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Knights flex defensive muscle; passing game just misses

By Randy Lefko Sports Editor
Posted 6/1/23

PORT ORANGE - Traveling down to Port Orange on a Friday night the day after most schools are allowing their sun-chasing student populations only added to the drama of Oakleaf High Schools’ football …

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Knights flex defensive muscle; passing game just misses


Posted

PORT ORANGE - Traveling down to Port Orange on a Friday night the day after most schools are allowing their sun-chasing student populations only added to the drama of Oakleaf High Schools’ football spring game scrimmage with two of the best programs from the area; Spruce Creek, a Class 8A power the past five years, and Rockledge high schools.

“We got her about 45 minutes before game start because of the traffic and accidents on the interstate,” said Oakleaf coach Chris Foy. “I’m proud of the team for focusing in on the game despite the

challenges of getting here, a short warmup and about 25 miles per hour wind gusts on the field.”

Oakleaf opened with Spruce Creek and came away with a challenging 7-0 halftime score off a short drag pass play from quarterback Brandon Wallace, Jr., to wide out Denereo Jacobs, just a freshman.

“We worked the field for 95 yards of good solid play at the line of scrimmage with quick passes on the edges,” said Foy, who had his son Chris Foy II in the backfield lugging the rock with Russell employing rollouts in a pass option read play on the edges. “Brandon is smart and he’s got good legs out there. That’s make him a double threat out of the pocket.”

On defense, defensive end J.J. Marsh-Mensie was a menace to Spruce Creek’s pocket although the Hawks were able to move the ball downfield through the air. Marsh-Mensie had one pass knock down against Spruce Creek that set up a fourth and long. On the fourth down, Foy’s defense sent Quory Ambrose who crashed and got a sack. “We prepared for Spruce Creek to be a tight end, wing type offense, but they changed it to a spread,” said Foy. “We made some good adjustments and the kids responded. I like that the kids never showed an let up on the big plays and even came up with big plays to finish drives.”

Against Rockledge, 9-3 last year, with deep playoff runs dating back to 2107, both teams came out slinging the passes as both teams were able to score a 14-14 halftime score to end the session.

“Rockledge has eight or nine NCAA division I players out there,” said Foy. “Denereo is going to a big time player for us even as a freshman.”

Foy liked the conditioning on the field.

“We will see how our conditioning does against Rockledge’s speed,” said Foy.

Rockledge hit for two big plays for their scores that concerned Foy.

“With that many good guys on their passing game, it’s our discipline on reads that keeps them in front of us,” said Foy. “I like our run game defense.”

For Wallace, who takes over one of the more potent offensive game plans from last year, the key will be to get his reps with his skill players.

“I learned a lot of things out there today and some things I can work on,” said Wallace. “The coaches trust me to control the game with the ball in my hands. I look to Quory Ambrose on the line to give me some information as to whatr the defense is doing.” Per the summer, Wallace wants to develop his chemistry with his young receivers.