{"id":67256,"date":"2025-08-23T13:25:11","date_gmt":"2025-08-23T17:25:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.duvalsports.com\/?p=67256"},"modified":"2025-08-23T13:25:22","modified_gmt":"2025-08-23T17:25:22","slug":"nease-battles-for-the-win-in-battle-of-the-bridge-over-ponte-vedra","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.duvalsports.com\/?p=67256","title":{"rendered":"Nease Battles For The Win In &#8220;Battle Of The Bridge&#8221; Over Ponte Vedra"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Ponte Vedra- The 2025 high school football season opened with one of Northeast Florida&#8217;s most anticipated rivalries: the Nease Panthers against the Ponte Vedra Sharks. As neighbors and longtime foes, these two programs carry a competitive fire that makes every meeting electric, and Week 1 proved no different.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1015600893445815\"\n     crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script>\n<!-- Top Banner Ad -->\n<ins class=\"adsbygoogle\"\n     style=\"display:inline-block;width:728px;height:90px\"\n     data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1015600893445815\"\n     data-ad-slot=\"5209897134\"><\/ins>\n<script>\n     (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\n<\/script>\n\n\n\n<p><em>The &#8220;Battle for the Bridge&#8221; Series began in 2009, <strong>Nease<\/strong> won the inaugural meeting but <strong>Ponte<\/strong> <strong>Vedra<\/strong> won next 11 and now leads 12-3. <strong>Nease<\/strong> has won last two meetings and three of the last four<\/em>.- Corey Davis<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>From the opening kickoff, the atmosphere was charged. Both student sections were packed, trading chants and energy, setting the tone for a hard-fought contest. Nease came out fast, leaning on their offensive playmakers to strike early and build momentum. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1015600893445815\"\n     crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script>\n<ins class=\"adsbygoogle\"\n     style=\"display:block; text-align:center;\"\n     data-ad-layout=\"in-article\"\n     data-ad-format=\"fluid\"\n     data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1015600893445815\"\n     data-ad-slot=\"1168296494\"><\/ins>\n<script>\n     (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\n<\/script>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Junior RB Enrique Ordo\u00f1ez<\/strong> carried the load for Nease with <strong>194 yards on 18 carries<\/strong>, including a 48-yard touchdown burst that helped open the scoring. The Panthers showcased their balanced attack, mixing the run and pass to keep Ponte Vedra&#8217;s defense guessing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\"><p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Junior RB Enrique Ordo\u00f1ez (was a huge weapon on the offensive end and looking unstoppable against the defense) reflects on his preparation for the rivalry game and the environment. \u2066<a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/DuvalSports?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">@DuvalSports<\/a>\u2069 <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/aDsfREchA1\">pic.twitter.com\/aDsfREchA1<\/a><\/p>&mdash; Alijah Dyson (@AD_V1SIONS) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/AD_V1SIONS\/status\/1959093753479589955?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">August 23, 2025<\/a><\/blockquote> <script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script>\n\n\n\n<p>But rivalry games are rarely one-sided. Ponte Vedra responded with resilience, led by a disciplined defense and a quarterback who refused to let the Sharks fall behind. Quarterback <strong>Cole Rosendahl<\/strong> threw for <strong>339 yards and two touchdowns<\/strong>, and also rushed for two more scores. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1015600893445815\"\n     crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script>\n<ins class=\"adsbygoogle\"\n     style=\"display:block; text-align:center;\"\n     data-ad-layout=\"in-article\"\n     data-ad-format=\"fluid\"\n     data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1015600893445815\"\n     data-ad-slot=\"8472071445\"><\/ins>\n<script>\n     (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\n<\/script>\n\n\n\n<p>They answered Nease&#8217;s score with a sustained drive of their own, capping it off with a touchdown that reignited their fans and tied the game heading into the second quarter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-media-max-width=\"560\"><p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">QB for PV gains momentum for the Sharks for a rushing touchdown. PV- 7 NEASE-24 \u2066<a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/DuvalSports?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">@DuvalSports<\/a>\u2069 <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/CtKtRLigUh\">pic.twitter.com\/CtKtRLigUh<\/a><\/p>&mdash; Alijah Dyson (@AD_V1SIONS) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/AD_V1SIONS\/status\/1959057383314890834?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">August 23, 2025<\/a><\/blockquote> <script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script>\n\n\n\n<p>As the night went on, both teams traded blows. Nease&#8217;s offensive line fought to create holes in the run game, while Ponte Vedra&#8217;s secondary stepped up with timely stops to prevent big plays. Behind center, <strong>sophomore QB Aiden Phifer<\/strong> delivered a poised performance\u2014<strong>19-for-30 passing<\/strong>, <strong>261 yards<\/strong>, a rushing touchdown, and two passing TDs of <strong>33 and 30 yards<\/strong> to his cousin <strong>Chase Phifer<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1015600893445815\"\n     crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script>\n<!-- in article ad 3 -->\n<ins class=\"adsbygoogle\"\n     style=\"display:block\"\n     data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1015600893445815\"\n     data-ad-slot=\"5462764724\"\n     data-ad-format=\"auto\"\n     data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script>\n     (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\n<\/script>\n\n\n\n<p>Also stepping up, receiver <strong>Brayden Felder<\/strong> played a key role, helping sustain drives with clutch bubble screens, while <strong>Vernon Stephens<\/strong> hauled in the highlight TDs The second half became a true battle of wills. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\"><p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">WR Brayden Felder gains a couple of rushing yards to push the Panthers closer to the end zone late in the 4th. PV-28 NEASE-38 <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/WLo6GEpOnz\">pic.twitter.com\/WLo6GEpOnz<\/a><\/p>&mdash; Alijah Dyson (@AD_V1SIONS) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/AD_V1SIONS\/status\/1959091382276042754?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">August 23, 2025<\/a><\/blockquote> <script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script>\n\n\n\n<p>Nease looked to pull away with another touchdown midway through the third quarter, but Ponte Vedra quickly answered, proving they were ready for a four-quarter fight. 21 points in the second half.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p> The Sharks were held to <strong>minus-1 rushing yards<\/strong> as Nease&#8217;s front seven\u2014led by <strong>Jacob Curry<\/strong>, <strong>Noah Hodge<\/strong>, <strong>Kru Casey<\/strong>, and <strong>Devon Wentley<\/strong>\u2014dominated up front and recorded five sacks<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\"><p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">On 4th and goal Noah Hodge comes up with a clutch sack to keep the Panthers ahead in the game. PV-14 NEASE-38 <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/DuvalSports?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">@DuvalSports<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/PkiWkprQty\">pic.twitter.com\/PkiWkprQty<\/a><\/p>&mdash; Alijah Dyson (@AD_V1SIONS) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/AD_V1SIONS\/status\/1959090529943122303?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">August 23, 2025<\/a><\/blockquote> <script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script>\n\n\n\n<p>In the final minutes, Nease&#8217;s ability to control the clock and execute in key situations proved pivotal. The Panthers managed to secure a narrow lead and held firm defensively to stop Ponte Vedra&#8217;s last drive, sealing a dramatic Week 1 victory in front of a roaring crowd.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1015600893445815\"\n     crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script>\n<!-- sidebar square -->\n<ins class=\"adsbygoogle\"\n     style=\"display:block\"\n     data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1015600893445815\"\n     data-ad-slot=\"5301999110\"\n     data-ad-format=\"auto\"\n     data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script>\n     (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\n<\/script>\n\n\n\n<p>Nease and head coach Collin Drafts walked away with bragging rights as <strong>Aiden Phifer<\/strong> and <strong>Enrique Ordo\u00f1ez<\/strong> seized the spotlight in their varsity season debuts, combining for over <strong>450 yards of offense<\/strong> and multiple touchdowns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\"><p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Head Coach of NEASE Collin Drafts speaks about Coach of the Week for the Jaguars Foundation and what\u2019s next after the rivalry victory! \u2066<a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/DuvalSports?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">@DuvalSports<\/a>\u2069 <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/aVqMQJzURm\">pic.twitter.com\/aVqMQJzURm<\/a><\/p>&mdash; Alijah Dyson (@AD_V1SIONS) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/AD_V1SIONS\/status\/1959092372802879846?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">August 23, 2025<\/a><\/blockquote> <script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script>\n\n\n\n<p> Ponte Vedra showed grit and promise, setting the tone for a season where they&#8217;ll be a tough matchup for anyone. Nease, meanwhile, proved they could deliver under the spotlight, using this rivalry win as a springboard for the rest of their campaign.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Featured Image by Alijah Dyson<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1015600893445815\"\n     crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script>\n<ins class=\"adsbygoogle\"\n     style=\"display:block\"\n     data-ad-format=\"autorelaxed\"\n     data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1015600893445815\"\n     data-ad-slot=\"7447185841\"><\/ins>\n<script>\n     (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\n<\/script>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Ponte Vedra- The 2025 high school football season opened with one of Northeast Florida&#8217;s most anticipated rivalries: the Nease Panthers against the Ponte Vedra Sharks. As neighbors and longtime foes, these two programs carry a competitive fire that makes every meeting electric, and Week 1 proved no different. The &#8220;Battle for the Bridge&#8221; Series began [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":685,"featured_media":67257,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[7,1],"tags":[287,69,436,253,303],"class_list":["post-67256","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-high-school","category-top-stories","tag-football","tag-high-school-2","tag-nease","tag-ponte-vedra","tag-top-stories"],"aioseo_notices":[],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/www.duvalsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/IMG_1591_TIF-scaled.jpg","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.duvalsports.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/67256","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.duvalsports.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.duvalsports.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.duvalsports.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/685"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.duvalsports.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=67256"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/www.duvalsports.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/67256\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":67265,"href":"https:\/\/www.duvalsports.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/67256\/revisions\/67265"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.duvalsports.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/67257"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.duvalsports.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=67256"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.duvalsports.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=67256"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.duvalsports.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=67256"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}