Trojans Playoffs Bound

The Lely Trojans have overcome the odds this season. After starting with a 0-3 record, they’ve stormed back, winning six of their final seven games and find themselves heading to the playoffs this week. Impressively, the Trojans have beaten three opponents in nine days to punch their ticket to post season play. This week the Trojans dominated Bonita Springs, 43-20 at home on Monday, October 31, then came right back to defeat Immokalee on the road, 20-17, four days later. Against Immokalee the Trojans got up early and had to hang on late.

“We got up 20-7 early in the third quarter,” said JJ Everage, Lely head coach. "But to Immokalee’s credit, they came storming back. They got within three, but we were able to hold them off in the end.”

Against Immokalee Friday night the Trojans were led by their dynamic duo of quarterback Jakeem Tanelus and running back Guerschom Guerrier. Tanelus picked up 135 yards rushing. For the season, Tanelus has picked up 641 yards rushing and Guerrier 776. Tanelus has also thrown for five touchdowns with only one interception.

But back to the three wins in nine days.

“The grit, the determination the kids had to finish this job,” said Everage. "This was their third game in nine days. That’s no easy feat.”

Lely had their way with Immokalee. They were only stopped when they stopped themselves. 

"We moved the ball until we stopped ourselves,” Everage said. "We moved the ball up and down the field all night. Then we’d have these drive killers. Penalties. Jakeem and Guerschom are what makes the offense go. But I also think the offensive line keeps getting better and better. They created some holes last night. They were pushing their guys around.”

Everage said a lot of the offensive line’s success is due to their attitudes.

"We have offensive lineman that really want to play offensive line,” Everage said. "They enjoy it. That’s the first time since I’ve been at Lely. They take pride in it.”

The Trojans fortunes turned around when Everage moved Tanelus, his number one receiver, to quarterback. The 5’4”, 113-pound dynamo has been nothing short of amazing, completely changing the fortunes of the team.

"That made a difference,” Everage said. "People probably wonder why we didn’t have him in there to begin with. That’s basically because we didn’t have everything we have personnel wise then that we have now. We didn’t have Jayce Cora. He’s made a world of difference. He’s very football savvy. That’s one example of why we didn’t have the lineup we have now. Jayce Cora has made an impact on both sides of the ball.”

Cora, a 6’4” sophomore, is making plays as a receiver and as a defensive back.

"Jakeem made all the difference going back to quarterback,” Everage said, “but Jayce Cora has made all the difference on both sides of the ball. That’s helped us with our success. He’s 6’4” - he looks like a wide receiver."

Against Bonita Springs, Lely was able to shut down the Bull Sharks’ conservative single wing offense.

"That’s a throwback to the 1920s,” Everage said. "That offense gives them a chance every week."  

Lely (6-4) will likely face North Ft. Myers (6-1) or Dunbar (7-1) on the road Friday, November 11. North Ft. Myers lone loss is to Dunbar. Dunbar’s only loss was to national power Lowndes of Valdosta, Georgia.