Leesburg Yellow Jackets Football News

100 East Main Street
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Gerald Lacey
Staff Writer
Carver Heights Quarterback Club
1986 Leesburg Yellow Jackets Varsity Football Lettermen
Class of 1988 Leesburg High School

2012 Leesburg High School Football Archives, Leesburg High School, 1401 Yellow Jacket Way, Leesburg, Florida 34748, Gerald Lacey, Staff Writer Carver Heights Quarterback Club

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Bull Mackey Was A Tackling Machine In 1969, August 30, 2012

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

"We both played both ways on offense we were tackles. On defense I played tackle and bull played nose. We ran a eagle defense with the tackles toed in," Johnson said.

"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

"We were so disappointed When we lost tears was usually shed by all. Nobody wanted to be our next opponent if we lost. Bull was one of the meanest players I ever played with at any level. His nickname bull is not by accident. Trust me."

"Outside of my stepfather & uncles no other has made as big of impact on me as coach Dabney"

Resources

100 East Main Street
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

Perry Has Chance At History In College Debut Tonight, August 30, 2013

Former Yellow Jackets standout Trey Perry at Carson-Newman College

By Gerald Lacey
Staff Writer
Carver Heights Quarterback Club
August 30, 2012

JEFFERSON CITY, TN - Former Leesburg High School Standout Trey Perry had a chance to experience the media circus created last season on the campus of Leesburg High School by D'Mauri Jones (University of Miami football signee) and Noor Davis (2012 High School Butkus Award winner, Stanford University) during his senior year. Last season's high media presence helped him get accustomed to being around high profile football programs.

When Perry signed his letter of intent to play with Carson-Newman College, he immediately placed himself with a coach that is preparing to win his 300th game as a college football head coach. Ken Sparks who enters his 33rd season as a head coach in college football is one win away from 300 career victories, 11th most in college football history.. The Eagles will face Glenville State tonight at Burke-Tarr Stadium on the campus of Carson-Newman College.

Carson-Newman Head Coach Ken Sparks addresses the team

Sparks has built a national football powerhouse first at the NAIA level and now at the NCAA Division II level. The numbers speak for themselves when examining the success Sparks has brought to the Eagle football program - five national championships, four national runner-up finishes, 21 South Atlantic Conference championships and 22 NAIA or NCAA playoff appearances. A respected and well-known coach at any level, Sparks has accumulated the best won-lost record and highest winning percentage of any coach in Carson-Newman football history.

In 31 seasons at the wheel of the Eagle machine, the 1968 C-N graduate has guided his troops to a 294-74-2 record. Sparks is the all-time winningest coach in NCAA Division II and he is second in total wins among active coaches in all divisions of the NCAA behind St. John's (Minn.) John Gagliardi.

"I'm grateful to the people at Carson-Newman that have supported us to the point that we've had excellence," Sparks said. "The players and coaches have done the work; they are the ones who deserve the credit. Winning one football game or 300 ball games is not who I am, that's what I do, but that's not who I am. I want to honor the Lord with what I do."

Perry will see plenty of playing time this season on special teams and as a backup to three year starters at the FS and SS position. Perry has had a good fall camp and has been a solid contributor on special teams during fall practice. Assistant Football Coach/Recruiting Coordinator Aaron Hutsell and the rest of the coaching staff have been impressed with Perry's Work ethic and motivation.

Carson-Newman College Assistant Football Coach/Recruiting Coordinator Aaron Hutsell

"He is a big hitter,' Hutsell said. "Trey really likes to play physical. He is very good inside the box.
Perry has the speed and the physical tools to be a success on the college level according to Hutsell.

"Trey has very good speed and a great work ethic," Hutsell said. "He has all the physical tools to be a special player for a long time. He will definitely play this season."

Burke-Tarr Stadium on the campus of Carson-Newman College

Perry will see playing time tonight in the season opener on special teams. He has done all the right things since stepping foot on campus and Hutsell talked about what it would take for Perry to have long term success on and off the field.

"Trey will have to do the right things consistently on and off the field. He needs to go to class and take his education seriously. He will need to put the same effort in on the field. He has been terrific so far. He is very motivated," said Hutsell.

"Against Glenville tonight he will be on special teams, and we hope to use him at safety to get him used to the fast pace of a game.

Resources

100 East Main Street
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

Watch Towson University at Kent State University Live

RJ Peppers: Towson University Opens Season Tonight, August 30, 2012

Former Jackets Standout RJ Peppers at Towson University

By Gerald Lacey

Staff Writer

Carver Heights Quarterback Club

August 30, 2012

KENT, OHIO - Last season Towson University shocked the college football world by winning the Colonial Athletic Association Championship. This season Tigers have been picked to repeat as CAA champions again. Towson has 39 letter winners returning and are ranked 7th nationally by The Sports Network. Former Leesburg High School Standout RJ Peppers has played a big role in that success as a leader on special teams.

Peppers a true sophomore appeared in all 12 games for the Colonial Athletic Association champion Tigers during his freshmen year as the starting punter. Peppers has a blue collar work ethic a strong leg and made the commitment during the offseason to improve his punting skills.

"We have a really good team this season," Peppers said in a interview with Carver Heights Quarterback Club Staff Writer Gerald Lacey Thursday Morning. "And if we all play together as a team we will have a really good season."

Towson won't sneak up on anybody like last year and every opponent will be bringing their best effort every game this season. Peppers is excited about the opportunity to play on TV this season in front of family and friends. Towson will make 5 TV appearances in 2012 including tonight's season opener.

"Well coach has said that we went from the hunters to becoming the hunted, however if we play our game together we should be alright," Peppers said.

"I am glad more will be on TV so that way more of my friends and family can watch some of the games," Peppers said on the increase media exposure. "The season opener can be seen on ESPN3."

Listen Online Live Towson University at Kent State University

When Peppers signed with Towson the program had hit a low point, but it didn't stop Peppers choosing the Maryland school. He now enjoying the fruits of the programs newfound success and adding a National Championship to his resume is strong possibility for Towson this season.

"Honestly I didn't know their record until I committed when Chris Engle (LHS AD) told me," Peppers said. "However it didn't change a thing because all the players and coaches I met said that some big things were about to happen at the school."

Resources

100 East Main Street
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

Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Chase O'Donell Will Make College Debut Against Juniata College Saturday, August 29, 2012

Former Jacket Standout Chase O'Donell at Thiel College.

By Gerald Lacey

Staff Writer

Carver Heights Quarterback Club

August 29, 2012

GREENVILLE (PA) - Former Leesburg High School football standout Chase O'Donell will make his college football debut Saturday against Juniata College. O'Donell signed a letter of intent to play football at Thiel College located in Greenville, PA recently. Thiel college is a NCAA Division III program led by fourth year head coach Kurt Reiser.

O'Donell received offers from Bethany College, St. Vincent College, Grove City College, Stetson University, Weber International University, Methodist University, Cornell University and Point University before deciding to sign with Thiel.

O'Donell will play his home games in Alumni Stadium at Stoeber Field

"I received offers from about 20 other schools mostly Division III and about five division II schools," O'Donell said in a interview with Carver Heights Quarterback Club Staff Writer Gerald Lacey.

Former Yellow Jackets Assistant Coach John Harakal made the decision a little easier for O'Donell. Harakal is the defensive coordinator for Thiel College and currently uses some of the same schemes he used while coaching in Leesburg at Thiel.

"I chose Thiel College because of Coach Harakal, thats basically the main reason for me going all the way to Pennsylvania," O'Donell said on choosing Thiel College. "But I love it here and its always nice to be ahead of the other guys as far as knowing the system"

Former Leesburg High School Defensive Coordinator and Linebackers Coach John Harakal. Harakal is now the defensive coordinator for Thiel College.

O'Donell was the heart and soul of the Black Jackets defense the past two seasons under Head Coach Randy Trivers. O'Donell was named the Jackets defensive player of the year for the 2011 season. He was the team captain and led the Jackets in tackles last season. O'Donell's play was overshadowed by 2012 High School Butkus Award winner Noor Davis, but it was clear to the Jacket Nation that O'Donell was the hard and soul of the defense the past two season from his middle linebacker position.

O'Donell blue collar work ethic earned him the name "Urlacher" by his peers and teammates. He plays the game with lots of passion and that has rubbed off on the rest of his teammates. He helped led the Jackets to a 14-6 record of the past two seasons barely missing the playoffs in 2011 and 2012.

"I think my work ethic is brought out by the game," O'Donell said. "Football is something special and something I'm very passionate about. Its a challenge and it brings out the best in people"

Thiel’s Tomcats struggled mightily all season, going 0-10 in 2011 and hope to turn it around this year. Thiel has 20 letterwinners returning and boasts many other players ready to step into more prominent roles in 2012. Thiel was predicted to finish last this season at the Presidents Athletic Conference Media Day Recently. O'Donell will have a chance to play right away for the Tomcats.

“No one wants to go through what we have the past two years,” coach Kurt Reiser said. “I give credit to the kids for persevering and we’re starting to turn the corner. It’s that kind of character that’ll help us do that.”

"Chase is in a very good position he has worked hard and put himself in position to compete for getting in the rotation," Defensive Coordinator John Harakal said in a interview with Carver Heights Quarterback Club Staff Writer Gerald Lacey.

"As of right now Chase will start the game because he is a starter on our kick off and kick return team," Harakal said. "He is listed as our third Mike linebacker."

Harakal says that O'Donell is making a smooth transition to college life and the college game and will have to stay focus in order to be a success on and off the field at Thiel.

"He will have to be a student first go to class and perform in the classroom. Second he has to continue to work on getting better as a person, a student and a player every day," Harakal said.

Leesburg High School Head Coach Randy Trivers

O'Donell credits Leesburg head coach Randy Trivers on helping him prepare for the college game and life. Trivers runs a college style program at Leesburg and has saw the immediate results. Ten Jackets have signed letter of intents to play college football in Trivers first two seasons at Leesburg.

"Coach Trivers prepared me immensely for college especially with the conditioning and being mentally tough," O'Donell said. "Max Green, Diontre Cornish and me have been breezing through all the running and punishment thats been given so far so I have to give credit to coach for that," O'Donell said.

Don't be shocked if you see O'Donell make someone All-American Team before the end of his career at Thiel College.

Resources

100 East Main Street
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

Tuesday, August 28, 2012

Danny Trevathan: 2012 Draft Class Report, August 28, 2012

Mike Mohamed (right) prepares to take on Danny Trevathan. Photo by MaxDenver.com

Denver Broncos: 2012 Draft Class Report

by Joe Morrone
joemorrone

The Denver Broncos have one preseason game remaining and then they start playing for keeps. With most, if not all, of the starters sitting out the game versus the Arizona Cardinals on Thursday night, this is an opportunity for the young players to make a name for themselves. With that said, here is a look at the Broncos 2012 draft class to date.

Derek Wolfe-defensive end- Wolfe has been so good that he will probably be one of the starters who does not play on Thursday night. He will be one of the starting defensive ends when the Broncos open the season versus the Pittsburgh Steelers. Wolfe has been everything the team wanted when they drafted him and more. Wolfe, combined with Elvis Dumervil and Von Miller, gives the Broncos one of the best pass rushes in the NFL.

Ronnie Hillman-running back- He has been injured most of training camp but Hillman will be a big part of the Broncos offense. He has speed that the other backs don’t, and can score from anywhere on the field. Look for Hillman to play against Arizona because of his limited reps due to the hamstring injury.

Brock Osweiler-quarterback- The big quarterback played well versus the Chicago Bears and looked like he was on track to be the backup, but he’s not ready yet. The skills are there, Osweiler just needs time to develop which he will get as he sits behind Peyton Manning. Osweiler should play a lot in Arizona and the more he plays, the better he will get.

Omar Bolden-cornerback- Bolden has struggled in the preseason, especially in man to man coverage. The Broncos liked him a lot and believed they were getting a first round talent when they took him in the fourth round. That talent has not surfaced yet but it is important to remember that Bolden did not play football in 2011 due to a knee injury. The Broncos still have high hopes for the rookie cornerback.

Phillip Blake-center- The Broncos were hoping that Blake would come in and push JD Walton for the starting job. That hasn’t happened and Blake may have trouble making this team. He is currently third on the depth chart behind Walton and CJ Hill. Blake maybe a candidate for the practice squad.

Malik Jackson-defensive end- Jackson has been under the radar, especially when compared to fellow rookie Derek Wolfe, but he has had a very solid preseason. Jackson will be a part of the regular rotation on the defensive line, and look for him to play more and more as the season progresses.

Danny Trevathan-linebacker (Leesburg High School, Leesburg Florida) - The linebacker spot is very thin for the Broncos and they will be counting on Trevathan to play a lot. He was running with the first team at times early in training camp, and could end up being one of the teams better linebackers by season’s end. As with Jackson, Trevathan’s playing time will increase as the season moves forward.

Resources

by Joe Morrone
joemorrone

Follow me on Twitter @Jemorrone7
Rant Sports
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100 East Main Street
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