Ponte Vedra- Quarterback Jeff Sims has Sandalwood playing on another level, and Friday he took it to even higher heights. In Sandalwood’s 44-19 defeat of district opponent Nease, Sims scored six touchdowns in the game to lead the Saints over the Panthers.
Sims couldn’t be stopped, playing with extreme confidence and swagger. He knifed through the Panther defense to the tune of 146 yards and four touchdowns on the ground. Sims would add two more touchdowns through the air, hitting wide receivers Jhayin Embry and Javonte Kinsey on beautiful catch and throws.
Sandalwood’s entire team seemed to be playing with confidence, as the special teams stepped up big. Defensive back Christian Ellis recovered two kickoffs in the game, giving the ball back to the red hot Sims. Sims would make them pay time and time again, standing tall in the pocket, delivering accurate throws, and shaking defenders with ease on runs.
Nease, who scored 51 points the week before against Creekside, could only manage 19 points versus Sandalwood. Linebacker Brandon Jennings made tackles all over the field, and secured a sack in the contest. Defensive back Jahquez Robinson also set the tone for Sandalwood’s defense early on with big hits in the secondary. He and defensive back Derek Bermudez allowed zero catches on the evening.
Nease quarterback Joseph Nieves ran for two scores including one to tie the game a 6-6 in the first quarter. He also added a touchdown pass in the third quarter to wide receiver Donavan Wilson on a beautiful throw and catch in the corner of the end-zone.
Yet Sims and company would not be fazed. After a 30-0 halftime lead, Jeremiah Huntley added a score on a touchdown run in the second half. Sims took it even further and higher with his final touchdown run of the game, breaking tackles and willing his way to the end zone.
It was mentioned earlier this year on DuvalSports.com, that Sandalwood would go as far as Jeff Sims leads them. Well right now, Sims has them on a new level, as he’s scored nine touchdowns in two games and they got their first district victory (3-0, 1-0). Sandalwood hosts Ribault (0-2) on Friday, while Nease (0-3) looks for their first win taking on Yulee (2-2).
