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Boys Prep of the Week: Lely's Hall runs into spotlight


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— Darian Hall wasted no time in throwing his coming-out party this season.

After a relatively quiet performance against Tampa Catholic in Lely’s preseason game, Hall busted out to the tune of 255 yards rushing on just 12 carries against Barron Collier last Friday. In addition to his 53 yards receiving, Hall also came up with a long first-half punt return against the Cougars to set up a 20-yard Dennis Marcelin touchdown run.

All in a day’s work for the new runner out of the Trojan backfield.

“Not only is he mult-dimensional, he’s a player,” Lely head coach Steve Pricer said. “He is one of the kids on the team that has real football knowledge because he has played for a while and God has given this kid a very natural ability with speed and vision.”

Pricer is also quick to bring up Hall’s participation on the school’s track team — the fruit of that labor is easy to recognize, just ask the Barron defense.

Hall showed flashes of his speed in the team’s spring game against Clearwater Countryside in May. In that game he amassed over 200 yards of offense. If the Trojans coaching staff didn’t know what they were getting by then, it had an offseason to figure it out.

“In seven-on-seven drills at camp at FAU this summer he played some receiver and lines up in the slot for us in our empty packages,” Lely offensive coordinator John Principe said. “In our four receiver sets he hangs in their and blocks, but he is definitely a force in the passing game.”

Hall’s effort was a major factor in the Trojans’ season-opening 42-21 win over Barron, and gave Lely the extra push it needed over a team that had beaten them in the Trojans three previous meetings by a combined five points, but he is quick to give credit where credit is due.

“It was mostly my offensive line and I just make a read off of it and try to get as many yards as I can,” Hall said. “It’s kind of like slow motion out there but still fast too, but we work hard at practice and I get to where I need to as long as everyone hits their assignments.”

OTHERS CONSIDERED:

Gary Jackson, football, Palmetto Ridge: Had 132 yards and two touchdowns on 22 carries in Bears’ 35-7 win over Golden Gate on Friday. Also caught two passes for 21 yards.

Brodrick Jenkins, football, South Fort Myers: Had a 20-yard interception return and a 65-yard punt return for touchdowns Friday in the Wolfpack’s 56-7 victory over Estero.

Greg Pratt, football, Naples: Finished with 131 yards rushing on eight carries Friday against Miami Monsignor Pace. His 42-yard scoring run with 2:20 to play pulled the Golden Eagles within one point. Pace won 24-23.

Nik Susnjara, golf, Barron Collier: Shot a 37 on Sept. 2 against Community School and fired a 35 on Thursday against Naples. The Cougars won both matches.

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