This week there are key matchups that can add to the strength of schedule and wins that determine playoff positions. Oakleaf visits Ed White, Creekside visits Raines, and Trinity hosts Lincoln. As the regular season nears it’s end, teams make their last lunges for the playoffs.
1. St. Augustine 7-0
St. Augustine stayed atop the pile behind another dominant outing: a 56–7 romp at Clay on Oct. 10. RB Durell Preston torched the Blue Devils for 94 rushing yards and two rushing TDs, plus 68 receiving yards and a receiving TD, while QB Brenton James efficiently finished with 144 yards and four touchdown passes (11 throws). That balance — a power running game plus explosive passing — keeps the Jackets No. 1.
2. Raines 6-0
Raines kept rolling through mid-October with another two wins in the span and a balanced attack. On Oct. 10 the Vikings beat Madison County 27–14, and earlier in the window they’d posted postseason-quality shutouts; QB TJ (Timothy) Cole continues to be electric both throwing and rushing (season totals and recent game lines show him among the area leaders), while Tadarius Washington, Ethan Sherman and Ziyon Butler provide game-breaking playmaking on the ground and through the air. Raines’ defense led by Shareef Jackson also kept opponents off the scoreboard repeatedly.
3. Bolles 7-1
Bolles made a statement on Oct. 10 with a 48–0 win over Andrew Jackson. The Bulldogs’ ground game and opportunistic defense control time of possession; earlier in October RB Xander Edwards produced huge rushing outputs (season highlight games), and Bolles’ front can take over games. Their 44-14 win over Riverside Thursday saw Edwards rush for 3 TDs and Naeem Burroughs scored on a touchdown reception from quarterback Jaden Weatherly and punt return. Their dominance pushed the Bulldogs further into the Top-3.
4. Mandarin 7-1
Mandarin continued to punch through defenses this window. The Mustangs beat Fletcher on Oct. 10 and earlier downed Rockledge (Oct. 3) where Brysen Wright exploded for a career-high 156 receiving yards and a TD, and Kyree Wilson chipped in a 100-yard, two-TD night. Wright’s big plays and Tramell Jones Jr.’s QB leadership keep Mandarin dangerous.
5. Bradford 7-1
Bradford carried momentum with a 28–7 win (Oct. 10 vs. Newberry) and continued to showcase a physical defense and efficient running attack. Cy Cubbedge threw 3 touchdowns to Kemontae Nixon who had 114 yards receiving to go with those 3 TDs vs Newberry. Iyen Addison rushed for 137 yards and a TD. The Tornadoes’ defensive work — including multiple stops and scoreboard-changing special teams — has been a main reason they’re inside the Top-6.
6. Nease 5-2
Nease edged Bartram Trail 10–0 on Oct. 10 in a defensive, field-position battle. Jacob Curry led the team with 4 sacks and 15 tackles. The Panthers’ stingy defense and timely offense continue to keep them in the upper half of the Top-10; they’re the kind of team that can grind out wins in hostile environments.
7. Columbia (Lake City) 7-1
Columbia dominated on Oct. 10 with a 44–0 victory over Ridgeview, a statement shutout that highlighted the Tigers’ ability to control tempo and flip field position. Quarterback Xavier Collins threw for 269 yards and 3 touchdowns. Columbia’s defense clamped down and the offense found multiple scoring avenues, keeping them securely in the Top-10.
8. Oakleaf 6-1
Oakleaf stayed hot with a 24–0 win over First Coast on Oct. 10 and entered the week set for a top-10 clash at Ed White (10/17). The Knights’ front seven has been disruptive all season, creating negative plays and turnovers that set up short fields for the offense.
9. Ed White 6-1
Ed White posted a convincing 49–6 win over Sandalwood on Oct. 10 after earlier high-scoring affairs. The Commanders’ offense — led by dynamic playmakers like King Boylston (dual-threat) — can pile up points quickly; their Oct. 10 blowout was a reminder of their ceiling when the O-line opens lanes and the passing game connects.
10. Beachside 5-1
Beachside closed the window with an eye-catching 45–14 win over Tocoi Creek (Oct. 3, Varsity-4 Game of the Week), as Vincent Galella and the Barracudas’ ground attack produced the late runs that pulled the game away. Special-team play and a productive run game give Beachside enough firepower to hold the final Top-10 spot heading into district play.
Best of the Rest
Ponte Vedra (5-2), University Christian (5-3), Yulee (7-0), Creekside (4-4), Fleming Island (3-3)
