The early season schedule hasn’t been kind to the Bolles Bulldogs of late. In the last two years, Bolles has started their seasons 2-3, and 0-3 respectively. Starting out a combined 2-6 in back to back years isn’t exactly the ideal way to begin a season. Yet Bolles in both years still managed to fight back, ending their seasons with winning records and deep playoff runs.
There is something to be said of starting fast especially when the opponents are formidable. It gives a team momentum, and doesn’t force desperate situations and dire play mid season. This seemed to benefit Bolles in their state championship runners-up campaigns in 2019 and 2020. They won early, and gained road momentum to the title games.
In 2022 and 2023 they fought back from slow starts but seemed to run out of gas in the playoff before the title game. In 2024 Bolles starts out with Raines, Trinity Christian, St. Augustine and Bishop Kenny as their first four games. All four teams were playoff teams last year. As Head Coach Matt Toblin says, if they play for one another, they will win.
This team has the potential to get off to a fast start, and build that momentum as the best team in Northeast Florida. It starts at quarterback. Replacing DJ Moore is a tall order, and fortunately Bolles has a tall quarterback ready to take the reigns. Ethan Drumm, a 6 foot 3 inch, 205 pound quarterback is probably the most overlooked big time prospect in Northeast Florida. Impeccable accuracy, and elite arm strength with escape ability. More importantly, he has lots of experience.
He’ll be throwing to the best wide receiver of his class in Northeast Florida Naeem Burroughs. Burroughs had 1,019 yards receiving and 15 TDs as a sophomore. Just eye-popping numbers for such a young but dominant star. Senior Chase Collier who tallied 786 receiving yards and 7 TDs last year is another weapon to Drumm up some dynamic numbers in the passing game.
In the running game, senior Emmett Grzebin will carry the load, coming off a 1,113 rushing yard, 16 touchdown junior season. He’s a powerful down-hill runner at 6’0, 197lbs. With him is Tyrone Neal, a senior with lots of experience as well. He rushed for 652 yards and 6 TDs his junior season. The 6’0 foot, 180 pound Neal would be a starter at any other school, he’s just that good.
@duvalsports 4 ⭐️ TE Corbyn Fordham, Bolles! #offers #Florida #Georgia ♬ original sound – Duval Sports
At tight-end, junior Corbyn Fordham will have a big year. This 6’4, 215lbs juggernaut is a force in the run game as a blocker and more importantly will be a big target in the passing game. Guard JJ Sparks is a powerful road grader on the offensive line that features Ryan Ingram, and All-Area Team interior blocker.
Defensively, Simeon Caldwell made a major impact as a sophomore. Finished with 137 tackles (second on the team), 2 interceptions, 5 hurries and a sack at safety. He was one of the most dynamic young playmakers on defense in the area.
Linebacker Troy Holloway is the next backer up who had 123 Tackles, 14 TFL’s 4 PD’s 2 sacks in 2023. He’s joined by Matthew “MJ” Jenkins, (2025 |6’1| 234 lbs |MLB/ TE-) who came over from Episcopal. He had 121 tackles, 22 TFLs and 6 sacks last year.
In the secondary Jalen Ross, (DB, 2025, 6’1″ 163 lbs) a talented DB who is extremely intelligent and savvy. A leader who has waited his turn and produced 3 interceptions last year. Maliek Hill, (6’1, 167lbs | CB & WR, 2025) picked up an offer in the spring. CJ Ennis, (DB, 2025, 6’2 |175lbs) was the Bolles leader in interceptions last year, and a leader in the locker room.
On the defensive line, Martin Geary, (6’3, 280lbs, DL) was third in sacks on the team last year with 13 TFLs. He’s at Ponte Vedra now. So the Bulldogs have to retool on the line. Junior Chance Faucheaux looks to make a big impact this year, while freshman Asher Ghioto, (DE,TE,2028| 6’4/235lbs) is a young and up coming mammoth with offers from Georgia, Florida State and Florida.
For head coach Matt Toblin, the talent is there, and the timing seems to be right with a team whose starters have lots of experience. It’s time to start fast and finish strong. They start with Raines next week.
