KEITH ISAAC

Lely running back Darion Hall celebrates a second quarter touchdown with teammate Matt Calcagnini during the Oct. 3 match-up between the Trojans and the St. John Neumann

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In last Friday night’s game against St. John Neumann, Lely’s running back Darion Hall sat out the first quarter and part of the second.

On his first carry he broke tackles and sped away for a 54-yard touchdown that gave the Trojans the lead for good at 14-7.

In the game, he rushed for 181 yards, with an 82-yard touchdown jaunt erased because of a penalty.

He surpassed the 1,000-yard rushing mark in just five games. His all-purpose yards, catching and running back punts and kicks are over the 1,200-yard mark.

When the Lely coaches watch game film it seems they are watching an offensive play over an over, when they are actually watching Hall make amazing play after amazing play.

“In my coaching career I have coached a couple of players who made it to the NFL and Darian has those qualities,” John Principe, Lely offensive coordinator says.

“He has that little extra gear that gives him the ability to blow by tacklers.”

Although he lives in East Naples, Hall got his early start playing for the Marco Eagles three years ago.

“I played running back, quarterback and linebacker,” he recalls of his Eagles days. It was the second season for the Eagles.

“We went to the playoffs that year,” he says with his easy smile.

Principe is not surprised by Hall’s success.

Hall understands hard work and that his offensive line has given him some great pathways.

“The O line has done a great job and the coaches put together great game plans.” Hall says.

Lely’s goal is to win Class 3A, District 14. It is a high goal when playing in the same district as perennial powerhouse Naples.

“Naples will be a big game, but we have to take care of opponents first to get in position for Naples,” Hall says.

Lely will host Naples on Nov. 7 in the annual Coconut Bowl. It will be the last district game for both teams.

Hall says he gets his speed from mom Della who ran track in her high school days.

“A good work ethic has also made a difference in my abilities,” Hall says.

He knows colleges are watching him. He also knows he has to keep doing well.

Principe says if there is a downside for Hall it is focusing on academics.

“He has to get better at the student thing, although he has improved 200 percent since his freshman year,” Principe says. “He still needs to do better to be a complete package.”

Just a junior, Hall plans to work on his grades while trying to maintain an A, or better, on the football field.