High School Football Preview: RIBAULT TROJANS 2015

In a visit with head coach Anthony Flynn and the Ribault Trojans, it was easy to tell that the Trojans are cooking up something special for the 2015 football season. The Trojans seemed very eager,and ready to hit and put of points against another team,being that their the only Jacksonville area team to see no preseason action. In the wake of a cancelled preseason game againt the Providence Stallions the Trojans turn their focus towards a 2x state champion (2002 6a, 2011 5a) in Miami’s Norlands Vikings. To deal with the anxiety of competition the coach Flynn is turning up the dial in practice,one of his assistance coaches said this may be the most physical week of practice this year.Coach Flynn is also stressing the importance of detail,being smart,and making next level type plays. Coach Flynn will rely heavily on his senior ace Derius McGoogin to lead the Trojans not only against Norlands saturday but to a much awaited florida state playoff bid.CoachIMG_6967 (800x533)IMG_7376 (800x533)

Flynn told me McGoogin is the right man to lead the Trojans into battle each week,being that he has a very strong arm,he’s accurate and smart with the ball.Derius is also a threat on the edge with the ball to make a big play.Along with McGoogin the Trojans have 7 returning starters on a explosive offense. A couple of McGoogin’s weapons will be  sr. Deshawn Mcnair, sr. Brandon Thomas and jr. Jhamal Marsh. Although all 3 guys are pure athletes McNair will serve as the bell cow of the offense. Flynn told me McNair is a strong,powerful fast hard hitting rb who will also double as a db/lb were he earned several D1 offers last season.Flynn said he is looking forward to Deshawn getting 1000+ yards rushing this season along with the speedy sophomore Josh Whitehead who Flynn is also counting on to explode for 1000+ yards as well. In charge of keeping McGoogin’s uniform clean will be the big 6’6 290 pound Tackle John Mays. Mays the signal caller of the line is a smart kid with a 3.0, can bench 300 pounds,has great hands and footwork. Also in the trenches with big John Mays is jr. Sammond Griffin, and sr. Gentorris Jackson. IMG_7487 (800x530)IMG_6958 (800x520)IMG_7366 (800x529)

Coach Flynn told me Gentorris is a athletic 2 sport guy who also plays both sides of the ball for him. Defensive coordinator coach K.Smith told me Jackson is a experienced 3 year starter who comes with a fierce work ethic,he’s solid against the run and great at getting after the qb. Jr. LB Leon Huey will also provide a lot of tackles and sacks for the Trojans,Smith also added he’s returning 7 starters on defense and he will lean heavily on his secondary as well.A very deep group led by sr. hard hitting safety Terry Stripling.IMG_6983 (800x521)IMG_7477 (800x509)

Striplings a guy coach told me is great at aligning his squad up against any offensive formation, he understands all the numerous schemes the Trojans will run on defense this year.Stripling can also cover ground well,such good attributes may have landed him a role rushing the ball this year. A rangy well improved 6’2 190 pound Charles Williams and a very hard working 5’10 180 pound Sidney Wilson,all seniors will provide much needed plays along with Stripling. Smith said he has a very confident bunch on the defensive side with 7 seniors. IMG_7404 (800x532)IMG_7339 (800x533)IMG_7352 (800x522)

The ultimate goal for the 2015 Trojans is to hoist a 5a Florida state title trophy at years end. To do that the Trojans must win the battle of attrition.To keep his team healthy and on point Coach Flynn is making his team lift weights properly, eat right and undergo county mandated baseline concussion test. Athletic trainer Melissa Angel will oversee such testing during practices and in the game. Angel told me its not just for football, its for all players and coaches of any sport male and female,and that such test are needed to protect the players from such a serious injury. Parts of the test consist of a visual memory, symbol digital coloring matching for 2 minutes among others.

words and phrases that will guide the Trojans this year

  • special thanx to coach Flynn his staff and players.

-Phil DreamKingFilmz Myers

Trojans pics

About the author

Andre' Ellis, Founder/ Lead Writer DuvalSports.com Florida Times Union All-City 1998,LB, Sandalwood Florida A&M Unv, BA , MBA