Terry Parker HS- It was a special year for Fort Caroline Middle as they achieved greatness at unprecedented levels. The team led by head coach Reginald Garrett won their first Duval County middle school football championship in school history, upsetting the defending county champion Springfield Middle 20-12.
The hype around Fort Caroline was brewing all year. Everyone either saw or heard about the upstart Cavaliers. Whether it was their suffocating defense, or their explosive offense, Fort Caroline showed that they could win any game with any style of play. Against Springfield Tuesday night in the championship game, they showcased all of those styles in a thrilling game between two tough teams.
In the first half, Fort Caroline held Springfield scoreless in the first quarter. The defense stopped the run up the middle, and put constant pressure on Springfield’s quarterback and offensive linemen. Then on offense, Fort Caroline drove down the field, and at the beginning of the second quarter would score a touchdown. Thanks to quarterback Si’mari Limehouse Gillis, who ran it in for a 1-yard quarterback sneak, Fort Caroline lead Springfield. 6-0.
Fort Caroline wasn’t finished. After their defense stopped Springfield again, the offense got an explosive play from their explosive player. What was initially a busted play, Limehouse Gillis turned nothing into something getting the handoff, reversing field, and finding a crease down the left side line running for a 80-yard touchdown run to the roar of the Fort Caroline faithful. Fort Caroline shockingly was up 12 to 0 over Springfield in the second quarter.
Ft Caroline!!! Goes up 12-0 over defending champion Springfield Middle 2nd Duval County Middle School Championship! pic.twitter.com/s3T5D2FQai
— Duval Sports (@DuvalSports) November 20, 2024
With just over two minutes to play in the half, Springfield needed points bad. They turned to one of the baddest players in the county to do so in quarterback Sa’mon Morgan-Ellison. He navigated the team down the field with passes and QB runs. With just 10 seconds left in the half, Morgan-Ellison got the snap and went left, but was tackled by Fort Caroline defenders. Yet in still with strength, he somehow was able to pitch the ball to his running back Jeremiah Hampton who out-raced defenders to the left pylon for an amazing touchdown. The half ended with Springfield trailing Fort Caroline 12 to 6.
Springfield!! Touchdown!! What a play!! They get on the board trailing 12-6 to Ft Caroline! Halftime! pic.twitter.com/uXw0WJCpvT
— Duval Sports (@DuvalSports) November 20, 2024
The second half was a different story, at least for the Comets in the third quarter. Springfield came out motivated, scoring quickly to tie the game at 12 to 12. Quarterback Sa’mon Morgan-Ellison would toss a touchdown pass through several defenders for the score. It was a different ballgame now, as the momentum shifted to Springfield.
The comets defense also woke up, and stifled the Cavaliers once powerful offense. Fort Caroline was held scoreless in the third quarter. It seemed like the Comets would shoot through the night sky and ride momentum to victory for a second title in a row. However, Ft. Caroline would respond like a champion.
In the fourth quarter, and backed up deep into their own territory, the Cavalier coaching staff dialed up running back Tristian Mitchell’s number and he answered right on time. The powerful back took the handoff off left tackle, broke two tackles, and outraced the speedy Comet secondary for the game deciding score.
Si’mari Limehouse Gillis would add the 2-point conversion, the first made by either team all night, and all of a sudden Fort Caroline lead 20-12 with just 4 minute to play in the game. It was a bold answer by a team that had been battle tested all year. Whether it was a playoff win over YMLA who was coached by a former middle school champion, or a playoff win over Lake Shore who was also coached by a former champion. Head Coach Reginald Garrett’s team earned every yard.
So on 4th & 4 from the Fort Caroline 15-yard line, it was no surprise that the Cavalier defense held the Fort, making a game saving tackle on a swing pass to virtually end the game. The showing on offense and defense would give Fort Caroline the 2024 Duval County Middle School Championship, a shocking upset that will be heard around the city.
For Springfield and Head Coach Chuck Brown it was a great run. They returned to the title game after winning it all last year. A tough task for any program to do. Although this time it wasn’t a happy return, look for them to be back next year.
As for Ft Caroline and Head Coach Reginald Garrett it was indeed a happy return. The third year coach returned to his old stomping grounds of Terry Parker high school where he played football, and brought a championship to Ft Caroline Middle school. The first football title in school history.
Ft Caroline HC Reginald Garrett returned to his old stomping grounds of Terry Parker HS where he played ball, and brought a championship to Ft Caroline Middle school. The first title in School history! pic.twitter.com/n8hsQxc9UI
— Andre' Ellis (@andreellis55) November 20, 2024
His Hudl from 2017 when Duval Sports covered him as a player, was titled “Dreams To Reality”. He couldn’t have spoken truer words into existence, as championship dreams for Fort Caroline are now a reality for their current and former players and the entire school. Congratulations to the Fort, on their hard fought win.
