THE VILLAGES — Frostproof football cruised to its fourth state title game on Friday at The Range at H.G. Morse Stadium at The Villages High School, topping Fernandina Beach 27-8.
The game was in question until the third quarter when Frostproof’s Mehki Guillaume returned a 65-yard kick return for a touchdown on the first play of the second half, which carved out a straight shot to an eventual victory over Fernandina Beach on a blustery night in The Villages, leading to an SSAA Atlantic State Division title.
“I’m so proud of my Lord and savior Jesus Christ that he allowed us to be in that position. It is a blessing,” Frostproof head football coach Richie Marsh said. “…They did a great job stopping what we do, and we struggled in the first half trying to make what we do work, but we played good defense and didn’t have any big mistakes. … Hats off to the coaches. They did a great job, and I just watch this game.”
Below are some observations for the biggest game of the year for Frostproof (9-3).
Motivation:Frostproof football adopts Faris Brannen’s philosophy in run to state championship
Following Frostproof quarterback Landon Fuller scoring on a 1-yard sneak with 5:36 left in the first quarter, the Bulldogs didn’t score again until the second half.
The Bulldogs were set to receive in the second, and wouldn’t you know it, Guillaume followed the block of Jaquan Jackson, who cleared the way for a 65-yard kick return touchdown. This was Guillaume’s first kick return of the year.
Lined up in a 10 personnel, running back Albert Plain scored on a 16-yard touchdown scamper with 5:27 to go, while Donte Daniels sealed the deal with an 11-yard touchdown run of his own near the end of the game.
Frostproof’s defensive line was led by senior defensive end Jatavius Ward, who posted six tackles for loss, three sacks and one forced fumble. Thanks to studying tons of film, Frostproof lined up in a 4-3, which allowed the linebackers to roam free. Still, the edges had to contain the outside all night, and they did just that.
Frostproof was using a Cover 3 for the majority of the game. And with the game well in hand, defensive back TJ Cobb picked off Fernandina quarterback Ian Miller with 1:20 to go in the fourth.
Marsh used to coach under longtime Frostproof head football coach, Faris Brannen in the 1990s. He said his philosophy played a huge role in the state title clincher.
“…The Lord put me in a situation to be mentored by him, and for nine years, (he) taught me all the things that was all about the weight of the things I bring to my Bible,” Marsh said. “I’m just glad he worked on a young man that couldn’t get nothing right, and he had patience and stayed in there with me.”
Santa Fe Catholic (6-5) won its third state title in school history thanks to five total touchdowns by quarterback Trevor Smith, who had three passing and two rushing scores, leading to a 55-28 blowout over Seven Rivers Christian.
Receiver Dathan Glover racked up a 65-yard receiving touchdown, while receiver Joe Strik managed a 30-yard receiving touchdown of his own; he also had a pick six on defense.
“I’m proud of the team, the coaches, and the fans. We did it together. I’m ready to do it again,” head football coach Gabriel Walker said.
This article will be updated.
