LEESBURG, Fla. — The Kenard Lang era at Leesburg High School is off to a promising start.

In their spring football game, the Yellow Jackets looked locked in under their new head coach — a former NFL veteran with a deep resume coaching in Central Florida. Leesburg impressed on both sides of the ball in a performance that has fans excited for what’s to come this fall.

Leading the way was rising senior quarterback Jake Kinsey, who threw for three touchdowns with no interceptions. Despite standing at just 5-foot-7, Kinsey played with poise and command well beyond his size. His football IQ and pocket awareness were on full display, as he consistently extended plays with his legs and found open receivers downfield.

“Jake doesn’t flinch,” Lang said. “He understands the game, and he competes every snap. That’s what you want from your leader. He is finally getting his chance to shine and we are very encouraged by the way he has played this spring.” says coach Lang.

Kinsey has played as backup the past few year to Salomon Georges his sophomore year. He was also backup to Xavier Irizarry his junior year. Both those quarterbacks led Leesburg High School to FHSAA Playoff apperances the past two years. But they have since moved on and graduated, now Kinsey looks to take the reigns this season.

One of Kinsey’s emerging targets is sophomore Noah Russell, who made a strong case for a breakout season. Russell, coming off a freshman campaign with limited varsity reps, turned heads with crisp route running and strong hands. Yellow Jacket running back Carnell Coleman also had a very promising night. He averaged about 5 yards per carry.

(Jake Kinsey celebrates with Dadrein Coffie who showed much promise during the spring game. Photo Credit – shotby.keny)

Worth noting as well, Liam Henderson had a good night overall. Henderson is among the top kickers in Florida. If Leesburg can’t get over the 35 yard line in games this year, they will have a very good option to get points on the board where other teams may have to either go for it or punt. Henderson has a leg to kick at least 50+ yards and can do that consistantly. Henderson won a few games for Leesburg last season.

(Liam Henderson is one of the top kickers in the state of Florida. Photo Credit – Shobyby.keny)

Defensively, Donovan McMullen delivered one of the game’s biggest highlights with a 70-yard scoop-and-score touchdown. Leesburg’s defense actually did very well in this scrimmage. They led most of the first half against the offense until the offense got more comfortable and began scoring points. Many players graduated last season for Leesburg so there will be a learning curve but overall it’s encouraging to see where the team is at this point.

Coach Lang emphasized fundamentals and team chemistry throughout spring camp, and it was clear those messages resonated. Coach Lang also had a message for the team after the spring game “You all represent the best of Leesburg High. Kids at the school look up to you so I want to make sure all of you understand that in the classroom or out here you are role models.” said coach Lang.

“This is just the beginning,” Lang said. “We’re laying the foundation for something special.”

Photo Credit – Shotby.keny