Jacksonville Fl- It was a Friday night classic in Jacksonville as the Merritt Island Mustangs pulled up to Jacksonville’s Westside to take on the undefeated Ed White Commanders. Ed White came into the game averaging 55 points a game. They would need that against Merritt Island, who were 3-2 coming in with losses to powerhouse Cocoa 30-24 (OT) and Deland 57-51.
The turning point seemed to come midway through the final quarter. With seven minutes left, Ed White looked to be in control after Khaleb Mitchell sprinted past the Mustang secondary for a long touchdown, extending the Commanders’ lead to 49-33. The home crowd roared, and it felt as though the Commanders had iced the game.
Khaleb Mitchell with the long Touchdown for Ed White!!! They now lead Merritt Island 49-33, 7:00 @KhalebMitchell7 pic.twitter.com/PcEUwTkceN
— Duval Sports (@DuvalSports) September 27, 2025
But Merritt Island quarterback Kevin Verpaele had other plans. On the next possession, he found wide receiver Deshaun Thomas in the end zone for a touchdown. Then, in a clutch moment, Femi Howard Jr. toe-tapped the backline on the ensuing two-point conversion to cut the deficit to 49-41.
The TD! pic.twitter.com/fQURsSFg8e
— Duval Sports (@DuvalSports) September 27, 2025
Disaster struck for Ed White on their next drive. A fumble in their own territory gave Merritt Island a short field and new life. Verpaele immediately capitalized, launching a 40-yard strike to Donterrius Robinson. Suddenly, it was 49-47 with just three minutes left.
Verpaele with the TD to Donterrius Robinson!!! Wow! 49-47 @MerrittIslandFB can tie the game!! 4th 3:00 pic.twitter.com/Cu9PSGoH32
— Duval Sports (@DuvalSports) September 27, 2025
The Mustangs needed two points to tie. Under heavy pressure, Verpaele scrambled, dodging multiple defenders before rifling a pass back to Thomas, who secured the conversion. Just like that, Merritt Island had erased the deficit, and the scoreboard read 49-49 with 2:01 to play.
Merritt Island gets the 2-pt conversion! We are TIED 49-49, 4th 2:01 to play pic.twitter.com/35IZLuu0HZ
— Duval Sports (@DuvalSports) September 27, 2025
Ed White, which had leaned on its powerful ground game all night, went conservative with runs up the middle on the next possession. But the Mustangs’ defense, rejuvenated by the comeback, stuffed the Commanders and forced a punt.
With only 33 seconds remaining, Merritt Island had one last chance. Verpaele calmly completed two quick passes, one to Drew Sarver to move the ball down to the Ed White 26-yard line. That set up junior kicker Liam Miller for a 43-yard field goal attempt with the game on the line.
Chaos here at Ed White!! Neutral zone infraction by the defense pic.twitter.com/zblakjXUuo
— Duval Sports (@DuvalSports) September 27, 2025
The snap and hold were clean, and Miller’s kick sailed through the uprights. But the celebration was cut short — officials had blown the play dead for a neutral zone infraction. The penalty pushed the Mustangs closer, giving Miller another chance, this time from 38 yards.
Unfazed by the pressure or the moment, Miller drilled the kick straight down the middle as time expired. The Mustangs sideline exploded in celebration, and the scoreboard finalized the improbable comeback: Merritt Island 52, Ed White 49.
Liam Miller with Ice water in his veins!!! He hits the walk off field goal! @MerrittIslandFB wins 52-49 over Ed White! WOW! pic.twitter.com/2y97hsydgP
— Duval Sports (@DuvalSports) September 27, 2025
What started as a showcase for Ed White’s offensive firepower turned into a testament to Merritt Island’s resilience and Verpaele’s poise. The Mustangs not only rallied from two scores down late but did so with flawless execution in the game’s most critical moments.
2027 TE DeShaun Thomas @DeShaunT8 caught two 2-pt conversions a TD and a 4th down conversion from his QB Kevin Verpaele to set up the game winning FG tonight! Among Thomas offers are Marshall, Syracuse, FAU, FIU, Jax State, App State, Famu and more! pic.twitter.com/KQsUshvmuC
— Duval Sports (@DuvalSports) September 27, 2025
It was the kind of win that can define a season — and one Ed White will remember as the one that got away. The Commanders will look to regroup and refocus against Atlantic Coast next week. Merritt Island takes on Eau Gallie after a bye.
