carrying the load on offense this year it will be interesting to see how they use him on defense. He is unquestionably one of the leaders on the defensive of the ball grabbing 5 interceptions. As always Clay will have leaders on the offensive line to power the running game. Players like MATT ADAMS (2017) C 6’0 255lbs, DEVIN VATICK (2017) OL 6’2 260lbs , MAXWELL MOORE(2017) OL 6’3, 272lbs, and JARROD LEADS 6’4 300lbs will lead the way for Wilson.
Clay’s defense held firm for most of the first half. 2017 DL Rico Schnitzler can really make tackles and shed blockers. MLB Marcuan Robinson is one of those smart instinctive players that got on the field as a sophomore and made an early impact. As a junior he’ll take on a bigger role on defense. Derek Smith made some nice plays at DE/DL last year and will be used multiple ways as well. FS Evan Martin was third on the team in tackles last year, and he’s coming into this season as a leader on defense.
The Blue Devil defense held Bartram to 7 points throughout three and a half quarters. Bartram’s lone touchdown up to the late 3rd quarter was a Riley Smith to Chandler Harvin 23-yard touchdown to end the half. Bartram has several talented players on their roster but it was tough sledding in the beginning for them. Chemistry will be a big part of making all the pieces click together. Rising senior QB Jordan Smith recently committed to Garner Webb, joining rising junior QB Joey Gatewood who committed to Auburn. Having three capable quarterbacks is truly a luxury, and Head Coach Darrell Sutherland will make it work.
Joey Gatewood
Jordan Smith
Riley Smith
Gatewood is an ultimate duel threat quarterback with incredible size. He can take it the distance with his legs or his arm in one play. He plays with a lot of passion on the field and he’s only a rising junior. Jordan Smith is the leader of the team. He is steady in the pocket with good foot work and mechanics. He’ll be called upon to lead the passing attack primarily. It was Riley Smith who got points on the board. The rising junior plays with confidence even though he is behind two other great quarterbacks. Bartram’s offense was able to move the football inside the 20’s but could not put the ball into the endzone. Wide receiver Chandler Harvin is a big target at 6’1. He’s already received five D1 offers and is sure to be used in the fall. In the spring they ran behind offensive linemen like 6’4 285lb Brad Cecil, a big yet athletic player who can move well. Looks like the entire team benefited from unique conditioning this summer. Rocky III style!!
Why not start the day off with a beach workout? #FloridaBenefits #GoBears pic.twitter.com/Ocf77Z4Ama
— BTHS BEARS FOOTBALL (@BTHS_Football) July 13, 2016
On defense Cameron Davis NG will be counted on to blog the middle of the defense his senior year. LB Drew Mimms received his first offer from Stetson and is poised to receive more with his play on the field this year. However the defensive playmaker for the Bears will be CB Isaiah Bolden who recently committed to Florida State. Bolden showcased the skills warranted for D1 offers. Quickness,agility and range, the 6’3 170 lb athlete can do it all.
Bartram staged their comeback down 22-7 at the start of the 4th when Joey Gatewood ran a 24 yard touchdown run to close the gap 22-14. It was the spark the Bears were looking for although Clay thought otherwise.
check my feet cause I'm about @adidasFballUS #teamadidas pic.twitter.com/vyyTsm08yu
— Joey Gatewood (@Joey1gatewood) May 27, 2016
Start of the 4th and Bartram scored…Bartram still playing their 1's….Clay is not…22-14 Clay!
— Clay Football (Fans) (@ClayHSFootball) May 24, 2016
Harry Bowker was inserted into the game shortly after the start of the fourth and led Bartram on a touchdown drive. Bowker tossed a 16-yard touchdown pass to Adam Yourkovich to tie the game 22-22. Bartram got the stop on defense and Bowker big comeback was cemented when he completed a pass to Sutter Churne for the go ahead touchdown. Bartram would defeat Clay 29-22.
Harry Bowker's game-winning touchdown pass to Sutter Cherne.
Bartram Trail 29- Clay High 22, Final pic.twitter.com/3XOq2ro0Eg
— Will Brown (@wwbrown19) May 24, 2016
