 |
| James "Bull" Mackey |
By Gerald Lacey
Staff Writer
Carver Heights Quarterback Club
August 30, 2012
LEESBURG - Rarely do you see one player cause as much havoc on the defensive side of the ball like James "Bull" Mackey did in 1969 for Leesburg High School. Mackey started his career at one of the most powerful Black High School football programs in the nation at Carver Heights High School (Leesburg, Florida) under head coach Hubert O. Dabney. In 1968 Leesburg High School became fully intergrated forcing Carver Heights too close it's doors for good. Dabney and Mackey would move over to LHS and established defensive supremacy for the Yellow Jackets program.
 |
| James "Bull" Mackey |
In 1969 Leesburg Head Coach Wilbur Lofton claimed that Mackey was the finest lineman in the state.
"He's by far the finest lineman I've ever coached'" Lofton said in a November 13, 1969 interview with John Bowman Ocala Star Banner Sports Editor.
"Our defense has really been our stopper," admitted Lofton. "We score a lot, but the defense has been the surprise. Mackey is too much, and so is Johnson. And we've intercepted 19 passes (first seven games), you know."
During a seven game stretch during the 1969 season Mackey averaged 17 solo tackles a game from is middle guard linebacker position. Mackey would earn all state honors at the end of the season. Mackey would help lead the Jackets to a 9-1 regular season record and 1969 Class A State Championship Game appearance.
 |
| LONG ARM OF A WILDCAT - Alabama State's William Ware (25) is brought down by the strong fingers of B-CC's James Mackey (Leesburg High School, Leesburg Florida). News Journal photo by Larry N. Bloch, Daytona Morning Journal, November 8, 1975 |
Mackey and Greg Johnson (Parade High School All-American, Florida State University, Philadelphia Eagles, Baltimore Colts, Chicago Bears and Tampa Bay Buccaneers) would combine for 32 tackles per game and lead the Jackets to a 7-0 record during that period.
Mackey would sign a letter of Intent to play football at Bethune-Cookman University (Formerly known as Bethune-Cookman College) and become an All-American in 1975. He would then sign a contract with the Philadelphia Eagles of the NFL.
"Playing with bull was like being at the fair," Greg Johnson said in a interview with Carver Heights Quarterback Club Staff Writer Gerald Lacey. "Fun. He was always ready to play."
 |
| Former Yellow Jacket Great #78 Greg Johnson at Florida State University |
"Many times I would beat my opponent in a single quick move only to find out that I was to late bull had already made the stop. We ran mostly a odd front on defense except on the goal line then we went to a 6-2."
 |
| #72 Greg Johnson 1977 Tampa Bay Buccaneers |
"Outside of my stepfather & uncles no other has made as big of impact on me as coach Dabney"
Resources
Articles provided by:
Gerald Lacey
Staff Writer
Carver Heights Quarterback Club
1986 Leesburg Yellow Jackets Varsity Football Lettermen
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
100 East Main Street
Leesburg Florida 34748
Leesburg Florida 34748
Articles provided by:
Gerald Lacey
Staff Writer
Carver Heights Quarterback Club
1986 Leesburg Yellow Jackets Varsity Football Lettermen
Class of 1988 Leesburg High School
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
No comments:
Post a Comment