St. Augustine- The St. Augustine Yellow Jackets once again proved why they’re the #1 team in the recent Duval Sports Power Rankings, defeating the Columbia Tigers 41-21 on Friday night.. With explosive plays from Brenton James and Somourian Wingo, combined with a suffocating defensive effort, the Jackets controlled the tempo from start to finish.
The game opened with fireworks. Just minutes into the first quarter, James launched a long pass to Wingo, who hauled it in before scoring on a quick-out route in the hurry-up offense. That put St. Augustine up 7-0 with 9:17 left in the quarter.
Somourian Wingo from Brenton James a long pass and then the hurry up quick out for the TD! 7-0, 1st 9:17 @_somourianwingo @BrentonJames_2 pic.twitter.com/DGrBbrVuNO
— Duval Sports (@DuvalSports) September 26, 2025
Columbia answered quickly, however, behind running back Jerome Horne, who powered in a touchdown to tie the game at 7 with 6:07 remaining. Xavier Collins hit Kyren Caldwell who got them in scoring position.
Jerome Horne Touchdown Columbia! 7-7 tied with St Augustine ,6:07 pic.twitter.com/RrTNmyTaXX
— Duval Sports (@DuvalSports) September 26, 2025
St. Augustine didn’t flinch. James responded with his second touchdown pass of the opening quarter, finding Caiden Smith for a score to regain the lead 14-7 at the 4:30 mark.
Caiden Smith TD St Augustine!! They go back up 14-7, 4:30,1st Brenton James @BrentonJames_2 2nd TD pass! pic.twitter.com/3KsTfACl7j
— Duval Sports (@DuvalSports) September 26, 2025
Then came the first of several highlight runs from Durell Preston, who broke free for his second long run of the half, this time a touchdown run , extending the Jackets’ lead to 21-7 with 8:45 left in the second quarter.
Durell Preston with his second long TD run of the night! St Augustine 21-7 over Columbia! 8:45, 2nd pic.twitter.com/txLv5YyvPo
— Duval Sports (@DuvalSports) September 26, 2025
The Tigers’ defense tightened midway through the period, led by linebacker Kameron Mills, who registered a sack and multiple stops. Columbia also got a key fumble recovery from Terry Henry, giving them possession deep in Jacket territory.
Kameron Mills @KAMERONMILLS14_ SACK!! He's having a great game for Columbia! Several tackles tonight! pic.twitter.com/PDdqbfsdvv
— Duval Sports (@DuvalSports) September 27, 2025
But St. Augustine’s defense, sparked by Brandon Whitfield Jr.’s sack, held firm, sending the game to halftime with the Jackets still up 21-7.
Brandon Whitfield Jr Sack! St Augustine's defense has been suffocating! They lead Columbia at the half 21-7! pic.twitter.com/J72qS2i4fy
— Duval Sports (@DuvalSports) September 27, 2025
Coming out of the locker room, James and Wingo picked up right where they left off. At 10:38 in the third quarter, James found his favorite target again over the middle, and Wingo raced 32 yards to the end zone for his second touchdown of the night, making it 28-7.
Columbia fought back behind quarterback Xavier Collins and wideout Kyren Caldwell. Caldwell, who finished with over 100 yards receiving, made several clutch catches to set up Horne’s second touchdown from the 1-yard line, trimming the margin to 28-14 with 6:58 left in the third.
But St. Augustine’s backfield had an answer. Nate Preston bulldozed his way through Columbia defenders on a 21-yard touchdown run, restoring the Jackets’ three-score cushion at 35-14 with 5:05 to go in the quarter.
The Tigers immediately struck back as Collins hit Caldwell deep for a 61-yard touchdown, electrifying the visiting crowd and narrowing the score to 35-21. Momentum seemed to swing Columbia’s way when Henry delivered a strip sack on James, setting up the Tigers in ideal field position.
But a missed opportunity followed when St. Augustine’s Ma’kari Spencer blocked a 35-yard field goal attempt. It was the second failed field goal for Columbia on the night. In a game against two Top 10 teams, every opportunity would count and cost.
From there, Wingo took over. The University of Miami commit capped his brilliant night with a 6-yard touchdown run out of the wildcat formation late in the third quarter, his third score of the game. He later added an interception to punctuate his dominance on both sides of the ball.
The final whistle sealed a 41-21 victory for St. Augustine, who improved their season record while showcasing depth, balance, and big-play talent. Columbia battled valiantly, highlighted by Caldwell’s breakout performance and Horne’s two touchdowns, but the Jackets’ star power proved too much.
St. Augustine (6-0) goes on a bye next week before taking on Clay. Columbia (5-1) hosts Manatee next week.
