2011 Groveland South Lake at Leesburg Football Game Preview, October 27, 2011

Leesburg Head Coach Randy Trivers giving out instructions during last Friday's game at Orlando Maynard Evans High School Trojan Field (PHOTO BY ASHLEY BEYER/October 27, 2011)

By Gerald Lacey

Staff Writer

Carver Heights Quarterback Club

October 27, 2011

LEESBURG - The Fightin' Yellow Jackets of Leesburg High School (6-2, 1-2) will return home to Leesburg Memorial Field at Hubert O. Dabney Stadium tommorow night for a Class 7A District 4 football game against the Groveland South Lake High School Eagles (4-3, 1-1). The Jackets and Eagles are both still Matematically alive for the FHSAA Class 7A Football Playoffs. Orlando Maynard Evans clinched the District Championship with a 20 to 10 win over the Jackets last Friday night at newly renovated Trojans Field. 

( STEPHEN M. DOWELL, ORLANDO SENTINEL / August 21, 2011 )

South Lake High players and coach during the Orlando Sentinel Football Media Day on Saturday, August 20, 2011.

Leesburg needs to win against South Lake and hope that Clermont East Ridge loses one of its last two district games to either South Lake or Lake Minneola. South Lake can earn a postseason berth by beating Leesburg and East Ridge next week to become the Class 7A District 4 Runner-Up.

Second year Leesburg head coach Randy Trivers Yellow Jackets will be playing a home game for only the second time in the last 7 weeks. The Jackets may be in line for a Bowl game if they find themselves on the outside looking in on a playoff birth. The Jackets are trying the win at least 8 games in a season for the first time since 2007 when they were District Champions.

( STEPHEN M. DOWELL, ORLANDO SENTINEL / August 21, 2011 )

Marcell Harris, left, and Dmauri Jones during the Orlando Sentinel Football Media Day on Saturday, August 20, 2011.

Groveland South Lake High School located in South Lake County was founded in 1993 by consolidating Clermont High School and Groveland High School. As of 2011, enrollment consists of a 2,063 student body. It has approximately 40 certified teachers and 5 administrators. It is a public school. Its colors are blue and silver. The athletic teams, called the Eagles, are represented by a bald eagle.

Former South Lake running back Jeff Demps now with the University of Florida has played in the Groveland South Lake vs. Leesburg football rivalry.

The Jackets and Eagles have been playing football games against each other since 1993 with Leesburg winning the initial contest of the rivalry 24 to 0. The schools have played each other every year since then with the exception of the 2007 and 2008 football seasons. This will be the two schools 17th meeting and the series is tied at 8 games a piece. 

As for South Lake County's two root schools, Leesburg never played Clermont in a regular season game in all the years the Highlanders had a school, and Groveland only once in 1931. South Lake won last years game 34-10 in Groveland and the Jackets look to cling onto its slim playoff hopes and revenge last years lopsided loss. 

Leesburg at Orlando Maynard Evans (PHOTO BY ASHLEY BEYER/October 21, 2011)

One of the biggest perfomances in this rivalry was by South Lake's Wes Reynolds on Novermber 9, 2002. Reynolds rushed for 265 yards and scored seven times in a 67 to 42 South Lake win. Reynolds also caught 4 passes for 212 yards and had touchdown receptions for 34 and 75 yards.  In that game quarterback Shan Fairbanks passed 8 for 9 and 301 yards. Leesburg fullback Mike Jenkins just a freshman at the time had six runs of ten yards or more. Jenkins finished with 151 yards and 2 TDs in the game.

In 2006 running back Jeff Demps (Florida Gators) rushed 25 times for 218 yards and 3 TDs. In the same game Leesburg quarterback Marquez Porter rushed 27 times for 174 yards.

Four players in this game are in the Orlando Sentinel's 2012 Central Florida Super60. Leesburg's D'Mauri Jones is #15 (2012 University of Miami (FL) Commit) and Noor Davis is #22 (2012 Stanford Commit). South Lake's P.J. Harris is #36 (2012 Iowa State University Commit) and Robert Aguayo is # 48 (2012 Florida State University Commit) in the poll. The Eagles James Brooks has verbally committed to Kent State University bringing the total of verbal commitments for the two schools at five. 

( Reinhold Matay, Special to the Orlando Sentinel / October 21, 2011 ) Leesburg's Noor Davis (12) and Cameron Jackson (43) team up to sack Evans quarterback Levar Robinson (1) during a high school football game on Friday, October 21, 2011 in Orlando, Fla. Evans beat Leesburg 20-10.

( Reinhold Matay, Special to the Orlando Sentinel / October 21, 2011 )

Leesburg's Noor Davis (12) and Cameron Jackson (43) team up to sack Evans quarterback Levar Robinson (1) during a high school football game on Friday, October 21, 2011 in Orlando, Fla. Evans beat Leesburg 20-10.

School: Leesburg High School, Leesburg, Florida

Class-District: 7A-4

2011 Record: 6 -2, (1 -2)

Head Coach: Randy Trivers (2nd season)
Leesburg Coaching Record: 12-6
Overall Coaching Record: 85-33

NCAA FBS Prospects: WR D'Mauri Jones (Sr., 6-4, 190), OLB/DE Noor Davis (Sr., 6-4, 230), DB Trey Perry (Sr., 6-0, 190), OLB/TE Jordan Tucker (6-3, 200), WR Julliard Roberts, Jr. (6-1, 175)

Other top players: WR/RB Jalen Dozier (Sr., 5-5, 150),  RB Anthony Miller (Jr., 5-7, 185), LB Chase O'Donell (Sr., 5-8, 185), DB Jermaine Gadsden (Jr., 5-11, 170),

Big Time Performers: Austin Thomas, Trey Perry, Manny Nelson, Jordan Tucker, Jalen Dozier, D'Mauri Jones, Noor Davis, Max Green, Brandon Foor, Bryant Benton, Julliard Roberts, Jr, Austin Walker, Jeremy Jones, Anthony Miller, James Eldridge, Chase O'Donell, Demitric Blue.

(STEPHEN M. DOWELL, ORLANDO SENTINEL/August 21, 2011) Roberto Aguayo, South Lake High, during the Orlando Sentinel Football Media Day on Saturday, August 20, 2011.

School: Groveland South Lake

Class-District: 7A-4

2011 Record: 4-3, 1-1

Head Coach: Walter Banks (5th season)

South Lake Coaching Record: 22-24

Overall Coaching Record: 22-24

NCAA FBS Prospects: WR P.J. Harris (Sr., 6-1, 170), QB Kris White (Jr., 6-2, 220), SS Marcell Harris (Sr., 6-2, 193), P/K Roberto Aguayo (Sr., 6-1, 200)

Players to Watch:WR Chris Floyd (5-10, 185), C Rhett Thomas (Sr., 5-11, 205), WR P.J. Harris (Sr., 6-1, 170), QB Kris White (Jr., 6-2, 220), SS Marcell Harris (Sr., 6-2, 193), P/K Roberto Aguayo (Sr., 6-1, 200), QB/RB James Brooks (Sr.)

Big Time Performers: Chris Floyd, WR P.J. Harris (Sr., 6-1, 170), QB Kris White (Jr., 6-2, 220), SS Marcell Harris (Sr., 6-2, 193), P/K Roberto Aguayo (Sr., 6-1, 200), QB/RB James Brooks (Sr.)

( STEPHEN M. DOWELL, ORLANDO SENTINEL / August 21, 2011 )

James Brooks, South Lake, during the Orlando Sentinel Football Media Day on Saturday, August 20, 2011.

( STEPHEN M. DOWELL, ORLANDO SENTINEL / August 21, 2011 )

P.J. Harris, South Lake, during the Orlando Sentinel Football Media Day on Saturday, August 20, 2011.

Groveland South Lake Vs. Leesburg Alltime Series Record

1993 Leesburg 24, South Lake 0

1994 Groveland South Lake 38, Leesburg 20

1995 Leesburg 31, Groveland South Lake 6

1996 Groveland South Lake 46, Leesburg 16

1997 Leesburg 49, South Lake 46

1998 Leesburg 52, South Lake 13

1999 Groveland South Lake 21, Leesburg 18

2000 Groveland South Lake 27, Leesburg 8

2001 Groveland South Lake 21, Leesburg 20

2002 Groveland South Lake 67, Leesburg 42

2003 Groveland South Lake 14, Leesburg 12

2004 Leesburg 29, South Lake 15

2005 Leesburg 39, South Lake 22

2006 Leesburg 32, South Lake 22

2009 Leesburg 21, South Lake 7

2010 Groveland South Lake 34, Leesburg 10

Famous Groveland South Lake Football Alumni

Carlton Medder at the University of Florida

Nick Waisome at Florida State University.

#13 Shan Fairbanks at Averitt University

Jeff Maxwell at Belhaven University

Livingstone College's Devonta Harmon (10 intercepts a pass for Leamon Cozart (80) during game with Fayetteville State. Photo by Jon C. Lakey, Salisbury Post.

Jonathan Harrison at the University of Florida

There have been several notable Groveland South Lake High School players who have played in this rivalry over the past few years. Jeff Demps (University of Florida), Carlton Medder (University of Florida, Arizona Cardinals, New York Sentinels, British Columbia Lions, Winnipeg Blue Bombers), Jordan Montgomery (University of South Carolina), Wilton Irvin (Morris Brown College), Andre Lewis (Morris Brown College), Rod Roberson (Charleston Southern University), David Taylor (Troy University), Paul Prince (Eastern Kentucky University), Corey Bryant (Southeast Missouri State University), Ryan Carter (University of Florida), Travis Marchant (Concordia University in St. Paul, Minn.) Dustin Sparks (Charleston Southern University), Matt Boyack (Southeast Missouri State University), Mark Marshall (Ferrum (Va.) College), Dee Woolfolk (West Virginia Tech in Montgomery) Brent Whitfield (University of South Florida), Eric Fiduciao (University of South Florida), Shan Fairbanks (Averitt College), Mike Booker (Bethel College), Jeff Maxwell (Belhaven College, Jackson Mississippi) too name a few.

FAMOUS LEESBURG HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL ALUMNI

Danny Trevathan at the University of Kentucky

Tory Harrison at the University of Southern Mississippi.

Greg Johnson at Florida State University

Matthew Shepherd at Monmouth College.

Dayne Williams at Florida State University.

There have been several notable Leesburg players who have played in this rivalry over the past few years. Leesburg players are Danny Trevathan (University of Kentucky All-American), Tory Harrison (University of Southern Mississippi, Hartford Colonels of the UFL), Matt Shepherd (Monmouth College, All-American plays professionally in Finland), Dondelaro Crosby (Missouri State) Luther McDowell (Monmouth College), Tim Erving (Monmouth College), R.J. Peppers (Towson University), Jeremiah Thompson (Florida State),  Dontra Matthews (Victor Valley College, Virginia University of Lynchburg), Rod Cosgrove (Susquehanna University), Demetrius Singleton (Averitt University), Danny Hardaway (Monmouth College), Marques Austin (Victor Valley College) James Asibey-Bonsu (Edward Waters College), Ken Rooney (Carson Newman College), Paul Nesbitt (Sue Bennett College, London Kentucky), Grover Gaddy (Sue Bennett College, London Kentucky), Ashley Hunt (University of Cinncinati), David Faile (University of Central Florida), Luke Freeze (Lenoir Rhyne College), Kahlill Tucker (South Carolina State University), Shon Gunn (Ranger College), Mark Smith (Ranger College), Anthony Saincilaire (Ranger College, Bacone College), Evan Hayden (Methodist University), Nathan Cornell (Chowan University), Joe Perry (Ranger College), Mike Lewis (Thiel College), Trevor Hawersaat (Southern Virginia University), Randall Sullivan (Florida A&M University), Marquez Porter (East Los Angeles College), Salthaniel Hall (Brevard College), Jason Cook (Bethany College, Bethany West Virginia), Brian Clamon (Joliet Junior College), Fred Self (Edward Waters College) to name a few.

LEESBURG HIGH SCHOOL FHSAA PLAYOFF HISTORY

State Championships 1927, 1929, 1934  

State Runnerup 1928, 1969

District Championships 1969, 1971, 1992, 2007

1969 A CLASS 2A District Playoffs: Leesburg 12, Auburndale 0 

Semifinals: Leesburg 36, Belle Glade 23 

Championship: Blake 27, Leesburg 6 Blake (Tampa) 

1971 CLASS 3A District Playoffs: Haines City 34, Leesburg 0 

1992 CLASS 4A District Playoffs: Leesburg 47, Land O’Lakes 0

1992 Class 4A Regional Playoffs: (Daytona Beach) Seabreeze 24, Leesburg 10

2000 CLASS 4A Regional Quarterfinals:  New Smyrna Beach 34, Leesburg 0

2001 CLASS 4A Regional Quarterfinals:  37 Palm Bay (Melbourne), Leesburg 0

2005 CLASS 4A Regional Quarterfinals: Nease (Ponte Vedra Beach) 63, Leesburg 20

2007 CLASS 4A Regional Quarterfinals: Columbia (Lake City) 21, Leesburg 0;

FHSAA Finals Record  0-1

FHSAA Tournament Record 3-7

GROVELAND SOUTH LAKE HIGH SCHOOL FHSAA PLAYOFF HISTORY

1995 Class 4A Regional First Round: Orlando L.C. Jones 48, Groveland South Lake 8

1996 Class 4A Regional First Round: Orlando Port Orange Atlantic 10, Groveland South Lake 7

1999 Class 4A Regional Quarterfinals: New Smyrna Beach 56, Groveland South Lake 13

2000 Class 4A Regional Quarterfinals: Groveland South Lake 48, Land O'Lakes 14

2000 Class 4A Regional Semifinals: New Smyrna Beach 39, Groveland South Lake 20

2003 Class 4A Regional Quarterfinals: Ocala Forest 17, Groveland South Lake 6

FHSAA Finals Record  0-0

FHSAA Tournament Record 1-5

2011 Leesburg High School Varsity Football Roster

#           Name        Grade
2 Juilliard Roberts 12

4 Jerel Sims 11

5 Jermaine Gasden 11

6 Jeremy Jones 11

7 Undra Mitchem 11

8 Trevone Perry 12

9 Austin Walker 11

10 Jalen Dozier 12

11 Anthony Harris 12

12 Noor Davis 12

13 Devonte Williams 11

15 D'Mauri Jones 12

16 Lee Bennett 10

17 Darius Connelly 12

18 Bradley Scott 11

19 Zack Mahan 12

20 Manny Nelson 12

23 Bryant Benton 10

25 Brandon Foor 12

26 Demitric Blue 10

29 James Winnings 11

30 James Eldridge 10

31 Jordan Tucker 11

32 Chandler Strong 11

33 Tre'von Johnson 11

34 Jaleel Brown 12

35 Damonte Mosely 11

40 Flint Hicks 12

41 Austin Nappi 11

42 Yashane Pinnock 11

43 Cameron Jackson 11

44 Chase O'Donell 12

49 Trevon Bell 10

50 Ben Peppers 11

51 John Peters 12
52 Garrett Nelson 12
53 Devonte Jacobs 11

54 Chris Smith 11
56 Adriel Handsborough 11
57 Max Green 12
58 Austin Thomas 12
61 Tanner Stewart 11
62 Estader Maurepas 11
70 Jeremiah Miller 12
71 Blake McKeeby 11
77 Andre Alexander 11
78 Zackery Pharmer 11
81 Jason Vogt 11
82 Braxton Bennett 12
95 Diontre Cornish 12
99 Tyler Reed 11
  
Resources

Photos by:
STEPHEN M. DOWELL

ORLANDO SENTINEL 

www.orlandosentinel.com

August 21, 2011 

Reinhold Matay

Special to the Orlando Sentinel  

Orlando Sentinel

October 21, 2011

Ashley Beyer

Freelance Photographer

Class of 2001 Leesburg High School

Ashley Beyer is a freelance photographer who will be working with the Carver Heights Quarterback Club this season. She started photographing as a hobby when she was 13 with a manual SLR Canon film camera. In 1998 she received her first automatic Canon SLR camera. In the begining as a hobby photographer her cousins and friends babies were her favorite subjects. Now, she is getting the chance to share her Leesburg High School football pictures with many people through Facebook and the Leesburg Yellow Jackets Football blog.

"It makes me happy to do that because I know there are families out there that would love to have pictures of their boys playing football and can't get to the games or don't have the means to record those memories." 

Article written by:

Gerald Lacey

Staff Writer

Carver Heights Quarterback Club

1986 Varsity Jackets Football #82

Class of 1988 Leesburg High School

www.leesburgyellowjacketsfootball.com

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.