Macclenny Fl- The playoffs begin tonight and we kickoff our tale of the tape, previewing each Northeast Florida playoff team and opponent. Take a look each great matchup between two these well coached teams, and the break down at several positions.
Class 5A Region 1
RPI Rankings
- Baker County-0.618
- Raines- 0.616
- Wakulla-0.577
- North Marion-0.567
- West Florida-0.634
- Bishop Kenny-0.582
- Terry Parker-0.566
- Ed White- 0.545
#8 Ed White (5-4) vs #1 Baker County (8-2)
Head Coaches:
Ed White: Lawrence Johnson
Baker County : Kevin Mays
Quarterbacks:
Ed White: Isiah Teal: The junior quarterback for Ed White has been a big part to the team’s success early this year. Big plays in the passing and run game have accentuated the big 6’3, 210 pound quarterback’s game. He’s passed for 1008 yards and 7 touchdowns, 6 INTs, while rushing for 3 TDs on the ground.
Baker County: The Wildcats are led by senior Noah Ray who has provided, steadiness, leadership and big play making ability to the position. He’s passed for 1141 yards and 12 TDs to just 3 INTs. Ray has also run for 3 touchdowns. He’s deceptively fast and will be used to surprise defenses.
Running back:
Ed White: What a year it’s been for Christian Ellis fresh off a championship at Trinity Christian last year. The 6’1, 200lb senior looks to return to the title game, this time by powering the Ed White run game. This year he’s run for 1375 yards and 10 rushing touchdowns. He’s also caught 2 touchdowns this year. The mix of speed and power makes him dangerous with every touch. But he’s not the only dangerous back Ed White has used this year. Senior Jaquan Wiggins provides a nice change of pace, rushing for 320 yards and 3 scores. And then there’s junior Davaughn Patterson who has come in and motored for 349 yards and 6 touchdowns. He’s a jack hammer that defenses struggle to bring down.
Baker County: Once again Baker County is running and running wild thanks to a system that is built to dominate on the ground. This year it’s been Cam Smith (1085 yds, 12 TDs) providing the speed. It’s been Jamarian Baker (764 yds, 12 TDs ) providing the power. Smith has also been exceptionally in the passing game with 311 receiving yards and 2 TDs. The Wildcats make it deceptively hard for defenses to key on who will get the ball. That makes anyone dangerous, including the quarterback Ray, and wide receiver Jaymodd Ruise.
Wide Receiver:
Baker County: Jaymodd Ruise is a big play speedster who takes the top off defenses with his ability to stretch the field. He’s caught 22 balls for 464 yards and 8 touchdowns. Ruise is one of the fastest if not the fastest athlete on the field. Blink and he’s behind you
Ed White: Gabriel Garmon- The long 6’2, 175 pound junior has led the Commanders in receiving with 348 yards. Ironically, he’s reached the end zone while running the ball this year, showcasing his athletic ability. Jeremiah Jones has also come on of late for Ed White, with 159-yards receiving and a touchdown on the season. White’s big play receiver Xavier Baldwin is out for the season. Deven Robinson at 6’4, 260 pounds is a very effective blocker and pass catcher in the offense.
Defense:
Ed White: Undersized but quick and aggressive is how you’d describe the linebackers of Ed White. Junior Westley Madison leads the team in tackles (86). Darryl Ricks has 7 sacks on the season. Senior Jaquan Stepherson is an all around versatile D-Lineman. .Davaughn Patterson is one of the most complete all around football players in the state. He leads Ed White in interceptions (3) and is second on the team in tackles (80). He captains a unit that has generated 24 turnovers on the season. Seniors Sherman McClain (6’1) and Matthew Pierre-val (6’2) provide proto-typical length at defensive back that makes it hard for receivers to catch against. Rounding out the secondary is the 3-Star athlete Christian Ellis who has 3 sacks on the season and is third in tackles (43) at safety.
Baker County: The unit has been exceptional this year. The Baker County defense has not allowed a 100-yard rusher all season. Linebacker Camilo Rollins leads the team with 99 tackles. He’s an enforcer inside, stuffing the run bullying offensive linemen. 6’3 Orlando Holland has had an incredible year registering 15 sacks. Bryce Kazmierczak also has 7 sacks on the season. Jamil Jones has incorporated his own island this year, leading the state in interceptions with 9. The entire defense has been turnover makers. Deheaven Clark, and Ronnie Ellis both have 3 interceptions interceptions on the season making up 17 total interceptions.
Outlook: This is a rematch from a hard hitting regular season game that decided the district champion. Baker County won 35-16, in a game that was much closer than the final score suggests (22-16 after three quarters). The Wildcats have won all season with the same formula and will play defense and run the ball behind their big offensive line led by Chase Crews. Ed White must do a better job at what they do best, and that’s run the ball as well. They were outgained 284 to 176 on the ground last time around.
