Jacksonville Fl- The Mandarin Mustangs continued their red-hot start to the 2025 season with a 54–16 rout of Atlantic Coast on Friday night. The Mustangs, now 2–0, rode a dominant all-around performance from sophomore playmaker Brysen Wright, who delivered yet more highlights after highlights to which many have not seen from a 15 year old in Northeast Florida.
Yet before we get to Wright, his teammates struck first when Shaunqueze Foster Jr. powered into the end zone for a touchdown, giving the Mustangs a 6–0 lead. Moments later, Wright showed up and set the tone defensively with a leaping interception, shutting down Atlantic Coast’s opening momentum.
@Quezefoster with the TD Mandarin up 6-0 over AC @DuvalSports @biggameJames_36 pic.twitter.com/QBTy8vShhP
— Strikeout Photography (@PaulSim5198139) August 29, 2025
He wasn’t done—Wright fielded a punt at midfield and exploded 65-yards down the sideline for a special-teams touchdown, extending the lead to 13–0. On a team with incredible talent across the board, this sophomore sensation stands out on every side of the ball.
There's that man again @bfye904 with the INT @DuvalSports @biggameJames_36 pic.twitter.com/SuUYuKesem
— Strikeout Photography (@PaulSim5198139) August 29, 2025
Yet, Atlantic Coast would respond with a long touchdown pass of their own. A successful two-point conversion would cut the score to 13–8, but Mandarin’s offense quickly flexed its muscle. Running back Kyree Wilson powered in from three yards out, and by late in the second quarter the Mustangs had surged ahead 26–8.
Kyree with the 3yd TD run Mandarin unstoppable at the moment @DuvalSports @biggameJames_36 26-8 mustangs pic.twitter.com/obXXc1sYan
— Strikeout Photography (@PaulSim5198139) August 29, 2025
The Stingrays fought back with another touchdown drive, trimming the deficit to 26–16, but Wright once again answered for Mandarin, this time hauling in a touchdown reception to push the lead back to double digits.
Apologies for the bad camera work, but that guy again @DuvalSports @bfye904 @biggameJames_36 TD Mustangs pic.twitter.com/gkS91RxldW
— Strikeout Photography (@PaulSim5198139) August 29, 2025
Quarterback Knox Annis found Tian Wyche in stride for another score. The Mandarin ground game really dominated in this contest as several different running backs got carries and scored. It’s a signature for Mandarin, to run the ball under head coach Toby Bulllock, and this year the Mustangs look in prime form.
Tian Wyche with the TD from @KnoxAnnisqb 40-16 @DuvalSports @biggameJames_36 pic.twitter.com/kVn45fIvRk
— Strikeout Photography (@PaulSim5198139) August 29, 2025
Possibly the most astonishing factor in Mandarin’s offense is their ability to compliment one another. With so many talented players, sometimes it’s hard to distribute the football. Yet they pull it off. As for Wright, well he just takes the football when ever it gets near him.
The #1 ranked wide receiver in the nation showed why he might be the #1 ranked safety as well. He capped his spectacular night with yet another jaw-dropping play—his second straight week with a 100-yard interception return for a touchdown.
Two weeks in a row with 100 yard INT returning for a touchdown for the best in the world @bfye904 @DuvalSports @biggameJames_36 pic.twitter.com/1yVBDScye3
— Strikeout Photography (@PaulSim5198139) August 30, 2025
The crowd erupted as Mandarin’s lead ballooned to 40–16. For the first time, quite possibly since Derrick Henry (Yulee), fans are coming to see one player perform, and similar to Henry, Wright does not disappoint. Even freshmen got in the mix Friday as 2029 running back Chris Harrison added a late touchdown to seal the Mustangs’ 54–16 victory.
Mandarin freshman running back Chris Harrison takes it in for 6 @biggameJames_36 @DuvalSports pic.twitter.com/sg14Cmp0WR
— Strikeout Photography (@PaulSim5198139) August 30, 2025
Brysen Wright’s fingerprints were everywhere on the win: an interception, a punt return touchdown, a receiving touchdown, and a defensive score. His versatility continues to make him one of Northeast Florida’s most exciting two-way players. When the ball is in his hands, from anywhere on the field, anything can happen.
With the victory, Mandarin improves to 2–0, building on last week’s season-opening win over Creekside. Atlantic Coast falls to 0–2 after a tough loss to Fletcher in Week 1.
Looking ahead, Mandarin faces a stiff test next Friday when they travel to take on Sandalwood (0-2) in a matchup that was a rivalry years ago, yet has sunken into a lopsided contest. Atlantic Coast on the other hand will try to prevent another lopsided loss at home against Fletcher (2–0), one of the area’s most physical defenses.
For now, though, Mandarin can savor another dominant performance—and another unforgettable night from Brysen Wright.
Featured Image by Paul Simpson Strikeout Photography
