Oceanway- You can’t start the 2017 Duval County middle school football season without getting on the bus with the champs first. With Hurricane Irma turning the schedule upside down, one would assume this would be the year for a team to sneak up on the Panthers in week one. Well, you know what they say about assumption… And if you bet against Gilbert in their opener you, you just proved what they say to be true.
Matthew Gilbert scored 40 unanswered points on their way to a 46-6 shellacking of Oceanway Tuesday evening. Incredibly, the Panthers scored on only three offensive possessions. #1 Jaheim Singletary scored on a 50 yard touchdown reception from quarterback Carlton Butler. Butler finished 3-5 for 125 yards and a touchdown pass. #2 Kareem Burke had a 75 yard punt return and a 40 yard touchdown run. #8 Jeremiah Huntley chipped in with a 70 yard kick return for a touchdown.
The Panthers did most of their damage on defense and special teams, completely suffocating Oceanway. Huntley picked off the Bucs quarterback for a defensive touchdown. #5 Clifford Richardson returned a fumble for a touchdown. #10 Jaheim Odom scored on a 35 yard interception return for a touchdown and #6 Tra’ Shawn Dunham led the team with 6 solo tackles. Not to be over shadowed, big #55 Anthony Dorsey logged four pancake blocks and four tackles on defense to solidify the trenches.
It was a dominate performance of note from the talented athletes from “out east”. Offense, defense, and special teams contributed to the lopsided divisional win, and Gilbert advancing to 1-0 on the season. Oceanway falls to 0-1 and will attempt to secure its first victory against Kirby Smith. Gilbert has a bye week before traveling to Kirby Smith October 10th.
