Team: Oakleaf Knights
Sunshine State 25 Preseason Ranking: No. 12
Head Coach: Derek Chipoletti
2014 Record: 12-1
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Look Back On 2014
It was a historic season for the Oakleaf Knights as they accomplished their first undefeated regular season, winning their first district title and reaching the regional finals in their first trip to the playoffs before falling to Niceville.
Players To Watch
LB Shaquille Quarterman, Sr.; LB DeAndre Steelman, Sr.; JeVionte Nash, Sr.; RB Keylan Brown, Sr.; WR/RB Desmon George, Sr.; WR Cari Coleman, Sr.; LB/SS Tyrell Brown, Sr; DL Clay Brooks, Sr.; ATH Javonte Ferguson, Sr.; QB Jordan “JJ” Johnson, Jr.; DB Nick Roberts, Jr.; DB Khalif Copeland, Jr.; WR Rontrez Morgan, Jr.
The Outlook
Some think Oakleaf was a total fluke last season, but we don’t see it – especially for a team returns almost everyone from its first district championship team. Add in a couple of transfers from another area school, the recipe for success is there.
However, if you are not familiar with Oakleaf, which opened in 2010, then we can excuse you on that as we feel they might be the most overlooked team in the state.
On the offensive side of the ball, the Knights return 7 starters including quarterback Jordan “JJ” Johnson who threw for over 2,100 yards last season. Johnson who will be going into his third year as the starting quarterback should be able to go above those numbers this season. He will be surrounded by some great offensive skill players that will include Desmon George, Rontrez Morgan and Cari Coleman lining up at wide receiver, Keylan Brown lining up in the backfield while athlete Javonte Ferguson will provide an extra dimension to the offense. Ferguson is a summer transfer from Ed White, where he was part of two district championship winning teams. The biggest question mark for the offense will be how the offensive line comes together which is replacing four starters from last year, but JeVionte Nash will be the senior leader to keep the younger players in check.
Defenisvely, the Knights also return 7 starters and will have the benefits of their biggest college prospect to date in linebacker Shaquille Quarterman. Quarterman register 137 tackles last season while helping the Knights defense stifle opponents. Quarterman will be joined by linebacker DeAndre Steelman who himself had a huge 2014 season with 11 sacks and 10 tackles for loss. Other key players will include linebacker Tyrell Brown and defensive backs Nick Roberts and Khalif Copeland The team feels great about their front seven on the defensive line which should only help in important situations.
The Knights know the standard has been set and it will be up to them to prove it, but we feel this could be even a bigger year for the Orange Park-based school compared to last year.
The District
Things for Oakleaf’s district changes up a bit this year. No more district games to Jacksonville, but they will still keep Fleming Island and Buchholz as district rivals while Bartram Trail and Creekside both move up to Class 7A from Class 6A. Each team has been capable of reaching the playoffs over the years and this district can certainly turn into one of the toughest districts in the state depending on how each team comes out of the gate.
Three Games To Watch
Friday 9/25 at Clay – The two best teams in Clay County will meet up in a non-district matchup and likely will set the tone for who will win the St. Vincent’s Clay County Cup, which was won by Oakleaf last year in its inaugural season. Both teams have talent, but at this particular point, the Knights look like an early favorite to win this game.
Friday 10/2 vs. Fleming Island – Given the history of these two schools, this game is always worth the price of admission. While Oakleaf has the upper hand as of recent, Fleming Island is always looking for a way to derail any and all chances of Oakleaf trying to run the table in district play. Expect this to be a heated, full-four quarter battle.
Friday 10/30 at Bartram Trail – If Bartram Trail is improved from last season, there is a solid chance this game could decided the district championship. However, if Bartram Trail has slipped a game or two in district play by the time this game comes around, Oakleaf could already be the district champion, rendering this game meaningless. Still this game be worthy to keep an eye on as district competition wraps up.
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Previous Sunshine State 25 Countdown Stories
No. 13: Dr. Phillips
No. 14: Manatee
No. 15: Armwood
No. 16: Lakeland
No. 17: Niceville
No. 18: Delray American Heritage
No. 19: Dwyer
No. 20: Wakulla
No. 21: Naples
No. 22: Lake Gibson
No. 23: North Marion
No. 24: Palm Bay Heritage
No. 25: Bishop Moore
