Lely Coach, Players Take Region Three Honors

It looks like Ben Hammer’s game plan is working. Hammer moved from Illinois last year with the goal of turning Lely High School into a football powerhouse. Now the second-year Lely head coach has won the school’s first playoff game in 10 years, Friday night’s  44-39 doozy over Miami Jackson, after winning the team's first district championship in 10 years the week before. The Region Three coaches are noticing. Hammer was named Region Three Coach of the Year, and 11 of his players were singled out for post-season awards by the Florida Athletic Coaches Association (FACA). 

Hammer, a consummate team-first guy, is uncomfortable being named the region’s top coach. 

“It’s not my coach’s award,” Hammer is quick to point out, “it’s our coaching staff's award. I thought our kids were deserving and did a nice job.” 

Senior offensive lineman Duece Thornton and sophomore running back Nino Joseph were first-team picks on offense, while juniors Aydin Herrera and Noah Brown were first-team picks on defense. Wally Monpremier was named to the Senior Team Defense. Junior Ty Collins was named honorable mentor Utility. Quarterback Carter Quinn, offensive lineman Jeremiah Deiudonne, and receivers Gage Rice and Zephaniah Diamond were named honorable mention on offense. Defensively Franey Hygene was named honorable mention. 

The Trojans finished the regular season 6-4 and won their opening playoff game Friday night, 44-39, over Miami Jackson. They travel to face Miami Northwestern, a national power, on Friday night, November 22.