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Prepzone football: Lely's Hall a continual football highlight
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As the Lely coaches watch game film, it seems they are watching an offensive play over an over.
When in fact they are watching Lely running-back Darian Hall make amazing play after amazing play.
In four games Hall has rushed for more than 800 yards and his all-purpose yards are more than 1,100.
“In my coaching career I have coached players who made it to the NFL and Darian has those qualities,” says John Principe, Lely offensive coordinator.
“He has that little extra gear that gives him the ability to blow by tacklers.”
Although he lives in East Naples, Hall got his early start playing for the Marco Eagles three years ago.
“I played running back, quarterback and linebacker,” he recalls of his Eagles days. It was the second season for the Eagles.
“We went to the playoffs that year,” he says with his easy smile.
Principe is not surprised by Hall’s success.
“Last year we needed him for defense, but I saw him in his freshman year and you knew then he could be an offensive threat,” Principe says.
Hall understands hard work and that his offensive line has given him some great pathways.
“The O line has done a great job and the coaches put together great game plans.” Hall says.
He isn’t looking past St. John Neumann, the homecoming opponent tonight.
“They want to beat us to make a statement, but I see this as another step toward a championship,” Hall says.
Lely’s goal is to win Class 3A, District 14. It is a high goal when playing in the same district as perennial powerhouse Naples.
“Naples will be a big game, but we have to take care of opponents first to get in position for Naples,” Hall says.
Lely will host Naples on Nov. 7 in the annual Coconut Bowl. It will be the last district game for both teams.
Hall says he gets his speed from mom Della who ran track in her high school days.
“A good work ethic has also made a difference in my abilities,” Hall says.
He knows colleges are watching him, but he also knows he has to keep doing well.
Principe says if there is a down side to Hall it is focusing on academics.
“He has to get better at the student thing, although he has improved 200 percent since his freshman year,” Principe says. “He still needs to do better to be a complete package.”

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