When senior Jacob Froehlich showed up at Tocoi Creek’s football practice two weeks ago, he wasn’t on the roster, wasn’t in the playbook, and hadn’t played organized football in years.
A standout on the track, Froehlich had long traded shoulder pads for starting blocks. But after a catastrophic string of injuries turned the Toros’ quarterback room into an infirmary, Froehlich decided it was time to lace up again — this time under Friday night lights.
Tocoi Creek’s 2025 season had been one of promise, heartbreak, and perseverance. It began with Lucas Whitworth, a patient and talented junior who had waited years for his chance to start. The gutsy slinger impressed early before snapping his wrist against Bishop Kenny — a devastating, season-ending injury.
“He looked me in the eyes as he was coming off and he knew that was it,” head coach Kevin Doelling told The Citizen. “Lucas had other options, but he stayed here because he wanted his turn. He took it really well — probably better than I did.”
When Whitworth went down, Doelling tapped the team’s starting safety, Karter Alvarez, to alternate snaps with third-stringer Brodie Adams — a lacrosse standout who joined the team out of pure love for the game. Alvarez eventually secured the job.
He performed well through games against Clay, Bartram Trail, and Beachside before suddenly suffering a broken bone while trying to make a tackle after an interception. A cleat crushed his hand — and Doelling had lost his second quarterback of the season.
Tocoi Creek turned to Adams, who started against Buchholz in what turned into a rain-soaked, wildcat-heavy game led by speedy receiver Koltyn Ham.
By Week 9, Doelling needed to restock his passing platoon once again. That’s when Froehlich, the track and field star and former quarterback, decided to step forward.
“Jacob came up to me after Karter went down and said, ‘Coach, I want to help,’” Doelling recalled. “Honestly, I didn’t even know if he could still throw a football. But he just wanted to be there for his team.”
Froehlich joined practice on a Monday and spent the next seven days cramming the playbook, texting Doelling for clarifications, and running drills with whoever would stay after practice.
By last Friday night’s matchup against Pedro Menendez, he was ready if Doelling called his number.
Froehlich rotated with Adams early. By the second quarter, he took full control — and didn’t look back.
He opened his varsity debut with a pass to pay dirt, connecting with senior receiver Bryton Baker, who tied the school record for touchdown catches with the grab.
Then, with the game on the line, Froehlich shimmied loose for an epic 50-yard touchdown gallop that sealed Tocoi Creek’s win and sent the sideline into a frenzy.
“Jacob’s one of the smartest, hardest-working kids I’ve ever coached,” Doelling said. “He cares about doing things the right way. He’s constantly asking questions and pushing himself to get better. He’s a special kid.”
A kid, the coach said, who won a race he never expected to run.
The Toros play Nease tonight in Ponte Vedra.
SPECIAL THANKS TO MARK CUBBEDGE FOR USE OF HIS PHOTOS. PLEASE CHECK OUT HIS WORK HERE.
