Junior quarterback Karon Palmer Jr. has become the driving force behind East Ridge High School’s explosive offense this season, throwing for 2,098 yards and 29 touchdowns, while averaging an impressive 16.8 yards per pass.

Karon, who transferred from Lake Minneola High School last year, has quickly become the leader of the Knights’ offense under head coach Donnie Birchfield. The transition, Karon says, was all about perseverance and building trust with his teammates.

“For me, it’s always been about fighting through adversity,” Karon says. “Coming from Lake Minneola was a big transition, but we built chemistry together. The biggest thing I learned is to play for the people around me and not be selfish. We have so many supporters in the stands, and that means a lot.”

Karon (left) stands with coach Donnie Burchfield (center) and Bryce Burchfield (right).

Coach Burchfield praised Karon’s growth and credited East Ridge’s coaching staff for helping the team take the next step.

“The ‘it’ factor was getting the best coaches we could,” Coach Burchfield says. “Lake County can be tough because of competition from surrounding counties, but we’ve brought in some great guys like Coach Suace in the trenches and Coach Frank Scott as our coordinator. They’ve been amazing.”

Karon has been playing football since he was six years old, originally starting as a running back before switching to quarterback to take on a greater leadership role.

“I used to play running back, but it wasn’t enough,” Karon says. “I wanted to be a leader and contribute more so quarterback was the logical choice.” 

Photo provided by Hudl

That leadership is evident both on and off the field. Coach Burchfield said Karon embodies the type of character the program strives to develop.

“When you hear a kid say, ‘I’m proud of my guys and I selflessly did my part,’ you’re teaching them how to do life,” Karon Burchfield says. “You’re teaching them how to be a leader, a husband, a father one day, and a community leader. When you can put others before yourself, that’s a wonderful thing.”

One of Karon’s favorite targets this season has been sophomore Lamar Garrison, part of an East Ridge offense that has balanced both passing and running. Lamar is among the top sophomore wide receivers in Florida. 

“East Ridge has traditionally been more of a run team, but this year we’ve been able to commit to both the run and the pass,” Coach Burchfield says. “Uriah Maynard, our former running back, is playing at Wagner, and Coach Scott has helped us become more efficient through the air. Having Karon makes that possible.”

When he is not playing football, Karon enjoys fishing and spending time with his teammates.

“Fishing relaxes me,” he says. “I like catching bass, hanging out, and building chemistry with my guys. We enjoy having fun together outside of football.”

Karon’s favorite memories aren’t just about touchdowns or big plays, they’re about the people beside him.

“My favorite memory is hanging out with the offensive linemen outside of football,” he says. “We have dinners together on Sundays and just enjoy being around each other. They’re the guys that protect me on Friday Night’s. 

Karon lists Cam Ward as one of his role models and names Oregon as one of his favorite college teams. With his growing maturity, leadership and on-field production, Karon has helped lead East Ridge High to their first winning regular season since 2019 when East Ridge finished 6-5. 

Karon is getting college offers including one recently from Bethune-Cookman.