Three and Out?

In football terms, a three-and-out is the scourge of many coaches' careers. That means your offense is stopped on third down and you’re forced to punt. Ben Hammer, who learned on the Friday before winter break that he is out after three years as Lely’s head football coach, didn’t struggle too much with three-and-outs on the field. His point-a-minute offense was one of the best ever seen in SW Florida. While Hammer had the answer for most defenses thrown at him, he’s at a loss as to why he was forced to punt away the opportunity to lead his Trojans team.

Hammer was told on Friday, December 19, by Lely principal Jennifer Bledsoe that his football coaching career at the school is over. The former offensive lineman, an imposing figure on the sideline, was clearly blindsided by the ultimatum he was delivered.

“Jen Bledsoe would be the one to talk to for that,” said Hammer, who retains his teaching job at Lely. “I’m not even quite sure myself.”

Bledsoe deferred to Chad Oliver, chief communication officer for Collier County Public Schools, who replied: "The following was communicated December 19 by the Lely High School principal to parents of the football team and football program sponsors."

Subject: Thank You for Your Support and Upcoming Coaching Transition

Dear Lely Football Parents,

I want to take a moment to thank you for your continued support of our football program. Your commitment and encouragement mean so much to our student-athletes and the entire school community.

As we look ahead, we will be moving in a different direction regarding the head football coach position here at Lely. We thank Coach Hammer for his time here with our players and program.

Hiring the next head coach will be a top priority when we return from winter break. We are committed to finding a leader who will build on our strong foundation and guide our team to future success.

Thank you again for your partnership and support. 

Warm regards,

Jennifer Bledsoe

Principal, Lely High School

Hammer said he was given a set of reasons for his dismissal as coach during the December 19 meeting with Bledsoe and assistant principal Amy Lovett.

“They kind of cited reasons,” Hammer said, "which to me don’t add up to unprompted firing. They said safety and security. Myself, or people on staff or kids a couple times, left doors propped open that weren't supposed to have been propped open. Which, yes, that happened. But is that something to fire somebody over, especially since we accomplished as much as we have? I don't think so. The behavior of the kids on and off the field. I did have some disagreements, some things off the field where I didn't see eye to eye with the suggested punishment. But I think it's my job to stand up for those kids. So I did that and still administered restorative justice as we saw fit. That was about it. They kept using the term that they didn't want to go down the rabbit hole with me. And I don't know what that even means."

It’s worth noting that activities coordinator Madison Squeglia was also dismissed on December 19 in an unrelated move. Oliver shared the following staffing update from Bledsoe.

“Good afternoon, I wanted to share with you that our Activities Coordinator, Ms. Squeglia, has decided to take a teaching position at another school and will no longer be with us here at LHS,” Bledsoe wrote. "We truly appreciate her time and dedication, and we wish her the very best in this next chapter. Additional communication will be sent after the holiday break regarding how we will proceed for the remainder of the winter season and the beginning of spring sports. Thank you for your continued support and teamwork. I wish everyone a safe, restful, and enjoyable holiday break.”

Oliver added, "As additional information, I can share Madison Squeglia is remaining with Collier County Public Schools and is set to start teaching in January at Palmetto Ridge High School.” 

On the field, Hammer’s accomplishments have been impressive. Playing a schedule dotted with state powers, Lely finished 20-14 during Hammer’s tenure. He won back-to-back district championships from 2024-2025 with two trips to the regional semifinals. Each of the past two seasons ended in regional semifinal losses to state and national powers from the East Coast: Miami Central in 2025 and Miami Northwestern in 2024.

Hammer’s teams were noted for prolific offenses. The Trojans scored 540 points in 2025 and 528 in 2024. 

Another footnote of Hammer’s Lely career came when Trojan Stadium was packed to capacity for this season's Lely-Naples showdown (a 38-24 loss), possibly the biggest crowd at the stadium since Lely hosted the 1987 state title game against Live Oak Suwannee, a 35-7 loss. It was the first of four straight state titles for Suwannee. 

Under Hammer, junior Nino Joseph became the all-time leading rusher in Lely history with 4,403 yards. Joseph gained 1,955 yards in 2025. Sophomore quarterback Brady Quinn, who passed for 2,960 yards with 37 touchdowns and 10 interceptions in 2025, announced he is transferring to East Coast power Hollywood Chaminade Madonna, who won four straight state championships before falling in the state finals this season.