Last week the Spring football report focused on coaches in new homes. This week we focus on teams who are in the midst of more established eras.
Forest and North Marion are responsible for our first taste of live action with back-to-back spring games. Vanguard showed its depth in its red and blue scrimmage. A visit to Lake Weir, the land of hidden gems, revealed a breadth of untapped talent.
Lets parse through the most prevailing themes from the third week of spring football practice. That includes the progression of a Hurricanes football team under head coach Jason Roberts.
The best Hurricanes yet?
In the last two years, coach Roberts led Lake Weir to an SSAA state championship, multiple playoff appearances, and a 12-8 record. It’s the most successful two seasons span the Hurricanes have experienced since 2018-19.
Winning is leaving its mark on Robert’s roster as of spring 2025. Standing on the practice field is the largest group of football players under his tenure and they’re passing the eye test with flying colors.
A team that’s relied heavily on the run game now has receiving core whose size and athleticism was missed in previous seasons. An infusion of talent on the defensive line will certainly give it pass protection to solidify its new weapons.
The two sides of North Marion football
North Marion’s 26-34 loss to Eastside told us three things about the Colts after three weeks of practice: they’re ready to fight, they can make big plays, and they have work to do.
By halftime, North Marion trailed 34-8 until a thundering hit from junior Courtney Singleton sparked a second half comeback. The defensive backfield came alive, grabbing a pick six and interception in the third quarter.
The run game behind fully healthy Jordan Strickland gives the Colts an electric athlete in the backfield. Having Matt Dial under center gives them another passing threat to supply the top returning slot receiving weapon, Damir Williams.
Knights answers questions at key positions
Losing Vanguard’s senior class opened up several holes on both sides of the ball.
Vanguard’s run game was its bread and butter during its ten game win streak in 2024. Former Trinity Catholic running back James Puliings and junior Sergarion Gunsby fortify the backfield.
For the past two seasons, the Knights have lost scores of talented defensive backs, including Fred Gaskin and three more Division 1 recruits. This year, Dominic Burgess and James Bethea bring a pedigree and experience to the defensive backfield.
In the last two seasons, Vanguard has lost five lineman to college rosters. In their place are Noah Robinson and Jamareion McBride, who just picked up offers from Southern Miss.
The Knights don’t rebuild, they reload at every position and it’s still considered a young group. All while having first team, all county quarterback Terrance Lewis gaining a better understanding of the position.
The Brantley effect at Forest
Discipline was the word on the sideline during Forest football’s first look under former state championship winning Wildcat quarterback John Brantley. His influence drew regular season football practice numbers during its spring game.
Brantley’s tenure began in February, that included large swaths of changes to the weight room headed by assistant Greg Harper. It paid dividends for a promising group of underclassmen.
There are adjustments to be made on the field for a team that won just two games last year, but The Brantley era has several things going for itself: program buy in and summer to integrate a new system.
This article originally appeared on Ocala Star-Banner: Vanguard reloads, Lake Weir prospers in spring football report