Former Gators Face Off as Head Coaches for First Time

Friday, the undefeated Hawthorne Hornets (4-0) travel to P.K. Yonge (2-1) to take on the Blue Wave.

The team’s faced off last year at Hawthorne, where the Hornets swarmed the Blue Wave 46-6.

Coaching Parallels

The game includes a head coaching duel of two former Gators receivers. Hawthorne’s Cornelius Ingram was a tight end from 2004-08 and P.K. Yonge’s Willie Jackson Jr. was a wide receiver for Florida from 1990-93.

Additionally, both coaches were once student-athletes at the schools they now coach.

Ingram and Jackson were also both drafted by NFC East teams. Jackson was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in 1994 and Ingram was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in 2009.

Last Week Recaps

Hawthorne is coming off of a 41-21 come from behind victory against the South Sumter Raiders.

The Hornets were down 21-14 at halftime, but outscored the Raiders 27-0 in the second half.

Head coach Cornelius Ingram spoke about the team’s mindset at halftime.

Hawthorne’s special teams unit was instrumental to their comeback win. The team recorded both a kick return touchdown and a punt return touchdown in the third quarter.

Junior running back Keenon Johnson played a key role in Hawthorne’s victory, as well. Johnson ran for 208 yards and two touchdowns on 27 carries.

Last week, the Union County Fightin’ Tigers ran for 438 yards en route to a 49-12 win over the P.K. Yonge Blue Wave.

Blue Wave running back Devin Johnson was productive, recording 104 yards and a touchdown off 15 carries. However, the passing game could not gain momentum.

P.K. Yonge quarterback Calvin Thomas threw the ball just six times for three completions, a touchdown and two interceptions.

Hawthorne Staying Hungry

Hawthorne has made the state championship game in each of the last three seasons, and won the 1R title last year. The win over Northview High School was the first state championship for football in school history.

Ingram was asked about last years championship win and how this years team is looking to make their own history.

Ingram on P.K. Yonge and Coach Jackson

Jackson Jr. was formerly Hawthorne’s offensive coordinator under Ingram.

Ingram spoke about P.K. Yonge’s team, his relationship with Jackson and Jackson’s coaching philosophies.

Preview

Ingram and Jackson’s teams face off tonight at 7 p.m.