Can Ocala Vanguard Finally Get Over That Playoff Hump?

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In between an opening night 15-13 loss to state power Gainesville Buchholz and a second-round state playoff loss to eventual 4A state runner up Orlando Jones, 29-18, Ocala Vanguard showed that they belonged among the best programs in Florida.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Every season, head coach <strong>Edwin Farmer</strong> and his Knights get to that certain point, only to fall short.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This is a program that always has talent, travels year-round to find the best talent and plays a competitive schedule.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Despite losing a mid-season game 29-28 to Wellington Palm Beach Central, this is a program that was putting it all together with a solid defense that went six games and yielded just two touchdowns.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Coming into the 2026 season, there is a belief that this is a team that has the talent and leadership to reach their goals, but only time will tell.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Among the prospects who figure to lead the way for this program includes seniors <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1410838' first='James' last='Bethea']</strong> (WR), <strong>Dominic Burgess</strong> (WR/DB), <strong>Sergarion Gunsby</strong> (LB/DB), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2152177' first='Kyler' last='James']</strong> (CB/WR), <strong>Terrance Lewis</strong> (QB), <strong>Jyree McNeil </strong>(DB) and <strong>Kemohn Pinkney</strong> (OLB/WR). There is also junior <strong>Jasman Thomas</strong> (DE).</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>If this program is going to get over that hump in the state playoffs, it will be a talented and experienced senior class that has an opportunity to be special.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here is a look at some of those 2027 prospects to keep an eye on:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>James “Bubb” Bethea, WR/S, 6'1, 185.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>TAPE: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/20163414/James-Bethea" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.hudl.com/profile/20163414/James-Bethea</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Dominic Burgess, WR/DB, 5'11, 165 – 3.0 GPA.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>TAPE: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/20163389/Dominic-Burgess-Jr" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.hudl.com/profile/20163389/Dominic-Burgess-Jr</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Barrington Bracey, OL/DL, 5'10, 270 – 2.9 GPA.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>TAPE: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/23477497/Barrington-Bracey" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.hudl.com/profile/23477497/Barrington-Bracey</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2232401' first='Logan' last='DeVoie'], OL, 5'11, 250 – 4.3 GPA.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>TAPE: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/20766772/Logan-Devoie" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.hudl.com/profile/20766772/Logan-Devoie</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Ryan Ellis, OC, 5'9, 250.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>TAPE: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/20285905/Ryan-Ellis" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.hudl.com/profile/20285905/Ryan-Ellis</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Acea Franklin, WR/RB, 5'8, 150 – 3.5 GPA. Track &amp; Field.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>TAPE: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/18601507/Acea-Franklin" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.hudl.com/profile/18601507/Acea-Franklin</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>John Gray, DT, 5'8, 208.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>TAPE: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/20530743/John-Gray" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.hudl.com/profile/20530743/John-Gray</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Sergarion Gunsby, RB, 6'1, 175 – 4.0 GPA.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>TAPE: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/20476631/Sergarion-Gunsby" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.hudl.com/profile/20476631/Sergarion-Gunsby</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Stanley Jacobs III, WR, 6'0, 160.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>TAPE: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/20722385/Stanley-Jacobs-lll" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.hudl.com/profile/20722385/Stanley-Jacobs-lll</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2152177' first='Kyler' last='James'], CB/WR, 6'1, 175.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>TAPE: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/19850615/Kyler-James" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.hudl.com/profile/19850615/Kyler-James</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Dakyrion Johnson, OLB, 5'9, 185.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>TAPE: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/26523166/DaKyrion-Johnson" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.hudl.com/profile/26523166/DaKyrion-Johnson</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Terrance Lewis, QB/P, 6'1, 200.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>TAPE: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/18599425/Terrance-Lewis" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.hudl.com/profile/18599425/Terrance-Lewis</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2194697' first='Jamareion' last='McBride'], DT, 6'3, 310.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>TAPE: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/20262060/Jamareion-McBride" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.hudl.com/profile/20262060/Jamareion-McBride</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Jyree “Don” McNeil, DB, 6'2, 160 – 3.3 GPA.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>TAPE: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/26443456/68f7898107612954d34edbd6" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.hudl.com/video/3/26443456/68f7898107612954d34edbd6</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Bryce Naugler, OL/DL, 6'0, 260 – 3.0 GPA.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>TAPE: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/4514930/Bryce-Naugler">https://www.hudl.com/profile/4514930/Bryce-Naugler</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Kemohn Pinkney, S/WR, 6'3, 215 – 3.8 GPA.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>TAPE: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/20635560/Kemohn-Pinkney" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.hudl.com/profile/20635560/Kemohn-Pinkney</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Travis Smith, RB/FS, 6'0, 190 – 3.2 GPA.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>TAPE: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/22474851/Travis-Smith" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.hudl.com/profile/22474851/Travis-Smith</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1618965' first='Roger' last='Stevens'], FS/CB, 5'10, 165.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>TAPE: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/19779855/Roger-Stevens" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.hudl.com/profile/19779855/Roger-Stevens</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2168174' first='Jamari' last='Thomas'], WR, 5'9, 160.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>TAPE: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/18320226/Jamari-Thomas" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.hudl.com/profile/18320226/Jamari-Thomas</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Je'miah Wilkerson, CB, 5'10, 165.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>TAPE: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/20261759/jemiah-wilkerson" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.hudl.com/profile/20261759/jemiah-wilkerson</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Mon'Trelle Wilkerson, CB/WR, 6'1, 170.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>TAPE: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/18362066/MonTrelle-Wilkerson">https://www.hudl.com/profile/18362066/MonTrelle-Wilkerson</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>DEEP UNDERCLASS WILL HELP TO LEAD THE WAY</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As the senior class provides talent, leadership and experience, keep an eye on the younger players to make a statement in 2026.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>CLASS OF 2028</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Denahm Gibbs, DE, 6'2, 200.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>TAPE: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/23621247/Denahm-gibbs" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.hudl.com/profile/23621247/Denahm-gibbs</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Jordan McConico, DB/WR, 6'3, 166.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>TAPE: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/26475532/Jordan-Mcconico" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.hudl.com/profile/26475532/Jordan-Mcconico</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1793603' first='Ryder' last='Pollard'], DB/Athlete, 5'10, 175 – 4.1 GPA.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>TAPE: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/18439031/Ryder-Pollard" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.hudl.com/profile/18439031/Ryder-Pollard</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Evan Taylor, WR/CB, 5'9, 165.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>TAPE: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/26478497/Evan-Taylor" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.hudl.com/profile/26478497/Evan-Taylor</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Jasman Thomas, DE, 6'3, 200 – 3.1 GPA.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>TAPE: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/28056067/Jasman-thomas/about" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.hudl.com/profile/28056067/Jasman-thomas/about</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>CLASS OF 2029</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Lyriq Vickers, DT, 5'11, 245.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>TAPE: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/28701167/Lyriq-Vickers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.hudl.com/profile/28701167/Lyriq-Vickers</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2026 OCALA VANGUARD KNIGHTS SCHEDULE</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>8/21 – Gainesville Buchholz</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>8/28 – Miami Norland</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>9/4 - @Tampa Jesuit</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>9/11 - @Leesburg</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>9/25 – Gainesville</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>10/2 – Citra North Marion</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>10/9 - @Mount Dora</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>10/16 - @Lecanto</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>10/23 – Lake Weir</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>10/30 - @Ocala Forest</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Statewide Coverage Daily. <a href="https://prepredzone.com/florida/">https://prepredzone.com/florida/</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>You Can Contact Larry Blustein with prospect or team information at: <strong>Floridakids1@aol.com.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>COACHES, PLAYERS: </strong>Do You Have A Subscription? Contact us for a savings code so you can see what everyone has been talking about! <strong>Floridakids1@aol.com.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->