GREEN COVE SPRINGS – Clay coach Joshua Hoekstra, I think, worries a bit about that part of the spring football season when you hope new faces step up and take over spots on the field vacated by graduating players.

In Saturday’s Blue/White scrimmage, Spencer LeSage became a name that will be worthy of watching come August. LeSage, a standout at Lake Asbury Junior High last year, stole two long passes against Clay’s secondary for gains of 70 yards and an 80 yard score as Blue Devil quarterback Caleb Eason was sharp as a tack in finding LeSage and returner Ajay Belanger to keep the ball moving.

On defense, Clay showed off bookend defensive end prowess with returner Cody Devore teaming with Bradford County transfer Josh Griffis, a 6’-4” athlete.

Overall, Clay’s offense clicked behind ballcarriers Josh Colson and Cedric Brown with Jason Brooks leading the way on the line.

At Fleming Island, sophomore quarterback Dean Hyams showed off some blonde locks to put the “Sunshine” monicker in his backfield, from Remember the Titans, but the much-heftier Hyams was throwing effortlessly downfield with precision to 6’-4” Nick Ferendo, speedy Anfernee McCaskill and burlier Jackson Bull. Bull surprised the number one defense with a nifty jet sweep for a 60 yard rumble to paydirt.

Theory: If defenses set to trap McCaskill and his 10.6 100 meter speed and also top cover Ferendo on the pass, Bull will be the highlight reel for coach Damenyum Springs.

On defense, Isaiah Walker returns with fast legs after a season-ending injury last year to team up with veterans Ryan Smenda, Jose “Big Cat” Concepcion and Jack “the Surgeon” Surgeoner all showing some muscle in drills. Concepcion issued a bowling-ball like rebuke of a five vs. one block/defend drill.

At Ridgeview, Tyler Huff was settling in as the returning quarterback for coach Cameron Porch with speedy X-back athlete Kiaran Turner taking reps as well.

At Orange Park, coach Tom Macpherson opened up a Saturday morning session bent on amping the team up with a physical wakeup Oklahoma-type block/defend drill. Macpherson seeks effort and passion in his game and the Raiders have the athletes.

Yet to be seen are St. Johns Country Day School, Middleburg, Keystone Heights and Oakleaf. Stay tuned.