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| Hubert O. Dabney Stadium, Home Of The Jackets |
By Bob Castello
Daily Commercial Staff Writer
Daily Commercial Staff Writer
August 14, 1992
Ed Hoffman has been hearing the talk all summer of the lofty expectations people have for the Leesburg High football team, questions about just how far the Yellow Jackets can go.
"I'm hearing it more now," Hoffman said Thursday on the eve of the start of fall practice. "I can understand the question. But we've got our goal, and our goal is to win the district championship. When people start talking about the state playoffs, when you get into the state playoffs, the ball can bounce any way.
"We're just starting the season now."
The Jackets kick off fall practice in the area for the third consecutive year by beginning at midnight tonight, Aug.15, the first day teams can begin practice according to Florida High School Activities Association rules.
Leesburg, the area's only Class 4A team, went 8-2 and tied for the 4A-7 title last season, before losing in a tie-breaker. That was Ken Weir's final effort as the Jackets' head coach.
This year, Hoffman, previously the team's defensive coordinator, takes over. He is also the only new head coach in the area, the lowest total of newcomers in several years.
Leesburg is scheduled to practice tonight at midnight, then again on Saturday afternoon. That will represent the Jackets' only opportunity for two practices in the same day. Students at Leesburg, as well as at the other public schools in Lake County begin classes on Monday. Sumter County students begin on Thursday.
"Ti hurts us because we have to play so many teams outside of the county, Hoffman, whose only in-county opponent will be Eustis.
"Teams from other counties who start school laster could have as many as six more practices than we get."
If that's the down side as the season unfolds, the up side for the Jackets is the players' enthusiasm.
"We just want to come out enthused, and I think we'll do that, and just cut down on our mistakes," Hoffman said.
Hoffman got an idea of just how enthused his players are during the summer, when seven offensive linemen attended a to-day camp at Valdosta State College in mid-July.
The players who went were center Ty Lawrence, guards Clay Rector and Lees Simmons, tackles Ken Rooney and Kyle Widmann, tight end Jason Nobles and reserve center Larry Pierce.
"It was the biggest group up there," said assistant coach John Cook, who accompanied the players."They have a great attitude. They're the best bunch of guys I've ever been around. They're the most physically talented for their size. I'd put them against any 5A school I've been around."
Cook said the Jacket contingent "killed everybody in the weight room" at the camp. And he said that was just an extension of the enthusiasm they've shown all summer.
"I hope I have their energy," Cook said.
Tonight at midnight, they get to transfer their energy to the football field.
Ed Hoffman has been hearing the talk all summer of the lofty expectations people have for the Leesburg High football team, questions about just how far the Yellow Jackets can go.
"I'm hearing it more now," Hoffman said Thursday on the eve of the start of fall practice. "I can understand the question. But we've got our goal, and our goal is to win the district championship. When people start talking about the state playoffs, when you get into the state playoffs, the ball can bounce any way.
"We're just starting the season now."
The Jackets kick off fall practice in the area for the third consecutive year by beginning at midnight tonight, Aug.15, the first day teams can begin practice according to Florida High School Activities Association rules.
Leesburg, the area's only Class 4A team, went 8-2 and tied for the 4A-7 title last season, before losing in a tie-breaker. That was Ken Weir's final effort as the Jackets' head coach.
This year, Hoffman, previously the team's defensive coordinator, takes over. He is also the only new head coach in the area, the lowest total of newcomers in several years.
Leesburg is scheduled to practice tonight at midnight, then again on Saturday afternoon. That will represent the Jackets' only opportunity for two practices in the same day. Students at Leesburg, as well as at the other public schools in Lake County begin classes on Monday. Sumter County students begin on Thursday.
"Ti hurts us because we have to play so many teams outside of the county, Hoffman, whose only in-county opponent will be Eustis.
"Teams from other counties who start school laster could have as many as six more practices than we get."
If that's the down side as the season unfolds, the up side for the Jackets is the players' enthusiasm.
"We just want to come out enthused, and I think we'll do that, and just cut down on our mistakes," Hoffman said.
Hoffman got an idea of just how enthused his players are during the summer, when seven offensive linemen attended a to-day camp at Valdosta State College in mid-July.
The players who went were center Ty Lawrence, guards Clay Rector and Lees Simmons, tackles Ken Rooney and Kyle Widmann, tight end Jason Nobles and reserve center Larry Pierce.
"It was the biggest group up there," said assistant coach John Cook, who accompanied the players."They have a great attitude. They're the best bunch of guys I've ever been around. They're the most physically talented for their size. I'd put them against any 5A school I've been around."
Cook said the Jacket contingent "killed everybody in the weight room" at the camp. And he said that was just an extension of the enthusiasm they've shown all summer.
"I hope I have their energy," Cook said.
Tonight at midnight, they get to transfer their energy to the football field.
Resources:
Bob Castello
Daily Commercial Staff Writer
Daily Commercial Staff Writer
Daily Commercial
August 14, 1992
Resources
Gerald Lacey
Staff Writer
Carver Heights Quarterback Club
1986 Varsity Jackets Football #82
Class of 1988 Leesburg High School
Gerald is a professional Internet marketer and social media marketing expert. His online business ventures and websites generate multiple streams of income annually. His consulting clients include best selling authors and international speakers.
Gerald is the CEO/President of Lacey LLC and OmariWholesale, Inc. He runs his entire business from his home where he is able to spend quality time with his family and friends. He is passionate about helping individuals to build and monetize their personal brand online.
Gerald is the CEO/President of Lacey LLC and OmariWholesale, Inc. He runs his entire business from his home where he is able to spend quality time with his family and friends. He is passionate about helping individuals to build and monetize their personal brand online.
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