THE BOX

FRIDAY…NO THURSDAY NIGHT GAMES…DID YOU KNOW

Written by on

DID YOU KNOW….

He’s at it again. Jaylin Jackson, Cambridge Christian, ATH proving himself as a passer as many know about his running ability. After four games Jackson is the 5th leading passer (total passing yards) in the state: 1,031 passing yards, averaging 257.8 yards per game with 13 touchdown passes and just 4 interceptions.

Of state running backs with four or more games played this season, Lawrance Toafili (Pinellas Park) is ranked 10th in rushing yards per game: 659 total yards. Lawrence is averaging 164.8 yards per game and 13.2 yards per rush. More than a first down per carry!

Tied for 2nd in the state in receiving touchdowns is Darryl Mercer jr., the senior WR from Cambridge Christian and junior WR Kyle Benedict from Carrollwood Day. Both receivers have 7 TD receptions. Jackson, 64.8 yards per game and Benedict, 92.0 yards per game.

Elijah Thomas (Zephyrhills) RB has scored 52 points this season. Thomas is good for 13.0 points per game. Only 19 players in the state have scored more total points and only 16 players in the state who have played three or more games this year are averaging more points scored per game.

Seniors Fred Billy and Chase Brown from Saint Stephen’s Episcopal (Bradenton) both have 7 rushing TDs this year. Only Wesley Chapel duo of Dexter Leverett and Malik Melvin have more combined TDs of area players.

Staying in Wesley Chapel…Leading the entire state in tackles is senior LB Austen Wittish with 67 total tackles on the year. 13.4 tackles per game. Clocks in for work, does his job and one will never know how good he was until the film is reviewed. “Whittish again and again and again!”

Zephyrhills Christian Academy has the third most sacks (as a team) in the state. 22.0 total sacks, 4.4 sacks per game and tied for second in total interceptions. ZCA has produced 9 interceptions in five games.

In 5 attempts, Largo’s Quavon Matthews is averaging 24.4 yards per punt return and 3 touchdowns. That 24.4 average is good enough for the third best in the state.

7th in the state in total return yards is Joshua Bowers from East Lake. Bowers has 245 total yards on 11 returns.