It was a freshman showcase at Oakleaf as young stars from Sandalwood, Baldwin, and Oakleaf, debuted their talents on new teams in the 2023 high school kick off Jamboree.
First, we saw Sandalwood take on Baldwin. The Saints started the game with a nice run from running-back Dezion Collier. However, it would be freshman, Corey Mathews who shined bright for the Saints. Mathews was all over the field, making tackles and racking up sacks.
The freshman is a 2022–2023 Duval Sports Top 50 Middle school Athlete. He played middle school football at University Christian Middle, leading them to an undefeated season. Now Mathews looks like a freshman phenom for head coach Adam Geis, whom Sandalwoood will use in many different positions.
Sandalwoood already has 2026 athlete Brody Jennings, who has 19 division one offers. Jennings looked good for the Saints, holding down his corner position.
CJ Allen, a Georgia Southern commit lead the defense in the middle at linebacker. He has been instrumental in teaching the young linebacker Cory Mathews the ropes. It looks like Allen, Jennings and Mathews will all be play makers this year for the Saints.
Baldwin came out against Sandalwoood very aggressive. They’re head coach, Robert Shields, charged them to play with violence during their pregame warm-ups, that’s just what they did. Defensively, they stifled Sandalwood’s offense disrupting the back-field with penetration from players like Jeremie Morgan. Morgan also had a key TFL versus Oakleaf.
Vanderbilt commit Mason Carter attacked the edge forcing Sandalwood to run opposite his side. His teammates were there to finish the play including linebacker Christian Velvet, who made several tackle for losses, a sack, and recovered a fumble.
Carter will be a problem this year for offenses as his 6’5, 200 pound frame creates mis-matches on opposing offensive lines. Teams will attempt to run away from his side, however with his length and speed they won’t get far.
On offense, Baldwin freshman quarterback, Malik Morrison started the game. He hooked up with wide receiver, Kelvin Brown for a big gain, which set up the Indians first score. Morrison is another talented frshman to watch. He has a big arm, confidence, and solid frame for a kid straight out of middle school.
Sophomore Fareed Coleman would run it in for a short touchdown, giving Baldwin an early 7 to 0 lead. Coleman is one of many long and athletic athletes that Baldwin will display this year. Even though they are in a rural classification, they have great size this year.
Baldwin would score again when Octavius Barnes took it in from 4-yards out, increasing their lead 13 to 0 over Sandalwood, as Baldwin took the first quarter of the jamboree.
Oakleaf Time to Shine
Oakleaf however would shine at home, thanks to their own freshman phenom Michael Conner III. Conner, who is also a 2022–2023 Duval Sports Top 50 Middle School Athlete, made a spectacular varsity debut catching a slant from quarterback Brandon Wallace Jr and taking it the distance 65-yards for a touchdown against Sandalwood. The Knights would win the quarter 10-0.
Wallace would go to work again, this time against Baldwin as he hit Conner for a big first down. This looks to be a prime time duo for this up-coming season. The drive would culminate with a QB-power up the middle behind the powerful Oakleaf offensive line led by Quory Ambrose.
Leading 7-0, Oakleaf would capitalize on defense as defensive back Camari Davis intercepted a Baldwin pass to put the Knights back on offense and back in business.
Davis is still making plays for Oakleaf three years later, except now it’s for the high school. He was a key player on Oakleaf’s middle school football team just 3 years ago.
Oakleaf’s Christopher Foy Jr and Da’Jon Brown would run hard against both teams. Foy broke a couple nice long runs against both opponents. Brown was inserted in the game late against Baldwin and powered his way through tacklers on several runs. His effort would yield dividends as he broke a 30-yard run off-tackle for Oakleaf’s final touchdown of the night.
The Knights would prevail over Baldwin by a score of 14-0, going 2-0 in their home jamboree. While also giving new head Christopher Foy his first victory of the 2023 fall season.
