Coming into his first season at Chaminade-Madonna, quarterback Jaylon Tolbert knew he’d be part of a system like no other.
The Lions (5-1) added the senior signal-caller alongside running back Thaddius Franklin, a Miami commit. Together, they’ve begun to create an offensive momentum that has them shaped for a bright road ahead.
“It’s a team effort,” Tolbert told 305 Sports. “With a more balanced attack though, it’s hard for teams to know what’s coming and that’s what makes us deadly. It allows us to open up the field, take pressure off of everyone and allows us to ball out.”
Starting off the 2020 campaign, Tolbert took time to adjust to his teammates, which meant Franklin was to take the majority of the reps. In their season-opener against Champagnat Catholic, he did exactly that, totaling 29 carries for 213 yards and four touchdowns.
Those traits continued on until an October 16 contest versus Clearwater Academy International. Tolbert completed 16 of his 22 passes for 158 yards and four touchdowns in a 44-34 win.
Since then, the Lions have scored above 40 points in their past two games. They enter Friday’s Class 3A semi-finals matchup against Calvary Christian with a mindset to continue excelling offensively.
“How you practice is a representation of how you play,” Tolbert said. “We have some of the best players in the country on our teams and compete with them at practice. I feel like that prepares us for any opponent and our goal to win states.”
Per Max Preps, Tolbert has garnered 781 passing yards and seven touchdowns this season, along with a rushing touchdown he had last week against Somerset Academy Silver Palms. The Howard University commit hopes to continue improving throughout the journey.
“As the season has progressed, I’ve been able, along with my teammates, to bring a more balanced attack in our execution,” he said. “… Patience and team work is what I’ve learned this year. Never give up, always keep fighting and leave it all on the field.”
As for Franklin, the four-star tailback has over 700 rushing yards and continues being the main factor in the Lions’ offensive scheme.
That 1-2 punch, mixed with a defense that has given up an average of 10.7 points per game in six games played this season, will look to continue its road to a fourth consecutive state title against an undefeated Eagles (6-0) squad.
They’ll be at home for the 7:00 p.m. matchup.
