Week 10 offers important tests for Northeast Florida’s leading teams. Columbia, Raines, Bradford, St. Augustine, and Episcopal enter the week undefeated, but the schedule presents challenges that could reshape the rankings. Hilliard is also undefeated, and their impressive unblemished season at 8-0 continues against Cornerstone.
Mandarin’s matchup with Bartram Trail, Bradford’s showdown with Ed White, and Bolles’ trip to Jackson are among the games with the potential to create significant movement. As teams prepare for the postseason, every victory matters.
1. Columbia Tigers (8-0)
Columbia remains unbeaten after defeating Ed White 42-22 in Week 9. The impressive 20-point victory catapulted them to the #1 spot in the Top 25 this week. No other team in the Top 10 has beaten Ed White like that. not even Raines. The Tigers continue to establish themselves as one of Northeast Florida’s strongest teams. Columbia hosts Yulee this week, looking to protect its perfect record. Amari Green has been a key contributor in the passing game, while Kyren Caldwell and Jaylon Willis provide additional playmaking ability.
2. Raines Vikings (8-0)
Raines dominated Riverside 48-0 last week, continuing a strong season on both sides of the ball. The Vikings travel to Cocoa in Week 10. Quarterback Sa’mon Ellison-Morgan leads the offense, while running back TJ Williamson has scored 10 rushing touchdowns this season. Raines’ defense also features disruptive playmakers, including Troy Butler, Johdeem Jones, and Chenaniah Doran. They fall one spot, but only due to the most impressive win by a team this year so far in Columbia. Raines top to bottom is still arguably the best team in the area.
3. Bradford Tornadoes (9-0)
Bradford defeated University Christian 27-24 in a hard-fought Week 9 contest, extending its undefeated season to nine games. The Tornadoes host Ed White this week in a significant matchup. Quarterback Cy Cubbedge has accounted for 20 passing touchdowns and six rushing touchdowns. Running back Iyen Addison has rushed for 974 yards and 11 touchdowns, while receiver Kaidrin Jackson has scored nine touchdowns on 22 catches. We’ll see how they match up against another top opponent in Ed White this week.
4. St. Augustine Yellow Jackets (8-0)
St. Augustine continued its unbeaten run with a 52-8 victory over Orange Park. The Yellow Jackets welcome Fleming Island in Week 10. Their balanced attack and consistent performance have kept them among the area’s elite teams. Fleming Island will present another opportunity for St. Augustine to demonstrate its strength against a quality opponent.
5. Mandarin Mustangs (7-1)
Mandarin bounced back with a dominant 47-6 win over Beachside. The Mustangs face Bartram Trail in a key Week 10 matchup. Quarterback Knox Annis has thrown 16 touchdowns with three interceptions, while Shaunqueze Foster has rushed for 1,145 yards and 13 touchdowns. Receiver Brysen Wright has added 730 receiving yards and eight touchdowns.
6. Trinity Christian Conquerors (4-4)
Trinity Christian earned one of the biggest victories of Week 9, upsetting Bolles 20-17 in overtime. Hicks Zarah scored two rushing touchdowns, including the overtime winner, while Terel Dallas added a rushing touchdown. Za’Khari Greene made a major impact defensively with two interceptions. The Conquerors face Impact Christian in Week 10 as they look to build on their statement victory.
7. University Christian Christians (6-3)
University Christian suffered a narrow 27-24 loss to Bradford. Despite the defeat, the Christians remain a dangerous team with playmakers who can change a game. Jacoby Walker and Kyree Wilason have contributed to the offense, while the team looks to regroup during its Week 10 bye.
8. Bolles Bulldogs (5-2)
Bolles fell to Trinity Christian 20-17 in overtime after a competitive battle. Xander Edwards scored a rushing touchdown, and JC Wessel caught a touchdown pass from Luke Toland. Jaxon Flowers contributed on defense and special teams by blocking two field goals and forcing a fumble. The Bulldogs travel to Jackson in Week 10, giving them an opportunity to respond to last week’s setback.
9. Ed White Commanders (6-2)
Ed White lost to Columbia 42-22 in Week 9 and now faces another major test against undefeated Bradford. The Commanders have dangerous options in the backfield, including Vedo Jones, who has 808 rushing yards and seven touchdowns, and Rontrez Loyd, who has 944 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns. The offense will need a strong performance to challenge Bradford.
10. Nease Panthers (5-3)
Nease delivered an impressive 41-27 victory over Bartram Trail, improving its position heading into Week 10. The Panthers host Ponte Vedra in the Battle of the Bridge. Quarterback Aiden Phifer has recorded 14 passing touchdowns and four rushing touchdowns. Enrique Ordonez has rushed for 748 yards and three touchdowns, while tight end Chase Phifer has five receiving touchdowns.
11. Oakleaf Knights (4-4)
Oakleaf shut out Matanzas 28-0 in Week 9. The Knights now face a difficult road test against undefeated Buchholz. Oakleaf will need to sustain its defensive intensity and execute offensively to challenge one of the state’s top teams.
12. Bartram Trail Bears (6-2)
Bartram Trail lost to Nease 41-27 last week and now turns its attention to Mandarin. Quarterback Xander Camus has thrown for 1,542 yards and 16 touchdowns, while running back Blake Soares has produced 693 rushing yards and seven touchdowns. The Bears will need their offense to be productive against a Mandarin team coming off a dominant win.
13. Creekside Knights (6-2)
Creekside defeated Flagler Palm Coast 28-12 to maintain its winning momentum. The Knights host First Coast in Week 10. With an opportunity to add another victory, Creekside will look to stay consistent on both sides of the ball and strengthen its position heading toward the postseason.
14. Baker County Wildcats (6-2)
Baker County survived a close contest against Fort White, earning a 34-32 victory in Week 9. The Wildcats host Wakulla this week in another important matchup. After winning a game that required late execution, Baker County will look to tighten up defensively while continuing to produce points offensively.
15. Bishop Kenny Crusaders (4-4)
Bishop Kenny defeated Zarephath 45-6 in Week 9 and later earned a 49-21 win over NFEI when the teams completed a suspended game on October 19. The Crusaders travel to Parker in Week 10. Those victories give Bishop Kenny an opportunity to carry positive momentum into the next matchup.
16. Ponte Vedra Sharks (3-5)
Ponte Vedra picked up an important 40-31 victory over Fletcher. The Sharks now face Nease in the Battle of the Bridge. Running back Alex Winkles has contributed 10 total touchdowns, including six passing touchdowns, while quarterback Carter Sole and receivers Cade Turner and Trent Player give the offense additional options. Defensively, Mike Aker has recorded 12 tackles for loss and nine sacks, along with an interception.
17. Fletcher Senators (4-4)
Fletcher fell to Ponte Vedra 40-31 in Week 9. The Senators now look to rebound against Beachside. Fletcher will need to improve its defensive execution and find ways to finish drives as it works to get back into the win column.
18. Fleming Island Golden Eagles (4-4)
Fleming Island defeated Middleburg 31-19 last week and now faces undefeated St. Augustine. The Golden Eagles enter a challenging matchup against a team that has consistently produced points. Fleming Island will need a complete performance to threaten St. Augustine’s perfect record.
19. Jackson Tigers (7-1)
Jackson earned a 24-19 victory over West Nassau, adding another win to its impressive season. The Tigers host Bolles in Week 10. Quarterback Hans Price is one of the players to watch as Jackson prepares for a matchup against a Bolles team eager to respond after its overtime loss to Trinity Christian.
20. Clay Blue Devils (5-2)
Clay dominated Ridgeview 40-0 in Week 9. The Blue Devils face Middleburg this week and will look to continue their strong defensive form. A second straight victory would help Clay maintain momentum as the regular season progresses.
21. Yulee Hornets (5-3)
Yulee defeated Ribault 23-13 last week and now faces undefeated Columbia. The Hornets enter a difficult road environment against one of the area’s top-ranked teams. Yulee will need to limit mistakes and capitalize on scoring opportunities to compete.
22. Ribault Trojans (5-3)
Ribault lost to Yulee 23-13 in Week 9. The Trojans travel to Riverside this week with a chance to respond. Ribault will look to get its offense moving consistently and make the defensive stops needed to return to the winning column.
23. Episcopal Eagles (9-0)
Episcopal continued its undefeated season with a commanding 68-0 win over Eagle’s View. The Eagles host Fernandina Beach in Week 10. Quarterback Justice Turpin has thrown 25 touchdowns, running back Amir Allen has rushed for 712 yards and 14 touchdowns, and receiver Brayden Wessinger has 328 receiving yards and seven touchdowns. Episcopal’s high-powered offense makes it a serious contender as the playoffs approach.
24. Sandalwood Saints (5-3)
Sandalwood defeated First Coast 38-24 last week. The Saints travel to Tocoi Creek in Week 10, looking to extend their winning streak. Sandalwood will aim to maintain its offensive production while improving defensively against a Tocoi Creek team looking for a strong result of its own.
25. West Nassau Warriors (6-2-1)
West Nassau lost a close game to Jackson 24-19 in Week 9. The Warriors travel to Keystone Heights in Week 10. After a narrow defeat, West Nassau will look to rebound by improving its execution in key situations and finishing drives when scoring opportunities arise.
Five Week 10 Games to Watch
- Ed White at Bradford: Bradford looks to protect its undefeated record against a talented Ed White team.
- Bartram Trail at Mandarin: A major matchup between two teams with strong offensive playmakers.
- Bolles at Jackson: Jackson has an opportunity to hand Bolles another difficult result.
- Fleming Island at St. Augustine: The Golden Eagles face the challenge of taking down an unbeaten opponent.
- Ponte Vedra at Nease: The Battle of the Bridge brings added rivalry intensity to a crucial game.
