Erik Lee and Erik Lee Jr. are a package deal and that package is headed west on Lake Worth Road.
Not only has coach Erik Lee left the head-coaching position at Lake Worth High to join Park Vista as offensive coordinator, but his quarterback son, Erik Jr. is coming with him.
Erik Lee Jr., a senior next year, transferred for this second semester to Park Vista to fill a gaping void at quarterback for the Cobras.
Lee Jr., who is 6-2, 220 pounds and throws lefty, participated in spring practice, ran the show in last week’s Black and Blue scrimmage. By rules, Lee is not permitted to play in May 14’s spring game at Seminole Ridge as a brand-new transfer.
Lee Jr. led his district in total yards (1,790) and rushing yards (589) but now will play for Lake Worth’s rival. (Santaluces, John I Leonard, Forest Hill and Park Vista were also in District 13, though it is being revamped and Park Vista is moving to District 14).
“Erik has all the tools to be one of the best 2027 quarterbacks in South Florida,” Park Vista head coach Donald Hanna said. “We’re expecting big things from him this season.”
So why were the Lees on the move West? Erik Lee, Lake Worth High’s head coach the past two seasons, felt this was the best deal for father and son. The elder Erik still remains a history teacher at Lake Worth High.
“It was a good opportunity to be on this staff – we have 12,13 coaches,’’ Lee said. “There’s a freshman staff, JV staff and varsity staff. It’s a lot less on everyone’s plate. He didn’t have a choice. He was going to be wherever I was at. He thought it was an opportunity where he could play. He was excited. So many more coaches, so much more instruction.”
The son appears to be thrilled to be at the change.
“He brought it up to me,” Lee Jr. said. “He thought it would be a great move. I said of course. Me and my father are on the same page with everything. It can’t be best for him and not for me. And it can’t be good for me and not good for him, I was going to follow him wherever he went. I know his offense and know how to run his offense.”
It’s an offense Lee Jr. can’t wait to run as he has two stars in receiver, Justice Jones, runner-up in the high jump at states, and Elisha Gamble.
Both players have offers from FAU. Park Vista had quarterback issues last season after its senior starter, Tristen Pokabla, tore his meniscus in the opener and finished 4-6.
“When we played them last year, we felt they had everything but a quarterback,” Lee Sr. said. “I thought it would be a good fit for my son. They have a very good offensive line, great skills players. Seemed like a good opportunity there.”
Lee Sr. left Lake Worth because he only compiled a four-man staff and a couple of them were exiting. Lee Sr. said it’s an issue hiring coaches who can’t get jobs on campus. Lee’s replacement is LeVon Barnett Jr. and he’s assembled a staff of eight.
Still, it’s not a 12-man coaching group like it is at Park Vista.
“It’s eye-opening,” Lee Jr. said. “We have way more coaches than we had at Lake Worth. The more coaching we have here will lead us to a big season.”
“When I first got over there. the players welcomed me with open arms,” Lee Jr. added. “They said if I need anything, just ask. Coaches included. Coach Hanna is one of those guys who will get it for you no matter what. It’s a big culture change. I’m blessed.”
Not that he doesn’t miss some things at Lake Worth High. “It was hard at first, I’d say,” Lee Jr. said. “I was with them every day from freshman of my spring (semester) to leaving this winter. It was hard leaving my teammates but I had to do what’s best for me.”
In 2021, the Lees moved to Lake Worth from Pensacola, where Erik coached in the Panhandle. As a freshman, Lee Jr. attended Somerset Canyons to start on the JV. He also was varsity backup on a squad that made the playoffs. Erik Sr. was the Somerset Canyons varsity OC.
As sophomore, Lee Jr. – and his father – headed to Lake Worth High, where the school hasn’t enjoyed a big football tradition.
The past two seasons, the Trojans posted a combined 6-14 record but as a junior, Lee completed the most passing yards in a decade for Lake Worth (1,401) and the highest completion percentage (61 percent) in 15 years.
“I’m very proud of myself about that,” Lee Jr. said. “I would describe myself as a guy who will lead the team and shows by example. And I can pound the defense by throwing the ball and running.”
Lee Jr. says he’d like to “get the ball out of my hands quicker” and, hence, has watched a lot of tape of former Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders. He’s also watched footage of Cam Newton because of “the way Cam ran the ball, especially at Auburn.”
Lee Sr.’s scouting report centers on his son’s adaptability.
“It’s his ability to keep his eyes downfield and improvise,” Lee Sr. said. “A lot of times last season things would break down, people were covered and then they’d break free. So he made a lot of big throws last year being able to see it and feel the rush and he has different arm angles.”
The college offers have come in slowly but he’s got one from North Dakota State College of Science and South Georgia Institute. “That’s my dream,” Lee Jr. said of playing college football.”
Firstly, Lee Jr. is focused on leading the Cobras back to prominence. “I was on a playoff team at Somerset my freshman year,’’ Lee Jr. said. “I know how they presented themselves. Our goals are making it to the playoffs and making a run to a state championship.’
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Erik Lee and son transfer to Park Vista for football
Reporting by Marc Berman, Special to The Post / Palm Beach Post
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
