Shorthanded Trojans Bounce Bonita

Down six starters, Lely head coach Ben Hammer found his young backups up to the challenge as they dominated Bonita Springs 56-21 on Homecoming, Friday October 25 at Trojan Stadium. 

The Trojans were playing their first game without standout sophomore running back Nino Joseph, who is likely out for the season after injuring his shoulder last week against Naples. Joseph has 1,623 yards rushing and 25 touchdowns in seven games this season. The Trojans also sat five starters for the first half of the Bonita game. Hammer chose not to reveal why the players were benched for a half. 

“It’s not something I want to talk about,” Hammer said matter-of-factly, “it was a team decision.” 

Hammer was happy to talk about the performance of the young players who stepped up for him in the first half. 

"The guys did a nice job defensively and offensively,” Hammer said, “some guys that aren't used to being out there and some of our youth. So that's a good deal." 

Hammer is using a team approach in trying to fill the void left by Joseph. Joseph was on pace to possibly become SouthwestFlorida’s all-time leading rusher prior to last week’s injury. 

“We're going to continue to do that,” Hammer said. "Nino's a special player, and all those guys have their normal roles still. So, we're going to continue to evolve and put the best product we can on the field.” 

And evolve the Trojans did. As many as eight different players saw their roles saw their roles increase as Joseph watched on crutches from the sideline. One of those players, Gage Rice, had a career night against the Bull Sharks. Rice had touchdown catches of 55, 18, and 75 yards. 

"Gage did a really nice job,” Hammer said. "All of them did a nice job. The offensive line played well. We're asking them to protect some out of empty sets, so that’s nice to see, too.”  

Sophomore Jayden Pinto made himself noticed when he streaked down the right sideline for a 48-yard touchdown reception from quarterback Carter Quinn. 

While the Trojans' defense was missing much of its core in the first half, freshman Elijah Herrard was making plays all over the field. Hammer singled out another freshman who was making the most of his chance to play. 

“Avian Mesadieu’s dad was a great player here in town,” Hammer said. “For him to get that opportunity is special. He took advantage of it and did a nice job.” 

Senior captain Noah Brown had what was likely the trill of his career when he grabbed a fumble out of midair and rumbled 70 yards down the left sideline for a touchdown to put the Trojans up 20-7 with 9:55 left in the first half. 

Senior running back Leo Jean Baptiste got some meaningful carries with Joseph out, scoring with 3:46 left in the third quarter to put Lely up 50-14.  

“He's an awesome kid,” Hammer said of Baptiste, "and has been waiting his turn and getting ready to go. So very, very proud of him as well.” 

Quarterback Carter Quinn continues to be super solid in running the show on offense. He threw for 181 yards and four touchdowns against Bonita Springs. So far this season Quinn has thrown for 1,451 yards and 18 touchdowns. with just two interceptions. He's also always a threat to run and does so with gusto. 

Ty Collins scored the game’s final touchdown racing 64 yards to the Bonita Springs two, then scoring on the next play with 4:34 left in the game. 

The win over Bonita Springs (1-7) was a big one, as it puts the Trojans (4-4) in the driver’s seat to win the four-team 3A District 14. They’ve already beaten Barron Collier (90-56 on September 27) and face their final district foe, Aubrey Rogers, on November 7. But Hammer said he gives each game equal weight, including next week’s non-district opponent South Ft. Myers. 

“Everyone's just as important as the next,” Hammer said. "The most important one is the next one. So, we're excited to get ready for South Fort Myers this weekend and will prepare for them all week.” 

South Ft. Myers (4-4) has losses to Dunbar, Port Charlotte, Riverdale, and Ft. Myers, teams with a combined record of 24-7. They visit Trojan Stadium Friday, November 1, at 7:30 PM.