Mid-Season Report: Ed White Commanders

We take a look at teams around the area either at their mid-season point or just after the half way mark. Today’s report is on the Ed White Commanders coached by Lawrence Johnson. It’s been a great first half of the season for Ed White. They started out 4-0 for the first time in a decade (2011). Coach Johnson has been around the game a long time. As a quarterback at Sandalwood, and an assistant at Ed White, Sandalwood, and now second year head coach at Ed White. His experience allows him to place players in position to make big plays and several players are reaping those benefits.

No player has benefited from these opportunities more than running back/ free safety Christian Ellis. Ellis leads the team with 827 yards rushing and 8 touchdowns on the ground. He’s also add 2 touchdowns receiving from the air. He and fellow senior Jaquan Wiggins (190 yards, 3TDs) have powered the rushing attack.

Christian Ellis rushed for 209 yards and 1 TD while adding 7 tackles a fumble recovery versus Suwannee

From the air, juniors Gabriel Garmon leads in receiving yards (208yds) while Xavier Baldwin is tied for team lead with 2 TDs receiving. Quarterback Isiah Teal has worked hard spreading the ball around passing for 581 yards and 4 touchdowns. He’s also rushed for 126 yards and 2 touchdowns.

Xavier Baldwin leads Ed White in YPC and is tied for team lead with 2 touchdown receptions

On defense, linebacker Welsey Madison and Davaughn Patterson lead the team with 47 and 44 tackles respectively. Patterson has been a spark for the team, tallying 3 interceptions in five games, including a pick 6. He’s also scored on the ground rushing for Ed White. Darryll Ricks leads the team with 5 sacks on the season from his defensive end position. While Madison has chipped in 2 sacks.

The Commanders sit at 4-1 on the season, and have 9 games on their schedule. Baker County, Terry Parker and Riverside are tough tests that remain on the schedule. Bishop Kenny and Baker County remain as district tests. If they win those two contests, they’ll advance to the playoffs.

Safety Davaughn Patterson leads the team in interceptions and is second on the team in tackles

ED WHITE STATS AS OF WEEK 6 (Stats in story include week 7)

Quarterback Isiah Teal leads the offense this year passing for 4 TDs and rushing for 2 TDs

DEFENSIVE STATS

About the author

Andre' Ellis, Founder/ Lead Writer DuvalSports.com Florida Times Union All-City 1998,LB, Sandalwood Florida A&M Unv, BA , MBA