Game of the Week: Vanguard vs. Heritage

Vanguard’s head coach Edwin Farmer works with his players as they play Forest during a football game at Booster Stadium in Ocala, Fla. on Thursday, Nov. 4, 2021. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2021.

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Posted November 12, 2021 | By Joel Bronson
joel@ocalagazette.com

The Vanguard Knights have a history of making deep playoff runs. If this year’s regular season is any indication, 2021 should be no exception.

The Knights enter the 2021 playoffs with an unblemished record, finishing off a perfect 10-0 season with a rivalry win against Forest 52-12.

Vanguard finished with a perfect record for the first time since 2016.

Now, Coach Edwin Farmer and the Knights go into the playoffs as the 1-seed in 6A, hosting the Heritage Panthers from Palm Bay.

The Knights offense is steered by two capable quarterbacks, sophomore Fred Gaskin and senior Joe Gilchrist, Jr. Gaskin has thrown for 12 touchdowns on the season, while Gilchrist has tossed five scores.

Vanguards rushing attack is led by Dewhitt Betterson, Jr., who has amassed 864 yards and 11 touchdowns this season.

The Knights’ defense has been especially stingy this season, allowing a miniscule 5.8 points per game.

The Vanguard defense is anchored by senior defensive end/linebacker Ronald Carpenter. Carpenter has recorded eight sacks and five tackles for loss.

Heritage finished their regular season with a 7-3 record, going 2-2 in district play. The Panthers capped off their regular season with a 47-7 win over Bayside.

Heritage features a run heavy offense, led by senior running back LJ Turner. Turner ran for a whopping 2070 yards and 19 touchdowns.

Vanguard and visiting Heritage will play at Booster Stadium on November 13. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.