Lely Routes Rogers

Lely made quick work of their final district opponent Thursday night, November 7, using a strong running and passing attack and an aggressive defense to subdue Aubrey Rogers, 52-14, in front of a Band Senior Night crowd at Trojan Stadium.

The win gives Lely (6-4) its first district championship in 10 years, finishing with a perfect 3-0 district record. Aubrey Rogers (4-6) finishes 1-2 in district play.

The Trojans used a balanced attack to separate themselves from Aubrey Rogers. Quarterback Carter Quinn threw for 361 yards and two touchdowns. Zephaniah Diamond caught two of Quinn’s throws for touchdowns and gained 144 yards receiving. Ty Collins had another career night on the ground, carrying 18 times for 217 yards and five first half touchdowns. Last week Collins ran for 421 yards and seven touchdowns against South Ft. Myers.

After the game Hammer surprised his team with district champions t-shirts that were enthusiastically received. The coach was happy with the win.

"Oh, it feels good,” Ben Hammer said of winning the district. "Proud of the kids. They did a nice job. Executed. We're going to go to work, though, and get ready for the playoffs now. Just like we always do.”

The Trojans host Miami Jackson (4-6) Friday night at 7:30. Jackson enters the playoffs on a three game losing streak. But Hammer was more interested in enjoying the moment Thursday night.

"We're going to enjoy this one tonight,” he said. "It's Thursday, we've got Friday. Just excited for the kids."

Hammer was pleased overall with the way his team played Thursday.

“Our kids executed,” he said. "I think we were really physical up front. All the kids did a nice job. Offensive line did a nice job. Ty and Carter statistically shined. But we're going to keep it about a team effort and make sure that we finish strong. We talked all week about having a gladiator mentality. So, kids did a nice job with that."

Hammer’s defensive secondary seems to be getting stronger every week. This week, they picked off three Aubrey Rogers passes.

“Those guys are young guys,” he said. “They are starting to grow up. They're doing a really nice job and working really hard, so I'm proud of them. They're sophomores and they're starting to play at a high level, which is great as we play for this district championship and then get ready for the playoffs."