OCEANWAY – In a game where 10 Division I coaches and scouts came out to spot the talent that has come out of Northeast Florida, both Oakleaf and First Coast showed promising signs of the future.
Though the final score may have shown a lopsided game with First Coast coming out the victor, Oakleaf head coach Frank Garis was encouraged about what his saw on the field from his young team in the spring game against a well-coached First Coast.
The game started off with Oakleaf in possession of the ball, they were slowly able to move the ball down the field, converting two third downs executing in the air and on the ground.
A costly fumble at the 10-yard line cost the Knights an early lead. First Coast run defense looked amazing as they were able to stop any long runs and stretch the defense to cover the Knights from turning the corner.
The spring games give coaches an opportunity to see big and small things that the team can continue to work on throughout the offseason before the lights get bright on Friday nights.
An easy fix for both teams will be working on snaps, this is one of those things that gets better with time. Snaps were both high and low for both teams and in some instances because the quarterback was trying to right the ship, he wasn’t even able to get a quality play off.
This was of the things that helped keep Oakleaf in the game toward the end of the half as First Coast was driving down the field and the seconds were winding down on the clock First Coast wasn’t able to get closer to score a touchdown. They were forced to throw a Hail Mary in the middle of the field which Oakleaf intercepted to end the half.
Garis made some defensive changes to start the half and they showed, they came out blitzing and were able to get some touches on the quarterback, forcing him to move outside of the pocket and make quick reads.
First Coast switched from airing the ball out to the ole ground and pound, scoring their second touchdown on a carry by the running back.
The game never got any better for Oakleaf after that until they got close to a touchdown again in the fourth quarter but had a turnover on downs after the quarterback couldn’t scramble for a first down.
Tyree Saunders was the top receiver on the field for the night, making spectacular catches, one of which was a get fade route to the corner that resulted in a touchdown. He is one of several athletes to look for on offense this fall inclduding Freshman QB Larry Edwards Jr, rising seniors Jaylen Fowler WR, and Christon Johnson RB.
Oakleaf has a tough district to play in this upcoming year but Garis seemed happy about what he saw from his guys and wants them to believe in what is done in the offseason will translate well to next years season. He’ll rely on key players such as rising juniors QB Walter Simmons III and Terrance Anthony (WR). Plus rising seniors Jalen Rivers (T) , Sean Washington (WR) and Chantz Williams (DE) .
Marty Lee of First Coast also seemed happy with what he saw from his players as First Coast continues to rebuild back to its championship ways.
The defense looks solid, led by rising seniors linebacker Jamaal Gelsey Jr, and safety Davon Davis. Their ability to make plays starts up front as the defensive line of Darryl Mack DE, Wilfred Jones DT, Antonio Bell, DT, Troy Pittman Jr DE, Damien Deloney DT will look to create turnovers with pressure as they did against Oakleaf.
