St. Augustine's passing attack leads the way in win over Brunswick (Georgia): 3 takeaways
BRUNSWICK, GEORGIA- It wasn't going to be a series win for the Sunshine State over the Peach State when it came down to the final game of the Florida-Georgia Border War Classic.
On Saturday night, it was all about finishing out strong for Florida and St. Augustine made sure they got it done behind its star players. Wake Forest commitment Locklan Hewlett threw for 360 yards, two touchdowns to lead St. Augustine in a 45-35 victory over the host Brunswick Pirates at Glynn County Stadium.
In a back and forth affair all evening, it was all offense for both squads. The teams combined to amass 865 yards of offense. St. Augustine (2-0) was the team putting together a good chunk of it against Brunswick's defense as they totaled 508 yards behind Hewlett's big night.
The junior quarterback has thrown for 736 yards and six touchdowns through two games and could be on pace for a massive fall campaign.
SBLive Sports was on hand for the finale day of the series and we give you three takeaways from the final game.
Locklan Hewlett is one of the best pure passers in the state
Watching the Wake Forest commitment throw the ball effortlessly to his receivers is all about the accuracy he does it with. The junior quarterback displayed the entire arsenal when it comes to throwing the ball around the yard.
When St. Augustine needed him to make a big throw, he seemingly answered the bell every time. Hewlett went for over 160 yards in the first half and finished with a game-high 360 yards. It helps the signal caller is surrounded by a pretty talented fleet of pass catchers along with him and a go-to-back in the backfield.
Running back Devonte Lyons (17 carries, 128 yards) looked the part as one of Northern Florida's top runners and add receivers Trenton Jones (eight catches, 105 yards), Carl Jenkins Jr. (five catches, 227 yards), Myles Simmons and you've got a strong offensive corps of skill players. Everything starts with Hewlett at quarterback and he made throws that definitely not many high schoolers in the state of Florida can make.
Heze Kent is a problem anywhere on the field
The 6-foot-7, 240-pound athlete is a problem anywhere Brunswick lines him up at.
Kent figures to play either tight end or defensive end on the next level, but the Pirates primarily put the sophomore in the backfield. Whether he was playing the role of Wildcat quarterback or taking a handoff, his rare combination of size and speed was an issue for Yellow Jackets defenders all night long.
Seeing Kent up close, you can see why schools like Alabama, Georgia and Florida State are after his services as a Class of 2026 prospect. Brunswick has plenty of options on the offensive side of the ball and it's the young Kent who is the most promising of them all. Kent finished with 13 carries for 106 yards and one catch for 12 on the night.
Remember the name because he will be one to watch for the next couple of seasons in South Georgia.
Shore up some things on defense and the sky is the limit
Class 3S is wide open.
Yes, Lake Wales defense is one of the best around. Mainland has a ton of athletes everywhere that can make plays. Naples, Pine Forest, the list goes on.
This St. Augustine team, though, may have the best offense in the entire classification. One thing that could hold them back if they don't figure it out is defensively limiting opponents to less points. Bolles, who is now 0-3, and Brunswick, have combined to score 71 points.
It's a bit concerning the rate, but the opposing teams are solid so far, There's no reason to not believe Braddock's bunch could not run the table, either.
Outside of a pivotal Sep. 22 meeting with Bartram Trail, the Yellow Jackets would be the favorite in every other game they play this season.
Could they go 9-0? They won't have a tenth game unfortunately due to Hurricane Idalia. The sky is the limit for St. Augustine, but they will have to be better on defense if they want to win it all in 3S.
-- Andy Villamarzo | villamarzo@scorebooklive.com | @sblivefl
