Published: January 02, 2009 09:31 am      

Semi-pro football league attracts local talent

Including players from Live Oak, Branford and Mayo

The Lake City Saints traveled to Daytona Beach Dec. 13 for a preseason matchup with the #1 ranked Volusia County Ravens. A close game was expected, but it was all Saints as they marched up and down the field with powerful runs by a stable of running backs.

The Saints totaled more than 300 yards rushing, led by veteran running back Quinton Law and rookie Morgan Rutherford, a 2005 graduate of Lafayette High School, where he was an all state football player.

Head of football operations Matt Van Etten, said the 6'2" 280-pound captain Mike Reaves, of Branford, "controlled the left side of the offensive line opening up the gaping holes for the backs." But it was not all run. The Saints went to the air in the second half with Clinton Alford going two for three for 69 yards and two TDs.

James Williams also hit Brandon Cook for a 35-yard strike. Tony Johnson led the way in receiving with 69 yards and two TDs all in the second half. He also had the games only interception.

Defensively it was Mitchell George and Dewayne Newsom creating the chaos in the backfield that helped Torrey Richardson on his way to four sacks. Chad Gaylord of Live Oak and Bart Grant also had sacks.

The Ravens' only score came late in the fourth quarter on a controversial TD pass. The Saints, however, were not affected. Their depth at every position was too much and they rolled the Ravens 36-6.

This was the semi-pro coaching debut for Tony Adkins, Branford High School junior varsity football coach, who doubles as quarterback and offensive coordinator for the Saints. He has brought the spread formation to the Saints, which has changed the whole offense. Head Coach Bobby Monroe said "he is truly a great coach."

"Since we have moved our operations from Gainesville to Lake City, our team has improved in so many areas. A lot of players in this area do not know about us and with the talent in north Florida, we are going to be unstoppable for years to come," said Monroe.

Other former Suwannee players include Justin Dasher of Live Oak and Lonnie King of O’Brien.

The Saints' regular season opens at home Jan. 10 at 7 p.m. as they take on the Levy County Raiders. Come out and support the Saints at Annie Mattox Park. Admission is $5 for adults and children under 12 are free.

Check the Web site as time and dates may change, www.ballcharts.com/acsaints or call Matt at 386-867-3347 for any questions concerning times, donations or sponsorship opportunities.