Singleton, Leesburg Rip Land O' Lakes, 47-0, November 28, 1992

November 28, 1992|By Joe Williams of The Sentinel Staff

LAND O' LAKES — Although it had been 21 years since Leesburg last appeared in the playoffs, Leesburg tailback Oran Singleton seemed right at home, scoring four touchdowns as the Yellow Jackets rolled to a 47-0 victory over Land O' Lakes Friday night in the Class AAAA, Region 4 playoff game.

Singleton, a 5-foot-6, 150-pound senior, scored on Leesburg's first offensive play, a 55-yard run, and finished with 237 yards on 14 carries. He also had an 89-yard kickoff return for a touchdown to start the second half and didn't play past the middle of the third quarter.

Singleton scored two more first-half touchdowns on runs of 80 and 43 yards. He came close to a fifth touchdown but fumbled at the 2 on an 11-yard run. The ball bounced into the end zone, where it was recovered by Leesburg's Aaron Blake, giving the Yellow Jackets a 28-0 lead with 14 seconds remaining in the second quarter.

Ninth-ranked Leesburg (10-1), whose defense recorded its seventh shutout of the season in front of a crowd of about 2,000 at Gator Stadium, advanced to next week's Section 2 playoff against Seabreeze, a 32-14 victor over Merritt Island.

''You take him (Singleton) out of the game, and it is a much better ballgame,'' Land O' Lakes coach John Benedetto said. ''We couldn't handle him at all. Once he got into the secondary, we had nobody at all who could handle him.

''They are just a great ballclub and we are not on that level.''

Land O' Lakes (9-2) has been to the regional playoffs five times in 16 years but has never won.

''We prepared real hard for the game,'' Leesburg linebacker Beau Young said.

In addition Singleton's kickoff return to open the half, the Yellow Jackets also scored on a 45-yard halfback pass from Herbert Ellis to D.J. Keith with six minutes remaining in the third quarter, and reserve fullback Alan Neiford scored on a 2-yard run with 9:02 left in the fourth quarter.

''Oran scoring that first touchdown on the first play really gave us an emotional lift,'' Leesburg coach Ed Hoffman said. ''It helped make up for the last 21 years that we haven't been in the playoffs.''

Resources

Joe Williams

Sentinel Staff Writer

Orlando Sentinel

www.orlandosentinel.com

April 26, 2002

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Leesburg High coach breaks leg at practice, September 18, 1992

Hubert O. Dabney Stadium, Home Of The Jackets

By Bob Castello

Daily Commercial Staff Writer
Daily Commercial
September 18, 1992

Ed Hoffman's explanation of the injury he incurred on Wednesday was simple.

"The kid were practicing and I got in the way," he said Thursday.

But the injury was far from simple.

Hoffman, Leesburg High's first-year head coach, broke his left leg in a freak accident at practice Wednesday afternoon.

At least, he hopes it was a freak thing.

"If the kid did it on purpose I better find another job," Hoffman said jokingly.

Hoffman fractured the fibula, the smaller of the two bones between the knee and the ankle. He also tore ligaments on the inside of the ankle and his ankle was partially dislocated, according to physician John Cowin. He is scheduled to undergo surgery this morning at Leesburg Regional Medical Center.

Hoffman said he was in good spirits Thursday, although he was in a good deal of pain. He said he had wanted to be at the Jackets' home game tonight against Cypress Creek at 7:30 p.m., but he's been told otherwise by physician John Cowin.

"(Cowin) said I won't feel like going to the game," Hoffman said. "I guess it's doubtful."

"He said to me, If you do this in the morning then I can go to the game later that night, right?" Cowin said.

"I said, 'No""

However, Cowin said Hoffman might be able to coach from a wheelchair next week when the Jackets host Auburndale.

Hoffman was standing in the secondary watching his team Herbert Ellis accidentally ran into Hoffman.

"He came by going for the ball and hit me broadside," Hoffman said.

"My foot went under my butt when I hit the ground. It just snapped."

Hoffman is in his first year as head coach after two years as defensive coordinator under Ken Weir. Weir left to take over the program at Stuart Martin County.

In his first game as the Jackets' coach, Hoffman led Leesburg to a 7-6 victory over Eustis last Friday night.

Hoffman said defensive coordinator George Fuller has taken over as acting head coach.
"Everybody just feels bad for Coach Hoffman," Fuller said. "But we had a good practice (Thursday), and we want to put to rest any doubts about the way we played last week. And that's exactly what Coach Hoffman was preaching all along."

Leesburg beat Eustis 7-6 in its opener last Friday night.

Resources 

Bob Castello
Daily Commercial Staff Writer
Daily Commercial

www.dailycommercial.com
September 18, 1992

Article provided by:

Gerald Lacey

Staff Writer

Carver Heights Quarterback Club

1986 Varsity Football Jackets

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.

Oran ignites LHS offense, August 28, 1992

Hubert O. Dabney Stadium, Home of the Jackets

Spotlight shines upon Singleton

By Bob Castello
Daily Commercial Staff Writer

Daily Commercial

August 28, 1992

LEESBURG - The phone rang and Oran singleton answered. The voice on the other end introduced himself as Bobby Bowden. Singleton immediately thought of a couple of friends Steve Gooden and Herbert "Tank" Ellis, and an obvious prank.

"I thought it was Tank and Steve playing a joke," Singleton said.

Fortunately, Singleton refrained from blurting out a quick reply.

"I paused," he said, trading his trademark smile for a perplexed look for just a moment, "because I didn't want to say anything wrong. Then he started talking about this camp he was having, and I knew it was him."

It was indeed Bowden, Florida State's head coach and one of the countless individuals seeking the future services of Singleton. Florida Coach Steve Spurrier has also checked in, though Singleton wasn't around for that call.

After the season the 5-foot-6, 150-pound tailback put together for Leesburg High last season, Singleton has been a popular member of most coaches' mailing lists. Jackets head coach Ed Hoffman said most of the mail he received over the summer was regarding Singleton.

"Florida is known for its skill people, and he was one of the leading rushers in the state," Hoffman said. "That;s national recognition right there."

Singleton's goal entering the 1991 season was to surpass 1,000 yards. He blasted past that mark in just the sixth game of the season and finished with  1,798 yards on 193 carries - better than 9 yards per attempt. He was honored following the season as a Class 4A first-team all-state selection.

Hoffman said Singleton was leading the nation in rushing for part of the year, and he led the state for about half the season. At times, he even surprised himself.

When I ran for 275 against (Ocala Vanguard, that shocked me," Singleton said.

He had a barometer entering that game. Area rival Bayfus McCoy of Eustis had gained 248 against Vanguard in an earlier meeting.

Though Singleton outrushed McCoy (ho finished with 1,310 yards) last season, the rivalry was always a topic of conversation in the area.

McCoy has move on , and Singleton, in a way, has the stage to himself this season. But he said he already has a new rival with whom to contend - McCoy's successor, Oliver Longley.

"we played against each other in JV," Singleton said. "He's a good player."

And the two met again this summer at the University of Florida.

They were among a group of 25 students who enrolled in a one[month session to further themselves in various classes in preparation for college.

Among the classes was a course in preparing for the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT). Singleton said he has already taken the exam once, but he came up just short of the 700 score necessary to compete at any NCAA level school. He said he sis scheduled to take the test again in October.

Hoffman said if Singleton achieves thte required score, his options will be may.

"Probably not as a running back, but as a kick returner or punt returner," Hoffman said. "He's quick as a cat. The scouts all like him."

Singleton, a New York native who moved to Leesburg in the fifth grade, said his first choice would be Michigan. He's not bothered by the coled weather, and he's enthralled with the size of the Wolverines' linemen.

He said Florida, Florida State, Miami and Clemson are also high on his list.

Scouts from Florida and Pittsburgh were among those on had at the spring jamboree. Singleton can expect may others to take a look this season.

Hoffman has put together r a 15 minute e highlight tape on Singleton for scouts to see when they come to Leesburg.

Despite all of the attention he's a team player, and anything that's better for the team is what he wants to do," Hoffman said.

"He really supports the team a lot," echoed Jackets offensive guard Clay Rector. "He goes all out for the team."

Rector and the rest of the offensive line attended a camp at Valdosta State College during the summer. Not surprisingly, Singleton took notice.


"Then I came back (from Gainesville), I heard they were the stars of the show up there," Singleton said. "i was proud of them. I'm sticking behind them."

While Singleton can again be expected to gather his share of rushing yards, he can also be expected to catch a few more passes. Hoffman said the Jackets' offense will include more passing, and Singleton should see the ball come his way with greater frequency.

Last year, Gooden threw to Singleton just three times, with one going for a key touchdown against Orlando Edgewater.

"We're going to try and get the ball in his hands as much as possible," Hoffman said. It's just a different way of getting him the ball....He's got great hands."

And Singleton knows that he'll command attention on the field.

"That'll be good; then the other players can get (the ball)." he said. "If I never score a touchdown, that's fine as long as we win."

And he knows he'll command attention on and off the field - from the recruiters. And his teammates are just happy Singleton is being singled out.





"It shows that we've got one of the best running backs in the state,: Rector said.

"He's one of the most team oriented kids I've ever been associated with,' Hofffman said. "If you tell him he played a good game, he'll praise the offensive line. He doesn't need the praise. He's going to get it anyway on his talent." 

"He's one of the most team oriented kids I've ever been associated with,' Hofffman said.
"If you tell him he played a good game, he'll praise the offensive line. He doesn't need the praise. He's going to get it anyway on his talent."  

Resources
Bob Castello
Daily Commercial Staff Writer

Daily Commercial

August 28, 1992

Article provided 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. 

Yellow Jackets' Defense Stifling

August 30, 1992

By Joe Williams Of The Sentinel Staff
 
LEESBURG — In golf, there is a saying: ''Drive for show, putt for dough.'' Ed Hoffman has a similar phrase about football. ''Offense looks pretty, but defense wins games.''

Defense ain't pretty, but Hoffman loves it and Leesburg plays it well.

It's not hard to tell that Hoffman - the man in charge of one of the state's most potent offensive weapons in All-State tailback Oran Singleton - is a defensive man at heart. The splash and dash offense might be fine, but what really makes Hoffman smile is the pop of his linebacker's pads on a running back.

Hoffman has spent most of his coaching career on defense and was Leesburg's defensive coordinator for three years. Now, as the Yellow Jackets head coach, he has turned defensive responsibilities over to George Fuller.

Fuller knows he inherits a defense that under Hoffman was one of the best in Central Florida. Leesburg plays a schedule that should offer its defense a look at a wide variety of offenses.

That was the case a year ago when Leesburg played three Top-10 Class AAAA teams, all with noted offensive attacks. Auburndale had a power running attack, Seminole relied on the pass, Edgewater had the ability to run with power inside and speed to go outside. In addition, there was a pass-happy Ocala Vanguard team and the run-and-shoot of Lake Weir.



Despite all the different looks, Leesburg held teams to an average of 11.1 points a game. The Yellow Jackets' bend-but-don't-break defense sometimes gave up yards to short passes but it didn't give up a lot of points. In seven games, it gave up one touchdown or less.

''We are going to get the best 11 men on the defensive side of the ball and go after them,'' Fuller said. ''I think we have a chance to be a real solid defensive team. I can't wait for us to line up against Clermont next week (in a jamboree) and see what happens.

''Clermont is probably one of the biggest teams we will play this year.''

Leesburg's defense grew up a lot last year and the maturity took place after a 28-26 loss to then fourth-ranked Auburndale. The Bloodhounds came into Memorial Field/Hubert O. Dabney Stadium with a highly-touted offense, but they entered the locker room at halftime like whimpering puppies. Leesburg's defense had whipped them. The Yellow Jackets led, 20-7, and seemed on the verge of one of the program's biggest victories.

But it was the Yellow Jackets' defense that was left licking its wounds after the game. Auburndale came back, pounding the ball down the heart of Leesburg's defense. Auburndale escaped, 28-26.

''I believe we came together after that Auburndale game,'' said Ty Lawrence, an inside linebacker and the returning Lake Sentinel defensive player of the year. ''We just knew that we had to come back and play a lot better than we did.

''That game taught us we can't let up. That's what we did in the Auburndale game and they beat us.''

Leesburg used that game as motivation for the remainder of the year and rebounded the next week with its only shutout of the season, a 10-0 victory over Ocala Forest. Leesburg went onto an 8-2 record and tied with Seminole and Edgewater for the Class AAAA, District 7 championship but lost in a tiebreaker.

With all except three starters returning to the defense, it obviously still hasn't forgotten the lesson taught by Auburndale a year ago. This year's defense will be the same, only better.

''I think we will be more aggressive,'' Hoffman said. ''I think the kids are a little more mature with another year of experience and that will help. They know what they have to do.

''I have all the confidence in the world in George. He is a fiery coach on the sidelines and he believes in being aggressive. It (coaching defense) is something he takes to heart.''

Fuller knows this year will be a lot of work, but he hopes there will be plenty of time for him to watch his defensive players get what they deserve. Many, like Lawrence, D.J. Keith, Herbert Ellis and Beau Young, have been playing for three years.

''There is not a better group of young men than this group that I have been around for the last three years,'' said Fuller, who coached the inside linebackers for Leesburg last year. ''They have taken their lumps at times, but it is going to be nice to see them as seniors getting the icing on the cake.''



Leesburg's defense, which operates out of a 4-4 set, has a simple, but effective philosophy. The Yellow Jackets want to stop the run first and force teams to throw the ball. It has two large holes to fill, finding replacements for graduated defensive end Troy McNish and defensive back Marcus Niblack, but Fuller has no question about his first-line people. It is depth that concerns him.

''We hold our breath for depth,'' Fuller said. ''If we get one or two hurt here or there, we may be in for some trouble. But I think we will be fine.''

With the potential of Leesburg's offense to quickly put points on the board and score on any play from anywhere on the field, its defense might be overlooked by all but its coaches.

''I believe the defense is what makes it happen,'' Hoffman said. ''They get the people fired up.''

Resources
Joe Williams Of The Sentinel Staff
Article provided by:

Gerald Lacey
CEO/President
Lacey LLC and OmariWholesale, Inc.

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