Each week we’ll go around the coverage area and give you a football player and/or coach quotes following the games. Here are area newspaper player and/or coach quotes from Week #8:
Vanguard (Ocala) coach Edwin Farmer following the Knights’ 56-7 win against Gainesville which eliminated the Purple Hurricanes from the 6A-District 5 race
“We came into the game knowing we needed this one because it was a district game. The fact that they knocked us out of the playoffs last year, and the impact it had on them this time around … I am not going to say it wasn’t there or talked about, but we just knew it had to be a win. We had an excellent past two weeks of practice and the kids knew the expectations for the game, they knew how important this game was. Everybody did their job tonight, defense, offensive line, we had a great effort out of this group.” – Ocala Star-Banner
Forest (Ocala) quarterback Grant Grodi (8-of-12 for 155 yards) following the Wildcats’ 35-14 win against Lake Weir (Ocala) which likely sets up a match-up of unbeaten teams on Oct. 28 at Vanguard for the 6A-District 5 title
“We opened up the playbook a little and spread the ball around. We were able to establish a good running game and that opened up the passing for us. Our offensive line did what they had to do, receivers caught their balls, running backs blocked for each other, caught passes out of the backfield and ran the ball well. The defense did their part, too. It’s got a lot of significance to us — to get these seniors to the playoffs. That has been a big goal for us.” – Ocala Star-Banner
Belleview coach John Brantley on the Rattlers’ 42-0 rout of Eastside (Gainesville) which clinched a playoff spot for the first time since 2006
“It’s tremendous for our community, our players and our coaches. “We had a great pep rally today at school and there is a lot of excitement surrounding our program. “This feels great. I am proud of everyone involved with our program and I am especially excited for our seniors who have been around here for four years. For them to get a chance to play in the playoffs is just tremendous. We get to play for a championship next week and that’s exciting. I didn’t know how we would come out tonight. We hadn’t played a full game in a month, but we really came out early and set the tone.” – Ocala Star-Banner
Fort White coach Demetric Jackson after his son, senior Demetric Jackson, finished with two TDs passing and two TDs rushing in a 34-12 win at Union County to win the 1A-District 6 title
“It means a lot. Our guys, they are buying into what we are selling. He’s (Demetric) been in the offense for three years. We live together and all we do is talk football. So he’s comfortable with what we are doing.” – The Gainesville Sun
Union County (Lake Butler) coach Ronny Pruitt on the fact the Tigers can still reach the state playoffs as the district runner-up if it can beat Baldwin on Oct. 27
“Our goals are still attainable. Had we won tonight we would have been in the driver’s seat. We’re in the back seat, but we can still get to where we want to go if we take care of business in two weeks.” – The Gainesville Sun
Trenton coach Bill Wiles following the Tigers’ 19-18 road win at Newberry which kept the Tigers unbeaten in 1A-District 7
“They were tough inside and we couldn’t bail out of the inside. They are good. We had to just keep hammering the nail and take our shots. We are blessed to get out of here with a win. That’s a good football team and Richard (Vester) does a great job with his kids. God was smiling on Trenton, that’s it.” – The Gainesville Sun
Newberry football coach Richard Vester, whose team faces a must-win game at Dixie County (Cross City) on Friday, Oct. 21, for the district runner-up spot
“A game that close, between two good football teams, you probably could go back and find 20 plays that made a difference. All I know is that I have some winners and we ain’t done yet. We are going to take care of business this weekend and get ready for Dixie and move forward. It’s a winner or go home game. The kids know that. The maturity of these seniors will step up and lead this week. We will come ready to play next Friday.” – The Gainesville Sun
Bartram Trail (St. Johns) coach Darrell Sutherland following the Bears’ 17-10 home loss to Buchholz (Gainesville), which puts them in a must-win game at Oakleaf (Orange Park) on 10/28
“There’s no quit in our team. I’m optimistic about our opportunities. Sometimes that’s all you can ask for. Our goals [to make the playoffs] are still ahead of us. We hope to earn the opportunity to play them again.” – Florida Times-Union
