Class 2A seems to be hot for some this season, but possibly not so hot for others. From zero wins, to wins for the first time in school history, Class 2A possseses a unique makeup of different teams. Despite the inability of either of the teams to obtain championship rings, University Christian and St. Joseph both advanced to the playoffs. Transfers, graduations and new found talent has offset teams in the district. Who will sink or swim? As these teams set sail to begin the 2019 season.
Helmets Courtesy of: Florida HS Sports
University Christian
Coach: David Penland
Record: 8-5
Key Players: Max McClendon (Sr., RB/CB), Cody Kopp (Sr., WR/OLB), Joe Carter (Sr., RB/MLB), Noah Robertson (Sr.,C/G), Jackie Dinh (Sr.,MLB/FB), Arthur “Fatz” Walker (So. , MLB/RB), Darius Vason (Jr., OLB), Leggarius Johnson (Jr., RB/DE/MLB),
Newcomers: Orel Gray (Fr., CB/RB), Desirrio Riles (Fr., QB/MLB), Marques Moulds (Sr., RB), DeWayne Wakefield (Sr., WR/TE/DE), Ja’Won Grey (So., WR/DE/CB), Jerome Manning (So.,TE/DE), Peyton Penland (Fr., WR/FS), Carson Hancock (Fr.,K), Isaiah Small (Fr.,QB), James Amaker (Fr., DE/OLB/RB)
Schedule:
Aug 24 at Bolles
Aug 30 at Christ School
Sept 6 at Clay
Sept 20 First Coast
Sept 27 at Bradford
Oct 4 at North Florida
Oct 11 Foundation Academy
Oct 18 at Baldwin
Oct 25 at Crescent City
Nov 1 Bishop Kenny
Outlook : University experienced a stellar season last year before losing to North Florida Christian in the state playoffs. With the graduation of quarterback Jaedon Stoshak and the transfer of their starting quarterback, the Christians are young and rebuilding their program. Phenomenal freshman quarterback Desirrio Riles showed off his talent during the spring and continued to amaze on-lookers at the scrimmage game against Terry Parker. Riles is surrounded by strong returning team leaders like McClendon, Kopp and Carter. Grey, Gray, Moulds, Wakefield and Penland are fresh new faces also on the field whom are turning heads. Penland is expectant to align the team with hard work to become on one accord and head to the state championship this year.
St. Joseph
Head Coach: Brandon Tidwell
2018 Record: 9-1
Key Players:Michael Mugford (Sr., DL), Christian Kes (Sr., CB), Kent Hill (So., WR). Gregory Allen (So., RB/SB), Will Carn (Jr., QB), Brian Donor (Jr. , OG), Cameron Helt (So., C), Ethan Senderling (Sr., OLB), Grant Fortner (So.,WR), Dillon Ott (Jr.,DB), Patrick Lane (Sr., SS/WR), Evan O’halloran (Sr.,OLB)
Newcomers: Damon Thornton (Fr., QB)
Schedule:
Aug 23 Eagle’s View
Aug 30 at Coach Beach
Sept 6 at Taylor
Sept 20 at Hilliard
Sept 27 Keystone Heights
Oct 4 Providence
Oct 11 at Trinity Christian
Oct 25 at Lighthouse Private Christian Academy
Nov 1 at Interlachen
Outlook: 2018 proved to be a promising year for the Flashes after a crushing 4-4 season in 2017. St. Joseph experienced their first ever playoff berth during the season which abruptly came to a holt due to a 49-23 loss against Taylor County. Within a flash , the Flashes are back to the 2019 season. Playmakers and former seniors Dylan Thibault (1247 yds passing and 658 yds rushing ) and James Drysdale (15 touchdowns) are no longer on the roster. Can the Flashes continue their momentum this year? Will Mugford, Kes, Hill and Allen along with many other teammates find success in a team rebuild? Inquiring minds would like to know, however; the Flashes should not be underestimated as they plan on treading upon a familiar territory filled with victory.
Eagles View
Coach: Frank Andrea
Record: 4-6
Key Players:Jaylon Hunter (So., QB), Corey McCaleb (So., RB/DB), Jamie Sharp (Jr.,OL), Austin Martinez (So., QB/OLB/TE), Michael Gebremedhin, (Sr. , OLB/FB), Doinick Ruiz (Sr., OG/OLB), Josh Farlee (Sr., DR/T), Jakahri Johnson (Jr., RB/SS), Jamie Sharp (Jr., OT/DE), Breyer Wood (Sr., MLB)
Newcomers: Ethan Andrews (Fr., WR/CB), KeShawn Dunbar (Fr., OT/DL), Chase Williams (Fr., C/DL), Chase Meredith (Fr., QB/OLB), Chris Jobo(Fr.)
Schedule:
Aug 23 at St. Joseph
Aug 30 at Merritt Island
Sept 6 at Joshua Christian
Sept 13 at Interlachen
Sept 20 St. Francis
Sept 27 at North Florida
Oct 4 St. John Lutheran
Oct 11 at First Academy
Oct 18 Cedar Creek
Oct 25 at Halifax Academy
Outlook: Coach Andrea is certain that a better season is on the way based on the Warrior’s new solid foundation. Hunter will be back to lead along with Caleb and Sharp. Although former key players Jakobe Lavoile and Byron Williams have graduated, a total of 17 starters will be returning this season. There won’t be much of a change to the Warriors roster. Can they pull it together and pull themselves out of last year’s slump? Warriors don’t quit, they find different battle strategies, and look for Eagles View to do just that..
North Florida Educational
Head Coach: Rico Robinson
2018 Record:0-10
Key players: Keonta James (Jr., OL/DL), Ramauri Simpson (Jr., RB/OLB) , Allen Bass (Sr., RB/DB/LB), Andrew Ray (Sr., DB/WR), Matthew Ennis (Sr., LB/FB), Steven Mincey Jr. (Sr., QB), Tori Crooms (Sr., CB/WR), Derek Adam (Sr., LB/RB), Ta’Merick Johnson (Sr., T/G/C), Larry Tould (Jr., SB/CB/RB),
Schedule:
Aug 23 West Nassau
Aug 30 at Four Corners
Sept 6 at Wolfson
Sept 20 Fort White
Sept 27 Eagle’s View
Oct 4 University Christian
Oct 11 at Legacy Charter
Oct 18 at Chiefland
Oct 25 Fernandina Beach
Nov 1 Hilliard
Outlook: Newly appointed head coach Rico Robinson described the previous season as ‘dismal’. The Eagles did produce a win the entire 2018 season. A new coaching staff in tow along with new teammates and transfers, North Florida witnessed a fantastic spring according to Robinson. This year the Eagles offense have a host of running backs with lots of speed along with plans of aerial assaults. The defense is aggressive , running multiple defensive schemes which is projected to cover everything . The corner backs are also stacked and the safety’s are prepared to come down hill to meet the opponent. The Eagles have all of these ingredients to cook up some wins. However , seeing is believing and majority of fans are from Missouri ‘The Show me State ’. The Eagles will need to ‘Bring It’ this season.
