Seahawks rattle FAMU for third straight win
It was another precedent setting win for the Franklin County Seahawks Friday night, as they opened the season 3-0 with a 41-14 victory over the FAMU Development Research School Baby Rattlers.
But it was a costly win, as sophomore standout Sadiq Jones went down with a broken collarbone on a drive nearing the end of the first half, an injury sure to end his season.
“We were driving, and he went up for the ball receiving and came down on it wrong,” said Coach John Cooper.
Jones’ mother Denisha Allen helped to carry her son off the sidelines and he was later diagnosed with the clavicle fracture. He is set to be evaluated for possible surgery at Tallahassee Orthopedic Clinic this week.
“I hate it for him, he was having an amazing season,” said Cooper. “A lot of colleges are starting to catch on to him. We’re eager to see him back better than ever.”
While the recovery time varies, it is expected Jones will be back in time for basketball and baseball, two sports in which he also excels.
Jones began a stellar performance midway through the first quarter, when a 35-yard burst set up a touchdown by senior Ajaylen McNair.
For the first time this season, the Seahawks kicked an extra point, this time by junior Alex Narine.
Jones continued his exploits with an interception in the end zone that stymied a Baby Rattler drive, and later a fumble recovery on a kickoff that he returned for a touchdown.
In all he would finish with 28 yards on six carries, a rushing touchdown and a defensive one, and a two-point conversion.
Junior Eric Smith had a career night, as he carried the ball 10 times for 79 yards and scored three touchdowns. He also was strong on defense with seven solo tackles, two assists and two sacks.
“He had good offensive and good defensive production,” said Cooper. “He started cramping in his calf he was playing so hard. I’ve never seen a kid play as hard as he does.”
McNair carried the ball four times for 101 yards and one touchdown, senior Michael Hill four times for 49 yards and freshman Dre North one time for three yards.
Senior quarterback Garyson Millender one of three passes, to senior Ta’marion Carr for seven yards.
Defensively, McNair had two solo tackles, one assist, an interception and forced fumble, while Carr had two assists.
Hill had three solo tackles and an assist, while North had three solos, two assists and an interception.
Freshman Maddox Shaw had two solos, while junior Ja’michael Miller had four solos, two assists and a forced fumble.
Senior Preston Butler had two solo tackles, one assist and a sack, while sophomore Kyle Gilbert had three solos, and one assist.
Freshman Kayden Drake had an interception, while junior Bennett Mcnair had two assists, senior Kaiden Lewis two assists and a fumble recovery, and senior Clayton Martina two assists and a forced fumble.
“I’m happy each time we get a win,” said Cooper. “I don’t know how good we are yet, but I thought FAMU looked beautiful out there, I think our defense did a good job silencing their weapons.
“I was really proud of our offensive line, they established the line of scrimmage,” he said.
Cooper is keenly aware of the possible effect the loss of Jones will have, but he is confident the team will fill the gap.
“We’re about to find out what a team really means,” he said. “We’ve had a lot of people who have contributed and we’re going to make up for the loss. He’s an absolutely amazing player. He’ll be on the sideline and I think we have the guns to fill in
“I think we’ll have some guys step up,” said Cooper. “I think they’re going to band together. They comforted Sadiq today.”
Jones has been a steadfast punter all season long, and that role will be filled by freshman Brayden Armitage.
The team travels to Liberty County Friday night, and Cooper said he’s focused on his team.
“It’s more about the Seahawks and focusing on ourselves and perfecting what we do,” he said. “I think Liberty will have the best athlete on the field and we’ve got to do everything right. That’s how we won the first three games; it’s more about focusing on us. This is a huge game for us.”
With three of his assistant coaches, Ray Bailey, Jordan McNair and Suge McNair all cousins to Chance Gainer, the Port St. Joe athlete who died Friday night, Cooper said that loss also has been keenly felt in Franklin County.
“I hate it for that family, for that community,” he said. “He was just a special person.”
Meet the Editor
David Adlerstein, The Apalachicola Times’ digital editor, started with the news outlet in January 2002 as a reporter.
Prior to then, David Adlerstein began as a newspaperman with a small Boston weekly, after graduating magna cum laude from Brandeis University in Waltham, Massachusetts. He later edited the weekly Bellville Times, and as business reporter for the daily Marion Star, both not far from his hometown of Columbus, Ohio.
In 1995, he moved to South Florida, and worked as a business reporter and editor of Medical Business newspaper. In Jan. 2002, he began with the Apalachicola Times, first as reporter and later as editor, and in Oct. 2020, also began editing the Port St. Joe Star.