Each week we’ll go around the coverage area and give you a football player and/or coach quotes following the games. Here are newspaper quotes from Week #8 action.
Mandarin (Jacksonville) coach Brian Braddock after the Mustangs rallied from 21-7 down at the half to beat Sandalwood (Jacksonville) in a battle for first place in 8A-District 1
“It would have been very easy [to quit]. That’s a very talented team, just so big. It really is a high school version of the ‘92 [Dallas] Cowboys, the quarterback [Eli Peters], the receiver [Phil Benker] and the back [Logan Wright].” – Florida Times-Union
University Christian (Jacksonville) running back Hussein Howe, who leads the city with 21 TDs, on the 61-18 win against Cedar Creek Christian (Jacksonville) to wrap up its fourth straight district title
“This was a great win for us, especially because we got another district title. I’m confident we have all the pieces to make a great run in the state playoffs and get to the championship game.” – Florida Times-Union
St. Augustine running back Jahquise Russell, who had TDs rushing and receiving for the Yellow Jackets as they defeated Ed White (Jacksonville) for their 50th consecutive district victory
“I feel like I get a little better every time we play. When I’m running I have that mindset, don’t fall and hit the end zone every time you see it.” – The St. Augustine Record
Buchholz (Gainesville) coach Mark Whittemore following the Bobcats’ third last-minute comeback, a 35-28 win over Bartram Trail (St. Johns), in the school’s first-ever on campus football game
“What can you say, it is just one of those seasons. Bartram Trail is a fine squad, they went OT with St. Augustine. They have a lot of grit and determination. Darrell Sutherland coaches them that way and that is the way they always play. Jessie Heard came over here from Lincoln High School in 1971 and was here on hand. He means a lot to this community. I’m really thankful we were able to pull this out for him.” – The Gainesville Sun
Eastside (Gainesville) coach Jeff Parker following the Rams’ first win of the season against Belleview which clinched a playoff spot
“I told our guys all week in practice, this was the game to get into the state playoffs. We showed a lot of resolve, but we still need to find a way to correct the little mistakes that hurt us sometimes.” – The Gainesville Sun
Trenton coach Andrew Thomas on Hamp Cheevers, who finished with 218 yards and four TDs on only seven carries in the Tigers’ 54-6 district win over Newberry
“He’s a playmaker. I’ve had the kid since eighth grade. From a numbers standpoint, this is the best I’ve seen from him.” – The Gainesville Sun
Forest (Ocala) coach Skip Austin following the Wildcats’ 36-12 win over Lake Weir (Ocala) which kept its postseason hopes alive
“My assistants deserve a lot of the credit, they did a great job as always calling the plays. Our kids came out here tonight and answered, you know, they came out to play this game that meant a lot to us and they responded in a big way.” – Ocala Star-Banner
Trinity Catholic (Ocala) coach Joe Sturdivant after the Celtics rushed for over 400 yards and won just their second game of the season but also secured a postseason berth with the victory
“A game like this really builds their confidence. Week in and week out we’re playing tough opponents so there are highs and lows — a lot more lows, really. So for a night like this to come out and see all their hard work and execution pay off, I’m really happy for the guys. They’re pumped up to be on the opposite end of a (lopsided score).” – Ocala Star-Banner
