Northeast FL- Seven is the biblical number of completion. So every Sunday, we’ll highlight our 7 Takes from a particular game that we covered during the week. These “7 Takes” make up a complete game summary, highlighting key factors that led to the outcome. Our fifth complete game we provide 7-Takes from Sandalwood at Fletcher, where the Senators defeated the Saints 15-7, as the game was called in the 3rd quarter.
Photos by Jeanell Wilson
Take 1
Welcome back Marcelis Tate! The USF committed quarterbck suffered an injury against Chiles, and was sidelined the last few games. Yet he returned against rival Sandalwood and picked up right where he left off, tossing two TD passes in two quarters of play. The offensive line led by Brayden Wallace gave him protection and time to find his receivers. What a return for Tate, and Fletcher is getting him back at the perfect time to make a second half of the season push.
Take 2
#9 Kam Mills has emerged as a major offensive weapon for Sandalwood. Mills scored on a touchdown run to open the game verus Fletcher. He also secured catches on Sandalwood’s offensive drives, showing his versatility. The Saints got out to a great start thanks to Mills scored first 7-0. This is exactly what Coach Adam Geis has been looking for, as the veteran coach can make any athletic player into a star running-back in his system.
Take 3
Fletcher is flying high thanks to Tate being back. But his weapons are stepping up in big ways. In Fletcher’s first two games, new comer Troy Hillman Jr (226 yards, 2 TDS ) was the biggest playmaker for the team. With Tate out, Fletcher would grind it out using running-backs Keondre Harold (286yds, 2 TDs last two games), and Coron Davis (102yds rushing vs Chiles, 215 yds passing 1 TD in 3 games). Against Sandalwood, star wideout #1 Anthony Vaglienti was ingnited catching a slant for a TD as well as wide receiver #13 Frank Lacroix catching the first TD for Fletcher.
Take 4
Sandalwood is LBU, “Linebacker U” Sandalwood has had some of the best linebackers in the area over the years. Thanks in part to having one of the best linebackersfrom Carol City coaching them in Brad Jennings. Continuing this LBU tradition is #1 CJ Allen, who leads the team in tackles. He is committed to Georgia Southern University. But then there is outside linebacker #3 Cory Mathews.
A former quarterback in middle school turned linebacker who is absolutely eye-popping off the edge. Mathews showed explosiveness off the edge, and impressive on-lookers with his ability to get after the quarterback, and chase down ball carriers from the back side.
Take 5
After an 0-2 start, Fletcher head coach Ciatrick Fason said that he was going to refocus his team, and he did. Captain Fason is righting the ship by navigating his team to three straight wins and now stand 3-2. The Senators coaching staff is one of the best in city, and there was no doubt that Fason and crew would find their winning ways. They are headed to their most favorable part of the season, looking for their third straight playoff appearance this year.
Take 6
It is great to see Brody Jennings playing on both sides of the ball. The extremely talented sophomore is versitile and the Saints are allowing him to show his versatility. For Sandalwood to turn things around, they must go old school. They must find ways to get their play-makers the ball to score points on offense. They’ll also have to play those stars on defense to stop opponents.
Take 7
The rivalry game between Sandalwood and Fletcher would end prematurely in the 3rd quarter, due to a disturbance outside the game. A fight broke out that turned into a brawl, scattering students, parents and fans in attendance. The game was called by officials. As a proud alumni of Sandalwood high school, one who played in this rivalry for four years, I know the history and pride of the two schools and the richness of the rivalry. With that being said, it is time to end the rivalry.
(Links of brawl, Viewer discretion advised )
https://www.facebook.com/reel/210810955165532
https://www.facebook.com/reel/859092862274854
The two schools stopped playing each other for three years from 2016-2019 due to several incidents occuring like the one this past Friday. These types of events happen at basketball games as well, and occured even when I was in school over 20 years ago. It’s time to stop the game for good for the safety of the student athletes, and the people that come support them at the games.
