'That feels great but that's not me': How Lake Weir overcame doubters in the War for the Oar
Lake Weir (5-3) made Belleview a target when the coaching staff staged them as a final regular season opponent. A 28-13 win over Belleview brings the oar back to Lake Weir after a two year stay with the Rattlers.
At halftime, the trophy looked like it would stay with the visiting team. Belleview was leading Lake Weir 13-6 at the break. Before a short touchdown from junior Hurricane running back Jackson Quick with 43.2 seconds to play before the band started their performance, the Rattler's had a commanding lead and the momentum.
"We've been down before but when everyone puts us down, but we're going to keep fighting," Roberts said. "We heard all week about how we haven't played anyone and they're going to show it to us. Well we came back and showed it to them."
Both teams specialize in a run heavy offense. Both teams are small enough that the game demands players play both sides of the ball. For Belleview, some players never leave the field even during specials teams.
Similarities run throughout the two programs. Both coaches lead with passion and discipline. They've made their teams buy in to new cultures. Where they differ is their timeline.
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Lake Weir is two years into their rebuild. That's a pair of spring football camps, two summer workouts, two offseasons, and a whole lot of hours in the weight room. That's a lot of time to develop a willing student.
"We've been down before but when everyone puts us down we're going to keep fighting," Roberts said. "We heard all week about how we haven't played anyone and they're going to show it to us. Well we came back and showed it to them."
The Hurricanes are a few steps ahead in their resurgence. Friday night's win marks Lake Weir's best season since 2018.
"That feels great but that's not me," Roberts said. "For one, that's glory to God and that's glory to my coaches. These coaches and these athletes do everything."
As for Belleview, this game was about the talent on the field. While a lead slipped through their fingers, it wasn't for lack of effort or ability. Their Rattlers forced turnovers, broke off big runs, and blocked a few kicks.
Of their 42 man roster, four are seniors and 26 are sophomores or freshman who could be playing junior varsity games during the week but are limited to two quarters on Fridays.
You can look at these teams as kindred sprits and that makes the rivalry burn brighter. As both teams work toward a brighter future, that leaves a better product on the field. As the rivals continue to lock horn it'll stand as measuring stick for both programs. The pendulum's latest swing in Lake Weir's direction it gives Belleview more ammunition for next season.
"Its just smash mouth football," Roberts said. "I love these kids, they're great."
This article originally appeared on Ocala Star-Banner: Lake Weir football defeats Belleview War for the Oar
