Story
Wellington 15, John I. Leonard 7: Wolverines bank on defense to pull upset
Friday, September 14, 2012
by
Joseph Kairalla
The Wolverines used several big plays and a defense that bent but wouldn't break to shock John I. Leonard 15-7 on Friday night.
With the win, Wellington improved to 3-0 while the Lancers dropped to 2-1.
"Tonight was just another example of these kids believing in themselves," first-year Wellington coach Tom Abel said. "It's been a long time since this program saw themselves as winners -- but that's changing."
After a scoreless first quarter, John I. Leonard took a 7-0 lead when quarterback Adam Johnson connected with Tavares Martin on a 39-yard touchdown pass early in the second quarter.
The Wolverines answered on the ensuing drive when quarterback Cole Smallridge faked the inside handoff and sprinted down the left sideline for a 54-yard touchdown run. The onside kick was botched, leaving the score at 7-6.
After the score, the Lancers failed to field the kickoff, and the Wolverines recovered the ball at the Lancer 25-yard line. The drive eventually stalled and ended in a missed 42-yard field goal attempt by Nicholas Rubinowicz, but it was one of several costly special teams blunders by John I. Leonard.
It looked as if the Lancers would add to their lead on the next possession, but a fourth-and-goal pass by Johnson fell incomplete giving Wellington the ball back with just over 3 minutes to play in the first half.
"Our defense played great when they had to," Abel said. "They're really coming together as a unit and are the strength of this team."
With 1:32 to play in the first half, the Wolverines showed their big-play ability again. This time it was sophomore Shamar Jackson breaking several tackles and scoring on a 66-yard run, giving Wellington a 12-7 lead they took into the half.
"Once I broke free, I knew no one was going to catch me," Jackson said. "I got to show off my track speed."
Midway through the third quarter, the Wolverines made another crucial play on special teams. They blocked a punt and took control inside the Lancer 20-yard line. That drive resulted in a huge 29-yard field goal by Rubinowicz that would account for the final scoring of the game. But the action was far from over.
Twice in the final eight minutes of the game the Lancers drove inside the Wellington 10-yard line, only to come away scoreless both times.
"Again -- defense, defense, defense," Abel said. "That's what we preach."
On the Lancers final drive, quarterback Johnson was pulled in favor of Daniel Deshommes. The Lancers were without head coach Wayne Monroe for the third straight game -- so it was unclear who made the decision. Johnson had no trouble moving the Lancers down the field, but finishing drives was another story. Johnson looked surprised by the move and said he wasn't injured.
"It was the coaches' choice," Johnson said.
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User Comments:
Jeffrey wimbrow commented on September 15, 2012 at 1:08 a.m.: report abuse
John i lost to a very sorry Wellington team but wellington a verry dirty game, the wolverines profited on a recovered kick off when the person blowing the cannon intentionally blew the cannon the lancers attempted to recieve the ball.this also happend earlier in the game when the lancers attempted to recieve a kickoff. The referees lost control of the game early when they were unable to control both teams on penalties by allowing them to get into verbal altercations. The offiating crew failed to call several penalties and well as calling some of the play that just showed great athleticism by lancers #7 Kanute morris and #1 Tevaris Martin and they also allowed the wolverines to use 4 timeouts during the first half. this game film needs to be reviewed by the FHSAA to determine if the wolverines should forfeit the game because of officiating and WSH misconduct
Parent commented on September 15, 2012 at 1:34 a.m.: report abuse
If Wellington is so sorry what does that make JIL? Showboating before kickoff, during the hand shake, when the Wellington coach is trying to call plays. Go home eat a slice of humble pie and realize how "SORRY" of a team you must be. It's "SORRY" that JIL was taken behind the shed and beat! Maybe next time before the game your over confident players will stop running their mouths and just play. Too bad your boys will not learn from this lose, but instead make excuses like you did Mr. Wimbrow. Wellington 3-0! JIL 2-1 with their lose coming at the "SORRY" hands of Wellington! Once again the connon goes BOOM!
Witness commented on September 15, 2012 at 6:44 a.m.: report abuse
I'm not a parent with a son on the team, but I was very close to the action last night. Wellington deserved the "W," and here's why. While their offense struggled many times when the defense needed a rest, they manage enough points for the win. Their defense came up big when it had to as well, stopping Leonard at 4th and goal, I think twice. Wellington was sloppy on occasion, but JI wins that catagory, they beat Wellington in mistakes and slopiness, plain and simple! Mental mistakes, and lack of discipline. After listening to both sidelines, it was clear Wel was more motivated for the win. It seemed JI lacked the emotion needed to come back. Can't explain why, maybe from the shock of being behind most of the game against a "sorry" Wel team? JI needs to stay focused to rebound/ It appears Wel IS focused to be 3-0, and come from behind in two of their contests. Can they keep it going with tough games ahead, Ridge on Friday, on the road, and Gardens down the pike. It will be enjoyable to watch. To JI, lick your wounds and play another day, to Wellington, congrats on a good victory!
Maine West commented on September 15, 2012 at 7:21 a.m.: report abuse
When Royal Palm was beat by John I had no excuses. If you can learn to win, you can also, learn to lose!!!
Anon commented on September 15, 2012 at 7:50 a.m.: report abuse
JIL can't handle the pressure. Their team had no composure and couldnt finish their drives. They lost the game to an underrated team in a hostile environment. I guess the wolverines and their defense should be taken seriously now.
Worst 2 High School Teams EVER! commented on September 15, 2012 at 8:06 a.m.: report abuse
these schools suck. left at halftime i was so disgusted by these 2. if i was scout i woulda put a big X for both of them. American heritage is where its at.
WOW commented on September 15, 2012 at 8:28 a.m.: report abuse
Football is a game by game situation. No team is guaranteed a win every time they get on the field. You will win some and lose some. JIL will go back to practice today just as Wellington will go back to practice today. Friday nights can never really be predicted. If that were the case, then the "upset in sports" would not be a reality! We need to stop the "culture of meaness" in this county, especially in high school sports. It's crazy, like these kids are already NFL ballers...remember these are our children learning how to be adults by what we role model for them. These comments are over the top about 2 teams who go and practice day in and day out; coaches who are dedicated to improving their play and no one is sorry....one team just won tonight and one team just lost tonight! One bad game, or even one good game will be a predicter of the upcoming weeks for these teams! Lancers...go back to the drawing board, learn from last night, and play the football that you know you can play! Wellington....do the same!
Heritage geek commented on September 15, 2012 at 9:02 a.m.: report abuse
There is always some AH idiot on these posts....you better get back to your recruiting, as for JIL, that first poster is a moron, JIL got it taken to them, they were just going through the motions, no leadership, the coach went for it on 4th down twice and lost yardage both times. No idea why the qb change happened on the most critical time of the game? why would you do that, the other kid was fine. Good job welly....
Wellington Football Mom commented on September 15, 2012 at 9:54 a.m.: report abuse
As a first time poster I would like the opportunity to remind everyone who is reading, that these kids are trying so hard to make a name for themselves within their team and within their school. We parents make incredible sacrifices so that our kids can go out there and give it their all. I couldn't be more proud of our wellington team, and still be aware of the huge effort made by JIL. I could only continue to support my son in doing his best, and to remind him of those other players that work just as hard as he does.
New era!!! commented on September 15, 2012 at 9:55 a.m.: report abuse
Why every time Wellington does something good there's always something behind it saying that it was a lucky game or the other team didn't play there best! No Wellington played there hearts out last night !! With the starting offensive guard went down the fire in these boys eyes couldn't been put out! The defensive showed played there hearts out even more. How many times John I was in the red zone people thought they were going to score. And look what happen wellington shut them down!! Wellington deserves that win they were more focused then anything . Jhl with there trash talk couldnt stop Wellington ! Good job Wellington keep up the hard work next siminole ride ! GO WORK HARD IN PRACTICE AND THE WEIGHTROOM AND MOST IMPORTANTLY STAY FOCUS!!!
Welly Alumni commented on September 15, 2012 at 12:26 p.m.: report abuse
All that matters is the final score. People complaining about calls that weren't made but that stuff happens all the time at every level. As far as the cannon goes its our home field we can do whatever they want within te rules; home field advantage.
Regardless very proud to see these guys playing how they are. Coach Abel is the best coach I've ever had. So happy for him and the Wolverines. Keep it up and keep believing that you can beat anyone.
Wellington Mom 2 commented on September 15, 2012 at 2:04 p.m.: report abuse
Thank you everyone for the reminders these boys are just kids. They are playing a game we all love. Our boys are working hard and learning to be men from their Coaches. As Coach Abel says, "it's a new era" . This is not the same Wellington team from the last few years. These boys have commitment to play hard and win. I am so proud to be a Wolverine. JIL.....you played hard. Your boys gave all they had. Both teams gave the fans an exciting game. JIL please do not make your boys do push ups because of the loss. They deserve better than that.
JIL Momma commented on September 15, 2012 at 2:25 p.m.: report abuse
@wellington mom 2, the boys do push ups whether they win or lose. As a parent of a football player, I've never really understood it but I guess the coaches have a reason for it. @PB&J561, Adam is a great player and leader of his team. We all have off days and maybe last night was his. There always has to be a winner and a loser, it is the nature of competition. JIL needs to stay focused and develop some creative plays that will keep their competition guessing. Honestly, running the same play 3 times in a row, each time with the same result? These boys are only running the plays that the coaches are calling, so I guess the loss can't be blamed totally on the team! Put this behind you Lancers, it's now in the past and can't be changed. Focus on the future on your next game because you still have the ability to write the ending for it!
JIL Student Athlete commented on September 15, 2012 at 5:06 p.m.: report abuse
To be honest, wellington should've lost. but they busted their butts. on the other hand, if john i. didnt have the bad passes to tarvares martin, and kenute morris, it probably wouldve been a 21-15 game. but it didnt happen. welington fought harder for the W. but if adam johnson was his normal self that game, john i leonard wouldve came on top , most likely. I give props to wellington for their effort.
*But the cannon is really unnecessary during the play or kickoff. It should go off after the play. Thats my opinion
ed smith commented on September 15, 2012 at 5:11 p.m.: report abuse
no matter what : good win for wellington. like it or not they are 3-0. give the boys some credit - the have earned it.
ridge baby commented on September 15, 2012 at 6:01 p.m.: report abuse
all i can say that no matter what wellington sucks and they will not beat us john i was boastin to much thats why they lost but were going to DESTROY WELLINGTON AND WERE GOING TO DO IT SO BAD THAT WELLINGTON WILL DROP ALL THE REST OF THEIR SEASON GAMES YES WELLINGTON SUCKS NO MATTER WHO THEY BEAT THEY WILL NEVER BE RELEVANT!!!
John I student commented on September 15, 2012 at 6:42 p.m.: report abuse
At Jeff. I too believe that the person that made the first comment is crying and exaggerating but while I don't belief the game should be forfeit it, it is true that the Wolverines were a very dirty team, that Wellington took 4 time outs in the firsfirst half and that in the fourth quater the clock wasn't been stopped until one one of the refs noticed with about 3 minutes remaining. Other than that John I lost because our defense sucked, our special team sucked and Adam kept making bad decisions
John I Needs a Coach commented on September 15, 2012 at 6:45 p.m.: report abuse
John I was not up for the game but the coaching staff did not help. The players have no discipline. Too much showboating. On the Wellington TD, the John I cornerback was celebrating that he knocked down a Wellington WR while the runner ran right by him for a td. Their wr, #1, played a great game, but everytime he caught a ball he did a show and dance.There is no discipline what so ever on that team. They need the Coach back or someone who can control the zoo.
The coaches came in overconfident. Going for it on fourth down in their territory and trying a onside kick. Then they pull their senior qb on the final drive down 8. Johnson moved the ball up and down the field but then they wanted to throw fades to #1 every play. They were averaging about 7 yards a carry, why not run? IIts because the OC wants to be like Hawaii and get credit for his system and throwing 90% of the time. Coaching is to blame on why they didnt field the kickoff, not a cannon. What's the saying? Too many indians and no chief?
Wellington played well, disciplined, and deserved to win.
John I needs to learn to play hard and understand that they havent accomplished nothing by beating weak teams.
JIL had 4 timeouts in the 2nd half commented on September 15, 2012 at 7:15 p.m.: report abuse
JIL had 4 timeouts in the 2nd half.
Great to be the underdog commented on September 15, 2012 at 7:47 p.m.: report abuse
There will always be excuses when a team loses to a program that went 1-9 LAST year. This year is a completely new one. We gave our all in that game, fighting adversity face to face. That game was for our offensive guard, Olivier Nicolas. Its time to stop taking us Wolverines lightly. We have a new program now. We will keep fighting to better this program in every way possible, and not get big-headed like the Seminole Ridge poster up there.
The JIL qb never actually felt pressure from the D-Line, nor has he really been hit. That's his weakness, he gets too uneasy in the pocket at times when the pressure keeps coming.
The refs were blowing calls left and right, they were spotting the ball horribly too. It seemed to me that JIL benefitted more with those calls.
And as for the cannon, have you guys ever been to Vero Beach? They have a train horn. Go complain about that.
High School Football Daze commented on September 16, 2012 at 8:11 p.m.: report abuse
Welly v the Ridge. The Wolverines appear to be the surprise team this season. Already they've topped last years record, three-fold. Ridge is still looking for their first win after losing to Park Vista 21-7 and Dwyer 39-0, two VERY GOOD teams, but giving up 60 points in two games, and only scoring 7 leaves many to doubt, and yet trash talk still follows. Welly has proven their defense can make big plays in the clutch. Leonard showed little respect to Wellingtons defense going on 4th down three times, twice inside the Wolverine 10-yard line. Welly forced a fumble on the first, and broke up multiple pass plays on the others. Lets not forget about the blocked punt. I expect a lot of running in this game. Neither team has shown the ability to throw the ball consistently. Both teams have demonstrated a solid run attack, but Welly will need to show a little more consistency there as well to stay in the game, although they continue to find ways to stop and score when needed under the leadership of Cole Smallridge. He can be a magician at times, as he demonstrated against John I. I Can't predict a score, but look for the Wolverines to put up a very good fight against a very hungry Ridge squad looking for that first win. I think a Welly victory should put them in a top 10 spot.
Wow! commented on September 16, 2012 at 8:50 p.m.: report abuse
What a difference a year makes.
Review the game film commented on September 17, 2012 at 10:38 p.m.: report abuse
Watch the game film, it tells who the winner should have been. Sloppy play by both teams and pathetic officiating made for the wrong final score. Watch the film, it doesn't lie.
also there commented on September 18, 2012 at 6:31 a.m.: report abuse
Stopping them twice in the red zone not a lie either.....
Ball Coach commented on September 18, 2012 at 8:14 a.m.: report abuse
First hats off to well. for a game well played. The Game itself was alot of miss call by the for both teams, the refs did look lost on some fo there calls, Both teams benefitting for those miss calls.So it comes to that wellington still WON a hard fought game in between yhe lines on the field.@ Football daze - smallridge did have a great run for a td, but let's not forget the other player's that made big plays in that game. S. Jackson 66 td yard run were he broke at least seven tackles .the punt block he came up with, and countless sacks that the d-line was able to mange. all around good game for wellington.Smallridge is ok lets not get beside or selves, hopefully we never paly a team were his force to pass. GOOd WORK WELLS.Keep it up
Ball Coach commented on September 18, 2012 at 8:58 a.m.: report abuse
First hats off to well. for a game well played. The Game itself was alot of miss call by the refs for both teams, the refs did look lost on some fo there calls, Both teams benefitting for those miss calls.So it comes to that wellington still WON a hard fought game in between the lines on the field.@ Football daze - smallridge did have a great run for a td, but let's not forget the other player's that made big plays in that game. S. Jackson 66 td yard run were he broke at least seven tackles .the punt block he came up with, and countless sacks that the d-line was able to mange. all around good game for wellington.Smallridge is ok lets not get beside ourselves, hopefully we never play a team were his force to pass. GOOd WORK WELLS.Keep it up
High School Football Daze commented on September 18, 2012 at 8:14 p.m.: report abuse
@ Ball Coach. Not taking away from the total overall team effort here. Smallridge is the leader on offense, and shows poise. He manages to keep the plays alive when it counts. Defense was huge in that game. They will need another big game on Friday. Wellys O-line will be up against two big D-1 prospects on Ridges front, #'s 99 & 95. They're big and they're quick. Smallridge may not be strong in the air, but if they try some of the mis-direction they had success with against John I, they have a chance. Keep passes short & sweet, quick slants, and maybe screens. S. Jackson had a great run as well, and will need more of that speed on Friday. Don't forget M Sabatino, who is a solid fullback with great speed. He had 97 yds against Forest Hill, and 37 last week. He will have to have a good game as well. J. Foster on the corner position will need to pull some more big defensive plays out. I saw the Ridge Park Vista game. Ridge can run with the best of them, and look for them to grind it out on Welly. I don't believe they'll be able to pass against Welly effectively, especially with D ends swarming in around the outsides. D'costa is not nearly as mobile as John I's A. Johnson. Lets hope to see a good game. Final note, I thought Welly would need to beat Ridge to jump into top ten spot, so bonus for them to slide in at #9. Ridge is 0-2 but its still not going to be easy, they are probably the best 0-2 team in Palm Beach County right now.
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