Creekside H.S- If the goal for spring football is for teams to get a taste of what fall action will be like, then Creekside accomplished that goal against Sandalwood. If the goal for spring football is for a team to show off the talent that is to come for the fall season, then Sandalwood certainly accomplished that goal against Creekside Thursday night. It was a coming out party for Sandalwood and everyone was invited to the festivities that saw the Saints take Creekside to the woodshed 49-7.
Some of the players that made big impacts for Sandalwood were senior running back Jared Geis, who scored the first touchdown of the game less than two minutes into the contest. Geis displayed quickness and swiftness in the game that the Saints will utilize this year. The touchdown by Geis was set up by a catch and run by Kaloeb Parker. The 6’4 , 210 lb wide receiver caught pass and took it 65 yards deep in to Creelside’s redzone. Two plays later Geis would run it in for the score to put the Saints up 7-0. Parker showed his ability to use his large frame to create a wide radius for Quarterback Jeff Sims to hit. Sims showed early on that this tandem could be something special this fall.
After Creekside went three and out on their next possession, sandalwood would have a ill-timed snap which resulted in a fumble recovery by Creekside.
On Sandalwood’s next possession, running back Kyjaun Herndon would catch a screen pass and race 50yards for a touchdown. Herndon showcased excellent balance by tip toeing down the left sidelines while breaking a tackle for the score. Sandalwood Head Coach Adam Geis had high praises for his running back after the spring ” I was probably most excited to see us have a home run hitting running back again. Logan was an awesome running back, but I probably havent had that home run hitting running back since Maurice Wells in 2006. I think what Herndon offers changes our entire team.” Herndon found running lanes against Creekside created by his big offensive line. A mixture of speed, agility and a little power makes him a dangerous weapon for the Saints.
Running hard and elusive after the catch RB @herndon_kyjuan making plays today for Sandalwood pic.twitter.com/2WvqT1D8uD
— Duval Sports ™️ (@DuvalSports) May 18, 2018
What may be the most dangerous weapon the Saints have after spring is Quarterback Jeff Sims.
After his first touchdown to Herndon, and what should’ve been a touchdown to Parker if not for a saving tackle by Creekside, Sims went on a complete tear for the rest of the game through the air. He connected with 6’4 185lb Javonte Kinsey who made probably the catch of the spring football season, an incredible toe tapping touchdown in the back of the end zone. A rising junior, Kinsey is the talk of the city after making an impact at pro impact tryouts in January. He has size, and he has speed, and he showed everyone on hand that he has incredible athleticism to make plays. Sims also connected with senior Taylin Nalls who blew past his man and caught a perfect pass from his Quarterback in stride for a touchdown. Nalls showed he can take the top off defenses which will free up the running game and underneath passing game.
Sims continued his offensive onslaught hitting Jadon James on a play which Sims showed his escapability and James showed his availability. 
James was able to find an open zone for his quarterback to exploit as Sims rolled to his right throwing a high arching pass on the money for his fourth touchdown of the first half. Yet he was not done, as Sims found his big play receiver Kaloeb Parker again, but this time it was for a long touchdown ballooning the lead to 42-7 . Parker redeemed himself from the first play of the game where he was caught from behind before scoring. Sims impressively tossed six touchdowns against Creekside. Five of them in the first half, where he put his team up big and putting Creekside on a running clock.
Sims rolls to his right pass to Jadon James for the TD Sims has four Touchdowns in the first half! Sandalwood 35-0 over Creekside 2nd pic.twitter.com/RdkwlwrAnp
— Duval Sports ™️ (@DuvalSports) May 17, 2018
Sandalwood’s defense didnt get much work Thursday evening, however they showed flashes of play making ability. 
It starts with Antonio Clary the talented multidimensional defender who looks to lead the defense this year as a senior. Defensive back Adam Burns secured a key interception late in the game to keep Creekside off the board. Rising Sophomore Brandon Jennings and rising junior Elijiah Jones looked very good in the middle when called upon to make tackles. They and the other players on the back end wernt asked to do much on the evening as the defensive line completely dominated the Knights. The main standout was defensive end Izais Smith. Smith reeked havoc in the back field and was virtuously unblockable. He and Calvin Sinclair have impressed
For Creekside and Coach Sean McIntyre, the Knights must look at this game as a way to evaluate players and positions. 
They have made incredible strides including last year by winning the most games in the last three years combined. With only six seniors on the roster, the staff is rebuilding a program that recently got its feet back under them. It will start upfront as center Kale Peacock will look to lead a young group. The Creekside O-line currently has 3 seniors. Connor Hailey, Carlos Butler, and Saul Storey. Tight End Shane Calhoun has really good size and could be given a more prominent role in the offense in the fall. Quarterback Tai Lavatai leads the offense and scored the lone touchdown for the Knights on a Quarterback sneak. He’s tough and took some hits in the spring game, but kept his team in high spirits. Exactly what you want from a leader.
Tai Lavatai Creekside QB sneak for the TD! They get on the board 35-7 Sandalwood @CreeksideATH pic.twitter.com/0DAdqfTaWm
— Duval Sports ™️ (@DuvalSports) May 17, 2018
Creekside and Sandalwood both have found their leaders at quarterback and for Coach Geis, he saw exactly what he was looking for from his signal caller. “I wanted to see Jeff take the team, and lead the team and we saw that this spring”. The Saints open up with First Coast in their Kickoff Classic and then Ribault on August 24th. The team had the rematch readily on their minds after the spring game. Creekside will take on Menendez in their kickoff classic and then Winter Springs to begin the season.
