Belleview – Lake Weir Rivalry Returns

By Bryce Abshier – Contact Bryce@TheVOSM.net

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The Belleview Rattlers will travel to Candler this Friday to take on Lake Weir in another edition of this longstanding rivalry. The game will take place at 7:30 pm. Lake Weir has won seven of the last ten meetings between the two schools.

Things couldn’t quite come together for Belleview last week, as the team fell short to the visiting powerhouse Leesburg Yellow Jackets (7-1). This battled-tested Rattler team is coming off of a brutal slate of games, including games with perennial state-playoff contenders Vanguard (6-1) and Dunnellon (6-2).

An opening promising drive by the Rattlers made things seem like fans could be in for a barn-burner. A ground-and-pound attack, featuring plenty of misdirection, kept the Yellow Jacket defense on their toes. After a methodical drive, the Rattlers found themselves in the end zone, drawing first blood. Following the ensuing kick-off, Leesburg’s first offensive play from scrimmage was a deep pass that got picked off by an opportunistic Rattler backfield.

As the game went on however, Leesburg’s depth became an issue for the Rattlers. The Yellow Jackets started to pull away after a tightly contested first quarter, with a final score of 49-14.

Belleview has no time to lick their wounds. The team must now gear up to play archrival Lake Weir in the annual grudge match between the two squads. The game will take place at Lake Weir on Friday, October 20 at 7:30 pm.

Getting The Call

Belleview’s #14 Nick Mills gets the call from the sideline as he leads a Belleview rushing attack against Leesburg last Friday.

Battle-Tested

The Rattlers have been through a gauntlet, facing the best teams in Marion County. Above, #42 Hunter Duncan confers with his coaches on the sideline during a recent game against Leesburg.

Beautiful Night For Football

The Belleview Rattlers get ready to take the field in front of a home crowd last week against Leesburg. They now head on the road to face rival Lake Weir this Friday, 10/20.

Picking Up Blocks

Belleview’s #70 Reece Dennis and #72 Ethan Deardorff pick up key blocks for the Belleview ballcarrier last week against Leesburg.