Periodically throughout the season we’ll go around the coverage area and give you a football player and/or coach quotes following the games. Here are area newspaper football players and/or coaches quotes from Week #5:
Eastside (Gainesville) coach Cedderick Daniels following the Rams’ 41-28 win at Lake Weir (Ocala)
“It just came down to executing when we needed to, and playing sound football. They’ve (Lake Weir) got so many athletes. The quarterback and running back are the first two that come to mind. We made some timely plays.” – Ocala Star-Banner
Vanguard (Ocala) coach Edwin Farmer after the Knights had two long fumble returns and the defense pitched its third shutout in four games in a 43-0 rout of previously unbeaten South Lake (Groveland)
“We tell them it’s like cash (forced fumbles) on the ground. Our kids played a heckuva game. They were ready to play. We had an outstanding week of practice. It (time off from Irma) helped us out a lot. We had some bumps and bruises. We practice hard and we play, play, play. So, it was like an off week for us and we were able to come out fresh.” – Ocala Star-Banner
Gainesville coach Mark Latsko following the Hurricanes’ 19-0 win at North Marion (Citra) in which GHS only led 7-0 entering the final quarter
“We struggled offensively throughout the game, we made enough plays when we had to. Defense kept us in the game. We were able to have another shutout. Offensively, the time off showed a little bit. We need to execute better. Anytime you get a win, especially on the road in Marion County against an athletic North Marion team, you have to be happy about it. Those two pass completions (to Jalen Kelsey) were huge in the second half.” – The Gainesville Sun
Dunnellon coach Price Harris on the Tigers’ 41-3 win against Trinity Catholic (Ocala) in the first meeting between the two schools
“Our defense has played great all season long. Overall, we picked things up after halftime. It’s tough to play two games in five days. We didn’t play with a lot of emotion, but I am proud of our guys for battling through it and picking up the win.” – Ocala Star-Banner
Lafayette (Mayo) coach Joey Pearson after the Hornets hung on to beat upset-minded Bell, 14-12
“Sometimes it’s not easy. Bell came out with a good plan. We didn’t help ourselves with turnovers. We’re just glad to win.” – The Gainesville Sun
Newberry coach Richard Vester following the Panthers’ thrilling 41-40 double-overtime win against Williston
“It’s just a testament to the kids. They came back resilient. They came back ready to work Tuesday after the loss on Monday night. Sometimes, I think they’re more resilient than the coaches.” – The Gainesville Sun
St. Augustine QB Austin Reed, who was the holder on the game-winning kick, following Eli Ryan’s 37-yard field goal with two seconds left to lift the Yellow Jackets to a 31-28 victory against Bartram Trail (St. Johns)
“I looked up and the kick was right through the center. I lost my mind. I was going crazy. It was a great game to be a part of. I know they’re going to talk about this one for a while.” – The St. Augustine Record
Bartram Trail’s Riley Smith, who shared snaps at quarterback with Joey Gatewood and passed for 121 yards with a touchdown while adding 53 yards on the ground
“They are a great team to play. I love the competition. That was a hell of a game. Now we’re going to come back Monday and work like hell. This season is special. We’re not going to let this game dictate how it ends up.” – The St. Augustine Record
