JACKSONVILLE – In a hard-hitting defensive battle, the Mandarin Mustangs leaned on special teams, explosive plays, and clutch defense to defeat the Bradford Tornadoes 14-7 on Friday night. The victory moved Mandarin to 4-0 on the season, while Bradford fell to 3-1.
The Mustangs set the tone late in the first quarter when sophomore standout Brysen Wright electrified the home crowd with an 80-yard punt return for a touchdown, giving Mandarin a 7-0 lead with just two minutes remaining in the opening frame.
@bfye904 doesn't disappoint with a 75 yard punt return for a touchdown . @DuvalSports @biggameJames_36 7-0 Stangs pic.twitter.com/bR66wOi2Vz
— Strikeout Photography (@PaulSim5198139) September 12, 2025
That score would stand through a defensive-dominated first half, as Bradford struggled to generate offense while Mandarin’s front seven, led by Keisean Douglas and Kyree Wilson, kept constant pressure on the quarterback with 2 sacks.
The third quarter saw momentum shift briefly in Bradford’s favor after they recovered a Mandarin fumble deep in their own territory. However, Mandarin’s defense held strong, and the Mustangs quickly flipped the field. Quarterback Knox Annis connected with Wright on a long strike to move the ball to the Bradford 21-yard line, though the Tornadoes’ defense stood tall again.
Moments later, Annis and Wright broke through with the play of the night—a dazzling 85-yard touchdown connection that stretched Mandarin’s lead to 14-0. Wright finished the game with 146-yards receiving and a TD.
@bfye904 with a 90 yard touchdown reception from @KnoxAnnisqb Mandarin up 14-0 @DuvalSports @biggameJames_36 pic.twitter.com/tU876q6lm2
— Strikeout Photography (@PaulSim5198139) September 13, 2025
Bradford refused to quit, capitalizing on a late Mandarin turnover. Quarterback Cy Cubbedge set up a 19-yard touchdown pass to Kemontae Nixon, trimming the deficit to 14-7 with just over six minutes remaining.
But Mandarin’s offense responded with clock management, relying on Shaunqueze Foster Jr. and Malik Morrison to grind out tough first downs. Foster led Mandarin in rushing with 73 yards on the ground. A key reception by William Jones Jr. helped salt away the final minutes, and Foster’s powerful running sealed the win.
For Mandarin, Wright was the star again, finishing with two total touchdowns—one on special teams and another through the air. It is his second punt return for a touchdown this year. He has 9 touchdowns on the season in just four games. Annis threw for 244 yards, 1 TD with most coming on his deep strike to Wright.
The Mustang defense added two sacks and forced multiple turnovers. Wilson led the team with 14 tackles. Israel Ratliff had 9 tackles in the game. Brody Jennings also recorded an interception in back to back weeks. The 4-star Miami commit has 4 picks on the season.
The Mustangs avenged a loss to Bradford last year, and now turn their attentions toward IMG at home. Head Coach Toby Bullock and company look to avenge a 49-6 loss last year on the road. This time, they have them at home riding a four game winning streak.
IMG 3-star running back Le’Khy Thompkins (Louisville commit) leads the team with 352 yards rushing and 5 touchdowns. Also, 6’2, 205 pound freshman wide receiver Tre Garrett-Langston leads the team with 243 yards receiving catching passes from 5-star QB Jayden Wade.
They come into the contest 3-0 behind several ESPN 300 athletes including, Oklahoma commit DE Jake Kreul (6’3, 226lbs), USC commits OL Keenyi Pepe (6’7, 338lbs), and OL Breck Kolojay (6’6, 325lbs), Georgia commit, Safety Zechariah Fort, Indiana commit DT Cameron McHaney (6’1, 290lbs), and Florida commit guard G’Nivre Carr.
IMG Schedule & Results
| Date | Opponent | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 8/228:00p | @ Hoover (Hoover, AL)Location: Hoover High School | (W) 34 – 13 |
| 8/287:00p | @ Winslow Township (Atco, NJ)Game Details: Ocean City HS | (W) 35 – 14 |
| 9/133:00p | @ Coronado (Henderson, NV)Game Details: Saddleback College | (W) 79 – 6 |
Mandarin images by Strikeout Photography
