Former Yulee Hornets star and current NFL All-Pro Derrick Henry was honored during Yulee’s spring football contest against Andrew Jackson. The Tigers defeated the Hornets Thursday night 19-7, in front of an energetic crowd excited to welcome back a hometown hero.
The Hornet’s nest filled with cheer as 2015 Heisman Trophy recipient, Derrick Henry stood on the sidelines. Pumped with much energy and enthusiasm, the Hornets ran across the field displaying pre-victory chants.
As a three-sport star in football, basketball, and track. Derrick Henry played running back for the Hornetsrushing for 2,465 yards and 26 touchdowns as a freshman in 2009. He was named a first-team All-Coast at running back in 2010 after rushing for 2,788 yards and 38 touchdowns. As a junor, he rushed for 2,610 yards and 34 touchdowns in 2011.
He set the Florida high school record with a 510-yard performance against Jackson capping a senio campaign rushing for 4,261 yards and 55 touchdowns. He’d end his high school career with 12,124 career rushing yards to capture the all-time high school rushing record.
Yulee’s current offense looks alot different than it did with Henry in the backfield. Offensive coordinator Terrance Flagler now serves as the newly appointed head coach. Flagler will continue his duties as the Hornet’s offensive coordinator as well.
Amidst the Thursday night festivities, Coach Antoine Atwater and the Tigers patiently awaited to face Yulee. A commanding Hornets offense took the field ready to launch when Jackson’s upcoming sophomore Matthew Merritt executed an interception allowing the Tigers to take control of the ball.
Former Duval Sports Middle school Top 50 player and quarterback , Jalen Sonnier would later throw a pass to Merritt for the touchdown early in the first quarter. With a good extra point, Jackson would begin the 7-0 lead over Yulee.
A quick answer back from the Hornets would lead to a touchdown tying up the score 7-7 with less than three minutes left in the first quarter.
Show stopper Gavin Knight wreaked havoc in the second quarter with huge tackles stifling the Jackson offense. Merritt would also continue to use his height and flexibility to knock Hornet passes out of mid air. The second quarter rumble would later end with a 7-7 tie.
Jackson later missed the opportunity for a touchdown in the third when officials cited that the ball carriers knees were down before the ball crossed the goal line. Jackson’s Arnan Kirtsey’s big defensive play kept the blocked the Hornet’s offense. However the Tigers would later score off of a safety to close out the third quarter with a 9-7 lead.
A nice touchdown by Gary Wiggins disintegrated the nest as Tiger prints embedded the field.
Coach Flagler looks to get better and stronger as a team. The Hornets have two excellent backs which are working with the receivers to get more involved. Outstanding defensive players Gavin Knight , Tayjon Thomas, Devin Littlejohn and Terrell Jackson are improving to complete an expectant season of success.
Jackson will soon be packing punches this fall with an array of talent and new faces. Upcoming sophomore Matthew Merritt whom has an offer from UAB is described as a phenomenal all around player that plays offense and defense.
Newcomer , K.J. Mahones and upcoming senior is a strong running back and defensive end with a 4.0 GPA. Offensive line captain , DaQuan Sneed is an upcoming senior whom also doubles as a defensive lineman.
Gary Wiggins is yet another upcoming senior whom plays as an defensive end and backup quarterback. Outside line backer and defensive end Ricky Dove, whom also led the team in tackles last year will lead the Tigers.
Both Yulee and Jackson will examine the tape and build on the things that worked in their spring game. As the summer approaches, every team must now be ready for departing and arriving transfers, in hopes that the teams they field in the spring will be improved and not diminished by the fall.
