Spring Football: Ponte Vedra Starts Fast, Riverside Finishes Strong In The Backyard

The Ponte Vedra Sharks traveled to the “Backyard” of Riverside to face off against the Generals. Ponte Vedra started off strong on the offensive side, completing three straight scoring drives. The first touchdown was secured by Camden Tietz #18, and the second by Jack Berquist #14, giving the Sharks a commanding 14-0 lead by the end of the first quarter.

In the second quarter, the Sharks extended their lead with a rushing touchdown by Brian Case #7, bringing the score to 21-0. Riverside finally responded when Shermon Davis #9 made an impressive stride down the sidelines for a touchdown, putting the Generals on the board at 21-7. Davis ran with conviction, willing his team back into the game.

Just before the end of the second quarter, Riverside’s four-star athlete, Tae’Shaun Gelsey #2, made a spectacular catch over his defender, broke two tackles, and ran it into the end zone, closing the gap to 21-13.

However, the coaches decided to reset the score to 0-0 for both teams for the rest of the second half, making the final tally 28-13 in favor of the Sharks.


Key Takeaways for the Generals:

  • Discipline Issues**: The Generals need to address some discipline issues on the offensive side, ensuring better execution and fewer penalties.
  • Early Momentum**: Riverside needs to find ways to build momentum early in the game to avoid playing catch-up.
  • Chemistry**: Continued focus on building chemistry between players will be crucial for their success as the season progresses.

Key Takeaways for the Sharks

  • Fast start on offense showed familiarity of offense, new starters at QB and WR have put in work this Winter.
  • Defense missed several tackles and lacks elite speed at skill positions
  • Offensive line has very impressive size, has the ability to dominate smaller opponents

Despite the loss, the Generals showed flashes of during their second half performance. Meanwhile, the Sharks demonstrated their offensive prowess and solidified their position as a team to watch this season.


Key Players To Watch:- By Andre’ Ellis

Ponte Vedra

Landon Okla- 2025, LB 6’2” 235 lb, 3-star athlete that is the unquestioned leader on the field. 7 offers including ones from Pitt and Maryland. Led team with 8 receiving touchdowns.

Brian Case- 6’0, 200lbs, RB-Case was one of the top rushers in the city last year with 1,165yds and 21 touchdowns. Case has an offer from FAU.

Drew Price- 5’11| |170, QB, A talented athlete that scored at receiver, and tossed a touchdown at quarterback last year. He now steps into the starting role at quarterback, looking to keep the Shark’s high powered offense rolling. Looked great in spring, already establishing a rapport with his receivers.

Robbie Grieco-6’2/ DE Had 8 sacks,2 caused fumbles, 48 tackles in 2023, looking to captain the defense for the Sharks.

Rocco Garcia-2025, 6’3, 280, OL- Powerful people mover opening the holes for a 1,000 yard back. A leader on the Ponte Vedra offensive line.

Jack Berquist-2026, WR/TE/ 6’3/ 200lb, scored in the spring game showing an ability to use his big frame to create mismatches and capitalize. Watch out for this big target to make a big name for himself this year.

Camden Tietze- 2027, WR, 6’0,165lbs, a young but blossoming athlete who scored the first touchdown of the spring game. It’s plays like that which make his high school coaches and college recruiters ear perk up.

Brody Mcleod-2026 l 6’4 275lbsl OL, A huge presence on the Ponte Vedra offensive line that helped protect one of the top passers in NE Florida. Already has a D-1 offer from Memphis, look for more to come for this big man.


Riverside:

Tae’Shaun Gelsey-2025|6’4, 210lbs, 4-star, 2 sport athlete WR whose big frame is one we haven’t seen in NE Florida since Sandalwood’s Javonte Kinsey (Bowling Green-> Campbell). Gelsey just picked up a dream offer from Florida, one of his 27 total. He is a dream receiver for collegiate offensive coordinators.

Shermon Davis-2025, 5’10, 190lbs RB, this down hill runner can not only break tackles, get to the second level, but turn on the jets to out-race defenders. Davis is also an excellent receiver out of the backfield. This team leader has received several offers this spring.

Zavier “Zay” Hilliard– 2026, 6’3, 200lbs 2 Sport Athlete in football and baseball, Hilliard received his first D-1 offer from USC. Size, and athleticism this rising junior is ready to take a prominent role after catching 3 TDs in 2023.

Ivan Brown-6’2 | 208lb | LB, 2025, Ended 2023 with 70 tackles, 15 tfls, 4 sacks, and 3 pass deflections for Riverside. He flys around making plays on the ball and is violent once he arrives at ball carriers.

Richard Pooler Jr-2025, 6’2, 160Ib CB/safety- Great height for the position whi has caught the eye of college coaches. Pooler picked up several offers this spring.

Derrick Bridges Jr-2026, 6’1, 160lbs |ATH |WR, scored on a beautiful slant in the spring game, showing impressive speed to split the defense. Picked up an offer after the game from Lake Erie.

Myles Kendrick– 2025, 3-star WR, with1,014 all purpose yards, 16 receiving touchdowns. Kendrick showed his unique ability to stand out with an 100-yard pick-6 last year. Recruiting has bee on fire for him with offers from Michigan State and Indiana among his 20 total.

Glenn “Tripp” Foreman III-2025, 6’2, 180lbs, QB. Will lead the Generals offense again into his senior year. Showed why coaches love him, able to make clutch throws in pressure situations to win games, as he did against Trinity Christian last year. Passed for 1,622yds and 21 TDs.

Anthony “Ant” Henry-2025|DB, The Ant-Man plays like a super hero on the field playing much bigger than his size. No better example was his 2 interception performance against powerhouse Raines. He finished the season with 4 interceptions, tops on the team.


About the author

Asia Maye, proudly hails from the heart of Alabama. As a former athlete she knows what it's like to dream big in a small, rural community where recruiting attention can be scarce. That's why she embarked on her photography journey with a mission in mind to help shed light on the incredible talents hidden in the underexposed corners of the sports world. Helping athletes from all walks of life achieve their dreams of recognition and propel them along their remarkable sports journeys. Through the lens of her camera, she aims to capture the passion, dedication, and raw talent that often goes unnoticed. Believing that every athlete, regardless of their background or hometown, deserves the chance to shine in the spotlight. She is here to tell their stories, one frame at a time.