Green Cove Springs- Head Coach Dan Slater knew he had a tough and talented team of 7th graders after his 2019 spring football game versus Oakleaf. Playing them to a stalemate in the game, the Cougars left that contest unsatisfied. They didn’t just want to show the NEFAC football conference that they could play with the best teams, they wanted to show everyone that they were the best team. Fast-forward to the 2019 fall season and Green Cove’s hot start has many thinking they just might be the best team.
Green Cove got off to a big win versus Lakeside 38 -0 in the season opener. It was the start that the Cougars wanted, dominating in all phases of the game. Then in their second contest, they downed traditional powerhouse Wilkinson 23 -6 to improve to 2-0.
The team is led by two big defensive linemen in Gage Isbell (DT), and Garrison Butler (DE). Controlling the line of scrimmage has been the key to success yielding just 6 points in two games.
On offense, highlight reel Jaydan Jenkins has shown that speed kills, as he’s made dynamic plays with the ball in his hands. Peyton Dykas is another leader on the team that’s made big plays an contributions leading to the Cougars success. The Green Cove offense has scored 61 points in two games.
For coach Dan Slater and his staff including assistant coach Rob Bendig, they know it’s going to be a process, but putting up points is important. Said Slater after the spring game “Our focus is to get bigger and stronger and I think you’re going to see us score a lot more points in the fall”. Words his Cougars are taking to the bank, as they are among the top teams in the conference in points scored and points yielded. They look to improve to 3-0 next week against Orange Park Junior High.
Due to hurricane Dorain, Green Cove’s game versus Baker county has been rescheduled to October 1st 2019.
