ST. AUGUSTINE – The defending 2017 county champions Gamble Rogers Stingrays left no doubt who is the team to beat still at Saturday’s St Johns County Middle School spring football jamboree.
With 8 minute running clocks, because of the weather, the Stingrays accumulated over 250 yards of total offense while shutting out the Pacetti Bay Wildcats 24-0.
“We really pushed our boys this spring,” said fifth year head coach Matt Potak. “I’m proud of the effort and determination. We still have a lot of improvement to make in all phases of the game, but we have a good base to build off of going into the fall. We are very appreciative to Justin and SJMSAA for putting on a great spring jamboree. The SJMSAA board worked very hard to get the games in and organize a great event for the kids.”
The game was dedicated to Stingray defensive back Nicky Bicknell. Bicknell and his family were involved in a serious car accident hours before the game. The family is okay and recovering. Bicknell still came to the game after the accident to support his team.
“We are so thankful that Nicky and his family are okay,” said Potak. “It was a very scary situation.” “Nicky LOVES that football team,” said Bicknell’s father on a Facebook post.
“Even after this (accident) he went to the game.” “This team is family,” said defensive coordinator Ron Evans. “We have a strong culture and tradition here.”
One of the most notable things about Saturday was the prescience of the Gamble Rogers community. The Stingrays had over 20 alumni on the sidelines cheering on the team including players from the 2015, 2016 and 2017 teams. Potak also has several coaches on the staff that played for him back in 2007-2012 when he coached his first stint at Menendez High School.
“This is not just a football team, this is a family,” said Potak. “Seeing all the alumni show their support is something special.”
Defensively, the Stingrays dominated not allowing Pacetti to cross the 50 yard line throughout the contest. The defensive line was potent, led by Eyan Dekle, Chase Dentmon, Zander Martin, Gavin Losco, and Jared Howard. The linebacker play was explosive with Chris Soto and Kani Harris leading the way. The defensive backfield was led by Julian Quintero, Frankie Morabito, and Benjamin Pritchett. The big question mark for the Stingrays was on offense.
With the loss of running back Aaron Wynn and quarterback King Benford, who have graduated and will be incoming freshman at Menendez this fall; Potak and Evans had numerous discussions this off season and elected to go with last years starting outside linebacker, Noah Lawless, as this years starting quarterback.
Lawless did not disappoint, scoring one rushing touchdown and connecting with receiver Tomas Jones on a 71 yard touchdown pass. Lawless passed for over 100 yards. Jones, a three year varsity player for Gamble Rogers, also had a rushing touchdown in the game.
“I’m very proud of Noah,” said Potak. “He’s a very hard worker and made big plays today on both sides of the ball.”
On the first offensive possession of the game, Lawless busted off tackle for a 56 yard run. Two plays later he scored on a one yard touchdown run giving the Stingrays an early 6-0 lead.
On the next series the Stingrays used a strong running combination of Lawless, Jones and Zander Martin. The Stingrays second touchdown was scored by fullback Chase Anderson. Anderson jumped on a fumble in the end zone to give the Stingrays a 12-0 lead. Anderson and tight end Brady Dugan made several key blocks on the edge throughout the game. Anderson also had a 22 yard reception late in the half.
“Chase has a nose for the ball,” said Potak. “Chase and Brady are very good overall players that can run, block and catch very effectively. The offensive line was also very aggressive.”
Potak and Evans praised their offensive line following the win. Returning starters center Jake Orr and guards Corey Crowley, Carson Banks and Trey Pate will look to lead the way this fall for Lawless and company. Potak is also excited about all of his other new offensive lineman on the team.
“It was a good day but now we have to get ready for a big fall season. We have to work harder this summer. I saw a lot of great teams playing today and I really feel that this is going to be a very competitive season across the board,” Potak added.
2018 St Johns County Middle School Jamboree (Halves)
Landrum 20, Swiss Point 7
Valley Ridge 8, Patriots Oaks 7
Fruit Cove 20, Liberty Point 0
Murray 32, Sebastian 12
Gamble Rogers 24, Pacetti Bay 0
