Venice's opponent in Class 7A final rotate quarterbacks each series

The St. Johns Bartram Trail football team has an interesting and unique dynamic on offense.

The Bears rotate quarterbacks each series regardless of the situation.

Seniors Joey Gatewood and Riley Smith will be in and out of the Class 7A state championship game against Venice on Saturday afternoon at Camping World Stadium in Orlando.

Not only do Gatewood and Smith each stand 6-foot-5, but they have eerily similar statistics. Smith has thrown for 1,367 yards and 17 touchdowns; Gatewood 1,355 yards and 12 scores. The 235-pound Gatewood is the more dangerous runner with 1,029 yards and 15 touchdowns on the ground; the 210-pound Smith has gained 587 rushing yards with eight scores.

“We felt like it was best for our football team if we had both playing,” Bartram Trail coach Darrell Sutherland said. “It’s a testament to their character. Both of guys had an opportunity to go somewhere else, but they wanted to be here with their teammates and wanted to be loyal and be in something bigger than themselves.

“They are genuinely excited for each other.”

The Bears’ quarterback derby began with more potential candidates. Robert French (also 6-5) and Zavier Hutchinson (6-3) entered the program as quarterbacks, but moved to tight end and wide receiver, respectively.

“Had a number of guys at the position, but felt like they could play another position,” Sutherland said. “Joey and Riley, both truly college quarterbacks. Both are FBS-caliber football players. Both are quarterbacks.”

Describing the skills of the two, Sutherland said, “Joey is very athletic, dual-threat, but he throws the ball very, very well. Teams have tried to pack in the box on him and he’s had the bigger passing stats this year.

“Riley is more a drop back, but is very athletic. Attack guy on lacrosse team. More big runs.”

Former Bartram Trail quarterbacks P.J. Blazejowski (now at Furman) Jordan Smith (Gardner Webb) and Nathan Peterman (Pittsburgh/NFL Buffalo Bills) have stayed in touch with the current signal callers. Peterman even took the two out to breakfast recently.

“This is the best thing in the world for you,” Sutherland said of Peterman’s message to the signal callers. “You are going to have to learn to compete with the other quarterbacks on your team. That’s what’s going to happen every year in college.

“The guys have just embraced it and have done a great job with it.”

Last week in the 7A state semifinal at home against Tampa Plant, Gatewood reached the end zone on two of his first three carries with runs of 28 and 49 yards. Smith had a 2-yard touchdown pass to Kevin Maurer that gave the Bears a 28-7 lead. Bartram Trail eventually won, 34-29, needing an onside kick recovery to secure their first trip to the state finals.

The Bears’ passing game did not materialize against the Panthers, with Gatewood and Smith combining to go 9-for-16 for 81 yards with the touchdowns and an interception.

With the passing game ineffective, the quarterbacks took to the ground with Smith running for 77 and Gatewood 72 behind team leader Devin Ellison’s 92 yards.

“We’ve seen film on them,” Venice coach John Peacock said. “Obviously, they have two very, very good quarterbacks.”

Gatewood has season highs of 184 passing yards against Cartersville, Georgia, and 183 rushing yards against Fleming Island. He has thrown for two touchdowns three times and rushed for two scores five times.

Smith threw for a season-best 195 yards and three scores in the opener against Cartersville and 100 rushing yards and two scores against Ponte Vedra Nease. He has thrown for three scores three times.

It presents a unique challenge for Indians defensive coordinator Larry Shannon.

“It’s different. I’ve never had to do this before,” he said. “Both guys have their strengths and weaknesses. But they are both very similar. That’s why they are successful with it. They don’t change their offense when one is in.”

The fact the Bears run the same scheme means Venice does not have to focus on two different types of offenses.

“They’re twins, but they both play the same way,” Peacock said. “It’s not like we have to adjust when they come in. Both are running the same system. I don’t think there is a huge adjustment.”

What the Indians have to deal with is a Bartram Trail offense that scores more than 42 points per game and has reached 50 or more four times and scored in the 40s four times.

“Both have done a great job of taking what the defense gives them,” Sutherland said.