For nearly 40 years, the Lee Generals have consistently been one of the top area teams, with over 21 playoff appearances.
However, the program fell off the map with a seven year playoff drought (2008-2015), its longest drought since 1964-1977.
That changed last season as head coach OJ Small guided the Generals to a district runner-up finish and its first playoff appearance in a decade.
The high of the making the playoffs was short lived, though, as the Generals (7-4) went toe-to-toe with Lincoln before dropping a 44-41 overtime loss in the first round.
Since November, every lift and every sprint has been about getting back to the playoffs and going one step further.
For that to happen, a new group of playmakers on both sides of the ball must step up and take over the reins and leadership roles.
That’s not to say the talent is thin. On offense, junior Derek Jones (65 of 141 for 925 yards/5 TDs, 335 rushing/3 TD), senior tailback Cameron Wakefield (830 A.P, yards, 6 TD) and Demetris Harris, who has numerous D-I offers, are all back.
Among the newcomers who stepped in the spring and expect to contribute in the fall are Tyrique Thomas (Sr., WR), Vincent Davis (Jr., SS) and James Williams (Sr., WR/DB).
Senior linebacker Kierston Johnson (101 tackles 10 sacks), who also has numerous D-I offers, leads a defense that is searching for new leaders and playmakers after giving up 34 points in the spring.
The schedule is demanding, but will prepare them for the playoffs with non-district games against Bolles, Raines, Sandalwood, Ed White and Westside.
Despite having a scheduled home game with Columbia moved to Lake City due to weather last year, the Generals still have to make a return trip to Lake City for a second straight year. The rematch is set for Sept 16, and you can believe the Generals haven’t forgotten the 53-0 beat down they received.
Other district games on the schedule to keep an eye on are Atlantic Coast (Sept 30), First Coast (Oct 14) and at Fletcher (Oct 27).
Robert E. Lee Generals
Generals Out To Prove Themselves
Written by Corey Davis
Photo by duvalsports.com
