Orange Park Fl- As soon as Tramell Jones Jr (Florida State commit) dropped back and hit Jaime Ffrench for the first score of the game, everyone knew that the Mustangs were off and running. The score gave Mandarin a 6-0 lead over Orange Park, and before halftime the Mustangs built a 27-0 lead. An early indication that Mandarin is ready to make a run at state.
Speaking of running, running back Shaunqueze Foster scored on the ground twice for Mandarin. The 5’9, 185 pound sophomore is the prototypical size for the Mustang running game. With Mandarin losing two thousand yard rushers in seniors Deshard Westcott (5’8) and Tiant Wyche (5’8), Foster and company showed in the spring game that Mandarin still has a signature run game.
Kameron Mills is a player that showed he is primed for a break out season. As 5-star wide receiver Jaime Ffrench commands attention from defenses, Mills showed that he will make one-on-one defenders pay. Jones would his Mills for a 65-yard touchdown in the second quarter. Mills also showed that he can make plays on defense, something the Mustangs will benefit from greatly.
The final score was indicative of a strong defensive performance. The defense is led by senior 5-star safety Hylton Drake Stubbs ( Miami commit), senior defensive back Jaylen Lewis and senior line backer Israel Ratliff, both whom made several bone crushing tackles against Orange Park. The effort led directly to the 53-0 shutout in the kickoff classic.
The real test begins this week, as Mandarin starts the regular season at home versus Creekside, a team that has had their number the last three years. However, this game is scheduled differently than the previous three matchups as it kicks-off the season.
Photo gallery by Paul Simpson (Strikeout Photography )
