Week 3 is here and brings us more exciting action this week including our Game of the Week, Lee (2-0) at Mandarin (1-1) from the Corral Friday night.
The game is one of several big games around town to check out this week including: Bartram Trail at Clay, Parker at Trinity, Jackson at Hilliard, Baker County at Ribault and Ponte Vedra at St. Augustine.
GAME OF THE WEEK
Lee (2-0) at Mandarin (1-1)
Lee Generals
Coach: OJ Small
Record: 2-0
Key Players: Jurial Caldwell (Sr., WR), Taz Nicholson (Sr., ATH), Kevonte Doles (So., RB), Trevor James (Sr., LB), Terrance James (Sr., LB), Lamont Simmons (Sr., WR/DB), Robert Simmons (So., DB), Cameron Sapp (Sr., QB), Malik Brown (Sr., RB), Deshaun Davis (Sr., WR/DB)
Outlook: Two years ago, Lee took everyone by surprise by advancing all the way to the state semifinals in a stunning loss to Plant. With several starters back, the Generals were expected to make another serious run but surprisingly were bounced out of the playoffs in the first round last season. Do the Generals have another run in them this season ? Six starters are back on offense including speedy playmakers Caldwell, Nicholson, Doles, Simmons along with transfers Sapp (Parker), Bates (Raines), Brown (UC) and Davis (Mandarin). Five starters are back on defense including the James brothers, Simmons and Nicholson. Through two games the defense has been superb allowing only 18 points in 8 quarters, while the offense finally found themselves scoring 41 points last week. One player who should be fired up for this one is Davis, who transferred from Mandarin, over the summer. Sapp finally looks comfortable in the offense especially with playmakers Doles and Nicholson. While Trevor James has been a consistent leader on the defense at linebacker consistently making plays.
Mandarin Mustangs
Coach: Bobby Ramsay
Record: 1-1
Key Players: Terrell Jennings (Sr., RB), Demario Douglas (Sr., WR/DB), Johnny Reggo III (Sr., LB/SS), Kris Mitchell (Sr., WR), Ernest Ricks (So., DB), Tre Lawrence (So., QB), Kasimir Absolu (Sr., WR/DB), Nijel McGriff (Sr., DL), Parker Merrill (Sr., OL), Nick Harris (Sr., DL), Zack Mills (Sr., DL), Travis Moss (Jr., LB), Christian Warren (Sr., DL), Darian Oxedine (Sr., WR/CB), Carson Beck (Jr., QB)
Outlook: Two weeks ago Mandarin bullied rival Atlantic Coast into submission, a week later it went toe-to-toe with state power Godby losing a tough one in overtime. A win here would go a long way point wise securing a playoff bid and also confidence wise. The Mustangs were without two of its top playmakers last week in Jennings and Beck yet still put up over 40 points. If those two are back watch out this one could be a barn burner.
IN TOWN
Bartram Trail (1-1) at Clay (1-1)
Outlook: Bears went toe-to-toe with state power Apopka last week and will get another tough challenge from a consistent playoff contender Clay team, which rebounded last week in a huge win over Middleburg.
Parker (0-2) at Trinity (2-0)
Outlook: On the outside this has the makings of a potential upset here with it being the District 4-5A opener for both teams and a game with arch-rival Bolles and co No. 1 Columbia looming in three weeks.
Jackson (1-1) at Hilliard (1-0)
Outlook: I told you Jackson is headed for a special season, a win here would go along way to getting their first winning season in a long time. While Hilliard is coming off a stunning win over Fernandina Beach last week and could also benefit from a win.
Baker County (2-0) at Ribault (0-2)
Outlook: The defending 5A state runner-ups haven’t been that impressive so far and could benefit from a win over a young Ribault team looking to grow up quickly and defend its back-to-back district titles.
Ponte Vedra (2-0) at St. Augustine (1-1)
Outlook: Ponte Vedra is sitting at 2-0 but hasn’t played anyone yet, a win here would make a huge statement, while the Jackets need a win badly to get that 40 point beatdown from Menendez out of their mouth.
