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| TALLAHASSEE LINCOLN TROJANS |
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| TALLAHASSEE GODBY COUGARS |
When the season began, the outlook for both of these teams was very positive for 2011. Godby had an array of heavily recruited and highly touted athletes. Lincoln was coming off a stunning victory over nationally ranked Armwood (#6 in the nation at the time), for the Class 4A State Championship. Although neither of those factors guaranteed a successful season, here we are at the end of the regular season. Both teams enter the game with 8-1 records, and the unofficial "City Championship" is on the line. There is one small detail that may affect the way this game plays out. Both teams have secured their place in the playoffs. Both teams are seeking to win a State Championship in their respective class. Both teams would hate to lose a key component in the battle (this game), and be short handed in the war (the playoffs). So where do you draw the line? Both teams want to win. Both teams need to stay fresh for next week when the playoffs begin. But when do you say when? That is the dilemma that Godby's Ronnie Cottrell, and Lincoln's Yusuf Shakir will have to come to grips with.
Godby comes in with a who's who list on their roster. Senior LB Kadeem "Pancho" Thomas (Kentucky) is the leader of the "D" (with all due respect to TJ Davis). Pancho is the focal point. All roads lead to Pancho. He's a very underrated player at linebacker whom I would want to have on my team if I was starting one and making selections. Senior DB TJ Davis (Auburn) simply knows how to play cornerback. He knows when to press, when to back off, what angles to take, and very rarely misses a tackle. Senior TE Laith Harlow (Oklahoma) has blossomed into an exceptional tight end. He has great size and very solid hands. Teams often underestimate his ability to find the hole and catch the ball. Senior QB Dennis Andrews (Georgia Tech) will amaze you with his change of direction and his ability to make people miss in small spaces. Senior LB Jakarri Thomas (Arkansas) is a run stopper. Thomas often plays on defensive the line, but he can play where ever he wants to (or is needed). He is a tough physical player that any team would love to have in the trenches. Senior WR Brandon Holifield (Miami) is used to playing basketball and being on the track and field team, but decided to give football a shot. On the basketball court, Hollifield can “jump out the gym”. He gets tons of practice on the Godby track and field team where he nearly high jumps 7 feet. Hollifield is a big athletic receiver who still adjusting to this game. Senior OL Percy Griffin is a big solid offensive lineman. Griffin moves his feet very well and has a strong upper body. The only reason that he might not be as heavily recruited as his teammates is height. Not shabby at 6’2” and 315, but the major programs are looking more for guys 6’5” and up. A move to nose guard might be ideal for this kid. A program with vision might benefit from his talents. His offers include: Jacksonville State, Prairie View A&M and others.
The Lincoln Trojans come into this game on a roll. After a loss, and then a close call against Florida High, Lincoln has been steam rolling opponents. The Trojans have a solid nucleus of returners from the Class 4A State Championship from last year. Those players include: Senior WR Raphael Andrades who on film may appear like he is not running very hard or fast, yet he runs past or pulls away defenders with relative ease. Andrades has great hands, runs solid routes and is a very polished receiver with the knack for finding the open spot in the field. He has 34 catches for 700 yards and 12 TDs on the season, and should break several Lincoln receiving records before his Senior season is done. His offers include: Stanford, Illinois, Arkansas, Vanderbilt, Kentucky & others. Senior RB DJ Abnar is as tough as they come. Despite sitting out the second half of one the games, DJ ran for nearly 650 yards and 11 touchdowns in his last three games. Abnar is a solid runner with tons of speed. The biggest part of DJ's game that can’t be measured is his heart. His offers include: Illinois, Southern Miss, Iowa State & others. Senior QB Ronald Butler is one of the top QBs in the Big Bend, and probably the state. Butler should be getting national consideration based on his solid performances this season. Ronald has completed nearly 65% of his passes and has 22 TDs against only 2 ints. His ability to read defenses, and make decisions under pressure are vastly improved. His offers include: Jacksonville State, Southern Miss, Georgia State & others. Senior TE Connor Sabolic is a versatile player for the Trojans. Conner has given up catching the ball from his tight end position this season to help out on the offensive line. His offers include: Louisville, Northern Illinois, Southern Miss, Jacksonville State and others. Junior WR Reggie Davis is a solid receiver, but is electrifying as a returner. Davis has the ability to turn a small pass into a huge play. Once the ball is in his hands, his acceleration through the defense is a thing of beauty. His offers include: Alabama, Florida, Miami, Notre Dame, Oregon and others. Junior WR/DB Taj Williams is a tall and athletic receiver and defensive back who spends most of his time on playing “D” because of the number of talented receivers on the roster, a testament to the type of unselfish player that he is. Williams will be one of the top receivers in the state next season. His offers include: Florida, Florida State, Alabama, Georgia and others. Sophomore DB Kendall Randolph is a young (2014), but very talented DB, Kendall made the switch from playing QB which may help him understand his new position. He has good size, good speed, and a great nose for the ball.
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