GREENE COUNTY
The Lake Oconee Academy football team hosted Lakeview Academy in the Titans’ fall scrimmage game last Friday night.
The Titans played well under second-year head coach Patrick Stewart, outscoring the Lions 14-7 through four quarters.
Stewart told the Lake Oconee News that he approved of his team’s performance and was proud of the guys who stepped up. He was pleased with everyone’s effort on Friday.
“We played great, and I really thought our guys played well. Ike O’Neal got his first start for us and threw the ball well,” Stewart said. “He threw two touchdown passes and looked comfortable in the pocket. Some of the veteran guys played well and even some of the younger guys stepped up.”
O’Neal, the junior transfer from Morgan County, took over the position from Titan graduate Garrett Payne and has played well enough to earn the starting job. He took most of the reps as the first-team quarterback all throughout the spring and summer months.
Lake Oconee Academy found success through the air but struggled to consistently move the ball on the ground. The Lions’ defense was able to keep the Titans’ rusher at bay.
Stewart acknowledged in the coming weeks the offensive line will need to get movement upfront in order for the young Lake Oconee Academy skill players to gain yardage.
“Definitely our offensive line has got to step up. The main thing I want to see is at the point of attack, we’re being physical and acting as the hammer and not the nail,” Stewart said. “I want to win the line of scrimmage and see us be the enforcers every play on both sides of the ball.”
On the other side of the ball, Lake Oconee Academy’s defense picked up where it left off at the end of last year. The Titans allowed only one Lions touchdown through four quarters and played well upfront. They were able to control the line of scrimmage for most of the game.
Stewart attributed the team’s stingy performance to the veteran leadership of the front line, on top of some freshmen that stood out. He also liked what he saw out of every position group.
“Kam Jeter, Logan Davis, and Keenan Parham are three freshmen who are going to make a difference and be a big help for us on both sides of the ball,” Stewart said. “Ja’Quon Hall, Kaleb Mathis, and Mason Salemi were our starting defensive line, and they’re our anchors on defense and the team in general.”
Hall, Mathis, and Salemi are going to be a few of the leaders for the Titans’ defensive unit this year. They’ll be tasked with leading by example both on and off the field this year.
Lakeview’s offense was limited to only a few explosive plays because of LOA’s defensive front. Jeter, Davis, and Parham played their part as well by helping pressure the quarterback.
After finishing the week with a victory, the Titans will have some confidence heading into their season opener against George Walton Academy next week. Stewart previously coached the Bulldogs of George Walton a few years ago, and the school is his alma mater.