When you lose your best player on both sides of the ball, that usually means you’re in for a rebuilding year.
Not at Clay. They don’t rebuild; they reload every year.
Since 1997, under coaches Jim Teter, Jim Reape, Matt Toblin and current coach Josh Hoekstra, Clay has made the playoffs 12 of the last 19 years.
However, what Teter and Reape built has been taken to a whole new level with Hoekstra; Clay has advanced to the fourth round of the playoffs two of the last three years, including a state runner-up finish in 2014.
Last season, the Devils (10-4) were one win away from playing for another state title. Now the mission is getting back and finishing the deal.
Tailback Bilal Ally and linebackers Jeremy Beaulieu and Mike Adams are gone and will have to be replaced. Who takes on their leadership roles remains to be seen.
It will be extremely hard to replace Ally, who rushed for over 3000 yards and 35 touchdowns last season, but Colin Wilson is back for his senior season.
Wilson, who has battled injuries like Ally, ran for over 500 yards and 12 touchdowns in a limited role. As teams focused on stopping Ally in the postseason, it was Wilson who continually came through in the clutch.
Jaylan Jenkins (Sr., QB) is back also and is a dual threat to terrorize teams with his arm and legs combining for over 1,100 yards and 10 touchdowns.
While the offensive line needs some replacing, protecting Jenkins and paving way for Wilson is senior Jarrod Leeds (6-4, 270), who has been heavily recruited by numerous schools.
Beaulieu (148 tackles) and Adams (140 tackles) along with Kenny Burgos (120 tackles) are all gone and will be very difficult to replace. Among those who could step up and fill their shoes are senior Evan Martin (76 tackles) and senior Tobiah Griffin (47 tackles).
The schedule remains challenging with non-district games against Matanzas, Palm Coast, Fleming Island, Gainesville and Oakleaf. Menendez, Baker County and Palatka pose the biggest threat for the Blue Devils in the district to go along with both Orange Park and Ridgeview, who are both under new coaches.
The talent is there for another long playoff run, providing no big injuries, so expect another long run into December and possible return to the state semifinals.
Clay Devils
Clay Takes A Licking But Keeps On Ticking
Written by Corey Davis
Photo by Alina Walters and Bella Maria
