ORANGE PARK – Oakleaf High School’s football team responded to what coach Steve Reynolds called the worst opening game he’s ever had, a 19-6 loss to Camden County on August 18, with a resounding 33-13 non-district win over Orange Park on Fri., August 25. Oakleaf improved to 1-1. Orange Park falls to 0-1. Glades lost a 13-7 decision to University High of Fort Lauderdale in their season opener.

Oakleaf will host 4A-Glades Central High out of Miami (0-1) on Fri., Sept. 1. Glades has six state titles dating back to 1971 and as recent at 2006.

“We did just about everything wrong you could do in that game against Camden County,” said Reynolds. “We have work to do to change all that.”

With Oakleaf tailback Keshawn King going roughshod in all aspects of the run game for the Knights with 222 yards rushing on 21 carries with three scores, the Knights’ offense improved and was able to move the ball downfield. King also returned a kickoff 82 yards for a touchdown.

Wideout Jakari Williams, who had the lone score against Camden County with a fourth quarter 75 yard scoring pass, continued as the prime target of freshman quarterback Walter Simmons with five catches for 72 with a 30 yarder putting Oakleaf at the Raider 10 yard line for one score, but Simmons was continually chased out of the pocket. Simmons finished with nine pass completions in 13 attempts for 89 yards with a 32 yarder to Williams the longest of the night.

Penalties continued to plague the momentum of the Knights who got hit with 17 flags against Camden. Against Orange Park, the first half was full of laundry with 10 flags stalling drives on offense. Just two flags were thrown against the Knights in the second half and the Oakleaf offense looked much more efficient as they moved downfield.

On defense, highlights came from safety Tristan Brown and defensive back Monte Stephens who both had second half interceptions as Orange Park was forced to throw to stay in the game. Stephens had his interception go the distance for a a 30 yard touchdown with Brown snagging an errant pass with just a three yard return. Brown also caused a fumble for the Knights’ defense.

Top tackler for was linebacker Kenneth Davis who registered 20 tackles with two for losses and also blocked a field goal. Stephens also contributed 10 tackles with a fumble recovery.