Leesburg Celebrates Homecoming With A 45-0 Over Lake Minneola, October 8, 2011

Senior I Back Emmanuel Nelson carries the football for a big gain against Lake Minneola High School at Leesburg Memorial Field at Hubert O. Dabney Stadium (PHOTO BY ASHLEY BEYER/October 7, 2011)

By Gerald Lacey

Staff Writer

Carver Heights Quarterback Club

October 8, 2011

LEESBURG - The Leesburg High School Yellow Jackets returned home to Leesburg Memorial Field at Hubert O. Dabney Stadium last night for the first time in three weeks. It was homecoming and the Jackets were dressed in their all black uniforms for the second straight Homecoming game under second year head coach Randy Trivers. Corey Brinson bought his Lake Minneola High School Hawks into Leesburg for the first district game in the school's history. The Hawks were looking to upset the Jackets on their Homecoming night and pickup the school's first big signature win. The Jackets were simply too much for the Hawks as Leesburg upended the first year school 45-0 last night.

PHOTO BY ASHLEY BEYER October 7, 2011

"We had one district team up to this point which we did not win," said Randy Trivers moments before the game. "We cannot afford to take anyone lightly or overlook anybody or past anybody." "Lake Minneola is not your average first year team, they do some things that are very impressive and they have some good athletes." "They're coach has done a very good job with them, we gotta go out their and play our best football game to win our Homecoming."

"We might take our lumps this year, like all first-year programs do, but we'll all be able to look back and realize these kids and this coaching laid the groundwork for all future successes Lake Min-neola will have on the football field," said Lake Minneola head coach Brinson on his teams youth and inexperience.

Homecoming usually provides a lot of distractions for a high school team and Trivers and his coaching staff wanted their team to stay focus on the task at hand. Lake Minneola a first year program with no seniors located in South Lake County came into the game with a 1-3 (0-0) record.

"Well you know that's the thing the head football coach whenever its homecoming you always have to deal with those distractions and a lot of things you mentioned but the whole key is you as the coach try to keep your team on the task in hand which is the football game," said Trivers. "Yeah there is a dance a parade there is a pep rally a powder puff game there is all of these different events going on." "You can have all those things you want but at the end of the day if you don't win the game none of that is no good"

Noor Davis in 2011Homecoming parade.

The Jackets seem to have no problem with focusing on the task at hand as they took it right to the Hawks in the first possession of the game. On the opening possession on second and 10 after a incomplete pass the Jackets went to the I Formation with three backs in the backfield senior WR/RB/PR Jalen Dozier (Sr., 5-5, 150) took a handoff and went 64 yards for a touchdown. Sophomore PK James Eldridge P.A.T. was good and Leesburg led early 7-0 with 11:39 left in the first quarter.

Lake Minneola took over at 20 after a touchback. The Hawks defense couldn't move the football on its first possession and had to punt. The Hawks had -18 yards on their first possession of the game. Leesburg took over at the Lake Minneola 42 yard line. On first and 10 junior quarterback Undra Mitchem, Jr. hit Dozier with a 11 yard pass down to the Hawks 31 yard line. Three plays later on third and 7 Emmanuel Nelson picked up 21 yards on a carry down to the Hawks 5 yard line. On first and 10 Nelson picked up four yards setting up a second and goal from inside the 1 yard line. On the next play Mitchem went over the center for a quarterback sneak for a easy touchdown .The Eldridge P.A.T. was good giving Leesburg a 14-0 lead with 2:38 left in the first quarter. Leesburg presnap motion and up tempo offense seem to bother the Hawks young defense early. 

Lake Minneola at Leesburg Homecoming game at Leesburg Memorial Field at Hubert O. Dabney Stadium (PHOTO BY ASHLEY BEYER/October 7, 2011)

"We always have a wrinkle or two that we put out there offensively and defensively every week there is always going to be a little something, but I think we plan to just come out and be aggressive on both sides of the ball and really take the fight to these guys."

Trivers knew he had to do something to keep the Hawks defense off balance early in the contest if he the Jackets were going to have any success on offense.

"They have a pressure defense that comes from all angles, they really like to pressure you and blitz you and disrupt you with a lot of different people with different combination blitzes coming into the box, said Trivers. "I like what they are doing with their schemes and they cause you some problems." "I mean they will hit you with a big play on offense and they can hit you with the big play on defense."

Sophomore PK James Eldridge kicks a extra point against Lake Minneola High School in the Jackets 45-0 Homecoming win. Eldridge was 6 of 6 in P.A.T.s and had a 29 yard Field Goal in the game. (PHOTO BY ASHLEY BEYER/ October 7, 2011)

Leesburg's defense forced another 3 and out , after a Lake Minneola punt Leesburg took over on its own 37 yard line. Five plays later Jalen Dozier caught a 13 yard pass from Mitchem. Junior I Back Anthony Miller took a handoff and went 12 yards down to the Hawks 30 yard line. Two plays later on a third and 8 Mitchem scrambled for 18 yards down inside the 10 yard line. The Yellow Jackets couldn't punch it in from there and settled for a Eldridge 21 yard Field Goal. The Jackets lead now was 17-0 with 7:54 left in the half.

The Hawks received the kickoff again and Leesburg's defense wouldn't let them get untracked. 2012 Under Armour All-American OLB Noor Davis was back in the Yellow Jackets lineup after missing the previous three games and his presence was felt immediately. The Hawks could only muster up 4 first downs and two yards of total offense in the first half. The Jackets defense had given up a total of 88 points in the three games with the nations 1 OLB (according to www.rivals.com) Noor Davis was out of action. 

Homecoming King Braxton Bennett and Homecoming Queen Morgan Sellars in the 2011 Homecoming Parade. (PHOTO BY ASHLEY BEYER/October 5, 2011)

"Defensively we are hoping to get back on track, you know we had a week there where we gave up some points and gave up some yards the last couple of weeks," said Trivers on his defensive woes the past two weeks.

With 5:14 left in the half Dozier returned a punt 35 yards for a touchdown that was called back on a clipping penalty. Leesburg started at midfield and went on a nine play drive that was aided by a 15 yard penalty on Lake Minneola on a Juilliard Roberts run. Undra Mitchem, Jr. had the big play on the drive with a 17 yard quarterback scramble down to the Hawks 13 yards line. Four plays later Dozier ran in from 3 yards out the Eldridge P.A.T. was good and now the Jackets had a commanding 24-0 lead with 2:38 left in the half.


 
They were six Leesburg High School Class Reunions at the game. It was a festive atmosphere at Hubert O. Dabney Stadium and there were parade floats located in every corner of the stadium. Even with a large lead the Jackets stayed focus and played a complete game.

"So you got to prepare, keep everything as normal and routine as possible," said Trivers on Homecoming distractions."You go out to play to win the game so its always a concern when you have things that take you out of your routine your preparation which we believe we have done so very much here but we try to keep it as routine as possible and keep our guys focus."

#99 Junior Defensive Lineman Tyler Reed takes time to reflect during the game last night against Lake Minneola High School. (PHOTO BY ASHLEY BEYER/October 7, 2011)

On Lake Minneola's next possession senior safety Zach Mahan picked off a Ricardo Housen pass and returned it 16 yards deep into Hawks territory. It was Mahan's first interception of the year for the "Black Jackets" defense. Three plays later Mitchem hit 2012 University of Miami (FL) commit D'Mauri Jones with a 10 yard back shoulder fade pass in the end zone for a touchdown. James Eldridge P.A.T. was good and with :33.8 left in the half the Jackets were up 31-0 on homecoming night. Mitchem finished the game completing 12 -of- 19 passes for 68 yards and a touchdown.

In the second half Lake Minneola went to its short passing game trying to take advantage of the speed of its skill position players. Noor Davis the nations #17 player according to ESPN150 and the rest of the "Black Jackets" defense were not having it. 

"Offensively they are a shotgun team and a pistol formation team that has a lot of different looks that they can hurt you with," said Trivers. "They attack you with their scheme offensively so you got to be ready for a lot of different things."

#20 Senior I Back Emmanuel Nelson celebrates after a Yellow Jackets touchdown in the game against Lake Minneola High School (PHOTO BY ASHLEY BEYER/October 7, 2011)

Leesburg took over on its 46 yard line and went on a 8 play drive. Jones had a 9 yard carry on a end around and 2 receptions for 22 yards on the drive. Jones finished the game with 5 catches for 29 yards and a touchdown. After a 12 yard pass from Mitchem to Jones the Jackets had first and 10 from the twelve yard line. From their Jalen Dozier went off tackle for a 12 yard touchdown run. Dozier finished the game with 100 yards on eight carries and three touchdowns. The Eldridge P.A.T. was good and the Jackets led 38-0 with 4:02 left in the third quarter.

The Lake Minneola offense could not get anything going against the "Black Jackets" defense. Lake Minneola was held to 48 total yards offense on the night. The Hawks quarterback Ricardo Housen completed 6-of-9 passes for 49 yards and one interception. Marvin Hart rushed for 28 yards on two carries.

Senior Fullback Flint Hicks finished off the scoring with a 6 yard run his first touchdown of the year with 9:58 left in the game.

"Its Homecoming and I never really put stock into that," said Trivers on the Randy Trivers Show Friday before the game. That's for the alumni and all of that, for us its a football game a district football game that's the way we are approaching it that's the way we gotta handle it."

Leesburg second year head coach Randy Trivers trying to keep his Yellow Jackets focused during Friday nights Homecoming game against Lake Minneola High School. (PHOTO BY ASHLEY BEYER/October 7, 2011)

Lake Minneola's record falls to 1-4 (0-1), the loss was the worst in the history of their football program. It was the first time the Hawks have ever been shutout in a game. Leesburg earned a important Class 7A District 4 win is now 5-1 (1-1) and tied for second place in the district with Clermont East Ridge. The Jackets are 5-1 for the first time since 2005 when they finished 8-3 and lost in the first round of the FHSAA playoffs to St. Augustine Nease led by quarterback Tim Tebow.

Trivers understands the growing pains that Brinson faces starting a program from scratch. He did it in Maryland with Germantown Northwest High School and within 5 years won the Maryland Class 3A Football State Championship. He knows the issues that you face when bringing kids in from different schools but knows that with the talent in South Lake County that the Hawks will be in title contention in the near future.

#44 senior MLB Chase O'Donell wraps up a ballcarrier

"It's definitely a situation where you are trying to create a new culture and that's challenging and you are trying to start new traditions, new ways of doing things," said Trivers. "You have folks coming out of different programs, you are trying to bring people together so it takes a little bit of patience and perseverance when you are doing that." "Its getting those kids over that hump because sometimes you are going to have your growing pains particularly when you don't have the senior leadership in that first season that they don't have right now." "If they keep fighting and persevering they can have some real positive things happening to them and hopefully they will happen after we play them not during our game."

The Yellow Jackets are 4-1 against Lake County schools this season. Next Friday the Jackets will travel west to Sumter County to face perennial high school powerhouse Bushnell South Sumter High School. Game time is 7:30 P.M. 

Resources
Photos by:
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
October 8, 2011

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.

Coach Randy Trivers Utilizes Leesburg Speed and Athleticism, October 5, 2011

Leesburg at St. Cloud (PHOTO BY ASHLEY BEYER/September 30, 2011)

By Gerald Lacey

Staff Writer

Carver Heights Quarterback Club

October 5, 2011

LEESBURG - The Jackets eleven are one of the smallest teams in FHSAA Class 7A football. For what this squad lacks in size they makeup for it with physical conditioning, speed, athletic ability and technique. The Fightin' Yellow Jackets are one of the most athletic teams in the state Florida. Four players off of Leesburg's Class 4A Boys Basketball State Championship team play on offense at the skill positions. Second year head coach Randy Trivers coaching philosophies and schemes are designed to take advantage of his teams athleticism and speed.

"I think you have to when it comes to teams that are bigger, but bigger is not always better," said Trivers in a interview before last Friday's game against St. Cloud. Certainly you got to be able to do some things in terms of on the football field that's going to take advantage of your quickness and your athletic ability."

Leesburg at St. Cloud (PHOTO BY ASHLEY BEYER/September 30, 2011)

Trivers teams are historically known for their offensive production and the ability to put pressure on opposing team defenses. Leesburg is averaging 30.2 points per game this season despite not having 2011 University of Miami commit D'Mauri Jones most of the season. Trivers and his coaching staff teach fundamentals and wants his players to be students of the game of football.

"I try to be a student of the game," said Noor Davis the 2012 Under Armour High School All-American recently in a One On One interview with Gerald Lacey. "I am always looking to improve, so I study others. Fortunately for me, I don’t have to look far." "My father played professional football and my uncle was one of the best linebackers in the history of the NFL." 

Noor Davis has benefited from Trivers system and has the benefit of having some help from some other experts when comes down to using leverage and speed.

"That in itself serves as a great influence." "I have access to advice every night from my father." "My uncle (Andre Tippett Inductee into the NFL Hall of Fame Class of 2008) has also taught me techniques and has sent me LB advice via email." "When we speak, we not only discuss the physical aspects of the game, but we also spend time discussing the importance of mental and physical preparation and strategy as well." 

"Fundamentally we try to teach our kids to utilize what they have the best way they can, in terms of leverage and fundamental techniques", said Trivers." "We try to be smart with scheme and certainly things such as strenght and stamina that come into play."

"Coach Trivers system has had a big impact on me mentally and physically," said senior wide receiver Juilliard Roberts. "I haven't learned this much about football ever."

"He has really expand my knowledge about football on all types of different angles," said Roberts. "He also has made me and my team one of the best conditioned teams in the state hands down."

Leesburg at St. Cloud (PHOTO BY ASHLEY BEYER/September 30, 2011)

 The Jackets will be smaller than its opponent every Friday night. Leesburg players don't seem to let this affect their play on the field. They have stood up to the challenge so far this season as their 4-1 record indicates. One thing for sure they are able to spread the field and beat teams with athletic ability and speed. On most Friday nights they will have more speed and athletic talent than their opponent.

"We are never going to be especially in this particular season the biggest team on the field," said Trivers. "In fact most often we will be smaller than all our opponents and I think that has been the case pretty much all year already we been able to win."

As others teams wear down as the season progresses, the Jackets will get faster and stronger. The offseason conditioning program is one of the most demanding but rewarding one in the nation. Even though they are several players nicked up expect the Jackets to play bigger than its opponents down the stretch.

Resources

Photos by:
Ashley Beyer
 

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." 

Ashley Beyer Class of 2001 Leesburg High School 

Article written by:

Gerald Lacey

Staff Writer

Carver Heights Quarterback Club

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.

Leesburg at St. Cloud Post Game Notes, October 4, 2011

Leesburg at St. Cloud (PHOTO BY ASHLEY BEYER/September 30, 2011)

Leesburg at St. Cloud Post Game Notes, October 4, 2011

By Gerald Lacey

Staff Writer

Carver Heights Quarterback Club

October 4, 2011

The Jackets played their third consecutive game on the road in Friday's win against St. Cloud. They went 2-1 on the trip, they will be home Friday night against Minneola Lake Minneola High School. After Friday's game they will again go on the road for two straight weeks against Bushnell South Sumter 5-1 (1-0) and Orlando Maynard Evans 5-0 (1-0). Evans is ranked #14 in the Orlando Sentinel Super 16 High School Football Poll. South Sumter is on the Super 16 Watch List and received votes in the Class 4A Top 10 poll.

I Backs senior Emmanuel Nelson and junior Anthony Miller are banged up. Both left Friday's game with undisclosed injuries, their status is questionable for Friday's game against Minneola Lake Minneola High School.

Junior OLB/TE Jordan Tucker is making big plays for the Jackets. In the game against Clermont East Ridge he returned a fumble 68 yards just short of the goal line at the 3 yard line. He got another opportunity to score against St. Cloud, he reached the end zone after picking up a block punt by senior safety Zac Mahan and returning it 25 yards for a second half touchdown. Tucker's score was the only touchdown of the second half for the Jackets.

Under Armour High School All-American Noor Davis missed his third consecutive game Friday night in St. Cloud. Doctors have cleared him to return to practice. Davis status for Friday's Homecoming matchup against Lake Minneola is probable.

The Jackets were out done offensively by the Bulldogs. St. Cloud had 420 yards total offense, Leesburg had 277. For the second week in a row the "Black Jackets" defense allowed a back to rush for over 100 yards, Eric Pfeifer’s (10-116, 1 TD). The defense had a better second half only allowing the Bulldogs one touchdown after halftime.

Senior wide receiver Juilliard Roberts runs with the football in Friday's game against St.Cloud. (PHOTO BY ASHLEY BEYER/September 30, 2011)

Sophomore Bryant Benton ended the game with his first interception of the year with :04 remaining in the game.

St. Cloud senior quarterback Phillip Steinmetz  went 12-32-264 and 3 TDs in the game.

Senior running back Emmanuel Nelson (24-132, 1 TD) had his fourth 100 yard rushing game of the season.

Junior OLB/TE Jordan Tucker scored Leesburg's only touchdown in the second half of Friday's game against St. Cloud. (PHOTO BY ASHLEY BEYER/September 30, 2011)

For the second week in a row the Jackets had over 100 yards in penalties, including 70 in the first half.

Resources

Photos by:
Ashley Beyer
Freelance Photographer

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." 

Ashley Beyer Class of 2001 Leesburg High School 

Article written by:

Gerald Lacey

Staff Writer

Carver Heights Quarterback Club

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.

Jackets Banged Up, Injuries Taking Toll On Leesburg, 10-3-2011

Leesburg at St. Cloud (PHOTO BY ASHLEY BEYER/September 30, 2011)

By Gerald Lacey

Staff Writer

Carver Heights Quarterback Club

October 3, 20111

LEESBURG - Yellow Jackets head coach Randy Trivers has a reputation for running a college style football program at the high school level. He believes in having his squad being the most physical and well conditioned team in the nation. The Jackets 4-1 (0-1) enter Friday's Class 7A District 4 showdown with the Lake Minneola High School Hawks 1-3 (0-0) banged up. It makes you wonder how many more injuries would the Jackets have without Trivers commitment to physical conditioning.

"Coach Trivers system has had a big impact on me mentally and physically," said senior wide receiver Juilliard Roberts. "I haven't learned this much about football ever." "He has really expanded my knowledge about football on all types of different angles." "He also has made me and my team one of the best conditioned teams in the state hands down."

Leesburg at St. Cloud (PHOTO BY ASHLEY BEYER/September 30, 2011)

One of Trivers coaching philosophies is to build depth on the offense and defense side of the football. It is this philosophy that have the Jackets off to one of their best starts in recent years. 2012 University of Miami commit D'Mauri Jones and All-American OLB Noor Davis have missed most of the season with nagging injuries. Jones has returned to action and Davis has been cleared to return to practice today he is listed as probable for Friday's game. The Jackets depth have given the team a boost and have them in playoff contention despite missing key players.

"Every team battles that a little bit in football," said Trivers Friday on the Randy Trivers Show. "You always have some guys that are nicked up banged up or out for a particular week". "Hopefully their replacement can get in there and do a great job." "We hope we can put forth a good effort."

Leesburg at St. Cloud (PHOTO BY ASHLEY BEYER/September 30, 2011)

The Jackets are in the middle of a tough six week stretch where they will play five games on the road. This week's game against Lake Minneola will be their only home game during that span. Senior I back Emmanuel Nelson and junior I back Anthony Miller left the St. Cloud game with injuries. Nelson and Miller are listed as questionable for this weeks game. The ground game has suffered with fullback Flint Hicks being nicked up and missing game time Hicks blocking is a big part of what makes the Jacket I Formation successful. 

Starting Center Estader Maurepas sat out Fridays game also. There were offensive line starters missing in the loss to East Ridge and the running game suffered tremendously. The Jackets finished with 34 total yards rushing after averaging over 250 yards per game.

"Hopefully we will be getting some guys back this week," said Trivers. "We hope sooner or later we will be getting all our guys healthy and back out there battling for us out on the field."

Leesburg at St. Cloud (PHOTO BY ASHLEY BEYER/September 30, 2011)

With the Jackets playing in a tough Class 7A District 4, injuries are going to always be a problem. If you combine that with hard hitting games with local rivals Tavares, Eustis and Mount Dora don't expect the Jackets to be 100% healthy after the first game of the season. To make matters worst the Jackets don't have a open week scheduled so they will have to play 11 straight weeks. A open week in the schedule gives you some time to heal but the Jackets won't enjoy that benefit in 2011 regular season.


"Its hard to be 100% healthy as a individual player and as a team," said Trivers. "As a player you tell them to do the best you can, to take care of your body." "That means the proper rest, the proper nutrition and you got to get your weight training in."

No doubt that Trivers training regimen and team depth have allowed his Jackets to remain competitive at this point of the season. Even with Injuries to its impact players Leesburg enters this week's game with a 4-1 record. Trivers tells his team that football is a physically grueling game and don't expect to be 100% healthy after the season begins. Every team is banged up and play with nagging injuries at the midway point of any season.


"Your body is never going to feel as it did in the first day of training camp," said Trivers. "Once you get into it, there is a lot of wear and tear on your body." "As a team of course when you have individuals start breaking down a little bit it affects the team, but you expect that over a course of a season." "You are not going to have 100% of your guys in every single ball game."

Resources


Photos by:
Ashley Beyer
September 30, 2011

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." 

Ashley Beyer, Class of 2001 Leesburg High School 

Article written by:

Gerald Lacey

Staff Writer

Carver Heights Quarterback Club

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.

Jackets Fall Short Of 4-0 Mark, September 29, 2011

Leesburg at Clermont East Ridge (PHOTO BY ASHLEY BEYER/September 23, 2011)

By Gerald Lacey

Staff Writer

Carver Heights Quarterback Club

September 29, 2011

LEESBURG - The Jackets failed to go 4-0 for the third time in the last twelve years. The 1999 and 2001 teams were coached by Clermont East Ridge head coach Bud O'Hara and failed to reach the 4-0 mark. On September 18, 1999 O'Hars's Jackets faced his former team Belleview High School in a attempt to go 4-0. The Jackets were unsuccessful that night as the Rattlers beat the Jackets 42-7. In 2007 head coach Charles Nasser lead the Yellow Jackets to a 3-0 start. He lost his bid to go 4-0 against you guessed it O'Hara East Ridge squad 27-10. 

 

The Jackets haven't went 4-0 since October 9, 1976, when they were led by Parade High School All-American Wayne Hamilton (three-time National Champion at the University of Alabama under the legendary Paul Bear Bryant. Hamiltion was later drafted by the San Diego Chargers of the NFL), and quarterback Clay Sampson (The only player in NCAA Division III history to pass for 3000 yards and rush for 3000 yards in a career at Dennison College OH).

The Jackets defeated Gainesville Eastside 57-7 to go 4-0. In that game Clay Sampson completed 8-for-16 passes for 130 yards and three touchdowns. Sampson 6 carries for 51 rushing yards. Sampson is the cousin of  sophomore defensive Back Bryant Benton. The Jackets had 35 carries and 266 yards rushing in that game. Head Coach Max Wettstein's team had outscored its opponents 178 to 13 enroute to the 4-0 record.

Resources
Photos by:
Ashley Beyer
Freelance Photographer 
2001 Graduate of 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

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.

Jackets Fall In The Dungeon at East Ridge 38-21, September 24, 2011

Leesburg at East Ridge in the Dungeon on the campus of East Ridge High School in Clermont Florida (PHOTOS BY ASHLEY BEYER/September 24, 2011

By Gerald Lacey

Staff Writer 

Carver Heights Quarterback Club

September 24, 2011

LEESBURG - Leesburg High School second year head coach Randy Trivers took his undefeated Jackets squad, into the Dungeon at Clermont East Ridge High School for the first time in his tenure. 

"We are excited to play this ballgame here versus a great opponent in East Ridge," Trivers said on his pregame radio show Friday.

PHOTOS BY ASHLEY BEYER/September 24, 2011

Leesburg was looking to go 4-0 for the first time since Friday October 9, 1976 when they beat Gainesville Eastside 57-7 at Leesburg Memorial Field. Friday's game was the Class 7A District 4 opener for both teams. The Jackets had never beaten Clermont East Ridge High School or its former head coach Bud O'Hara in four previous meetings. The score was even after three quarters and it looked like the Jackets would prevail in this district road game. The Knights proved to the rest of Lake County that they are still King of Lake County Football and that the road to area football supremacy goes through the city of Clermont. East Ridge turned up its defensive pressure and its offense got on track to run away with the win 38-21.

It was O'Hara the dean of Lake County coaches against the up and coming Trivers in the big time high school football match up.

"First of all it starts with their leadership, said Trivers on East Ridge football program Friday. "You mentioned O'Hara and the outstanding job he's done with their program the last couple of years, so they are certainly well coached" 

"You can see that they have excellent athletes just a great combination." 

"If you have a good coach and you have good athletes you are going to have a pretty strong program and that's why they have been winning consistently for several years."

Leesburg at Clermont East Ridge (PHOTOS BY ASHLEY BEYER/September 24, 2011)

East Ridge scored 24 consecutive points to turn back a determined undefeated Yellow Jacket squad. Bud O'Hara teams are traditionally run oriented teams but went to the passing game Friday Night. Leesburg played without Under Armour High School American OLB Noor Davis for the second week in a row. Before the game when asked about the status of Noor Davis and University of Miami commit D'Mauri Jones on his pregame show (Randy Trivers Show, Daily Commercial Friday Night Lights) Trivers said Jones would be able to play but not Davis.

"I don't think Noor (Davis) is going to play but we had quite a few out." said Trivers. We had five starters out last week hopefully we can get some of these guys back in this week and get them participating."

Junior Austin Walker handles a high snap on a punt attempt in the Leesburg at Clermont East Ridge game. (PHOTOS BY ASHLEY BEYER/September 24, 2011)

Without Davis in the lineup the Jackets couldn't get enough pressure on 5'9"/170 senior quarterback Joeworn Martin as he completed 8-of-22 for 164 yards and three touchdowns.  Leesburg's defense had to bring extra men in the box but could not slow down Martin. East Ridge went to the pass early and often as 6'2"/185 senior wide receiver Adrian Jones finished the night with 7 catches for 152 yards.  Jones came into the game with nine receptions for 109 yards, surpassed that yardage total with six catches for 139 of Martin's 174 passing yards on Friday. He repeatedly was able to find seams and use his height advantage to beat single coverage off play-action.

Noor Davis sat the game out with a injury.

"They have some good speed at the wideout position and the offensive line is very good size," said Trivers. "Those guys come off the ball very quick and are very physical. The quarterback is very good athlete that has versatility so when you look at their offense they are impressive physically and they are very precise in what they do as far as execution"

East Ridge improved its record to 16-1 against Lake County Schools, 8-0 since a 34-31 loss to Eustis in 2007. Leesburg came into the game ranked 13th in the Orlando Sentinel High School Football Poll and number one in the Daily Commercial 13. The Knights were ranked #16 in the Super 16.

East Ridge received the opening kickoff and Senior Wide Receiver 5'10" 155, Brandon McCall returned it to the Knights 22 yard line. On first and 10 Martin completed a 22 yard pass to Jones up to the East Ridge 48 yard line. On first down senior 5'9"/180 running back/defensive back Randy Bergen took a handoff for a 1 yard gain up to the Knights 49 yard line. On the next play pass interference was called on the Jacket defense, one of the six pass interference calls on Leesburg on the night. The penalty gave the Knights the ball on the 36 yard line with first and 10.  A one yard carry by Bergen gave the Knights a second and 9 from the Jacket 35 yard line. The next play Martin hit Jones with a 35 yard strike to put the Knights on the scoreboard first with 10:34 to go in the first quarter. Sophomore P/K 5'5" 140 Charley Worker P.A.T. was good making the score East Ridge 7 Leesburg 0. East Ridge marched 78 yards in five plays in 2 minutes and 26 seconds.

D'Mauri makes a 8 yard touchdown catch his second of the game. It was Jones first game back after suffering a high ankle sprain early in the year. (PHOTOS BY ASHLEY BEYER/September 24, 2011)

"This particular team when you look at them you got to respect them in all phases offensively," said Randy Trivers

On the kickoff junior Austin Walker made a fair catch on the 33 yard line, one of his several fair catches on the night. The Jackets offense started slow on first and 10 junior quarterback Undra Mitchem, Jr. first pass was incomplete. On second and 10 senior running back Emmanuel Nelson was stacked up in the backfield for a 3 yard loss on the carry by East Ridge senior 6'0"/185 LB Khalil Pierson. On third down Mitchem was sacked for a 8 yard loss. The Jackets than were called for illegal motion, pushing the ball back to the 17 yard line.

After a punt the Knights failed to pick up a first down and their drive stalled. Leesburg took over on its 43 yard line. On first and ten Mitchem's pass was incomplete. On second and ten Nelson picked up 3 yards on a run up the middle. Junior Running back Anthony Miller followed with a 7 yard run for the Jackets initial first down of the game. Nelson then had a 1 yard carry setting up second and nine. On second and nine the Jackets were called for illegal motion. Penalties haunted the Yellow Jackets all game long.

OLB Jordan Tucker picks up a fumble and returns it to the 3 yard line to set up a 8 yard touchdown catch by D'Mauri Jones in the third quarter to put Leesburg ahead 21-14. (PHOTOS BY ASHLEY BEYER/September 24, 2011)

"A good game for us as far as protecting the football is no interceptions or fumbles or turnovers," said Trivers. "Which when that happens you always give yourself a chance to win."

On second and 14 Mitchem completed a short pass to senior wide receiver Jalen Dozier, up to the 49 yard line with 4:13 left in the first quarter. On the next play Mitchem's pass was incomplete forcing a Jackets punt. East Ridge's senior 5'9"/165, wide/quarterback Corey Harbert made a fair catch at the East Ridge 18 yard line.

Martin's first two passes were incomplete in the series on third down the Jackets were called for another pass interference giving the Knights another first down on the next play Austin Thomas caused a East Ridge fumble that was recovered by Brandon Foor. The Yellow Jackets took over on the Knights 24 yard line.

East Ridge shut down the Jackets potent running game.

D'Mauri Jones entered the game on this series after sitting out last week's game against Mount Dora. On first down Jalen Dozier carried for one yard, on second and 9 Nelson took a pitchout for a 2 yard gain. On third and 7 with Triple receivers on his right Mitchem hit Jones with a 11 yard pass to the Knights eleven yard line. On third and 11 Mitchem pass was incomplete bringing up fourth and 11. Sophomore James Eldridge attempted a 28 yard field goal that was no good With 3:55 left in the first quarter Leesburg couldn't capitilize on the East Ridge turnover.

"Defensively they fly to the ball they tackle well and they are very impressive, said Trivers "They have got some very outstanding defensive football players its a team that you look at and say wow."

"You better do your very best to go into their stadium, the Dungeon and hope to be able to compete and possibly give yourself a chance to get your first win in your district."

At the beginning of the second quarter another East Ridge drive stalled and they were forced to punt. Jalen Dozier returned a Knights punt to the 50 yard line. On the very next play Mitchem found a wide open D"Mauri Jones for a 50 yard touchdown pass. Eldridge's P.A.T was good tying the score at 7-7.

East Ridge Randy Bergen on one of his two touchdowns runs on the night. (PHOTOS BY ASHLEY BEYER/September 24, 2011)

The Knights begin the next drive on it's 20 yard line. Bergen carried on first down for a gain of 5 yards. The Jackets were then called for pass interference. On the next play the defense came up big and caused a fumble junior Devonte Williams recovered the loose ball for the Jackets.

On the next play the offense ran a flea flicker and Miller found Jalen Dozier wide open for a touchdown. Eldridge P.A.T. was good and the Jackets were now up 14-7 in the Dungeon. After both teams traded possesions Dozier returned a punt 47 yards to the East Ridge 38 yard line with 2:18 left in the half, Jones made a touchdown saving tackle. On second and 13 Mitchem made a fake on play action and hit senior wide receiver Juilliard Roberts with a pass for 22 yards. Roberts outjumped two defenders to get the football. Leesburg had first and 10 from the 13 and were threating to score again. The next play the Jackets was called for a penalty backing them up 5 yards with 1:03 left in the half. Three plays later the drive stalled another opportunity missed by Leesburg. The score at the half Leesburg 14 East Ridge 7.

#9 Austin Walker makes a fair catch on a first half kickoff during the Leesburg at Clermont East Ridge game (PHOTOS BY ASHLEY BEYER/September 24, 2011).

On the next series Mitchem was picked off and East Ridge took over on the Jacket 46 yard line. On the next play Bergen broke free for a 54 yard touchdown run. Bergen had only 17 yards at the half finished with 240 rushing yards on 19 carries two touchdowns. Worker P.A.T. was good and the score was tied again at 14-14.

After the kick Nelson took a carry and rambled 18 yards before junior 5'11"/180 Brian Mills made a touchdown saving tackle. Mitchem dropped back to pass and was picked off again giving East Ridge the ball.

With 6:52 left in the third quarter East Ridge fumbled the football junior LB Jordan Tucker scooped up the football and ran it all the way down to the East Ridge 3 yard line with 6:13 left in the quarter. On first and goal a Leesburg penalty pushed the Jackets back to the 8 yard line with 5:45 left. On second and goal from the eight Mitchem dropped back to pass and found D'Mauri Jones for his first touchdown catch on the year. Eldridge P.A.T was good the Jackets now led 21-14 with 5:20 left in the third quarter.

Jordan Tucker picks up a fumble and returns it to the 3 yard line to set up a 8 yard touchdown catch by D'Mauri Jones in the third quarter to put Leesburg ahead 21-14. (PHOTOS BY ASHLEY BEYER/September 24, 2011)

On the next East Ridge possession facing a third and 6 Martin's pass was incomplete but Leesburg was once again called for pass interference. Martin than pass to Jones again for 20 yards down to the 40 yard line of Leesburg. Two plays later he found Jones again for a 38 yard touchdown pass. Two of Jones three receptions in the second half were for touchdowns. Worker's P.A.T. was good and they were tied again at 21-21.

Leesburg failed to move the ball on its next possesion, Austin Walker placed a punt down to the  Knights 5 yard line. On first down Bergen carried the ball 41 yards up to the East Ridge 46 yard line. Another Martin pass was incomplete but once again Leesburg was flagged for pass interference putting the ball on the Jackets 39 yard line. Three plays later and the third quarter was over with the score tied 21-21.

At the beginning of the fourth quarter the Knights drive resumed. Senior 5'9"/157 running back/defensive back Jerami Singleton ran for 2 yards. On the next play Martin hit Jones for 25 yards and a touchdown. Worker's P.A.T. was good and now East Ridge led 28-21 with 11:17 left in the fourth quarter.

Head coach Randy Trivers giving out some instructions during the game Friday night. (PHOTOS BY ASHLEY BEYER/September 24, 2011)

After receiving the kick off, on third and11 Mitchem attempted a pass and was picked again with 10:18 to play in the game. Mitchem who had not thrown an interception entering the game, was picked off on his first two passing attempts of the second half. Mitchem was held to 167 yards on 10-of-29 passing, two touchdowns and threw his first four interceptions of the year.


On the next play Bergen took a Martin handoff and ran 38 yards for a touchdown. Worker's P.A.T. was good and the score was now 35-21 East Ridge in front with 10:09 left in the game.

On Leesburg's next possession Mitchem pitched the ball to Miller who threw a halfback pass and was picked off. East Ridge took over at its own 33 yard line. Two plays later Bergen broke loose again for 54 yards all the way down to the Jackets 4 yard line. After a Leesburg sack by Austin Walker and delay of game penalty pushed the Knights back.  Charley Worker, who was perfect on PATs for East Ridge, then added a 22-yard field goal for the final points following the interception by Geo Ruiz.

Junior running back Anthony Miller is wrapped up by a East Ridge defender Friday night. (PHOTOS BY ASHLEY BEYER/ September 24, 2011)

The loss all but ended the Jackets hopes of its first district title since 2007. With only a four game district schedule the Jackets will have to win out and hope to secure a second place finish in the district. Even then the Jacket Nation won't see a home playoff game as the district runner up has to play its playoff games on the road.

"This is a important game because it is a district game and you know the way things are done here we got to win in the district to get to the postseason and thats everybody goal"

East Ridge (3-1, 1-0) is into an early tie for first place in Class 7A, District 4 with Evans (4-0, 1-0), which defeated South Lake (2-2, 0-1) on Friday. Leesburg is 0-1 in the district, 3-1 overall.

East Ridge 38, Leesburg 21

East Ridge          7     0     14     17     -     38
Leesburg             7     7      7       0      -     17

FIRST QUARTER– EAST RIDGE: A. Jones 35 pass from Martin (Worker kick). SECOND QUARTER– LEESBURG: Jones 50 pass from Mitchem (Eldridge kick); LEESBURG: Dozier 24 pass from Miller (Eldridge kick). THIRD QUARTER – EAST RIDGE: Bergen 54 run (Worker kick); LEESBURG: Jones 8 pass from Mitchem (Eldridge kick); EAST RIDGE: A. Jones 35 pass from Martin (Worker kick). FOURTH QUARTER – EAST RIDGE: Jones 25 pass from Martin (Worker kick); EAST RIDGE: Bergen 38 run (Worker kick); EAST RIDGE : Worker 22 field goal.

Resources
Photos by:
Ashley Beyer
Freelance Photographer 
2001 Graduate of 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."

Ashley Beyer
Freelance Photographer
Leesburg Yellow Jackets Football
September 22, 2011

Article written by:
Gerald Lacey
Staff Writer
Carver Heights Quarterback Club
September 24, 2011

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.