It was an exciting time for Wolves fans this fall. Particularly if they were following the football team, which finished second in the district and featured one of the best running games in state history.
Despite finishing with a 7-3 regular season record, the Wolves lost their road playoff game to West Orange High School in the 8A region semi-finals 42-21. It was a sudden ending to the season after leading West Orange by two touchdowns early in the first half.
It was the Wolves rushing attack that took over games during the 2014 campaign. Senior Jacques Patrick led the pack in rushing, finishing the season with over 2,500 yards on the ground.
In fact, there were many critics that said the only ingredient missing from the explosive offense was a consistent passing game. Quarterback play was so shaky throughout the season, that head coach Jim Buckridge changed quarterbacks for the playoff game against West Orange. Buckridge went with his star rusher Patrick as the quarterback. But even the Gatorade player of the year for the state of Florida struggled at the position and Patrick threw three interceptions.
Even with the poor passing attack, ultimately the Wolves rampaged their way to a successful season and sent the seniors off well. With it being Patrick’s last season, it will be difficult to replace his production next year.
But the Wolves have the underclassmen to do it. With Marlon “MJ” Jarrell coming back at wideout, eight defensive starters returning, and Jackson Saffold taking over at running back, 2015 looks like another bright year for the pack.