OAKLEAF – When players are on the field, they often get into the habit of having that dominating attitude. Both of these teams came to the field with a sense of urgency and purpose and that was to get a good win. In the end, Glades Central survives a close call with Oakleaf in a 13-12 affair.
For Glades Central, this became an offensive sling fest as Jaeze Tracy threw the ball all over the field connecting with some very well rounded receivers in Dejuan Miller, Tyric Lott, James Davis, and Odieu Hilaire.
When given the opportunity, Tracy let it rip looking for big plays down the field all throughout the game; but with big plays come big responsibility as Tracy threw two interceptions on the night in critical moments.
Unfortunately there could have been more, but they were dropped by the Oakleaf defense. Tracy did have two touchdowns on the night. The Glades Central offense went scoreless for three quarters despite moving the ball efficiently on several drives.
Due to the youth of the team, Oakleaf’s only touchdown of the night came from a kick return by KeShawn King. The most explosive player on offense, King assisted quarterback Tre Simmons as much as he could. Simmons had little time in the pocket to make a good throws to his receivers as the Glades Central defense pressured him regularly.
Oakleaf’s defense rallied when they were needed, but the offense could never capitalize. The defense intercepted and recovered fumbles for the offense throughout the game giving the Knights opportunity after opportunity to take the lead.
The Raiders receivers however did have the advantage in the matchup with the Oakleaf cornerbacks in the first half; although the second half proved to be a defensive struggle for both teams.
The Glades Central defense made sure they got the defensive stops they needed for tonight. The most notable was an interception that would have sealed the game. Unfortunately, due to penalties, the run was called back. The Raiders did a good job on defense to make sure that they had a good chance to win the game.
Glades Central (1-1) will play Dwyer on September 8 at 7 p.m. ; while Oakleaf (1-2) will match up with Bartram Trail on September 8 at 7 p.m. as well.
