We’re officially under 7 days away from the culmination of Spring Football in Palm Beach County. Across the 561, teams are preparing their game week routine, polishing final details ahead of their spring games.
Earlier this afternoon, Spanish River hosted a Blue v White scrimmage alongside their second annual ‘Community Night’. The pads were popping, intensity was through the roof and the Sharks were flying all over the field. Following today’s events, Spanish River’s second year HC Nick LaSala had high praise for the development of his squad throughout spring.
“Overall I thought there were a lot of good things. There’s a number of different guys that are consistently making plays on offense…I think our offense has been doing a pretty good job of taking care of the football this spring, and I see improvement since the fall in that department.” Coach LaSala stated. “Our defense has progressed a ton in just three weeks under Coach Sizemore. I feel like the kids are beginning to grasp his system, and we are multiple in what we are able to do with our fronts and in the back end. They’ve done a really good job of making our offense earn the tough yards in the run game and limiting explosives on the ground. ”
Coach LaSala would follow up his comments with a thanks to the community of parents, alumni and friends of the program that took time out of their Saturday to support the Sharks:
“We always say it takes a village to have a successful program, and it was awesome to see the turn out not just from the families, but also the community. Really looking forward to our jamboree next week!”
With the Sharks’ spring jamboree just under a week away, I’d like to take a moment to highlight some student athletes who impressed me during the Blue v White game.
Dereion Darby, RB/LB C/O 2027
Since his freshman year at Somerset Canyons, Dereion Darby has always been known as a versatile do-it-all guy. Now as senior year approaches, Darby is looking to take that leap in his game. Darby broke off three explosive runs during team 11 on 11 today, supplemented with a 5 yard receiving touchdown. Defensively, Dereion Darby recorded 4 tackles and a pass breakup.
Offers: N/A
Jayden Lockhart, RB C/O 2027
The two-time FHSAA State Champion Jayden Lockhart is ready to enter his senior year as a feature back that can do whatever is asked of him at all times. Lockhart received a high volume of carries this afternoon, putting in the work against a stout Shark front 7. “Jay-Lock” also made a few catches out of the backfield. In an RPO-heavy offense like Spanish River’s, expect a monster campaign from the senior rusher.
Offers: Florida International (FIU), Toledo, Tulane
Derek Goulbourne, WR C/O 2027
Realistically speaking, Derek Goulbourne is the prototypical ‘X-WR’ that coaches dream of. The 6 foot 2 pass catcher shined today with multiple wins in 1v1’s, followed closely behind by a 3 catch 1 touchdown drive that tallied approximately 45 yards. After a strong showing on the off-season 7v7 circuit, it’s safe to assume that Derek Goulbourne will be heralded as one of the 561’s finest by August, and a strong spring weekend will only solidify it.
Offers: Murray St, Keiser, Albany
Jaeden Phillips, QB C/O 2027
The man dubbed last season with the ‘best deep ball in the 561’ put it all on display today. Jaeden Phillips was on the money this afternoon hitting shots all over the route tree. Once again, Phillips shined with a beautiful throw over 25 yards air time, resulting in a 55 yard touchdown by freshman wideout Sam Desir. Despite a few top targets being hurt/ineligible for spring opportunity (due to transfer), it’s clear Jaeden Phillips has enough continuity with the entire depth chart to lead the Sharks to victory
Offers: N/A
JD Johnson, EDGE C/O 2027
JD Johnson came off an electric junior campaign that featured 13 tackles for loss, 3 sacks, 2 fumbles and 26 QB Hurries and continued to show out during today’s scrimmage. Johnson once again partied in the backfield, as he recorded 3 tackles for loss and one tag sack on the day. The lanky but strong edge rusher provides a beautiful compliment to the interior explosive nightmare that is Zach Stelus. Expect a big Friday night from the duo next week.
Offers: N/A
Kai Sainmervil, DB C/O 2027
Last season was quiet for Kai Sainmervil, as he held down an island on the left side of the field practically every outing. With 2 Interceptions and 1 fumble recovery to his resume during his junior campaign, Sainmervil wanted change, as he’s transitioned from boundary corner into a safety/nickel. In his first live game reps, Kai recorded 4 tackles and 2 QB Hurries.
Offers: Samford, Liberty, UConn, Western Kentucky, Florida Atlantic, South Florida, Florida International, Marshall, Missouri Valley
