Northeast Florida- For many teams Friday night was just a dress rehearsal as most played in their kickoff classics of the season. Preseason games, where players get to audition in exhibition, under the lights. However, there were five local Northeast Florida teams that were playing for keeps, looking to start their 2024 seasons undefeated.
Bishop Snyder 42, Harvest Community 8
The Cardinals out paced the Warriors Friday night. Bishop Snyder doubled Harvest Community’s output in passing, rushing and first downs by the half.
Quarterback John Bishop found wide receiver Lawson Metz who dodge defenders on his way to a 50-yard touchdown to put Bishop Snyder up 14-0 over Harvest Community just before halftime. Bishop Snyder would go on to win the game and start their season 1-0.
Next Opponent: Home vs Stanton, 8/23/24
West Nassau 20, Paxon 22
It was the ribbon cutting of the new turf field at Paxon high school, new beginnings for one of Jacksonville’s oldest institutions. It’s great that the Golden Eagles got off to a great start to the new season. A.J. Davis kept the zone read around the left side for an 8-yard touchdown. A Kenyon Gardner two-point conversion gave Paxon the go ahead score and the win.
Next Game: Paxon at Wolfson on 8/23/24
Zarephath 48, Fernandina Beach 14
Zaraphath Academy started their season 1-0 with a big win over Fernandina Beach. The Eagles continue to sore higher and higher each year, and have become a force to be reckoned with in their short existence. Quarterback Jordan Durham passed for 389 yards and 3 touchdowns. Wide receiver Terrell Brant caught to of those touchdowns from Durham, finishing with 177 yards receiving. Brant also recorded an interception in the game. Durham, Brant and Joshua Jones who led the area in receiving yards last year, will lead Zarephath against Episcopal next.
Next Game: at Episcopal 8/23/24
Interlachen 12, Christ’s Church 47
Sophomore Kyree Wilson rushed for 187 yards and 3 touchdowns as Christ’s Church, picking up where he left off last year as one of the leading rushers in the area. His big effort led to a 47-12 Christ’s Church victory over Interlachen.
Xavier Shepard and Grant Tedder each registered sacks in the game. While and Zion Green, and Grey Saleeba both picked off passes for a strong defensive effort for Christ’s Church.
Next Game: Home vs Harvest Community, 8/23/24
Stanton 14, Umatilla 27
Quarterback Josh Wilson tossed 4 touchdowns for Umatilla, leading the Bulldogs over the Stanton Blue Devils. Stanton did manage to pick off Wilson three times, registering 3 interceptions on the evening. However, the offense just wasn’t enough to keep up with Umatilla, and the defense was unable to keep them out of the end zone.
Next Game: Stanton at Bishop Snyder, 8/23/24
