Kathleen football star shines at Southeastern, helps keep Fire undefeated; Webber, Warner, Florida Southern showcases talent

Alex St. Germain caught the flu just before a game vs. Lehigh High School in 2018.

The biggest player on the field, though, gutted it out and played. Still, Kathleen was down. But by the second half, he held a future Florida State defensive end, Quashon Fuller, to no sacks in the second half — a virtuoso performance. More importantly, the Red Devils won the game 40-34 — a victory that contributed to Kathleen’s last winning season (6-5).

“How I was giving him that work, and we ended up coming back and winning the game. That just showed that anything is possible,” Germain said.

Germain knew at this point he was good enough to play on the next level. All of the people who helped him channel his aggressive mentality on the football field into a productive showing on the offensive line helped the Lakeland native get on the radar of some top schools.

In 2018, Germain, who attended classes at McKeel Academy but played football at Kathleen, made up his mind to play at Southeastern. The Lakeland native said he chose Southeastern because he wanted to stay close to home.

Thanks to his dearth of big plays in high school, the all-county Kathleen offensive lineman is a starting left tackle for Southeastern — a 4-0 team that has a total of 614 yards on the ground (second in the Sun Conference and 20th in the nation) and six rushing touchdowns with the offense putting up 38 points a game.

Germain said he heard the naysayers say he was too overweight. Now he has worked himself into the best shape of his life, and he has worked arduously on the field and in the film room to the point of having a full grasp of the offense.

“I just continue to focus on getting better, staying in the weight room and showing that (I belong),” Germain said.

This past week in a 27-13 win over Florida Memorial, the Fire produced 204 yards rushing and a touchdown, which helped Southeastern get to 4-0 for the first time since 2018.

“It’s very cool but it is expected. We have a lot of great talent here, Germain said. "…Individually, my goal is to be an all-conference player this year. I think I am very capable of doing that. And as a team, (the goal is to) win a national championship — nothing less.”

Wiggins, Southeastern cruise to third straight win

Southeastern starting quarterback Kaylan Wiggins put on his cape and led the Fire to its third straight win on Saturday in Miami.

The graduate transfer guided the local NAIA team to a 27-13 victory over Florida Memorial, recording 285 total passing yards thanks to going 20 for 34, including a game-long 66-yard touchdown pass to receiver Shane McLaughlin; he had three total touchdowns in the contest. Wiggins also added 63 rushing yards, and for that he is the Sun Conference Offensive Player of the Week for the second straight week.

Overall, the Florida International transfer playmaker compiled 676 passing yards and 219 rushing yards in three games.

For the Florida Memorial game specifically, running back Bryan Bell racked up 72 yards rushing, and McLaughlin accumulated 166 yards receiving.

There won’t be a game this weekend for the No. 24 team in the NAIA because the University of Ft. Lauderdale canceled. Up next, the Fire will take on St. Thomas 6 p.m., Sept. 24 in Miami Gardens.

FSC women's soccer sets team record

Florida Southern women’s soccer won its third game of the season after setting a record-breaking performance of eight goals in a game vs. Edward Waters Wednesday night in Jacksonville.

The program’s most fruitful day of goals led to an 8-1 win road and a current record of 3-1-2 on the year.

Freshman Jasmin Adames (two goals) and Malia Brost (two goals) scored their first goals of the game each. Other goals were scored by Anita Vera — the first score of the game – Caitlyn Lowery, Morgan Collica, Angelina Coelho (second of the season) and Claire DuRee.

The Mocs will next play in a conference matchup vs. Lynn 6 p.m. Saturday in Boca Raton.

Warner men’s soccer dominates

The Royals won its fifth game of the year thanks to a dominating 5-1 performance over Ave Maria University on Tuesday in Lake Wales. Ave Maria came into the game winning four of five.

In a game that was resumed from an Aug. 25 rain delayed contest, Hector Revelo, Deven Ingley and Philip Joergensen all put up goals. Keeper Brendan Gribek tallied eight saves on the day.

Next for Warner (3-1) is Saint Leo 7 p.m. Saturday.

Webber women’s soccer stays undefeated

Webber was able to stay perfect on Sunday in Pikeville, Kentucky thanks to a 2-0 win over the University of Pikeville Bears.

Clicking on all cylinders, Lucia De La Llera connected on a penalty kick. And Deborah Guillen hit the second goal of the game, which is also her second score of the season.

Webber (4-0) will gear up for its home-opener 4 p.m., Sept 19.

This article originally appeared on The Ledger: Southeastern football