Oakleaf- The demise of the Mandarin Mustangs was greatly exaggerated. Yes it wasn’t an impressive showing versus Fletcher last week. They won the game 8-0, but emerged with more doubts about their offense, especially since 4-star quarterback Tramel Jones Jr went down, because they haven’t been able to replicate production from the position. Still, Mandarin’s defense has shown why they are arguably the best in Florida, and they made big plays when they needed to in the secondary to come away with the 18-7 victory.
Mandarin scored in the second quarter, as Shaunqueze Foster rumbled for a touchdown to put the Mustangs up 6-0. The score broke the ice, to what was a frigid start by both offenses. Both offenses were forced to punt in the first quarter, and up until the Foster run, Mandarin’ drives all stalled. But what makes them good is their persistence. They keep running the ball behind their powerful offensive line , and loading up their 4-headed monster at running back of Foster, Deion Winstead, Donte Perry and Ayden Owens.
With the Oakleaf students chanting “OverRated”@Quezefoster rips off a 20 yard touchdown run @DuvalSports 6-0 Mustangs pic.twitter.com/85O3O26Ef6
— Strikeout Photography (@PaulSim5198139) October 25, 2024
They also play defense, the Mustangs once again dominated the game. After a shutout last week, the Mustangs were well on their way to another with Friday night’s performance. 5-star safety Drake Stubbs was allover the field. He nearly came away with pick 6, breaking up a crossing patter near their endzone.
Stubbs also made a crucial strip on Oakleaf’s Fareed Coleman, which thwarted what was sure to be an Oakleaf touchdown. Stubbs, along with Darius Jackson who batted a ball on 4th down to stop an Oakleaf scoring drive. Jaylen Lewis provided excellent coverage in the secondary and secured an impressive PBU to stop a touchdown.
Mandarin defense working too. @DuvalSports @jaylenlewis71 pic.twitter.com/7cMxHTJFXN
— Strikeout Photography (@PaulSim5198139) October 26, 2024
There was 4-star defensive back Brody Jennings who swooped in to make a close toe tap interception attempt down the sideline. This stopped a long pass, as the defense seemed ready for everything Oakleaf attempted to do on offense.
More mandarin defense, No Fly Zone in Oakleaf @SpidermanJ3 @DuvalSports pic.twitter.com/CiTYOS2XpP
— Strikeout Photography (@PaulSim5198139) October 26, 2024
Offensively, Mandarin got just what they needed from quarterback Knox Annis to win the game. He used his legs to scramble for first downs. He also hit Brysen Wright in the end-zone for a touchdown, as Mandarin increased their lead to 12-0 in the third quarter.
Mandarin Touchdown!! @KnoxAnnisqb to @bfye904 @DuvalSports pic.twitter.com/G1Q4YjKkPN
— Strikeout Photography (@PaulSim5198139) October 26, 2024
Oakleaf’s defense did their best to keep them in the game. They would swoop in to get an interception in the third quarter as Jayven Moreno skyed for an interception on a pass intended for 5-star wide receiver Jaime Ffrench. Ffrench was double covered on the play, as Oakleaf made a decision to ensure that he did not beat them.
Mandarin defense working too. @DuvalSports @jaylenlewis71 pic.twitter.com/7cMxHTJFXN
— Strikeout Photography (@PaulSim5198139) October 26, 2024
Yet Ffrench still managed to get his share of catches in the game. He even saw a little quarterback action as Mandarin pulled out all the stops in the district battle. Late in the fourth quarter, Mandarin still held a 12-0 lead when Brysen Wright caught a pass from Annis and went 85-yards to the house. It was his second score of the night, as Mandarin said good night to the Knights.
A late score by Oakleaf narrowed the point margin to 18-7, but it did not narrow the game, as Mandarin paced the contest from start to finish, They never seemed in doubt of losing control of the contest, and that’s the mark of a champion. Mandarin left their mark on a field that saw Drake Stubbs return where he played his first two years. It was a good homecoming to say the least.
With a district title, and a tough schedule, Mandarin is primed to have home games in the playoffs. That wasn’t the case last year as the Mustangs hit the road all four games before the championship. At 7-2, they will welcome St. Augustine (7-1) to the corral next week to end the season with a big battle. Look for Austin Candler, Ben Bouton_, Myles_Hay Vhohn Housand and Sam Smedley to establish the run behind them.
Halftime adjustments for the Mandarin O-Line @Austincandler32 @BenBouton_ @Myles_Hay71 @big50vhohn and Sam Smedley have been controlling the line of scrimmage @DuvalSports pic.twitter.com/lyoh7ssaZK
— Strikeout Photography (@PaulSim5198139) October 26, 2024
Oakleaf (6-3), will regroup and finish up at home against a tough Tocoi Creek team that they cannot sleep on. The playoffs are in play for both teams, so it will be a hard fought contest.
