Jacksonville, FL — It may have been a warm day in Jacksonville, but the Jacksonville Dolphins were red hot as they defeated the St. Augustine’s Falcons 63-14 in their season opener.
This was the first time in 12 years that the Dolphins opened at home, and made a statement while doing it. Jacksonville defeated the Falcons with dynamic run plays through their spread option offense.
Jacksonville didn’t have a quarterback in today’s game… or so you’d think. Calvin Turner Jr. played cornerback for the Dolphins last year, however, played quarterback in today’s game. Turner hasn’t played that position since high school but in the home-opener, he had an outstanding game going 5-6 for 120 yards and rushing for 202 yards and three touchdowns.
Jacksonville head coach Ian Shields talked after the game about the potential of Turner.
“So far so good,” Shields said. “The early results are in and it’s probably too early to start building a bust for Calvin, but we knew he was a special talent.”
Turner admitted that he was nervous coming into today’s matchup, however, he felt that he accomplished his goals out on the field.
“I played quarterback in high school, but moving back to quarterback I had a few butterflies because it was my first time playing this offense,” Turner said. “My personal goal was to make all my reads and win the game.”
Turner wouldn’t be the only one who would defeat the Falcons through the ground game. Jared Morris, who sat out last year due to a knee injury, had a breakout game with two touchdowns on 10 carries.
“It was really great to be out there,” Morris said. “I was a little anxious before I got out there, but once I got my first few reps there ats game speed things kind of opened up for me and my knee felt great. Hopefully next week it feels just as good.”
Morris also had high praise for Turner Jr. and is confident in Turner’s abilities moving forward.
“He’s explosive and I’m super glad to have him,” he said. “He’s a young quarterback, but he got some good experience out there today and I think he’s going to be a really good player for us.”
Jacksonville’s defense proved to be just as good in today’s matchup as they only allowed the Falcons to record 212 yards and forced two interceptions. They forced several three and outs and did not allow St. Augustine’s to make any significant plays down the field even if they asked nicely.
Linebacker and defensive team captain Thomas Oporto was very pleased with his team on the defensive side of the ball.
“I liked that the guys were getting in there fast and aggressive,” he said. “They’re really trying to detail their assignment and make sure that everything is perfect for when they do get into the game.”
Although this was a great showing for the Dolphins, this is only week one. However, Coach Shields just wants his team to take it one game at a time.
“Our goal every week is to be 1-0 that week,” he said. “Put the blinders on and not look past next week. Mission accomplished.”
