JACKSONVILLE – The first game of the season delivered hard hits, and fireworks as two of Duval County’s top-ranked programs went head-to-head in a quarterback showcase. No. 10 Ed White had never beaten the No. 7 ranked Trinity Christian Conquerors, falling to them three consecutive years (2022,2023,2024). However, Friday night behind the legs and leadership of King Boylston, the Commanders knocked off the Conquerors, 45-28, to make history.
The Commanders struck first when Boylston powered into the end zone on a QB keeper, capping off a bruising opening drive to make it 7-0.
King Boylston scores on the keeper! He drove the Commanders down the field with QB power! 7-0 1st Ed White leads Trinity! pic.twitter.com/eDHyOQEWWD
— Duval Sports (@DuvalSports) August 22, 2025
But Trinity wasted no time answering back—sophomore quarterback Terel Dallas found Arryon Brookins for a strike that tied the game at 7 with 5:11 left in the first quarter.
Terel Dallas to Arryon Brookins!! What strike!! Trinity ties it up ! 7-7 vs Ed White 5:11! We got a game!!! @Champ_4fire pic.twitter.com/RQHBaQ2JMI
— Duval Sports (@DuvalSports) August 22, 2025
Dallas showed his dual-threat ability early, calling his own number on a QB power to give Trinity a 14-7 lead in the second quarter.
Terel Dallas returns the favor with QB power if his own! Touchdown Trinity they lead Ed White 14-7 , 7:48 2nd pic.twitter.com/svQD8b7ART
— Duval Sports (@DuvalSports) August 22, 2025
In their previous games against Trinity Christian, Ed White had yet to play a complete game. Yet, senior Julian Holt refused to let his team lose hope. Trailing 14-7 and the momentum in Trinity’s favor, the Bowling Green commit returned a kickoff for a touchdown. The play galvanized Ed White, and got the Commanders back into the game. 14-14.
Julian Holt is the story for Ed White! The senior Bowling Green commit has a kickoff return for a TD, several pass break ups, and big hits tonight vs Trinity! @DuvalSports pic.twitter.com/x3UGHd5VKC
— Andre' Ellis (@andreellis55) August 23, 2025
Yet Dallas, the talented sophomore, wasn’t done yet—after Ed White tied it, he scored again, pushing Trinity ahead 21-14 in a fast-paced second period.
Terel Dallas again!! Touchdown Trinity responds! 21-14! Fast paced 2nd quarter!! pic.twitter.com/RbNsleckOi
— Duval Sports (@DuvalSports) August 23, 2025
Boylston kept Ed White in it, racing around the corner for another touchdown just before the half. A missed PAT left the Commanders trailing 21-20, where a huge sack by Darian Lee sent both teams into the locker room with momentum hanging in the balance.
Halftime ends with a big sack by Darian Lee of Ed White!! Trinity 21 Ed White 20! H pic.twitter.com/uKxf8bEEDb
— Duval Sports (@DuvalSports) August 23, 2025
The third quarter belonged to Ed White’s ground game. Marion Laguerre broke through for two second half touchdowns, giving the Commanders their first lead since the opening drive, 27-21.
Boylston then connected on a gutsy two-point pass after a read-option look, stretching the advantage to 28-21 as Trinity’s defense struggled to contain the Commander option attack.
Nice 2-point conversion by King Boylston! Pass into the end zone on the read option! The option has given Trinity fits tonight! Ed White 28 Trinity 21 , 3rd 5:45 pic.twitter.com/gBCL2kv4TD
— Duval Sports (@DuvalSports) August 23, 2025
Trinity’s defense began to wear down, and Ed White’s playmakers took advantage. A pick-six from Jacquari Parks in the fourth quarter all but sealed the outcome, pushing the lead to 38-21 before the Commanders closed things out with Laguerre’s second rushing score, and a field goal to win 45-28.
Despite the loss, Dallas turned heads. The 6’1”, 190-pound sophomore carried Trinity’s offense, throwing two touchdown passes and running for two more. His toughness kept the Conquerors within striking distance most of the night, and his performance hinted at a breakout season ahead.
Trinity was plagued by penalties and missed opportunities. Several passes were dropped by receivers, and tackles were missed by defenders. Ed White made them pay for their mistakes, and the person who cashed in the check was quarterback King Boylston.
His poise and physicality were the difference. He accounted for two rushing touchdowns, and a critical two-point conversion, while Laguerre’s second-half surge gave the Commanders the cushion they needed.
Said Boylston after the game, “this win feels great, last year hurt me…but this year at halftime we said to ourselves finish and that’s what we did”.
With the victory, Ed White (1-0) makes an early statement in the city knocking off higher-ranked Trinity (0-1) in Week 1. The upset sent shock waves around the area, and the state. Trinity will look to rebound at Bolles (1-0) next week. While Ed White and head coach Lawrence Johnson can reflect over the bye week before facing Westside (0-1) September 5th.
Said Johnson after the game, “we preached finish to our players all off season leading up to this game, and we scored 24 unanswered points in the second half…that’s the type of finish we want”.
