The Oak Hall Eagles are playing non-conference opponent Academy at the Lakes at 7 p.m. Friday at home.
It will be a matchup of two teams competing in the Sunshine State Eight-Man League.
Oak Hall is 4-0 after coming off a 64-6 win against City of Life Christian Academy.
The Academy at the Lakes Wildcats beat Duval Charter 53-18 Friday to begin their season 1-0.
Key Players
Lions
- Sophomore CB Jalen Scott
- 27 tackles this season
- one forced fumble
- Junior RB Carter Coleman
- Four rushing TDS in the first half of last week’s game
Wildcats
- Senior QB Jalen Brown
- 7/12 for 308 passing yards and 49 rushing yards
- Six TD against Duval Charter to open the season
- Senior RB/DB/WR Adrian Leverette
- accounted for four TDs against Duval Charter to open the season
- Freshman Latrell Taylor
- led defense with 13 tackles, one fumble recovery against Duval Charter to open the season
2020 Football Season: A Blessing for the Eagles and Wildcats
COVID-19 has wreaked havoc on the sports world. For some time, there was no answer as to if there would be a high school football season.
FHSAA
The Florida High School Sports Association voted Aug. 14 to approve Aug. 24 as the start of practices for fall sports amidst the pandemic. The board voted 11-5 in favor of the plan.
The plan outlined Friday, Sept. 4 as the first Friday of the high school football season in the state of Florida, but not every team began that day.
A Late Start
Nearly a month after Oak Hall began their season, Academy at the Lakes played their first game.
“It is unfortunate that we couldn’t start when everyone else did, but my guys are just thrilled to get out there and play some football,” Wildcats Head Coach Shawn Brown said.
The Wildcats’ first game was on Oct. 2.
Being able to go out there and play high school football in 2020 is really just a blessing. It is something to be thankful for.
“Our team is so excited, especially the seniors, Brown said. We want to play.”
Oak Hall Head Coach RJ Fuhr had a similar response when asked about what it means to be able to have a football season.
“I am so happy for the kids,” Fuhr said. They’ve worked so hard.”
Fuhr said he is proud of how his team has handled the adversity that this year has thrown at them.
With no spring football and COVID-19 safety protocols, there is a huge unknown surrounding both teams.
One thing guiding the Wildcats through an unexpected, delayed season is the team’s nine seniors. The Wildcats are not short on experience.
Quarterback Jalen Brown leads the Lions. He is known for his accuracy and ability to scramble out of the pocket.
“It’ll be a tough test [facing Brown] for us, but our guys are ready,” Fuhr said.
Friday’s matchup might not affect conference standings, but it is an opportunity and a chance to play ball – something that won’t be taken for granted according to Brown and Fuhr.
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