Northeast Florida Augutst/September 2019 Edition

Presented by:

MORE THAN A GAME

AUG/SEPT 2019

PRESEASON ITG Next | 1

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We are Jacksonville’s Orthopaedic Institute Sports medicine provider for:

Episcopal School of Jacksonville

Atlantic Coast High School

Bishop Kenny High School

Bishop John J. Snyder High School

joi.net

The Bolles School

Paxon School for Advanced Studies

Fernandina Beach High School

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Outfitting Teams Since 1997

WE ARE YOUR TEAM SPORTS EXPERTS

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Who's Next?

ITG Next Friday night lights are coming.

Are you ready? Do you have what it takes?

Are you In the Game?

Anna Limoges EDITOR

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Ridgeview Panthers 61

Columbia Tigers 42

Bartram Trail Bears 24

DeLand Bulldogs 25

Flagler Palm Coast Bulldogs 25

Mandarin Mustangs 26

Allen D. Nease Panthers 27

Oakleaf Knights 29

Spruce Creek Hawks

Englewood Rams 42

Robert E. Lee Generals

William M. Raines Vikings 62

Terry Parker Braves 64

Stanton Blue Devils

43

65

Matanzas Pirates

Suwannee Bulldogs

45

Middleburg Broncos 46

Ponte Vedra Sharks 47

St. Augustine Yellow Jackets 49

30

65

Yulee Hornets 68

Westside Wolverines

Duncan U. Fletcher Senators 36

First Coast Buccaneers 37

Fleming Island Eagles 38

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Wolfson Wolfpack 85

Interlachen Rams 85

Fort White Indians 86

Edward H. White Commanders

Providence Stallions

70

86

87

88

53

35

84

Trinity Christian Academy Conquerors Bishop Kenny Crusaders

Creekside Knights

Episcopal Eagles

Baldwin Indians

31

33

83

69

Sandalwood Saints

Atlantic Coast Stingrays

Andrew Jackson Tigers

Baker Co. Wildcats 54

Clay Blue Devils 55

Orange Park Raiders 56

Paxon Eagles 59

Jean Ribault Trojans 59

Pedro Menendez Falcons 60

Bolles Bulldogs 75

Fernandina Beach Pirates 76

Palatka Panthers 77

Bradford Tornadoes 80

Keystone Heights Indians 80

West Nassau Warriors 81

University Christian Christians 92

Eagle’s View Warriors 93

Christ’s Church Academy Eagles 110

Crescent City Raiders 97

Hamilton Co. Trojans 99

Duval Charter Panthers 111

Joshua Christian Academy Eagles 111

Hilliard Red Flashes Madison Co. Cowboys Union Co. Tigers 100

Jacksonville Jaguars 16 Atlanta Falcons 19

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100

Extended Content

Camden Co. Wildcats 112

Miami Dolphins 22 Tampa Bay Buccaneers 23

Charlton Co. Indians 113

Florida State University Seminoles 40 Old Plank Christian Academy Defenders 106

University of Florida Gators 41 Frederica Academy Knights 114

University of Georgia Bulldogs 50 Valdosta State University Blazers 51 Miami Hurricanes 71

St. Johns Country Day Spartans

Project 17

St. Joseph Academy Flashes

Preventing Common Football Injuries

107

108

15

66 109

Cedar Creek Saints

Jacksonville University Dolphins 95

57

Top 10 High School Recruits of 2020 Bishop Snyder Cardinals

University of Central Florida Knights 72

Top 10 Players in Florida 101

Top 10 Northeast Florida Games to Watch 78

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Football is back, and we at ITG Next could not be more excited! We bring you the most comprehensive high school football previews from across Northeast Florida. Inside this issue, you’ll find your school, the area’s top athletes, and the best games to watch this season.

For more football-related content, check out our Preseason Extended Edition, available only online at itgnext.com. Catch our TV show Saturdays on The CW and Sundays at 4 p.m. on WJXT. Follow our newest Instagram account, @itgnext. florida, to get exclusive Northeast Forida content.

Do you know someone who #LivesInTheGame and has a story worth sharing? Head to our website to nominate them to be featured in our next issue!

And we’re not just looking for athletes. You can #LiveInTheGame in all areas of life, and we want to help those people tell their stories too.

Contributors Publisher Mark Dykes Editor Anna Limoges Graphics Mandy Douthit Annabelle Scott Cover Photography Marque Milla Reese Milla Creationz Photography Player Profile Photography Allen Allnoch Feature Photography Kendra Ehrenberg Allen Allnoch Eric Vinson Aaron Musgrove Garrison Muelhausen Feature Writers Phil Jones Brent Beaird Nathan Dean Kyle Grondin

WANT MORE FOOTBALL? We have you covered.

2019 Preseason - Extended Edition only available online at

Copy Editors Anna Limoges Cody Gatts

itgnext.com

Advertising/Marketing Mark Dykes mark@itgnext.com Website Manager Mandy Douthit

If you’re in search of great stories, we have the answer. itgnext.com features apparel, stories from the magazine, and much more all at your finger tips. You can even submit your story ideas to us!

Tell us what you thought about the June/July issue of ITG Next! info@itgnext.com

ITG Next is published bi-monthly. The contents of this publication may not be reproduced in part or in full without written consent from the publisher. M&S makes no representation or warranty of any kind for accuracy of content. All advertisements are assumed by the publisher to be correct. Copyright 2019 M&S. All rights reserved. ISSN 1945-1458

@ITGNext ITG Next | 11

THE BALL IS IN YOUR COURT. In our youth sports programs, kids and teens have the opportunity to develop their skills, grow in character and reach their full potential. Register for our recreational and competitive youth basketball and volleyball leagues and don’t wait to take your shot.

S I G N U P O N L I N E AT

FCYMCA.org

T E E N A N D FA M I LY M E M B E R S H I P S A RE AVA I L A B L E .

Members save up to 50% on all programs including sports, camp and swim lessons.

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Your child’s very own ERs! 24/7 Pediatric Emergency Care at 4 Locations

In an emergency, minutes count. That’s why it’s good to know there’s a Wolfson Children’s Emergency Center close to you.

Learn more at wolfsonchildrens.org/ER.

4 locations: 1 Main Hospital 800 Prudential Drive, Jacksonville, Florida 904.202.2000

2

Baptist/Wolfson Children’s Emergency at Town Center 4085 Town Center Parkway, Jacksonville, Florida 904.202.6800

3

Baptist Clay Medical Campus 1771 Baptist Clay Drive, Fleming Island, Florida (Intersection of U.S. 17 & Village Square Parkway)

904.516.1000

4

Baptist North Medical Campus 11250 Baptist Health Drive, Jacksonville, Florida (Intersection of Dunn Avenue & I-295)

904.202.6905 ITG Next | 13

Contributors

Kendra Ehrenberg Video Coordinator

aNNA Limoges

As a Pine Mountain, Georgia, native, Mandy’s move to Valdosta has brought enhanced artistry and intricacy to the ITG design team. The University of West Georgia alum graduated with a Bachelors of Fine Arts in art with a concentration in graphic design. Her artistic nature has allowed her to use graphic design to win national and international design competitions, all of which are meant to serve as diversions and coping mechanisms for Alabama’s loss in the National Championship.

A native of Tampa, Florida, Kendra is a recent graduate of the University of North Florida (Swoop!). Playing soccer most of her life, she is excited to work for a company that highlights student athletes. She is currently living her dream of combining her love of sports and journalism into one career. When Kendra's not busy crying over the Bolts' loss to the Caps last year, she is a dog mom to her sweet pup Sandy.

After four years as an interdisciplinary studies major at Valdosta State University and three semesters as an ITG intern, Anna has remained a member of the team as Editor. Since her start in early 2016, she has devoted her editorial eye and organizational prowess to the ITG team. More importantly, although she claims to be a fan of the New Orleans Saints, there is fortunately no other sign of such irrational fandom.

Halie Rash Marketing Coordinator

Drew Pipkin Account Executive

Phil Jones

Jeff Elliott

Contributing Writer

Contributing Writer

Born and raised in Jacksonville, Florida, Halie Rash is a graduate of the University of North Florida, with a degree in communications with an emphasis in public relations. Right after graduation, Halie jumped into the realm of marketing and is excited about her time here with ITG Next as the Marketing Coordinator. A lover of her hometown, Halie is excited to bring light to some amazing local stories here in Jacksonville.

Born and raised in South Georgia, Andrew attended Valdosta State University where he obtained a degree in marketing and business. He is passionate about sports, especially high school football (Go Cats!). Andrew’s focus is to develop and cultivate relationships with businesses all around South Georgia. Like so many other Georgia Bulldogs fans, his hopes of a national championship increase every year, but in the end they are just long lost dreams.

Phil Jones began lending his voice to ITG Next in 2017. He serves as a radio station manager and host of two daily radio shows: “The Phil Jones Show” on WJHC Talk 107.4 and “The Afternoon Sports Drive” on WJEM AM-FM and on WJHC FM. Jones is a 20year veteran of the newspaper business, serving as manager of marketing and distribution for newspapers in Tifton, Albany, and Atlanta. He was recognized by the Georgia Press Association as “Georgia’s Top Newspaper Circulator” in 2003.

After graduating from Michigan State University, Jeff Elliott worked at the Big Ten Conference office for 20 years, the last 17 years as the director of public relations. He moved to Jacksonville in 1990 and became editor of Jacksonville Sport magazine for four years and then was a sports writer and TV columnist for the Times-Union for 14 years. He is currently a correspondent with the Associated Press covering all Jaguars and Florida Gators home football games.

Annabelle Scott

Cody Gatts

Kyle Grondin

Nathan Dean

Graphic Design Intern

Copy Edit Intern

Journalism Intern

Journalism Intern

Annabelle Scott is senior public relations major at Valdosta State University. She is originally from Live Oak, Florida, and is currently pursuing her passion for strategic design as an intern at ITG Next. She is a competitor at heart and is always working to set and exceed her life goals. A Georgia fan by marriage, Annabelle can be found on any given Saturday in the fall quietly reading a book while her husband, Aaron, cheers on them Dawgs.

Cody is a senior at Valdosta State University and is majoring in language arts with a minor in journalism. He is engaged to his gorgeous fiancée, Diana; has a furry Pomeranian daughter named Cocoa; and loves reading books from any genre. He is currently writing a novel and hopes to have many more to come! He moved to Valdosta when he was 14 and went through Pine Grove Middle School and Lowndes High School, ultimately ending up at VSU.

Kyle is a senior at Valdosta State University working toward a Bachelor of Arts in English with a track in journalism. He transferred to Valdosta with his wife from UCF and hopes to become a world class sports journalist. Most days, Kyle is taking his dog, Stella, for walks or playing sports at the local gym. Kyle is a big-time UCF Knight fan, so you know he’s willing to claim himself the national champion of everything with little evidence supporting his cause.

A native of Middleburg, Florida, and a graduating Communications and Sport Management student from the University of North Florida, Nathan has been striving to work in sports media for many years. He started interning for ITG Next in May 2019 to help cover local sporting events in the Northeast Florida area and co-host the weekly ITG Next show.

Mark Dykes

Mandy Douthit

Chief Executive Officer

Creative Director

Founder Mark Dykes is the entrepreneur and mastermind behind the ITG Next vision. Back in 2007, Mark set out to create a company that captured the passion, intensity, and unrivaled commitment toward high school athletics in the South Georgia area. Today, that vision has become a reality, and he continues to be the leading influence in what lies ahead for ITG Next, despite his annual prediction that UGA will win the National Championship.

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editor

Project 17 Written by: Tammie Talley Photography courtesy of Tammie Talley

Project 17 is an initiative to staff all 17 Duval County public high schools with full-time, certified athletic trainers.

It has been a vision of community partners like Wolfson Children’s Hospital, Nemours Children’s Specialty Care, and Brooks Rehabilitation along with DCPS for over 30 years. This initiative begins with interviewing athletic trainers who are looking to pursue a higher education while gaining valuable experience working in our schools with the athletic department.

The Goals and Benefits of Project 17:

• Increased awareness of injury prevention. (keeping kids in the game!)

• Reduced injury rates for all high school sports • Promote emergency action plans for sudden cardiac arrest and other sports-related injuries.

• Early recognition and management of sports-related concussions • On-site medical supervision of all sporting events • Prevent death from exertional heat stroke and reduce heat-related injury.

• Reduced days missed from school due to sports injury • Increased participation rates due to safer conditions • Highly trained medical professionals working together with school officials to keep kids safe • Community collaboration to promote physical activity, competition, and best practices for injury prevention Two years ago, we interviewed a candidate who was a familiar name to DCPS. As a former student who attended Paxon School for Advanced Studies, Amber Harrell is a dedicated young professional who for the past two years has served as the Project 17 athletic trainer at Ed White High School. She has recently completed her master’s degree in kinesiological sciences through Jacksonville University as a part of Project 17.

Harrell will now continue her athletic training role as a DCPS full-time employee. As the school’s first full-time athletic trainer, she will be a valuable member of the staff and community, applying her expert healthcare skills in an effort to promote a safe experience for Commander athletes.

Harrell has earned the respect, confidence, and support of Bachir Saoudher, athletic director; the entire coaching staff; and Traci Battest, school principal.

“Parent and athletes appreciate her for the knowledge and calm demeanor she has while addressing any health concern,” said Jim Mackie, an athletic training veteran and mentor. “She has brought positive changes to Ed White High School through access and availability. She has implemented sports safety education and rehearsed safety procedures with her coaches. She is proud of her facility improvements, which will allow her to treat both male and female athletes.

Here’s the conversation I had with Amber about her time at Ed White and with Project 17: Tammie Talley: Describe your time in high school playing sports.

Amber Harrell: I am a proud product of the Duval County public school system. I

attended Paxon School for Advanced Studies where I played basketball, soccer, and flag football. During my time at Paxon, I had the opportunity to be a part of a back-to-back district champion basketball team, a gateway conference soccer team, and an all-gateway conference flag football team. I was awarded the WJXT Channel 4 High School AllStar Award, the 1010 XL Radio Scholar Athlete of the Week, and the Eagle Pride Award.

TT: What sparked your interest in the field of sports medicine?

AH: I always wanted to be a part of the medical field and loved sports, so this profession

was perfect for me. During my undergrad years at Florida State University, I took an introduction into athletic training class that allowed me to observe the different athletic teams and get to know the sports medicine staff. Through this experience, I knew I wanted to be a certified athletic trainer.

TT: When and why did you decide to apply for the Project 17 position?

AH: I was searching for the perfect graduate assistantship my senior year of undergrad,

and I came across the Project 17 certified athletic trainer program. I applied for the position because it was a great opportunity for me to come back and serve the community of student-athletes in Jacksonville. It is critical to have an athletic trainer in the high school setting, and I was excited for the momentum in Duval County to make this happen. From my personal experience, I know injuries happen, and the need for someone medically trained and on-staff at the school is critical.

TT: How was the experience?

AH: I have experienced both the good and bad of athletic training over the past two

years. I have been able to make some great relationships along the way. The relationship I have built with my athletic director is one of the best and has definitely made my experience a lot easier. However, change does not happen overnight. Initially, I had some compliance issues from coaches, parents, and even athletes; but with persistence and support, I was able to overcome this challenge.

TT: What are your goals as a full-time athletic trainer?

AH: It is my mission as an athletic trainer to prevent injuries. This translates to a reduced

overall injury rate for our school and our district. I intend to keep working to provide a safer experience for all athletes at Edward H. White Academy of Leadership. For the upcoming athletic year, I plan to expand what I have begun by incorporating time for athletes who require injury rehabilitation by expanding my hours at school as well as working with Dr. Read to host a weekly injury clinic and, certainly, continue advocacy for overall sports injury awareness. It is my goal to have healthier athletes playing the sports they love.

We are excited to welcome Amber Harrell to the Duval County team and look forward to the great program she is building at Ed White High School.

“In addition, Amber works with her team physician, Dr. Jason Read of Nemours Children’s Specialty Care, to provide direct access for Ed White athletes and families. Amber is a great and loyal addition to our Northeast Florida sports medicine community.”

ITG Next | 15

Written by: Kyle Grondin

Jacksonville

Jaguars The Jacksonville Jaguars will be looking to resemble their 2017 season rather than their 2018 season. Injuries to the offensive line and Leonard Fournette caused the Jags to struggle through a 5-11 season.

But they’ve now hit the reset button on that tumultuous 2018 season, and with Nick Foles now at quarterback, Jaguars fans have cause for optimism again. The schedule makes the outlook tougher, as the division is stronger with the Texans and Colts looking competitive, as well as tough games against the Chiefs, Saints, Chargers, and Falcons.

The defense was still great last year, but the regression was expected as they dropped to the fifth best defense in the NFL. First round pick Josh Allen will help the pass rush, but questions remain at safety and their ability to stop the run. With the holes in the defense, cornerback Jalen Ramsey has to be a Defensive Player of the Year caliber player for this defense to truly become special again.

On offense, Foles is a step up from Blake Bortles, but the concern is that you’re going to get the average regular season Nick Foles rather than the Super Bowl Nick Foles. The offense still seems overly reliant on Fournette, who has yet to stay healthy for a full season and only averaged 3.3 yards per carry when on the field.

The talent is evident, but the finished product will leave a lot to be desired.

PREDICTION: 4-12, 4th in AFC South

2018 STATS Team Leaders 2,718 Yds Passing

Blake Bortles

571 Yds Rushing

Carlos Hyde Dede Westbrook

717 Yds Receiving 100 Tackles

Telvin Smith Jalen Ramsey

3 Interceptions

5-11 4th

overall record division place AFC south

points allowed

316

points scored

245

tiaa bank stadium

67,164

2019 STATS Head Coach: Doug Marrone Years with team: 4 Record with team: 16-18

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Players to watch DJ Clark Leonard Fournette

WR RB

What is the most memorable moment of your sports career?

When I scored my first touchdown in Pop Warner.

Who is your biggest athletic inspiration?

Jalen Ramsey because he plays the same position as me.

DEREK BERMUDEZ CORNERBACK & FREE SAFETY SANDALWOOD SAINTS

ITG Next | 17

HERE TO HELP LIFE GO RIGHT

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Gene Coleman

10900 Lem Turner Road Jacksonville, FL 32218 904-764-4139

Wellington Hawkins

Craig Dewhurst

315 W Town Pl Suite 4 St Augustine, FL 32092 904-940-9740

Jim Love

2801 Saint Johns Bluff Rd S. Suite 3 Jacksonville, FL 32246 904-646-0107

2730 College Street Jacksonville, FL 32205 904-384-5000

Chris Nickas

Michael Tauzel

9542 Argyle Forest Blvd Suite 12 Jacksonville, FL 32222 904-854-4700

13170 Atlantic Blvd Suite 58 Jacksonville, FL 32225 904-425-4100

Danny Dupree

510 Airport Center Dr, Suite 103 Jacksonville, FL 32218 904-757-8450

Ray Moore

109 New Berlin Road Jacksonville, FL 32218 904-751-6643

Randy Taylor

3041-1 Monument Rd Jacksonville, FL 32225 904-642-2400

Written by: Kyle Grondin

atlanta

falcons Cratered by injuries on defense last season, the Atlanta Falcons couldn’t continue their playoff streak, finishing 7-9 on the season.

On offense, the Falcons are absolutely loaded, with the best receiving duo in the league in Julio Jones and Calvin Ridley, as well as tight end Austin Hooper and Devonta Freeman, giving Matt Ryan plenty of pieces to work with. However, despite being sixth in the NFL in total yards, the Falcons were only 10th in the league in points scored. A lot of eyes will be on offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian if they struggle to score points like they did last season.

The recurring theme with the Falcons seems to be their struggling defense, which has been outside the top 20 for four years in a row, but this group has a chance to be special. Finally healthy and with talent at all three levels, the Falcons should fly around the ball on defense, led by Keanu Neal and Desmond Trufant in the secondary.

Overall, the Falcons may be one of the most talented teams in football, but this coaching staff is on the hot seat. Dan Quinn came to Atlanta as a defensive specialist, but since he’s been head coach, he hasn’t improved the defense, and Sarkisian has paled in comparison to the great Kyle Shanahan years as offensive coordinator. With a tough schedule and little change to the formula, I think the Falcons may be the odd one out in the NFC South.

2018 STATS Team Leaders Matt Ryan

4,924 Yds Passing 800 Yds Rushing

Tevin Coleman

1,677 Yds Receiving

Julio Jones

94 Tackles

De’Vondre Campbell Damontae Kazee

7-9 2nd

7 Interceptions

overall record division place NFC south

points allowed

423

points scored

414

mercedes-benz stadium

80,000

PREDICTION: 8-8, 3rd in NFC South

2019 STATS Head Coach: Dan Quinn Years with team: 4 Record with team: 36-28

Players to watch Julio Jones Matt Ryan

WR QB

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itgnext.com

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ITG Next | 21

Written by: Nathan Dean

miami

dolphins The Miami Dolphins made a big splash during the 2019 NFL Draft when they traded their 2019 second-round pick, 62nd overall, to the Arizona Cardinals in exchange for second-year quarterback Josh Rosen and a 2020 fifth-round pick.

The Dolphins were ranked as one of the worst offenses in the National Football League in 2018, but they’re looking to change that with Rosen. Miami hired former New England Patriots linebackers coach Brian Flores to help turn things around after firing former head coach Adam Gase.

Miami will have a brand new look offensively as all their offensive leaders are no longer with the team. After spending seven seasons with the Dolphins, quarterback Ryan Tannehill was traded to the Tennessee Titans. Running back Frank Gore and wide receiver Danny Amendola have both moved on as well.

After selecting Clemson defensive tackle Christian Wilkins with the 13th overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, the Dolphins are expected to be a young and hungry team to compete with the AFC. There will be new faces on both sides of the ball and on the sidelines, but Miami hopes to improve and return to being one of the best teams in the league.

2018 STATS Team Leaders 1,979 Yds Passing

Ryan Tannehill

722 Yds Rushing

Frank Gore Danny Amendola

79 Tackles

Kiko Alonso Xavien Howard

7-9 2nd

575 Yds Receiving

7 Interceptions

overall record division place AFC east

points allowed

433

points scored

319

hard rock stadium

65,326

2019 STATS Head Coach: Brian Flores First year as team’s head coach

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Players to watch Josh Rosen DeVante Parker

QB WR

Written by: Nathan Dean

TAMPA BAY

BUCCANEERS The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have missed the playoffs every season since 2007. After finishing last in the NFC South with a 5-11 record and firing former head coach Dirk Koetter, the Bucs brought former Arizona Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians out of retirement in hopes of seeing this playoff drought finally come to an end.

The Buccaneers’ success this season weighs heavily on quarterback Jameis Winston. Since entering the league as the first overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft, Winston has struggled to lead the Buccaneers offense and has had double-digit interceptions every season. Arians praised Winston and believes he can return to his winning ways, like when he led Florida State University to a National Championship victory and won the Heisman in 2013.

In the 2019 NFL Draft, the Buccaneers focused on building younger talent to help improve what has been one of the worst defenses in the last couple of years. In 2018, Tampa Bay was ranked 31st in total defense, ahead of only the Oakland Raiders. Six of the eight players selected by the Bucs in this year’s draft were defensive players.

The Buccaneers will look to make a run for the NFC South and make the playoffs for the first time since 2007.

2018 STATS Team Leaders Jameis Winston

2,992 Yds Passing

Peyton Barber

871 Yds Rushing

Mike Evans Lavonte David Andrew Adams

5-11 4th

1,524 Yds Receiving 94 Tackles 4 Interceptions

overall record division place NFC south

points allowed

464

points scored

396

raymond james stadium

65,890

2019 STATS Head Coach: Bruce Arians First years as team’s head coach

Players to watch Devin White Mike Evans

LB WR

ITG Next | 23

1-8A District 1 2018 STATS Points Allowed: 316 Points Scored: 459 Region Record: 3-1 Overall Record: 8-3

Team Leaders Chad Dodson

1,265 Yds Passing

Devin Ellison

1,168 Yds Rushing 504 Yds Receiving

Griffin Helm AJ Jones III

16 Touchdowns

Trevez Johnson

3 Interceptions Photography by: ITG Next

2019 Returning Starters Defense: 6 Offense: 4

Players to watch Dominick Fields Jackson Mayer Tre’Vez Johnson Chad Dodson

DB TE CB QB

Written by: Nathan Dean

Head Coach: Darrell Sutherland

Bartram Trail has some of the best talent on the football field in all of Northeast Florida. The 2018 season for the Bears allowed them to build chemistry, grow as a team, and learn not to take any game for granted.

After missing the playoffs last year with a 7-3 record, Bartram Trail has their eyes set on a perfect season and are taking things one play at a time.

“The mindset is to win a state championship,” Tre’Vez Johnson, senior cornerback, said. “The plan is to go 10-0 and have no reason not to be (in the playoffs) this year.”

Johnson is one of the key players to watch for the Bears this season. After he finishes his final

Years at school: 17 Record at school: 98-67

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AUG Lee

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Bartram Trail Bears

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11

year of high school football, Johnson heads off to Gainesville to play for the Florida Gators.

Senior quarterback Chad Dodson returns to the field this year after a season-ending knee injury in 2018. Dodson said he is excited to lead his team to bigger success for his final year with Bartram Trail.

“The thing that excites me most for 2019 is getting to play with a different group of guys,” Dodson said. “Every team is unique and has their own strengths and weaknesses. I can’t wait to play with this team and form friendships that will last a lifetime.”

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SEPT

SEPT

SEPT

OCT

OCT

OCT

OCT

NOV

Creekside

Mandarin

@ St. Augustine

@ Ponte Vedra

Nease

@ Oakleaf

@ Sandalwood

Raines

1-8A District 2 The good news for DeLand head coach Steve Allen is that his defense will have almost every starter back from last year’s 8-3 team.

Nine experienced defenders are ready to line it up on Friday nights this season. There is some real talent on that side of the ball, led by standout free safety Avantae Williams. He is considered to be the No. 43 player in the entire country, and most recruiting services have him listed as the No. 2 free safety prospect.

Joining Williams in the defensive backfield is cornerback Ben Knox. Other returning de-

fenders for the 2019 Bulldogs include linebackers Ty Woulard, Matt Moore, and Ian Schoenwetter. Defensive lineman Danny Brown will be back this year too.

On offense, DeLand will miss last year’s Offensive Player of the Year and starting quarterback Dionte Marks. However, Allen said athlete Leon Rolle will take most of the snaps from returning center Daelon Burns this season. Running back Keyonta Alexander returns this season.

Allen and DeLand hosted a spring jamboree in May, with Eastside High and Atlantic High

attending. Each team played the other two teams for one half.

With the talent returning, Allen has every reason to sound optimistic.

“We expect to compete for our district championship this year,” he said. “But, our schedule has seven playoff teams from 2018.”

2018 STATS Region Record: 2-2 Overall Record: 8-3

DeLand Bulldogs

Points Allowed: 209 Points Scored: 298

2019 Players to watch

Head Coach: Steve Allen

Avantae Williams Ben Knox

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AUG

@ Mainland

FS CB

6

Years at school: 3 Record at school: 10-10

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20

Written by: Phil Jones

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4

18

11

25

1

SEPT

SEPT

SEPT

SEPT

OCT

OCT

OCT

OCT

Nov

@ Mandarin

Seminole

Deltona

Spruce Creek

@ Viera

@ West Port

University

Flagler Palm Coast

Seabreeze

1-8A District 2

2018 STATS

Flagler Palm Coast Bulldogs

Points Allowed: 183 Points Scored: 314

Region Record: 2-2 Overall Record: 7-4

2019

Written by: Nathan Dean

Head Coach: Travis Roland

Players to watch

Years at school: 3 Record at school: 17-5

Donovan Montoyo Tyquarious Jenkins

QB RB

The Bulldogs had a bright future for the 2018 season after starting out 7-1. But after three straight losses to finish the season, Flagler Palm Coast finished the year with a 7-4 record and a desire to finish off much stronger in the new season.

Flagler definitely has the talent to succeed this year, especially on the offensive side of the ball. The Bulldogs had a strong run game in 2018 and hope to bring that back this season. In their final three losses, two of them were single-digit losses to DeLand and Mandarin. Flagler showed in those losses that they can hang with some of the best teams in the state of Florida; it just becomes a focus on finishing.

The Bulldogs are not scheduled to get revenge against Mandarin or Winter Park, but they will have a chance to reclaim victory over Seminole and DeLand.

It’ll be an exciting season for the Bulldogs as they look to make a run for the playoffs this year and create a big turnaround.

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13

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27

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AUG

SEPT

SEPT

SEPT

SEPT

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OCT

OCT

NOV

Clay

@ St. Augustine

@ Spruce Creek

Fletcher

@ University

Seminole

West Port

@ DeLand

Hagerty

ITG Next | 25

Mandarin Mustangs

1-8A District 1

Written by: Phil Jones

2018 STATS The Mustangs are coming off one of the most stunning turnaround seasons of any First Coast school in recent history. After finishing the 2017 season with a 2-8 record, Mandarin bounced back in 2018 to capture the Class 8A state championship. That was the first title in school history in any sport.

Heading into this season, third-year head coach Bobby Ramsey will try to keep the momentum of last year’s magical season going, but it won’t be easy. Ramsey will be forced to replace 18 seniors, all of whom were major contributors last year. That will leave four returning starters, and Ramsey will need the talent and leadership qualities of each player this season.

The only two starters returning on offense are Florida’s Mr. Football and Georgia Bulldog commit Carson Beck, whose skills at quarterback last season were a key reason for Mandarin’s turnaround, and offensive lineman Garrett Tower. On defense, the returners are linebacker Travis Moss and free safety Jerome Jolly.

Ramsey and staff will miss Demario Douglas, one of a handful of players who started on both sides of the ball last year at running back and defensive back. His performance in the state championship game is credited as one of the main reasons for the Mustang’s 37-35 victory over Columbus High School of Miami. Douglas came up with a key interception and scored four touchdowns in the championship game victory.

23

AUG Atlantic Coast

26 | itgnext.com

30

6

13

Points 329 Allowed

462 Scored

Season record 11-4 4-0 Overall Region

Photography by: ITG Next

Team Leaders Carson Beck Terrell Jennings Demario Douglas

3,546 Yds Passing 749 Yds Rushing 1,382 Yds Receiving

Demario Douglas

18 Touchdowns

Demario Douglas

8 Interceptions

2019 Players to watch

Carson Beck Garrett Tower

Travis Moss OLB/MLB Jerome Jolly FS

QB C/G

Head Coach: Bobby Ramsay

Returning Starters

Years at school: 3 Record at school: 14-12

Offense: 2

20

27

11

18

25

Defense: 2

31

AUG

SEPT

SEPT

SEPT

SEPT

OCT

OCT

OCT

OCT

@ Ribault

DeLand

@ Bartram Trail

@ Lee

Nease

Oakleaf

@ Sandalwood

@ Ed White

Fletcher

1-8A District 1 2018 STATS Points Allowed: 319 Points Scored: 192 Region Record: 3-1 Overall Record: 3-8

2019 Players to watch Joe Bradshaw RB/CB Dequan Thompson Jr FS Nick Thoresen DE/T Joe Nieves QB Kyle Bazler DE/TE Image courtesy of pontevedrarecorder.com The Panthers have struggled immensely the last couple of years, leading to a head coaching change for the 2019 season. Nease’s new head coach is former arena football quarterback Collin Drafts. Drafts has some familiarity with Jacksonville, as he played with the Jacksonville Sharks in 2012.

Drafts looks to begin the process early of turning things around for the Panthers.

“Momentum is definitely important in football,” Drafts said. “If we can get off to a hot start, it can potentially propel us further. We’ve got great discipline and leadership on this team with 27 returning seniors. I want to create a foundation here at Nease

to build these guys up together as better men and better individuals.”

The 2018 Panthers fell far from their goals set before the season. Nease allowed 58 more points to their opponents, scored 141 fewer points, and won two fewer games in 2018 compared to 2017.

With Drafts, Nease looks to motivate their players to turn their football program back toward their winning ways.

“We’ve already forgotten about last season,” Drafts said. “My job is to make these guys better every day and stay patient with the process.”

Head Coach: Collin Drafts First year at school

Class of 2019

Allen D. Nease Panthers

Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductees Champ Bailey Cornerback

Tony Gonzalez Tight End

23

AUG @ Ponte Vedra

30

6

Pat Bowlen

Kevin Mawae

Ed Reed Safety

Johnny Robinson Safety

Owner

Center

Gil Brandt

Ty Law

Contributor

Cornerback

13

20

27

Written by: Nathan Dean

11

18

25

1

AUG

SEPT

SEPT

SEPT

SEPT

OCT

OCT

OCT

NOV

Creekside

University

Sandalwood

@ Yulee

@ Mandarin

@ Bartram Trail

St. Augustine

Oakleaf

@ Atlantic Coast

Craig Dewhurst

315 W Town Place Suite 4 World Golf Village St Augustine, FL 32092-3105

Phone: 904-940-9740 Office Hours: Mon-Fri 9:00am to 5:00pm Evenings & Weekend by Appt.

ITG Next | 27

2019 SEASON TICKETS ON SALE NOW

PURCHASE SEASON TICKETS

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FREE KIDS TICKETS

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10TH ANNIVERSARY OF SHARKS FOOTBALL

CALL 904.621.0700

1-8A District 1 2018 STATS Points Allowed: 410 Points Scored: 435 Region Record: 3-1 Overall Record: 5-6

Team Leaders Walter Simmons III

2,187 Yds Passing

Keshawn King

2,017 Yds Rushing

Sean Washington

862 Yds Receiving 32 Touchdowns

Keshawn King Kenny Thomas Omarh Toliver Marcus Anthony Chrystian Sellers

Image courtesy of tallahassee.com

are Darrell Livingston, Omarh Toliver, and Trey Thomas. The safeties are Chrystian Sellers and Donavan Thomas, who has numerous scholarship offers and more than a 4.0 GPA. Kicking duties belong to Damian Rogers, who is an accomplished soccer player.

The brutal Class 8A district schedule includes Sandalwood and defending state champ Mandarin.

This is a team that will challenge for the playoffs this year (with 27 seniors) and in the coming years with large 2021 and ‘22 classes stacked with potential.

Oakleaf football coach Frank Garis returns eight starters on offense and eight on defense to one of the most talented teams in Northeast Florida.

Quarterback Walter Simmons III returns for his third year as a starter. Garis said Simmons has improved his maturity and reading of defenses.

Although there is no way to replace stalwart running back Keshawn King, who will play for Virginia Tech, Adrian Gray and Kevin Davis have shown they can be complete backs.

Three starters – Terrance Anthony, Sean Washington, and Antonio Marshall – return at receiver. All three complement each other with various skill sets.

Jalen Rivers, a verbal commitment to Miami, is among four starters returning on the offensive line along with James Gerrity, Seger McKisick, and Jason Mitchell. Garis said this unit is known for its aggressiveness and intelligence.

The defensive line is anchored by Chantz Williams, another promising Knight prospect. He is joined by Josh Murrell, Deon Briggs, Lamon Robertson, and GerJuan Brown. Garis plays as many as 10 players on the line to develop depth.

Linebackers are Marcus Anthony, Korei Sheppard, and Jordan Randall. Cornerbacks

23

AUG

@ Orange Park

30

6

1 Interception

2019 Returning Starters Defense: 8 Offense: 8

Players to watch Walter Simmons III Jalen Rivers Chantz Williams Darrell Livingston

QB T DE CB

Head Coach: Frank Garis

Oakleaf Knights

Years at school: 2 Record at school: 5-6

Written by: Brent Beaird

13

20

27

11

18

25

1

AUG

SEPT

SEPT

SEPT

SEPT

OCT

OCT

OCT

NOV

Columbia

@ Ridgeview

Gainsville

Ed White

@ Sandalwood

Mandarin

Bartram Trail

@ Nease

@ Clay

Chris Nickas 9542 Argyle Forest Blvd Suite 12 Jacksonville, FL 32222-2826 Phone: 904-854-4700 Office Hours: Mon-Fri 8:30am to 5:00pm After Hours by Appointment

ITG Next | 29

Spruce Creek Hawks

1-8A District 2

2019 STATS Players to watch Marvin Scott III Nick Christiano

RB/FB QB

Head Coach: Andy Price Years at school: 2 Record at school: 5-5

Written by: Kyle Grondin

Spruce Creek looks to find a little more consistency in the 2019 season. After finishing 5-5, head coach Andy Price will look to take another step forward as they return a strong roster that will look to compete in 8A. The Hawks start and end with Marvin Scott III. The three-star recruit finished last season 1,226 yards and 16 touchdowns despite dealing with multiple injuries throughout the season. He has garnered attention from multiple Division I schools, and the expectations for his output will be sky high this season.

In addition to Scott, quarterback Nick Christiano returns some stability under center, and the offensive line is led by center Robby Menello, who was an All-Area First Team player last season. This offense will be able to put up points this season.

Spruce Creek really improved over the last season, as they almost beat the eventual state champions Mandarin and finished the season on a two-game winning streak.

They’ll look to take that momentum and ride Scott’s rushing attack into 2019, as they could be a sleeper team in the region.

23

AUG

Seabreeze

6

SEPT Hialeah-Miami Lakes

13

SEPT

20

SEPT

Flagler @ New Smyrna Palm Coast Beach

27

4

11

18

25

1

SEPT

OCT

OCT

OCT

OCT

NOV

@ DeLand

@ Key West

@ University

Semiole

@ West Port

Oviedo

i t g n ex t.com

Sandalwood Saints

1-8A District 1

Written by: Phil Jones

2018 STATS Points 161 316 Allowed Scored

Because of the new playoff system implemented by the FHSAA last year, the Sandalwood Saints missed the playoffs despite a 7-3 record.

Coach Adam Geis isn’t worried too much about that – and for good reason. He’s got a ton of talent returning this year, which will be his 17th year as the head man at Sandalwood.

Among the seven returning starters on offense will be a couple of Florida State University commits. Quarterback Jeff Sims and defensive back Derek Bermudez are headed to the Seminoles when they’re done at Sandalwood. For the upcoming season, Geis will count on the two to lead their respective sides of the Saints.

Sims will have a couple of targets to look for this year in tight end Cornelius Forrest and wideout Javonte Kinsey. According to Geis, Forrest is a “late bloomer” who will also play some fullback and tailback. Kinsey will be a big play threat for the Saints in 2019. He has already received several offers.

Brandon Jennings is a 6-foot-4, 220-pound rock of a player who will anchor things in the middle of the Sandalwood defense.

Geis hasn’t had a losing season in his prior 16 years at Sandalwood, but he isn’t resting on his past success in preparing for this season.

“We’re going to take it game to game,” Geis said. “We will prepare and treat every game as if it’s our championship game. We’re going to make that week’s game the only one to worry about – because it is.”

Season record 7-3 2-2 Overall Region

2019

Photography by: ITG Next

Players to watch

Jeff Sims Derek Bermudez

QB DB

Cornelius Forrest Javonte Kinsey

TE WR

Head Coach: Adam geis

Returning Starters

Years at school: 17 Record at school: 104-58

Offense: 7

RIVALRY GAMES: SEC LSU vs. Auburn Oct. 26, 2019

23

AUG @ Terry Parker

Clemson vs. South Carolina Nov. 30, 2019

30

6

Tennessee vs. Vanderbilt Nov. 30, 2019

13

20

27

4

18

25

AUG

SEPT

SEPT

SEPT

SEPT

OCT

OCT

OCT

@ Fletcher

Vanguard

@ Nease

Ribault

Oakleaf

@ Raines

Mandarin

Bartram Trail

Wellington Hawkins 2801 Saint Johns Bluff Rd S Ste 3 Jacksonville, FL 32246-3743 Phone: 904-646-0107 Office Hours: Mon-Thur 9am-6pm Fri 9am-5pm and Sat 9am-1pm

ITG Next | 31

What is the most memorable moment of your sports career?

My most memorable moment was when we played against Lee High School on a Saturday morning game where I had a one-handed catch, lefthanded, in the back of the end zone. That was one of the greatest catches that I feel like I’ve ever made.

It was so real because I was really trying to catch it with two hands. And when I was going, the ball was higher, so my left hand just went higher than my right, and I just made a catch for my team. I made the right play, and I got my feet in bounds.

TYREE SAUNDERS 32 | itgnext.com

WIDE RECEIVER & CORNERBACK FIRST COAST BUCCANEERS

1-7A District 2 2018 STATS Points Allowed: 337 Points Scored: 188 Region Record: 0-4 Overall Record: 3-7

Team Leaders Bubba Wohlgemuth

1,122 Yds Passing

Joshua Coffey

407 Yds Rushing

Patrick Bryant II

635 Yds Receiving

Patrick Bryant II

6 Touchdowns

Jordyn Williams

3 Interceptions

Image courtesy of jacksonville.com

2019

Atlantic Coast Stingrays

Returning Starters Defense: 8 Offense: 6

Players to watch Patrick Bryant Ridge Jacobs Zach Crawford Jordyn Williams

Written by: Phil Jones

Atlantic Coast High School has promoted linebackers coach and defensive coordinator Mike Montemayor to the head coaching slot. The upcoming season will be Montemayor’s first ever as a head coach, and while the new responsibility of being the head guy may take some getting used to, he’ll be in familiar surroundings. He has been with the Stingrays for the past four seasons.

Montemayor has five starters returning on offense, led by receiver Patrick Bryant. The 6-foot-3 receiver had a great sophomore season in 2018, hauling in 40 receptions, five of which were for touchdowns. He’ll be catching passes from junior quarterback Ridge Jacobs, who has transferred in from University Christian.

23

AUG

Mandarin

30

6

On defense, Atlantic Coast returns six starters, led by senior defensive lineman Zach Crawford, who will also see time at fullback this season. Junior Desmond Evans will return at safety this season, along with junior Jordyn Williams, who will see time at cornerback.

The Stingrays finished 3-7 last season, and despite the new coach preaching the fundamentals, don’t expect to hear any plans about starting over.

“I don’t believe in a rebuild,” Montemayor said. “Our goal is to get better now and host or be a part of a playoff game for the first time in school history.”

13

20

27

11

WR QB DT/T CB

Head Coach: Mike Montemayor First year at school

17

25

31

AUG

SEPT

SEPT

SEPT

SEPT

OCT

OCT

OCT

OCT

@ Bishop Kenny

@ Ed White

Buchholz

Terry Parker

@ Fletcher

Creekside

@ First Coast

@ Fleming Island

Nease

ITG Next | 33

Nominate Male & Female Athlete of the Year

Submit your nominations to nefl@itgnext.com

34 | itgnext.com

Creekside Knights

1-7A District 2

Written by: Nathan Dean

2018 STATS Points 340 317 Allowed Scored Season record 4-6 0-4 Overall Region

Image courtesy of chs.stjohns.k12.fl.us

Team Leaders Tai Lavatai

1,150 Yds Passing 245 Yds Rushing 417 Yds Receiving

Tai Lavatai Jack Goodrich Tai Lavatai

5 Touchdowns

2019 Players to watch

Quinn Sieger Shane Calhoun Jalen Hines Jack Goodrich

23

AUG Ribault

30

QB TE RB WR

6

Head Coach: Sean McIntyre Years at school: 3 Record at school: 9-12

13

20

27

When the 2018 season began, the future looked bright for the Creekside Knights. Five games into the season, the Knights were 4-1 and getting ready for district competition. That is when things came crashing down to an 0-5 finish to the season, concluding a disappointing 4-6 year for Creekside.

As the Knights switch out their armor to prepare for their battles in 2019, coach Sean McIntyre and his team will need to motivate themselves to not get ahead on their record and focus on one game at a time. Creekside begins their season against a hungry Ribault team that is looking to improve off of their 5-6 season a year ago. The Knights will also have good competition this year against Bartram Trail, Bolles, Fleming Island, Fletcher, Bucholz, and Ponte Vedra.

Creekside will have to rely on new leaders, such as senior wide receiver turned quarterback Quinn Sieger, who played well in the 2019 spring game against Clay. Sieger threw for almost 250 yards and helped the Knights beat the Blue Devils 28-17. One of the biggest faces on the team is senior tight end Shane Calhoun, who has received over 25 offers from Football Bowl Subdivision college programs. The Knights show strides of being a powerful team in 2019.

11

18

24

1

AUG

SEPT

SEPT

SEPT

SEPT

OCT

OCT

OCT

NOV

@ Nease

@ Bartram Trail

First Coast

Bolles

Flemming Island

@ Atlantic Coast

@ Fletcher

@ Buchholz

Ponte Vedra

ITG Next | 35

Duncan U. Fletcher Senators

1-7A District 2

Written by: Phil Jones

2018 STATS Points

As head coach Kevin Brown begins his fourth season at the helm of the Senators, he’s hoping that his team getting a taste of playoff football for the first time since 2014 will carry over into this season. Even though Brown’s squad lost to Columbia High School and coach Brian Allen last year in the first round of the state playoffs, Brown knows that he can use the experience as a motivator.

The Senators will have to replace some big time talent from a year ago, including safety Jaylen Mitchell, whose interception in the regular season finale against Mandarin helped put his team in the postseason. Mitchell wound up with three interceptions returned for touchdowns last season, with a total of 10 picks on the year. Mitchell was recognized as the top defensive player in the First Coast area by several media outlets.

Also lost to graduation is standout wide receiver Jeremiah Payton, who signed with the University of Miami.

Returning to hopefully lead the Senators to a second consecutive playoff appearance is quarterback Devon Lingle. He’ll have practically every starting offensive lineman from a year ago back in 2019. Brown said this group of linemen are strong, with every member bench pressing over 300 pounds.

“They’ve been working hard in the weight room,” Brown said.

Junior running back Myles Montgomery will return in 2019. That gives the Senators a solid core of returners and contributors from last season. That may just be the right formula for Brown if his team can make the playoffs.

23

30

AUG

@ Bishop Kenny

13

167 Allowed

Season record 7-4 2-2 Overall Region

Image courtesy of vuhoops.com

2019 Players to watch

Devon Lingle Myles Montgomery

Head Coach: Kevin Brown

QB RB

Years at school: 4 Record at school: 21-10

Rivalry Games: SEC Auburn vs. Georgia Nov. 16, 2019

20

27

Florida vs. Florida State Nov. 30, 2019

11

18

25

Arkansas vs. Ole Miss Sept. 7, 2019

1

AUG

SEPT

SEPT

SEPT

OCT

OCT

OCT

NOV

Sandalwood

@ Flemming Island

@ Flagler Palm Coast

Atlantic Coast

@Buchholz

Creekside

First Coast

@ Mandarin

Randy Taylor 3041-1 Monument Road Jacksonville, FL 32225-5711 Phone: 904-642-2400 Office Hours: Mon-Fri 9:00am to 5:00pm Evenings & Saturday by Appt

36 | itgnext.com

286 Scored

1-7A District 2 2018 STATS Points Allowed: 160 Points Scored: 217 Region Record: 1-3 Overall Record: 4-5

2019 Players to watch Larry Edwards Tyree Saunders

QB WR

Head Coach: Marty Lee Years at school: 14 Record at school: 114-48

Photography by: ITG Next

First Coast Buccaneers

It seems like forever since First Coast High School has made it to the playoffs. That was actually in 2014, when the Bucs lost only one game while finishing with 12 victories. Since then, First Coast has been trying to find their way back to postseason play, and a solid effort last season may be a sign of better times to come.

Even though they finished with a 4-5 record in 2018, head coach Marty Lee said there were some encouraging signs in several games last year.

“We had some big games last year,” he said.

“We defeated Baker County (a 13-0 shutout victory), and there were two close losses to Columbia and Lee where we really battled.”

The coach and his staff will have two playmakers back this year to lead the Buccaneers. Sophomore quarterback Larry Edwards returns to lead the offense. He played as a true freshman last season, so being another year older will help him continue to manage the offense.

Back this season will be Edwards’ favorite target: wide receiver Tyree Saunders. The Central Florida commit had 13 touchdown catches a year ago, and his ability to stretch the field should provide First Coast with many scoring opportunities this season.

First Coast has been dedicated to the weight room in the offseason, and the results are showing, as they have over 20 players bench-pressing 300 pounds or more.

Image courtesy of jacksonville.com

23

AUG

Ed White

30

6

13

20

27

11

18

25

1

AUG

SEPT

SEPT

SEPT

SEPT

OCT

OCT

OCT

NOV

@ Terry Parker

Heritage

@ Creekside

University Christian

Buchholz

Flemming Island

Atlantic Coast

@ Fletcher

Andrew Jackson

Ray Moore 109 New Berlin Road Jacksonville, FL 32218-3821 Phone: 904-751-6643

ITG Next | 37

Fleming Island Golden Eagles

1-7A District 2

Written by: Brent Beaird

2018 STATS The Fleming Island football team is determined to rebound from a 6-4 record last year that included two losses by totals of 12 points.

Four starters return on defense, and four starters return on defense.

Quarterback Dean Hyams is set to take the next step in his maturation. Coach Damenyum Springs said Hyams has improved his leadership and accuracy.

Springs believes running backs Kaleb Seybolt and Timmy Thomas should have successful seasons.

The receiver position has many question marks. Broden Domenico will be a deep threat again. Darius Harris, who has been offered by FAU; Kaleb Seybolt; and Isaiah Blair are in the mix at receiver.

Springs said the offensive line will be a work in progress for the first several games. Bennett Corey will anchor the line at left tackle along with Evan Sheets, Thomas Waters, and Rodarius Hendrickson.

One of the major goals of preseason is to fix the defense after allowing nearly 40 points per game last year.

The defensive line consists of Grant Bisbee, Zach Little, Jeremiah Jackson, and Josh Arp. Zach Payne, a two-year starter and a captain; Deonte Domineck; and Shaq Magwood are three solid senior linebackers.

Springs said the secondary could be the best in his four years as head coach. Harris and Blair are the cornerbacks. The safeties are Courtney Williams and Devin Grind.

Springs said an underclassman may have to step up at kicker.

23

AUG Clay

30

13

297 Allowed

331 Scored

Season record 6-4 1-3 Overall Region Image courtesy of palmcoastobserver.com

2019 Players to watch Kaleb Seybolt Timmy Thomas

RB RB

Deonte Domineck Shaq Magwood

MLB FS/SS

Head Coach: Damenyum Springs

Returning Starters

Years at school: 4 Record at school: 23-10

Offense: 4 Defense: 4

Rivalry Games: SEC Alabama vs. Auburn Nov. 30, 2019

20

27

Georgia Tech vs. Georgia Nov. 30, 2019

11

18

Ole Miss vs. Mississippi Nov. 28, 2019

25

1

AUG

SEPT

SEPT

SEPT

SEPT

OCT

OCT

OCT

NOV

Lake Minneola

@ Palatka

Fletcher

@ Ridgeview

@ Creekside

@ First Coast

Buchholz

Atlantic Coast

Orange Park

2018

MWC Team Leaders 38 | itgnext.com

6

Points

Passing

Rushing

Receiving

Tackles

Sacks

Interceptions

Cole McDonald 3,875 Yds QB

Alexander Mattison 1,415 Yds RB

Preston Williams 1,345 Yds WR

David Woodwards 134 LB

Tipa Galeai 10 DE/LB

Aaron Wade 4 S

ITG Next | 39

Written by: Kyle Grondin

florida state

seminoles 40 years. That was how long it had been since Florida State had a losing season. Willie Taggart’s first year probably couldn’t have gone any worse than that.

Fans hope for, or rather expect, a bounce back season for the Seminoles.

FSU’s strength was in its defense, which was pretty good last year, and still has a lot of talent on the side. Defensive tackle Marvin Wilson and safety Jaiden Lars-Woodbey have the look of future NFL pros, and they finished with the 37th best defense in the country despite having a lot of youth on the roster. They should be even better next season, but the biggest issue with the defense was the offense setting up to fail time and time again.

Quarterback James Blackman showed significant improvement by the end of the season, including a four-touchdown performance against North Carolina State. His development and new offensive coordinator Kendal Briles should produce an improvement in the offense from day one. The Seminoles will be better, but fans want more than better from Taggart and company.

PREDICTION: 6-6, Bowl Eligible

2018 STATS

Team Leaders Deondre Francois Cam Akers Nyqwan Murray Cam Akers Tamorrion Terry Stanford Samuels III

2,731 Yds Passing 706 Yds Rushing 744 Yds Receiving 8 Touchdowns 4 Interceptions

Head Coach Willie Taggart Years at school: 2 Record at school: 5-7

3-5conference record 5-7overall record

points allowed

378

doak campbell stadium

points scored

2019 STATS

79,560

263

Players to watch James Blackman Tamorrion Terry

QB WR

Written by: Kyle Grondin

florida

gators One year into the Dan Mullen era, the University of Florida has a lot of reason for optimism. Fans are eager for what’s next after their Peach Bowl victory against Michigan.

This season will come down to the continued development of quarterback Felipe Franks. While he put together a solid year last year, throwing for 24 touchdowns to only six interceptions, fans will be quick to call for Emory Jones if it seems like Franks can’t get them over the hump. Mullen continues to work his magic in grooming quarterbacks, but with all the talent returning on offense, anything short of a superb season from Franks isn’t going to cut it.

The Gators lost several key contributors on defense, including three of their top four leading tacklers. But a combination of a top 10 recruiting class in the country and transfers has this defensive line loaded with pass rushers, as they should have one of the strongest groups in the country. Expect this team to get after the quarterback every down.

Gator fans should expect progress, but this season could come down to two games: Oct. 12 at LSU and the Nov. 2 game against UGA in Jacksonville. This team will be competitive in both, but I don’t think very good will be good enough against the elite.

PREDICTION: 10-2, New Year’s Six bowl game

2018 STATS Team Leaders Feleipe Franks

2457 Yds Passing

Lamical Perine

826 Yds Rushing

Van Jefferson

503 Yds Receiving

Lamical Perine

8 Touchdowns

Chauncey Gardner

4 Interceptions

Head Coach: Dan Mullen Years at school: 2 Record at school: 10-3

5-3

conference record

points allowed

10-3overall record

2019 STATS

260

ben hill griffin stadium

points scored

88,548

455

Players to watch Feleipe Franks Van Jefferson

QB WR

1-6A District 2

Columbia Tigers

2019 STATS Players to watch Jordan Smith Marquez Bell

Head Coach: Brian Allen QB Years at school: 8 WR Record at school: 73-21

Written by: Phil Jones

The Columbia Tigers went up against the team considered by many to be the top high school football program in the country, IMG Academy of Bradenton, in a preseason scrimmage before last season’s opener. Columbia flexed their muscles, defeating the famed school 33-20. The win gave Columbia confidence heading into the regular season, and they finished with 10 wins. However, the Tigers were upset by Lee High School, a team they had defeated earlier in the regular season, in the second round of the playoffs.

Heading into 2019, head coach Brian Allen is excited about the team he’s got behind him.

“We are very optimistic,” said Allen, who begins his ninth season at the Lake City school.

One look at the Tigers roster and you can see why Allen is feeling so positive about his squad

23

AUG

Trinity Christian

30

13

27

4

11

this year. With a total of seven offensive starters returning, Columbia has some real fire power.

Starting quarterback senior Jordan Smith returns. Although the three-star QB injured his ankle in the regional semifinal loss versus Lee last season, Allen said his signal caller is 100 percent ready to go this season. Smith has committed to the University of South Florida.

Another highly recruited skill position player returning for Columbia this year is receiver Marquez Bell, who will no doubt become the No. 1 target for Smith, especially with the departure of T.J. Jones to Penn State.

“We’ve been working on developing our offensive line,” Allen said. “They have improved greatly this offseason.”

25

1

AUG

SEPT

SEPT

OCT

OCT

OCT

NOV

@ Oakleaf

Pine Forest

@ Gainesville

@ Madison County

@ Lee

@ Middleburg

North Marion

1-6A District 3 After winning their first game last season – a 12-6 victory over Paxon – the Rams fell on hard times en route to a 1-9 finish in 2018. Despite the lack of wins, head coach J.D. Stalvey is expecting bigger and better things from his Rams football team this season.

“I fully expect this team to take the next step to not only compete, but to win some games,” Stalvey said.

He’ll have a total of 12 starters returning this season, with five on offense and seven on defense. The Rams will have some explosive skill position players back in 2019, including receivers Chivas Parrish, Jahquez Shaw, and Braulio Ponce De Leon. In addition to playing receiver on offense, De Leon, Parrish, and Shaw will also assume defensive back duties. Also returning is running back Jordan Mitchell, who will see time at linebacker too.

Stalvey has been impressed with the team’s effort so far during the offseason.

“We have come together as a team with much better leadership than last year,” he said.

Englewood Rams

2019 Players to watch Chivas Parrish Jordan Mitchell

23

AUG Paxon

42 | itgnext.com

Head Coach: JD Stalvey WR/DB RB/LB

30

Year at school: 4 Record at school: 5-28

13

20

27

Written by: Phil Jones

4

11

17

25

31

AUG

SEPT

SEPT

SEPT

OCT

OCT

OCT

OCT

OCT

Westside

@ Episcopal

Middleburg

@ St. Augustine

Menendez

@ Ponte Vedra

Andrew Jackson

@ Matanzas

Wolfson

Robert E. Lee Generals

1-6A District 2

Written by: Phil Jones

2018 STATS Points 219 365 Allowed Scored Season record 10-2 3-1 Overall Region Image courtesy of jacksonville.com

Team Leaders Cameron Sapp Tahveon Nicholson Tahveon Nicholson

2,327 Yds Passing 355 Yds Rushing 721 Yds Receiving

Tahveon Nicholson

16 Touchdowns

Jaheim Singletary

7 Interceptions

2019 Players to watch

Ralph Mency Jaheim Singletary

TE WR

Cobie Bates Johnathon Robinson

Head Coach: OJ Small

Returning Starters

Years at school: 8

Offense: 4

23

AUG

@ Bartram Trail

30

7

13

WR DE

Defense: 5

20

27

The Lee Generals are regarded as one of the First Coast’s most consistently winning programs.

Since 2015, the Generals have racked up 31 wins and have been in contention for a state title, which has so far eluded the them. Could this be the year that they change that?

Head coach O.J. Small will have four returning starters on offense and five on defense. Small said he’ll also have to get contributions from some players without that experience.

“We have a lot of youth on the team, so certain players will have to grow up fast,” Small said.

The returners include tight end Ralph Mency, wide receivers Jaheim Singletary and Cobie Bates, running back Kevonte Doles, linemen Jevan Laws and Carl Flowers, and defensive end Johnathon Robinson.

Small admitted that he’ll have to look at some of the younger players to replace graduated players Jurial Cladwell, Cameron Sapp, Tahveon Nicholson, Trevor James, Jacob Olds, and Logan Davis. Small does feel that, despite the losses, the group he has now is pretty special.

“As long as these guys continue to progress, the season is looking promising,” he said. “I expect us to compete for every game while doing what we’ve coached them to do.”

11

17

25

31

AUG

SEPT

SEPT

SEPT

SEPT

OCT

OCT

OCT

OCT

@ West Nassau

Raines

@ Ribault

@ Mandarin

Middleburg

Columbia

@ Trinity Christian

@ Gainsville

@ White

Jim Love 2730 College Street Jacksonville, FL 32205-7412 Phone: 904-384-5000 Office Hours: Mon-Fri 9:00am to 5:00pm

ITG Next | 43

44 | itgnext.com

Matanzas Pirates

1-6A District 3

Written by: Nathan Dean

2018 STATS Points 247 114 Allowed Scored Season record 3-7 2-3 Overall Region

Image courtesy of palmcoastobserver.com

2019 Players to watch

Skyelar Williams Demontre Neeley

Head Coach: Don Mathews

RB QB

Years at school: 3 Record at school: 9-11

Tailgate Recipe: Walking Tacos Spice up game day with this easy, tasty tailgate recipe.

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef 1 envelope chili seasoning mix 1/4 teaspoon pepper 1 can diced tomatoes and green chiles 1 can ranch style beans (pinto beans in seasoned tomato sauce) 5 packages corn chips Toppings: Shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, and sliced green onions Courtesy of tasteofhome.com

23

AUG @ Flagler Palm Coast

30

6

Instructions

In a large skillet, cook beef over medium heat until no longer pink, breaking into crumbles, 6-8 minutes; drain.

Stir in chili seasoning mix, pepper, tomatoes, and beans; bring to a boil.

Reduce heat; simmer uncovered until thickened, 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Just before serving, cut open corn chip bags. Add beef mixture and toppings.

20

27

4

2018 was one of the most challenging seasons in the history of Matanzas High School football. The Pirates finished the season with a disappointing 3-7 record and lost senior wide receiver and linebacker Curtis Gray, who was shot and killed on April 13, 2019. Teammates and coaches simultaneously mourned the loss of Gray while getting ready for the 2019 season.

The Pirates’ three wins in 2018 all came from road games, as they were unable to win any of their five home games. Head coach Don Matthews and his guys will look to fix that this season.

Matanzas really struggled to put points on the board last year, averaging 11.4 total points per game. Matthews praised his team for putting in a lot of hard work during the offseason to get better for 2019. The Pirates will be looking to compete against some new competition this year in District 12-6A with Ponte Vedra, St. Augustine, and Englewood.

11

18

25

1

AUG

SEPT

SEPT

SEPT

OCT

OCT

OCT

OCT

NOV

@ Seabreeze

Middleburg

Atlantic

Ponte Vedra

@ Lake Howell

@ St. Augustine

Lyman

Englewood

@ Menendez

2018

CUSATeam Leaders

Passing

Rushing

Receiving

Tackles

Sacks

Interceptions

Mason Fine 3,793 Yds QB

Devin Singletary 1,348 Yds RB

Adrian Hardy 1,145 Yds WR

AJ Hotchkins 126 LB

Jaylon Ferguson 18 DE

Wesley Bush 6 DB

ITG Next | 45

1-6A District 2 2018 STATS Points Allowed: 311 Points Scored: 155 Region Record: 1-3 Overall Record: 3-7

2019 Returning Starters Defense: 8 Offense: 8

Players to watch Joe Justino Colby Warner Cole LeClair Laron Bryant

QB/K/P T/NG G/NG WR

Image courtesy of claytodayonline.com Coach Karl Smeltzer is excited about his team this coming season with Middleburg returning eight starters on offense, eight starters on defense, and 21 seniors.

“This might be my best team in almost 30 years of coaching,” Smeltzer said. “It’s because of their work ethic. The kids work hard. We don’t have to worry about them. They have taken ownership of the program.”

Senior quarterback Joe Justino makes the offense go. Justino is also an accomplished kicker who is skilled enough that he might earn a scholarship at either position. If Justino needs a rest, backup quarterback Luke Padgett could step right in.

The anchors of the line are seniors Colby War-

Head Coach: Karl Smeltzer Years at school: 8 Record at school: 18-62

ner and Cole LeClair (both averaging at 6-foot-3 and 305 pounds). LeClair has been offered a scholarship by UAB. South Alabama, Wake Forest, Troy, and Marshall are also interested. Carson Faulkner, Nate Rance, and Jacob Hanson help to make up the biggest line of Smeltzer’s Bronco tenure.

Justino will be targeting defensive end and tight end Trevor Todd and receiver Laron Bryant, who has a 4.4 speed.

The running game includes Justino and running backs Tony Todaro and Jay Lane, another 4.4 speedster.

On defense, LeClair and Warner are also both on the line. Linebacker Brody Senn is a three-year starter. Linebacker Justin Borchardt started every game last year. Safeties Taj Gonsalves, who has 4.5 speed, and Trevoe Shearin love to hit.

The district schedule with Lake City Columbia, Lee, and Gainesville will be difficult. Still, with a large group of sophomores in place, the Broncos are going to be one of the more promising teams in Clay County over the next few years.

Middleburg Broncos Written by: Brent Beaird

23

AUG

@ Westside

46 | itgnext.com

30

6

20

27

4

11

17

25

1

AUG

SEPT

SEPT

SEPT

OCT

OCT

OCT

OCT

NOV

@ Orange Park

Matanzas

@ Englewood

@ Lee

Ridgeview

Gainsville

@ Tery Parker

Columbia

@ Baldwin

1-6A District 3 2018 STATS Points Allowed: 225 Points Scored: 297 Region Record: 3-1 Overall Record: 8-3

Team Leaders 1,394 Yds Passing

Jack Murrah

841 Yds Rushing

Campbell Parker

628 Yds Receiving

Kyle Barker

Photography by: ITG Next

The Sharks maintained their success on the football field, winning eight games yet again and finishing with an 8-3 record. Ponte Vedra was victorious in six of their first seven games, carrying some great momentum.

Unfortunately, Godby High School was too much to handle and defeated the Sharks in the first round of the playoffs.

With the focus now on the 2019 season, Ponte Vedra will look for some of their returning talent to lead the way for more success. A new quarterback will be leading the offense after senior quarterback Jack Murrah graduated in 2019. Jacobi Myers will be relied on

for some improvements off of his solid appearances last season.

One of the biggest improvements for Ponte Vedra was their success on the road.

The Sharks did not lose a single road game during the 2018 regular season, finishing 4-0 away from home. A return to the playoffs and making it past the first round will be a goal for Ponte Vedra, but it will rely heavily on the guys who played behind the leading seniors the last couple of years.

Campbell Parker

12 Touchdowns

Cole Mccormick Caden Fordham Ryan Chase

2 Interceptions

2019 Players to watch Jacobi Myers Zach Chattaway Campbell Parker Caden Fordham Will Frank

QB RB/CB RB FS/WR DE

Head Coach: Jeff DiSandro First year at school

Ponte Vedra Sharks

Written by: Nathan Dean

23

AUG Nease

30

6

13

20

27

4

11

25

1

AUG

SEPT

SEPT

SEPT

SEPT

OCT

OCT

OCT

NOV

@ Zephyrhills

Buchholz

@ Palatka

@ Menendez

@ Matanzas

Bartram Trail

Englewood

St. Augustine

@ Creekside

Craig Dewhurst

315 W Town Place Suite 4 World Golf Village St Augustine, FL 32092-3105

Phone: 904-940-9740 Office Hours: Mon-Fri 9:00am to 5:00pm Evenings & Weekend by Appt.

ITG Next | 47

THANK YOU, SPONSORS!

PROGRAM PARTNERS

WWW.JAXHIGHSCHOOL912.COM

48 | itgnext.com

St. Augustine Yellow Jackets

1-6A District 3

Written by: Nathan Dean

2018 STATS Points 282 274 Allowed Scored Season record 5-6 3-1 Overall Region

Image courtesy of staugustine.com

2019 Players to watch

Riley Stevens Justus Johnson Jalen Byrd Brandon Greenwood

QB OLB/CB OLB/TE DE/DT

Head Coach: Brian Braddock Years at school: 4 Record at school: 28-9

RIVALRY GAMES: SEC Alabama vs. Tennessee Oct. 19, 2019

23

AUG

@ Yulee

30

Florida vs. Georgia Nov. 2, 2019

6

13

Alabama vs. LSU Nov. 9, 2019

20

27

Getting off to a rough start can really frustrate a team looking to continue their tremendous success just a season ago.

In 2017, the Yellow Jackets finished the season with a 12-1 record and didn’t lose that single game until the playoffs against Armwood High School. Fast forward to 2018, the Yellow Jackets started the season off 1-5 in their first six games and had to fight their way back to finish the season off with a 5-6 record.

Heading into 2019, St. Augustine looks to take all the lessons they learned in last year’s disappointing season and turn it into motivation to get back to their dominating ways. Coach Brian Braddock will look to lead his men in maroon and gold to a successful season that includes three road games in the first four weeks against Yulee, Menendez, and Bolles.

The 2018 season was the first losing season for St. Augustine in over a decade.

The Yellow Jackets have the talent, leadership, and coaching to ensure that it will be one of the last.

11

18

25

1

AUG

SEPT

SEPT

SEPT

SEPT

OCT

OCT

OCT

NOV

@ Menendez

Flagler Palm Coast

@ Bolles

Bartram Trail

Englewood

Matanzas

@ Nease

@ Ponte Vedra

Palatka

2018

big 12Team Leaders

Passing

Rushing

Receiving

Tackles

Sacks

Interceptions

Kyler Murray 4,361 Yds QB

Alex Barnes 1,355 Yds RB

Tylan Wallace 1,491 Yds WR

Kenneth Murray 155 LB

Jordan Brailford 10 DE

Adrian Frye 5 DB

ITG Next | 49

Written by: Kyle Grondin

georgia

bulldogs Can Georgia finally get over the Alabama-sized hill and win a national championship? Since Kirby Smart took over, Georgia has always looked the part of a contender, but it has fallen short two years in a row.

With Jake Fromm now having two years under his belt and generating Heisman buzz, it seems this may be the season for Georgia to finally put it all together. Last season, Fromm threw for 2,749 yards and 30 touchdowns to only six interceptions, while the running back tandem of D’Andre Swift and Elijah Holyfield rushed for 2,067 yards combined. Georgia’s receivers took a big hit, and Holyfield is gone as well, but graduate transfer Lawrence Cager has the look of a No. 1 receiver (he led Miami in touchdown receptions last year). Sophomore James Cook could be a big play machine in the backfield, as he averaged 6.9 yards per carry in a limited role last season.

Defensively, the Bulldogs lost a lot of talent and their defensive coordinator, but the hype around freshmen linebackers Azeez Ojulari and Nolan Smith make this defensive group feel special. Overall, the pieces are in place, and Georgia should expect nothing less than a championship.

PREDICTION: 11-1, SEC East Champions, College Football Playoff

2018 STATS

Team Leaders Jake Fromm D’Andre Swift Riley Ridley

2,761 Yds Passing 1,049 Yds Rushing 559 Yds Receiving

D’Andre Swift

13 Touchdowns

JR Reed Tae Crowder Deandre Baker

2 Interceptions

Head Coach: Kirby Smart Years at school: 4 Record at school: 32-10

7-1

conference record

11-3 overall record

points allowed

269

sanford stadium

points scored

2019 STATS

92,746

530

Players to watch Jake Fromm D’Andre Swift

QB RB

Written by: Kyle Grondin

valdosta state

blazers National champions. Undefeated season. Record-setting offense. Last season’s success will be difficult to replicate for the Blazers, but many of the pieces will return, and Valdosta State is primed to compete for another national championship.

This starts at quarterback, where Harlon Hill Trophy runner-up Rogan Wells returns to an offense similar to what he ran under previous head coach Kerwin Bell. He lit up the league, throwing for over 3,000 yards and 38 touchdowns. He had six total touchdowns in Valdosta State’s national championship game victory.

New head coach Gary Goff will be tasked with deploying all the offensive weapons returning to Valdosta State, including Jamar Thompkins, who led the Gulf South Conference in rushing as a freshman last season. Much of the offense that averaged 52 points a game will be returning this season.

Overall, Valdosta State should be competing for a national championship once again. Most of the talent has returned, and if Goff can get the team off on the right foot, it could come down to a handful of big games – against Florida Tech at home and on the road at University of West Georgia – on whether this team makes it back to competing for a national championship.

PREDICTION: 10-0, Back to the Playoffs

2018 STATS

Team Leaders Rogan Wells Jamar Thompkins Lio’undre Gallimore

3,075 Yds Passing 828 Yds Rushing 900 Yds Receiving

Rogan Wells

12 Touchdowns

Alex Brown

4 Interceptions

Head Coach: Gary Goff First year at school

NCAA Division II

National Champions

points allowed

316

points scored

2019 STATS

bazemore-hyder stadium

11,249

728

Players to watch Rogan Wells Jameon Gaskin

QB LB

What is the most memorable moment of your sports career?

Helping Baker County win their third district championship in a row.

What makes you different from every other athlete out there?

My character on and off the field as well as my work ethic.

ALEX BOWEN 52 | itgnext.com

QUARTERBACK BAKER COUNTY WILDCATS

Bishop Kenny Crusaders

1-5A District 3

Written by: Phil Jones

2018 STATS Points 207 223 Allowed Scored Season record 5-5 2-3 Overall Region

2019

Photography by: ITG Next

Players to watch

Neil Politano Andrew Tabor

Jordan Brown John Godwin

T/DT/DE WR/DB

DB/WR TE/LB

Head Coach: Tim Krause

Returning Starters

First year at school

Offense: 6

Defense: 5

Halftime Happenings Color Guard

Color guard teams have military roots, although modern performance color guard teams are far more expressive and artistic than historical groups.

Color gaurd teams typically utilize three instruments to compliment their performances: sabres, rifles, and flags.

The color guard adds emotion and drama to the marching band’s halftime performance. Their costumes and makeup are meant to reinfroce the theme of the show and help tell the story.

In 1977, the Winter Guard International Sport of the Arts was formed to provide a competitive winter platform for color guard teams. There are now nearly 1,000 teams in the WGI.

23

AUG

Fletcher

30

6

3

1977

13

20

27

Tim Krause has decided to come home. The new head coach at Bishop Kenny returns to the place where he coached for six years as an assistant under former head coach Mark Thorson. Krause is embracing the opportunity to get to work with some familiar faces, including his former boss.

“I’m excited to be back at BK,” Krause said. “This has been a special place for me and my family, and we are grateful to be back working for Principal Todd Orlando and Athletic Director Mark Thorson.”

Krause will have 11 total starters returning this season, including six on offense and five on defense.

The Crusaders will have some experience on the lines of scrimmage this year, led by lineman Neil Politano. He, along with Cameron Moewe and Michael Myslinski, will give Krause and Bishop Kenny three returning starters on the defensive and offensive lines. Two skill position players returning will be Andrew Tabor and Jordan Brown, both of whom will see action at wideout and defensive back. John Godwin returns at tight end and linebacker this season.

Bishop Kenny will move into a different district this year, 3-5A, which should give the Crusaders a better chance of making the playoffs and advancing father through the postseason. They finished a respectable 5-5 last year in a district that included Bolles, Trinity Christian, and Ponte Vedra.

With the change, Krause said he expects good things for his Crusaders football team.

“We expect to maximize our potential as a team and compete for a spot in the playoffs and a district championship,” he said.

4

11

25

1

AUG

SEPT

SEPT

SEPT

SEPT

OCT

OCT

OCT

NOV

@ Atlantic Coast

@ New Smyrna Beach

Terry Parker

@ West Nassau

Ed White

Orange Park

@ Westside

Baker County

@ University Christian

ITG Next | 53

Baker Co. Wildcats

1-5A District 3

Written by: Phil Jones

2018 STATS Points 184 244 Allowed Scored

Baker County is another Northeast Florida program that will see a coaching change headed into the 2019 season. Former head coach Jamie Rodgers has left to take the job at Cook High School in Adel, Georgia. He leaves behind a stellar program, finishing 29-9 over the past three seasons with the Wildcats advancing to the state playoffs every year. That stint includes a trip to the state title game in 2017, when Baker fell to American Heritage from South Florida.

Replacing Rodgers is Kevin Mays, who was head coach at Viera High School for seven seasons. He led the Hawks to a 51-27 record, including a trip to the Class 7A state championship game in 2015.

Mays inherits a solid program with great support. As far as on-the-field talent, Baker County had 11 seniors graduate, but will still have eight total returning starters: five on offense and three on defense.

One of the biggest players returning is quarterback Alex Bowen, who is actually bouncing back from injuries sustained in an automobile accident last season. The mishap forced Bowen to miss Baker County’s playoff run last season, but the signal caller is healthy and ready to go.

Other key players coming back are starting running back Scooby Graham and defensive tackle Jaquez Elliott.

Mays is excited to be in St Mary’s.

“Being new, my expectations for the upcoming season are to mold these guys into a team that plays for each other,” Mays said. “We would like to keep the district title in Baker County.”

23

AUG @ Bradford

30

13

Image courtesy of claytodayonline.com

2019 Players to watch Alex Bowen Scooby Graham Jaquez Elliott

Head Coach: Kevin Mays First year at school

QB RB NG/G

Returning Starters Offense: 5

Defense: 3

Halftime Happenings Cheerleading

Although it began as an all-male sport, cheerleading is now female dominated.

Cheerleading has evolved since its early history as a simple form of crowd excitement and player encouragement and is now a stunt-based sport with national teams and competitions.

Many colleges and universities offer scholarships for cheerleading.

20

27

4

80%

Eighty percent of schools in the United States have cheerleading squads.

1983

ESPN was the first to broadcast the National High School Cheerleading Competition.

4 Million

There are estimated to be at least 4 million cheerleaders in 31 countries worldwide.

18

25

1

AUG

SEPT

SEPT

SEPT

SEPT

OCT

OCT

OCT

NOV

Gainsville

Orange Park

@ Ed White

@ Suwannee

Westside

Terry Parker

West Nassau

@ Bishop Kenny

@ Rickards

2018

PAC-12 Team

Leaders

54 | itgnext.com

6

Season record 7-5 4-1 Overall Region

Passing

Rushing

Receiving

Tackles

Sacks

Interceptions

Gardner Minshew 4,779 Yds QB

Eno Benjamin 1,642 Yds RB

Dillon Mitchell 1,184 Yds WR

Ben Burr-Kirven 176 LB

Porter Gustin 8 LB/DE

Jaylinn Hawkins 6 CB/S

Clay Blue Devils

2-5A District 5

Written by: Brent Beaird

2018 STATS Points 297 Allowed

304 Scored

Season record 4-6 2-3 Overall Region

Image courtesy of claytodayonline.com

Team Leaders Turner Erstad Cedrick Brown Spencer Lesage

1,137 Yds Passing 961 Yds Rushing 475 Yds Receiving

Spencer Lesage

15 Touchdowns

Mason Adams Marcus Dixon

1 Interception

2019 Players to watch

Tre Griner Jo Grelli Alex Maier Tucker Reape

23

AUG Flemming Island

30

Head Coach: Jay Stilianou

QB C OLB K/P

First year at school

6

13

20

27

Clay High football has a new head coach in Jay Stilianou, who is taking over for Josh Hoekstra. The term ‘smooth transition’ fits because Stilianou has been the Blue Devil athletic director and assistant football coach for several years. He inherits a team that has a bright future with only 10 seniors and an amazing 33 sophomores.

Quarterback Tre Griner leads the run-oriented offense. Griner, a team captain, is a grinder known for his work ethic. He is also one of the best basketball players at Clay.

The offensive line is the strength of this year’s squad with Jo Grelli, who is also on the wrestling team; Jordan McGill; Jordan Bell; Desiron Gantt; and John Haymore.

The starting running backs are Al’Querious Ray, who is a load to bring down at 5-foot-10 and 238 pounds, and Jeremy Sims, who provides valuable depth.

Clay doesn’t pass much, but when they do, receiver Will Kendrick, receiver Reid Waugh, and tight end Chris Davis are the likely targets.

The defensive line consists of Alex Maier, Valdez Seymour, Derrick Mosley, and Ty Summerford.

At linebacker, Joe Reed is showing improvement along with Bryan Chapman.

The young secondary features Jayden Bryan, Chris Goldstein, Jonathan Rouw, and D’Maurion Frazier.

The kicker is dependable Tucker Reape, who also punts.

11

18

25

1

AUG

SEPT

SEPT

SEPT

SEPT

OCT

OCT

OCT

NOV

@ Flagler Palm Coast

@ University Christian

@ Orange Park

Palatka

Eastside

Menendez

@ Bolles

@ Ridgeview

Oakleaf

ITG Next | 55

2-5A District 5 2018 STATS Points Allowed: 217 Points Scored: 257 Region Record: 3-2 Overall Record: 6-4

Team Leaders Vincent Walker Jr

1,341 Yds Passing

Alex Collier

1,016 Yds Rushing

Terrance Johnson

699 Yds Receiving 15 Touchdowns

Terrance Johnson

Image courtesy of claytodayonline.com

Robbie Reynolds III Diallo Bryant Isiah Blair

2 Interceptions After rebounding with a 6-4 record last season, the Orange Park Raiders are making a playoff push with seven players returning on defense and seven players returning on offense along with 18 seniors.

Raider coach Tom MacPherson is making considerable progress going into his fourth season at Orange Park.

One of the major focal points of preseason drills will be revamping the offensive line with Russell Craddock, Zack Williams, and Stevonne McGrew.

The Raiders have the potential for one of the most productive offenses in the area, starting with running back Alex Collier, who has earned several major college track scholarship offers. There is a chance that Collier could miss his senior year to concentrate on a track career. Depth behind Collier is bolstered by Terrance Johnson and Arlo Wilson.

MacPherson said Sean Dixon, a mainstay on the Raider 4x4 relay team; Diego Soto; and Stewart

2019 Returning Starters Defense: 7 Offense: 7

Players to watch Alex Collier Sean Dixon Vincent Walker Jr Kendy Charles

RB WR/CB QB DE/FB

Head Coach: Thomas MacPherson Years at school: 4 Record at school: 11-19

Udell make up possibly the best trio of receivers he has coached in his career.

Talented and athletic quarterback Vincent Walker Jr. has gained MacPherson’s trust because he understands offense and the option game.

The Raider defense could be one of the area’s best, starting with lineman Kendy Charles, one of the most productive players in Northeast Florida.

Charles, who is up to 265 pounds, has offers from Liberty and Coastal Carolina and possibly many more after the season. Jacob Moore has been a factor at nose guard.

Last year the linebackers combined for more than 250 tackles. Hunter Moore, Julian Moore, and Julius McCray could have similar tackle totals this year.

MacPherson lauded safeties Cam Broughton, Spencer Kirkham, and Soto for their intelligence.

Christian Bartley, who is an accomplished soccer player, is consistent on field goal from within 40 yards.

MacPherson, who also had 15 successful years coaching at Ridgeview, is reaping the benefit of his team buying into his philosophy. The Raiders won a half dozen games last year after posting a 1-9 mark two seasons ago. Look for the Raiders to build on what they accomplished last season.

Orange Park Raiders Written by: Brent Beaird

23

30

AUG Oakleaf

13

27

20

4

18

25

1

SEPT

SEPT

SEPT

SEPT

OCT

OCT

OCT

NOV

Middleburg

@ Baker County

Clay

Westside

@ Ridgeview

@ Bishop Kenny

@ Eastside

Menendez

@ Fleming Island

2018

american Team

Leaders

56 | itgnext.com

6

AUG

Passing

Rushing

Receiving

Tackles

Sacks

Interceptions

Brady White 3,296 Yds QB

Darrell Henderson 1,909 Yds RB

James Proche 1,199 Yds WR

Austin Robinson 127 QB/S/LB

Nate Harvey 12 RB/LB

Richie Grant 6 DB

Preventing Common Football Injuries With the start of football season comes the possibility of injury to its players. Knowing the common injuries that can occur and ways to prevent them can greatly increase an athlete’s ability to stay in the game.

ACL Injuries:

The injury occurs when the anterior cruciate ligament in the knee is torn. ACL injuries limit mobility in the knee joint and often requires physical therapy to recover. Common symptoms include pain, swelling and instability in the knee joint.

Hamstring Strains/Tears:

The hamstring is a muscle located on the back of the thigh. The muscle or its tendons can be strained or torn. Ranging from a mild strain to a complete muscle tear, the injury may take a few days to a few months to completely heal.

Shoulder Tendinitis:

Frequent, repetitive throwing motions can lead to swelling in the muscles around the shoulder. The swelling can lead to rotator cuff tendinitis. Symptoms include stiffness and a dull, aching pain in the area, and the condition should be evaluated and treated by a medical professional.

Concussions:

A concussion can result from a violent blow to the head or severe shaking of the head and body. Symptoms include fatigue, headache, nausea, and dizziness. If an athlete is experiencing any signs or symptoms of a concussion, they should immediately be removed from play. They should also consult with a medical professional as soon as possible.

Prevention:

• Warm up. Yes it is one of the most common forms of advice for any athlete but warming up the muscles before beginning activity can make tissues more pliable. Increased pliability makes tearing or straining less likely.

• Stretch. Try focusing particularly on stretching the hamstrings, calves, and hips to prevent ACL and hamstring tears. Stretch the back, shoulders and chest regions to prevent shoulder tendonitis.

Improved flexibility can improve performance.

• Strengthen. Performing specific exercises to strengthen the muscles around the joint prevents injuries. Do some exercises that improve balance and coordination for that area. Improved balance can improve stability and decrease the likelihood of an injury.

• Play by the rules. Avoid rough or unsportsmanlike conduct.

• Examine the playing field for any holes or uneven ground.

• Wear the appropriate equipment, especially headwear, for the sport being played.

• Try to avoid head-on collisions with other players, end posts, poles, or walls.

ITG Next | 57

BROUGHT TO YOU BY

SATURDAY | CW SUNDAY | 4 P.M. | WJXT 58 | itgnext.com

1-5A District 4 Paxon head football coach Steve Brown begins his seventh season as the head coach of the Golden Eagles. His team is coming off consecutive two-win seasons. Looking ahead, Brown said he and his staff are facing the daunting task of relying on several underclassmen to carry the load in 2019.

“With mass graduation and key players transferring, it’s going to be a youth movement for us at a lot of positions,” Brown said.

Brown and the Eagles will have three starters returning on offense and a respectable six starters returning on defense, including three seniors who Brown said should give the team some experience and senior leadership.

2019

The group includes senior defensive back Jaquan Jaudon, who will see time at cornerback and free safety. Leading the defensive effort up the middle will be senior inside linebacker Mike Young, who could also see time with the offense at running back. Another senior, Robert Russell, will be a leader on offense, splitting time between running back and wide receiver.

If Paxon is to be successful in 2019, Brown said his Golden Eagles need to come out of the gate early.

“We will be shooting for a fast start to propel us through the rest of the season,” Brown said.

2018

Players to watch Jaquan Jaudon Mike Young

Team Leaders FS/CB RB/MLB

Head Coach: Steve Brown

Bryce Tompkins Robert Russell Malcolm Seaborn

Paxon Eagles

938 Yds Passing 317 Yds Rushing 292 Yds Receiving

Years at school: 7 Record at school: 19-45

23

AUG

Englewood

30

Written by: Phil Jones

6

13

4

20

1

SEPT

OCT

OCT

OCT

OCT

NOV

@ Wolfson

@ Cedar Creek Christ

Yulee

Raines

@ Fernandina Beach

@ Stanton

Episcopal

@ Ribault

@ Hamilton County

2018 STATS Points Allowed: 185 Points Scored: 156

Talk about making your wins count. The Ribault Trojans finished with a 5-6 overall record last season, but four of the wins were key district victories – and helped The Trojans won District 3-5A for the third straight year with a 4-0 district record. Things will look a bit different now in the district, as Suwannee High School will drop off and Ribault’s long-time rival Raines will join the district.

Kelvin Smith will begin his fourth year as head coach this season, and he’s excited about the youth of his team, especially with the job they did last season.

30

6

Players to watch Chris Calhoun Santana Jackson

“We played a lot of young guys last year, a lot of freshman and sophomores, but still won our district,” Smith said. “We had very few seniors on last year’s team, but still made a lot of progress, especially at the end of the year.”

The Trojans will return seven starters on offense and eight on defense. Smith said there should be quite a battle for the starting quarterback position, and the two players vying for the job could both see a lot of action running the offense. Sophomore Chris Calhoun and junior Santana Jackson will take snaps under center this year.

13

Region Record: 4-0 Overall Record: 5-6

2019

Written by: Phil Jones

@ Creekside

24

SEPT

Jean Ribault Trojans

23

18

SEPT

1-5A District 4

AUG

11

AUG

20

27

12

Head Coach: Kelvin Smith Years at school: 4 Record at school: 19-14

QB QB

“They’ll both be ready,” Smith said.

Junior Chris Johnson, who will play tight end and defensive end for Ribault, is being highly recruited, according to Smith.

“He may be one of the top 10 players in the country at his position,” Smith said.

Smith said he likes his team a lot, but is hoping the offense can put up some more points this year.

“We expect to be very sound defensively – we usually are,” he said.

17

24

31

AUG

SEPT

SEPT

SEPT

SEPT

OCT

OCT

OCT

OCT

Mandarin

@ Trinity Christian

Lee

@ Sandalwood

@ Yulee

Raines

Stanton

Paxon

@ Lincoln

ITG Next | 59

Pedro Menendez Falcons

2-5A District 5

Written by: Nathan Dean

2018 STATS Points 301 Allowed

The Falcons were one of the most exciting teams to watch in Northeast Florida last year and had quite a story to tell. For the first time in school history, Menendez defeated St. Augustine High School. Not only did they defeat the Yellow Jackets, but it was domination for all four quarters in a 62-28 victory.

After the game, the team made a surprise visit to David Simpkins, assistant principal, who was being treated for throat cancer after being diagnosed in June 2018.

Pedro Menendez finished the year with an 8-3 record under first-year head coach Kyle Skipper. Skipper and the Falcons are confident they will become one of the best teams in Florida this season.

One of the major challenges for the Falcons is finding the guys to fill in for some of the most dominant areas on the field last year. Menendez had one of the strongest running games in Northeast Florida with two running backs rushing for over 1,200 yards.

Both running backs, Kenny Logan and Tye Edwards, have graduated. The Menendez offense will be much younger in 2019 with more experienced guys on the defense.

23

30

AUG @ Palatka

13

Season record 8-3 3-2 Overall Region Image courtesy of staugustine.com

Team Leaders Michael King Tye Edwards Kenny Logan

305 Yds Passing 1,907 Yds Rushing 196 Yds Receiving

Tye Edwards

26 Touchdowns

Tristan Willis

7 Interceptions

2019 Players to watch

King Benford Aaron Wynn Tre Evans Terrell Newsome Duane Graham

20

4

QB WR CB/WR FS WR/FS

11

Head Coach: Kyle Skipper Years at school: 2 Record at school: 8-3

18

25

1

AUG

SEPT

SEPT

SEPT

OCT

OCT

OCT

OCT

NOV

St. Augustine

@ Merritt Island

Eastside

Ponte Vedra

@ Englewood

@ Clay

Ridgeview

Orange Park

Matanzas

2018 big 10Team

Leaders

60 | itgnext.com

6

436 Scored

Passing

Rushing

Receiving

Tackles

Sacks

Interceptions

Dwayne Haskins 4,831 Yds QB

Jonathan Taylor 2,194 Yds RB

Rondale Moore 1,258 Yds WR

Blake Gallagher 127 LB

AJ Epenesa 11 DE

Tre Watson 5 LB

Ridgeview Panthers

2-5A District 5

Written by: Brent Beaird

2018 STATS Points 272 250 Allowed Scored Season record 5-5 2-3 Overall Region Image courtesy of jacksonville.com

Team Leaders Tyler Huff

1,796 Yds Passing 580 Yds Rushing 344 Yds Receiving

Caleb Plyler Brian Jackson Caleb Plyler

12 Touchdowns

David Osborn

3 Interceptions

2019

Players to watch

Max Monroe Nick Staefe Denali Lindo Tyler Duggan

23

30

QB T/G WR TE/P

6

Head Coach: Matt Knauss First year at school

20

27

4

Matt Knauss, who was 17-14 at Father Lopez, is the new head coach at Ridgeview, replacing Cameron Porch in June. The Panthers, who have 20 seniors, enter the season with some momentum from a 5-5 season that featured upsets over three playoff teams.

Knauss said he is incredibly excited about the new challenge.

“I really like the atmosphere,” Knauss said. “We have great assistants, and the administration is wildly supportive.”

Max Monroe, who was at St. Johns Country Day last season, is a Division I prospect who Knauss said is big, strong, smart, and makes the throws that could put him in top 1 percent of all quarterbacks.

Knauss said he expects his linemen to play both ways. Two of the linemen he is counting on are Nick Staefe and Sean Graffiti.

At receiver, Knauss said Denali Lindo looks like an elite player who will be pivotal in his scheme.

Glendon Miller, Spencer Calise, and Isaac Chafin are also in the mix.

Knauss likes to use several running backs with different skill sets such as Ray Gonzalez, Rasheed Baker, Miika Tuisano, and Renaldo Gray.

The Panthers have two capable tight ends in Tyler Duggan, who has major college potential as a punter, and Josh Dorsainvil.

On the defensive line, Jordan Jackson is one starter who also plays fullback and on the offensive line, along with Tuisano and nose guard Spencer Robertson.

At linebacker, Knauss singled out Jacob Meyer starting at the mike position.

The strength of the defense is safeties Matt Dye and Jacob Gregory. The cornerbacks are Nate Johnston and Roger Anderson.

The kicker is Austin Leonard.

11

18

25

1

AUG

AUG

SEPT

SEPT

SEPT

OCT

OCT

OCT

OCT

NOV

Baldwin

@ Ed White

Oakleaf

Fleming Island

Orange Park

@ Middleburg

@ Eastside

@ Menendez

Clay

West Nassau

ITG Next | 61

William M. Raines

1-5A District 4

Vikings

Written by: Phil Jones

2018 STATS Points 157 484 Allowed Scored

The Vikings of Raines High School are coming off back-to-back state championships, including last year’s impressive 27-13 victory over Cocoa High School. The two titles give Raines the distinction of becoming the only Duval County Public School to win consecutive state championships.

Heading into 2019, things will be a little tougher for the Vikings and head coach Deran Wiley.

First, they’ll move from Class 4A to Class 5A. There, they’ll face a tougher schedule than before.

But, according to Wiley, that’s not unusual.

“The schedule we play is always tough,” he said.

This season, that will include traditional powerhouse programs such as Sandalwood and Yulee.

The schedule isn’t the only concern for Raines, as the Vikings lose several impact players from last year, including quarterback Barron Coates.

Wiley said there is a battle to see who will replace the starting signal caller from a year ago. Adrian Williams is the front-runner right now. Other key players Raines must replace are running back Brandon Marshall, wide receiver Matt Drayton, free safety Uriah Ratliff.

Coming back for the 2019-20 season will be safety Treyvon Hobbs, defensive back Jarius Stewart, and linebacker Derek Nealy.

Wiley said his team will have to step it up to meet the expectations of following up two consecutive state titles.

“We know that teams will be gunning for us, and we must compete at a high level,” he said.

“Before we can win, we must get our players in the right mindset. If we can do that, the wins will come.”

23

AUG Jones

30

Season record 13-1 Overall No region games played

Photography by: ITG Next

Team Leaders Barron Coates

Brandon Marshall

29 Touchdowns

James Tarver Jr

6 Interceptions

2019 Players to watch

Treyvon Hobbs Jarius Stewart Derek Nealy

7

20

4

FS DB LB

12

Head Coach: Deran Wiley Years at school: 10 Record at school: 93-26

18

25

AUG

SEPT

SEPT

OCT

OCT

OCT

OCT

@ Pahokee

@ Lee

@ Paxon

Sandalwood

Ribault

Yulee

Trinity Christian

Gene Coleman 10900 Lem Turner Road Jacksonville, FL 32218 Phone: 904-764-4139 Office Hours: M-F 9am to 5pm Saturday, By Appointment

62 | itgnext.com

Brandon Marshall Daivarus Thomas

1,842 Yds Passing 1,916 Yds Rushing 518 Yds Receiving

Northeast Florida’s

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Jacksonville, FL

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ST. AUGUSTINE 1000 S. Ponce De Leon Blvd.

St. Augustine, FL

ORANGE PARK 2186 Park Avenue Orange Park, FL

W W W. 1 S T P L A C E S P O R T S . C O M

Terry Parker Braves

1-5A district 3

Written by: Phil Jones

2018 STATS Points It’s safe to say that fans, coaches, and players of the Parker Braves are ready to have more fun on Friday nights than what they’ve experienced over the last several years. It’s been a tough ride for the Braves, who are looking for their first winning season since 2008. Hopefully, a decade of patience will pay off this season for head coach Char-ron Dorsey and his team.

“I believe we’ll be much, much better than last year,” Dorsey said. Parker finished 3-7 last year, including consecutive wins over Wolfson and Andrew Jackson in the middle of the season, and that’s a positive that Dorsey and his team can build on.

Returning this season to lead the Braves will be senior running back and strong safety Jajuan Turner, senior running back DJ Thompson, sophomore running back and linebacker Javis Brooks, and senior athlete Tyrone Williams. Williams could see action at several positions this year, including his natural position of receiver, as well as time at quarterback. Also back to help lead the Braves in 2019 will be junior defensive end Shaheim Montgomery.

23

AUG

Sandalwood

30

6

13

320 Allowed

Season record 3-7 1-4 Overall Region

Image Courtesy of Terry Parker via Facebook

Team Leaders Desmond Brown

782 Yds Passing 101 Yds Rushing 343 Yds Receiving

Damian Deleston Tyrone Williams

2019 Players to watch

Jajuan Turner DJ Thompson Javis Brooks Tyrone Williams

20

6

RB/SS RB RB/MLB ATH

11

Head Coach: Char-ron Dorsey Years at school: 2 Record at school: 3-7

17

24

1

AUG

SEPT

SEPT

SEPT

OCT

OCT

OCT

OCT

NOV

First Coast

Fletcher

@ Bishop Kenny

@ Atlantic Coast

@ Baker County

@ Ed White

Middleburg

Westside

@ Yulee

Randy Taylor 3041-1 Monument Road Jacksonville, FL 32225-5711 Phone: 904-642-2400 Office Hours: Mon-Fri 9:00am to 5:00pm Evenings & Saturday by Appt

64 | itgnext.com

191 Scored

1-5A District 4 Blue Devils head football coach Mike Healey is hoping this offseason is much quieter than last offseason. As the fifth-year coach was getting his Blue Devils prepared for the season, Healey became ill and was forced to undergo triple bypass heart surgery. That forced Healey to miss the first three weeks of the season, and by the time he returned, the team’s playoff chances were done.

With good health in front of him, Healey is eager to give it another shot. He’ll have some players back this year to help with what promises to be a tougher schedule. With the FHSSA’s reclassification this offseason, Stanton will play in a tougher district, facing the likes of Raines and Ribault this year.

The Blue Devils return 12 total starters, and with the small roster, most if not all will go both ways. Senior running back and outside linebacker Logan Warming will be counted on to carry the football in Healey’s run-

heavy offense. He averaged 5.5 yards per carry last season and will once again get his chances to shine.

Helping to pave the way for Warming will be three-year starter Carson Blank at center. The 6-foot-2, 230-pound lineman is an important part of Healey’s running attack, not to mention that he may be the smartest player on the team. Blank sports a 1530 SAT score.

This year’s quarterback is Tyler Bass, a senior. He has been the backup signal caller for the past three years, and now he’ll get his shot as the starter. He’ll also play defensive back.

Healey said his team should improve from last year’s 3-7 record.

“We should be much more competitive this season with the talent we have coming back and the fact that our overall numbers are up a little bit,” Healey said.

2018 STATS Region Record: 1-3 Overall Record: 3-7

Stanton Blue Devils

Points Allowed: 365 Points Scored: 194

2019 Players to watch Logan Warming Carson Blank

23

AUG

Wolfson

Head Coach: Mike Healey OLB/RB C

30

Years at school: 4 Record at School: 12-19

6

13

20

17

25

31

SEPT

SEPT

SEPT

OCT

OCT

OCT

OCT

Andrew Jackson

@ Providence

Raines

Fernandina Beach

@ Baldwin

Paxon

@ Ribault

@ Yulee

Episcopal

add us @ITGNext

@ Fort White

11

SEPT

30

6

Points Allowed: 263 Points Scored: 320

Region Record: 3-1 Overall Record: 6-5

2019 Players to watch

Head Coach: Kyler Hall

Tyree Taylor Jaquez Moore

Years at school: 4 Record at school: 17-17

Suwannee comes into the 2019 season fresh off their first playoff appearance in three years.

They had their ups and downs last season, and they recovered just in time to clinch a playoff spot on the last week of the regular season.

Last year, it was a tale of two teams for the Bulldogs. They remarkably only had one game the entire season end in double digits, a 16-15 loss to Ribault. When they won a game, they won it by a lot. When they lost, they lost by a lot.

This team will need to work to find more consistency in 2019.

There’s no reason for the Bulldogs to not make the playoffs again in 2019. The players return a lot of experience to a team that got a nice

13

1-5A District 2

2018 STATS

Written by: Kyle Grondin

23

27

AUG

Suwannee Bulldogs

AUG

Written by: Phil Jones

20

27

4

QB FS/WR

taste of playoff football. Quarterback Tyree Taylor returns after throwing for over 1,200 yards, and his best receiving target, Jaquez Moore, returns as well.

They lose star running back Carlton Hall, who graduated last season, but Joshua Braun, a top 100 recruit in the state of Florida who’s committed to play at the University of Georgia, leads a big offensive line that creates a lot of holes for his running backs to navigate.

With a stronger start, Suwannee is poised to take a further leap in 2019.

11

25

1

AUG

SEPT

SEPT

SEPT

SEPT

OCT

OCT

OCT

NOV

@ Santa Fe

Hamilton County

@ Madison County

Baker County

Rickards

Palatka

@ Wakulla

Godby

Taylor County

ITG Next | 65

HIGH SCHOOL RECRUITS OF 2020

Written by: Kyle Grondin

Courtesy of usatodayhss.com Courtesy of usatodayhss.com

Bryan Bresee • Defensive Tackle

Zachary Evans • Running Back

Damascus (Damascus, MD) 6’5”

North Shore (Houston, TX) 5’11”

200lb

290lb

Commitment: Clemson

Commitment: Undecided

Coming off a dramatic 6A state title win, Zachary Evans will look to lead North Shore back to the promised land in 2019, as well as show off the incredible athletic gifts that landed him atop the 2020 recruiting class rankings. Blessed with an incredible combination of size, speed, and elusiveness, Evans could step into any program in the country and be a difference maker. He ended last season with over 1,700 total yards from scrimmage and 27 touchdowns rushing.

He’ll need to continue to learn to find the holes and follow his blockers, as he is sometimes overly reliant on his pure athletic ability. Regardless, Evans is a future Heisman candidate for any school lucky enough to earn his commitment.

The Maryland football Gatorade High School Player of the Year, Bresee is a versatile defensive lineman who will fit right in to the deep front four at Clemson.

Bresee can play both inside and outside; he’s big enough to line up at the tackle position, but quick enough to get by offensive tackles from the defensive end position, as he finished with 12.5 sacks to go along with 36 tackles for loss last season. Clemson defensive coordinator Brent Venables will be salivating at the thought of adding a player of Bresee’s talents to his defensive line.

Justin Flowe • Inside Linebacker

Upland (Upland, CA)

6’2” 225lb

Commitment: Undecided

Courtesy of sportzet.com

66 | itgnext.com

An absolute menace on the field, Flowe is a huge linebacker with a nose for the ball. With almost 145 tackles in only 12 games, to go along with five sacks, Flowe showed an incredible ability to shed blockers and get upfield on defense. Not only does his athleticism stand out, but his passion and energy make him a natural born leader on the field. Flowe has shown the ability to lead a defense with his play as well as his personality.

Julian Fleming • Wide Receiver Southern Columbia (Catawissa, PA)

6’2”

199lb

Commitment: Ohio State The top wide receiver in the 2020 class, Fleming is a three-sport star at Southern Columbia, standing out in basketball and track and field. Fleming finished his junior year with 1,524 yards and 22 touchdowns, and he already has many of his district’s records for receiving with still a year to spare. His physical gifts stand out, as he has some of the best hands on tape and is truly a natural athlete. He also plays defense, punt and kick returner, and punter for his school.

Courtesy of cbssports.com

Sav’ell Smalls • Defensive End

Kennedy Catholic (Burien, WA) 6’3”

230lb

Paris Johnson Jr • Offensive Tackle Princeton (Cincinnati, OH)

6’8”

Commitment: Undecided

His last name may be Smalls, but there’s nothing small about Sav’ell Smalls on the football field. A defensive end with the size to also play at the tackle position, Smalls has incredible physical tools at his disposal, as he’s also played linebacker, tight end, and wide receiver to go along with his normal position at defensive end. He ended last year with seven sacks to go along with seven touchdowns on offense. Still considering all his offers, Smalls said he looks to cut his list down to six teams by the end of the summer.

295lb Commitment: Ohio State

As the blind side protector, Johnson is an athletic lineman who can get up the field in a hurry and is light on his feet while he gets to the second level and takes out smaller defenders in his path. Standing at 6’8”, Johnson can tower over any lineman and bully them into submission, as he has a bit of a nasty edge that stands out on film. He’ll be able to step in right away in Ohio State’s fast-paced offense in 2020, but will need to continue to get stronger to unlock his full potential.

Myles Murphy • Defensive End

Hillgrove (Powder Springs, GA)

6’5”

260lb

Commitment: Clemson A raw athlete, Murphy has the physical tools to be one of the best defensive ends in the country. After finishing last season with 53 tackles and 10 sacks, Murphy shows that he can and will chase anyone down in the backfield; he shows a great motor in getting after runners and filling the gaps on the line. His pure strength stands out, as he can quickly and effortlessly shed blockers in his path. He uses his long arms to keep his offensive lineman at a distance and wrap up runners in his path. Murphy looks to be another future Clemson standout on the defensive line.

Kelee Ringo • Cornerback

Saguaro (Scottsdale, AZ)

6’2”

Commitment: Undecided

Courtesy of cbssports.com

Jordan Burch • Defensive End

Hammond School (Columbia, SC) 6’5”

250lb

Commitment: Undecided

A big defensive end who also plays running back, Burch may be one of the best pure athletes in the 2020 class. With room to grow, he sits at 250 pounds and can move like he’s 50 pounds lighter. Quick off the edge and into the backfield, Burch ended with 14 tackles for loss, 10 sacks, and 25 touchdowns rushing as he helped Hammond win a state championship in South Carolina. A consistently dominant player who can play almost every down, the only questions surrounding Burch have to do with the level of competition he sees weekly at Hammond, as they dominate their district almost every year.

205lb

With shades of Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Jalen Ramsey, Ringo is a lockdown manto-man corner who plays with a physicality that stands out on film. Ringo uses his size to his advantage to try and outmuscle his opponents, but also has top end speed. In fact, Ringo registered the eighth fastest time among juniors in the 100-meter dash in the whole country, running his best time in 10.43 seconds. He’ll have to learn to stay more disciplined on the field, as his eagerness to be physical with receivers can lead to some mistakes, but Ringo can start as a true freshman wherever he commits for 2020.

Arik Gilbert • Athlete

Marietta (Marietta, GA)

6’6”

245lb

Commitment: Undecided An athletic anomaly, Gilbert stands out when you see him on the field. He plays both tight end and defensive end, his soft hands and quick feet allowing him to effortlessly make plays on both sides of the ball. Gilbert finished his junior year with 54 tackles and six sacks on defense, while offensively having 1,210 yards receiving and 14 touchdowns. He’ll have to spend his final season at Marietta refining his technique and picking his position for the future, but his physical gifts should allow him to stand out at either position.

ITG Next | 67

1-5A District 4 2018 STATS Points Allowed: 233 Points Scored: 213 Region Record: 2-2 Overall Record: 3-7

2019 Returning Starters Defense: 3 Offense: 3

Players to watch Clayton Walden Devonn Littlejohn Khamari Barksdale Donovan Henry J’caidyn Albertie

Photography by: ITG Next

WR/CB WR/FS RB/SB DE RB/MLB

Not much improved from 2017 to 2018 for the Yulee Hornets, who finished with nearly the same 3-7 record. After winning only one of their first six games, the season began to fall apart early. This led to a coaching change starting in 2019 with former NFL running back, first-round pick in the 1987 NFL Draft, and two-time Super Bowl champion Robert Flagler. Flagler said changing the overall culture of the team was key to their success going forward.

“We struggled with discipline,” he said.

“We talked a lot about that and working on that. Our guys wanted accountability and to

Head Coach: Robert Flagler First year at school

Yulee Hornets

improve the culture. We saw a lot last year how the attitudes of our players affects how we perform on Friday nights.”

One of the most famous football players to put on a Yulee uniform is Derrick Henry.

Henry is one of the best high school football players of all time and holds the record for the most yards rushing in a high school career with 12,124 yards. Henry won the Heisman trophy in 2015 with the University of Alabama and currently plays for the Tennessee Titans. Flagler said that Henry coming to talk with this year’s team was important.

“For those kids to see someone who sat in the same classroom, went to the same weight room, played on the same field, and made it to the highest of heights – it really impacted them,” Flagler said. “His message to our guys was simple. He made it big through this program, (and) so can they.”

Written by: Nathan Dean

23

30

AUG St. Augustine

13

20

27

4

18

25

1

SEPT

SEPT

SEPT

SEPT

OCT

OCT

OCT

NOV

@ Fernandina Beach

West Nassau

@ Paxon

Nease

Ribault

@ New Smyrna Beach

@ Raines

Stanton

Terry Parker

2018

MAC Team Leaders 68 | itgnext.com

6

AUG

Passing

Rushing

Receiving

Tackles

Sacks

Interceptions

Tyree Jackson 3,131 Yds QB

AJ Ouellette 1,306 Yds RB

Scott Miller 1,148 Yds WR

Malik Fountain 153 LB

Sutton Smith 15 LB/DE

Alvin Davis 4 CB

1-5A District 3

Westside Wolverines

As head coach Rodney Dubose begins his seventh year at the helm of Westside football, there’s hope in the air that better days await the Wolverines. Of course, like for any head football coach, it would be nice for that to begin with this season. The Wolverines are coming off consecutive 1-9 seasons, but Dubose said a change in their district opponents should create more opportunities for wins in 2019.

“We’re embracing the new district changes,” Dubose said. “Instead of playing teams like Bolles and Trinity Christian, we’re now playing opponents closer to us in terms of size and ability.”

Westside will now be joined in District 3-5A

by Ed White, Terry Parker, and Bishop Kenny.

“I’m not saying they’re easy games, but playing those powerhouses before, we had no shot,” Dubose said.

Westside will also benefit from the return of seven offensive starters, including three-year starting quarterback D.J. Otis, a junior. Joining him in the backfield will be senior tailback Ahmari Mahan.

Defensively, the Warriors will return five starters from a year ago, including junior defensive end Chadwick Martin and senior outside linebacker Angelo Philpot.

Dubose admitted it’s been rough recently.

“It’s been a tough last couple of years, but we expect to improve,” he said. “Our kids have worked really hard, have grown, and matured.

They’re ready to start winning some games.”

2019 Returning Starters Defense: 7 Offense: 5

Players to watch DJ Otis Ahmari Mahan Chadwick Martin Angelo Philpot

QE WR DE OLB

Head Coach: Rodney DuBose Years at school: 7 Record at school:18-41

Tailgate Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Dip Spice up game day with this flavorful tailgate recipe Ingredients Two 8-ounce packages cream cheese, softened 1 cup mayonnaise 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese 1 cup grated Mexican cheese blend, divided 10 jalapeños, deseeded and diced 1/2 pound fried bacon, diced

Courtesy of addapinch.com

23

AUG Middleburg

30

Instructions Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.

Blend together cream cheese and mayonnaise until creamy. Add in cheddar cheese, 1/2 cup Mexican cheese blend, jalapenos, and bacon crumbles. Combine well.

Pour into a casserole dish and bake 15 minutes.

Add remaining Mexican cheese blend on top of dip and return to oven for 10 minutes to melt cheese.

Serve with corn chips, tortilla chips, or a spoon!

Image courtesy of hudl.com

6

13

20

27

11

18

25

31

AUG

SEPT

SEPT

SEPT

SEPT

OCT

OCT

OCT

OCT

@ Englewood

Baldwin

@ Andrew Jackson

@ Orange Park

@ Baker County

Bishop Kenny

Ed White

@ Terry Parker

Dixie County

ITG Next | 69

Edward H. White Commanders

1-5A District 3

Written by: Phil Jones

The Commanders enter the 2019 season with a new head coach, as former Sandalwood offensive coordinator Lawrence Johnson takes over for former head coach Kevin Sullivan.

Johnson takes over a team with four returning starters on offense and six on defense, but said there will still be holes to fill.

“We have an inexperienced team,” Johnson said.

“Many of our starters will be getting their first opportunity to be varsity starters.”

Johnson said to not mistake the inexperience for lack of talent.

“Our players are still very talented, despite the inexperience at the varsity level,” he said.

Johnson was quick to point out playmakers who will be key in improving on last season’s 4-6 record.

“Our quarterback, Grant Travis, is really good,” Johnson said. “He has a great arm, is smart, and will have an opportunity to throw a little more than what has been done around here in the past.”

Johnson said running backs Kentrelle Williams and Jaison Patterson are explosive players who should give opposing defenses fits this year. He also likes what he’s seen of his defense.

“We have some real talented guys on that side of the ball who can run well and will hit you,” he said. “Ray McArthur may be one of the best defensive players in Northeast Florida.”

Johnson said to look for his secondary to be “really stout” this season.

As far as his outlook on the 2019 season, Johnson said he is expecting to have a solid team.

“I think we can win our district and make the playoffs in my first season, which hasn’t been done since 2014, when I was the offensive coordinator here,” he said.

23

30

AUG @ First Coast

13

Points 188 Allowed

223 Scored

Season record 4-6 3-1 Overall Region

Photography by: ITG Next

Team Leaders Chaz Hirschman Isaiah Flowers Zorian Stanton

414 Yds Passing 1,703 Yds Rushing 146 Yds Receiving

Isaiah Flowers

22 Touchdowns

Tyler Lawton

72 Tackles

2019 Players to watch

Head Coach: Lawrence Johnson

Grant Travis QB Kentrelle Williams RB Ray McArthur RB/OLB

First year at school

Returning Starters Offense: 4

20

27

11

18

Defense: 6

25

31

AUG

SEPT

SEPT

SEPT

SEPT

OCT

OCT

OCT

OCT

Ridgeview

Atlantic Coast

Baker County

@ Oakleaf

@ Bishop Kenny

Terry Parker

@ Westside

Mandarin

Lee

2018

sun belt Team

Leaders

70 | itgnext.com

6

2018 STATS

Passing

Rushing

Receiving

Tackles

Sacks

Interceptions

Justice Hanson 3447 Yds QB

Darrynton Evans 1187 Yds UT/WR/RB

Kirk Merritt 1005 Yds WR

Bryan London 109 LB

Ronheem Bingham 9 DE

Cedarious Rookard 5 S

Written by: Nathan Dean

university of miami

hurricanes

The University of Miami started the 2018 season ranked eighth in the country but finished with a disappointing 7-6 record, falling just short of a spot in the Atlantic Coast Conference Championship game. The Hurricanes also suffered a blowout loss against the University of Wisconsin in the Pinstripe Bowl 35-3.

After three years with Miami, former head coach Mark Richt announced his retirement, and the Hurricanes promoted defensive coordinator Manny Diaz to the head coaching position starting with the 2019 season.

One of the biggest additions during the 2019 offseason was quarterback Tate Martell, who transferred from Ohio State University. New offensive coordinator Dan Enos previously spent time with quarterbacks Tua Tagovailoa and Jalen Hurts during his time at Alabama, so the expectations are high with Martell.

The Hurricanes begin the 2019 season against the Florida Gators and will look to returning players to help turn the 2018 season into a fluke. After quarterbacks N’Kosi Perry and Malik Rosier failed to lead the team into more success in 2018, a lot of the faith in 2019 is in the hands of Martell and a defense that was ranked as one of the best in all of college football.

2018 STATS

Team Leaders N’Kosi Perry

1,091 Yds Passing

Travis Homer

985 Yds Rushing

Jeff Thomas

563 Yds Receiving

Deejay Dallas

7 Touchdowns

Sheldrick Redwine

3 Interceptions

Head Coach: Manny Diaz First year as head coach

4-4

conference record

points allowed

7-6overall record

2019 STATS

253

hard rock stadium

points scored

65,326

374

Players to watch Tate Martell Jeff Thomas

QB WR

university of central florida

Written by: Nathan Dean

knights

The Knights had high expectations going into the 2018 season after finishing the 2017 season undefeated, declaring themselves National Champions, and defeating Auburn University in the Sugar Bowl. Central Florida continued their success in 2018, even with facing some adversity, but their winning streak came to a disappointing end.

Although former head coach Scott Frost left for a head coaching job at the University of Nebraska, UCF completed the regular season with another 12-0 record under new head coach Josh Heupel, and they won the American Athletic Conference Championship. The seventh-ranked Knights fell short of finishing the year undefeated after losing to the 11th-ranked LSU Tigers in the Fiesta Bowl 40-32, ending their 25-game winning streak.

In one of their final regular season games against rival University of South Florida, quarterback McKenzie Milton suffered a gruesome leg injury that ended his season. The Knights finished the year with redshirt-freshman quarterback Darriel Mack Jr. UCF did not finish the 2018 season 13-0 and with a bowl victory as they did in 2017, but they did become one of the top 25 ranked programs in the country and are now no longer taken lightly. The Knights will be pushing for more success in 2019 and a spot in this year’s College Football Playoff.

2018 STATS

Team Leaders McKenzie Milton

2,663 Yds Passing

Greg McCrae

1,182 Yds Rushing

Gabriel Davis

815 Yds Receiving

McKenzie Milton Richie Grant

25 Touchdowns 6 Interceptions

Head Coach: Josh Heupel Years at school: 2 Record at school: 13-12

8-0 conference record

points allowed

12-1 overall record

2019 STATS

295

spectrum stadium

points scored

45,301

562

Players to watch Nate Evans Greg McCrae

LB RB

What is the most memorable moment of your sports career?

My most memorable moment so far in my career has been playing in the state championship game. My mind was really racing because I’ve never been in that type of atmosphere before.I still played with that same competitive spirit as I would on a regular Friday night game.

Who has helped you the most in your sports career?

First of all, I would have to say the good Lord because without him then nothing is possible. And I would have to say my parents because they give me the sense that I need to be successful.

And I would have to say my coaches because they taught me the game of football and the game of life through lessons.

“What they call hell, we call home.”

That means you have to be uncomfortable to get something you’ve never got before.

REGINALD HARDEN WIDE RECIEVER & DEFENSIVE END WILLIAM M. RAINES VIKINGS

ITG Next | 73

Coach of the Year

Who Will Be this Year's?

74 | itgnext.com

1-4A 2018 STATS Points Allowed: 320 Points Scored: 378 Region Record: 3-2 Overall Record: 8-5

Team Leaders Ben Netting

1,131 Yds Passing

Jayden McCloud

557 Yds Rushing 366 Yds Receiving

Bryson Kirksey

Photography by: ITG Next

Matt Toblin has been named the new head coach at Bolles, taking over for Wayne Belger.

Toblin comes from Ponte Vedra High School, where he led the Sharks to a 39-18 record in five seasons as head coach, including an appearance in the Class 5A state title game in 2016.

Toblin inherits a program that has made the state playoffs 26 consecutive seasons. But, that doesn’t mean that the new head coach is keeping things the same.

“We’re going to go away from the wing-T offense that’s been ran here for some time,” Toblin said. “I’m also holding open competition for just about every position. I think that makes everybody a little better.”

That includes an open battle at quarterback, according to Toblin. Competing for the spot are senior Jeremiah Johnson and last year’s returning starter, Ben Netting.

“Right now, they’re pushing each other, and that’s good for both of them,” Toblin said. “We’ll kind of see what happens as the season draws closer before I decide on a definite starter.”

Toblin will have three starters returning on offense and four on defense. He’s counting on defensive lineman Elias Batten; safety Will Netting; and the heavily recruited Simon Brackin on offense as the starting tight end and on defense as linebacker.

23

AUG University Christian

30

AUG HialeahMiami Lakes

6

Cooper Sullivan

9 Touchdowns

Bryson Kirksey

4 Interceptions

Despite the changes Toblin is making, he said he wants to maintain the tradition that has made Bolles a successful program for so long.

“There’s a great tradition of sound, fundamental football here at Bolles under coach Rogers and Belger, and I just want to keep that tradition going while I’m here,” Toblin said.

Toblin’s debut at Bolles will be as part of the Bold City Showcase, a recently announced triple-header football event that will be locally televised. The six-team event will feature Bolles taking on University Christian in one of the three games to be played at Bolles’ Skinner-Barco Stadium. Other showcase games include Lee versus Bartram Trail and Atlantic Coast versus Mandarin.

2019 Returning Starters Defense: 4 Offense: 3

Players to watch Elias Batten Will Netting Simon Brackin

Bolles Bulldogs

DT SS/WR TE/MLB

Head Coach: Matt Toblin First year at school

Written by: Phil Jones

13

20

27

4

18

25

1

SEPT

SEPT

SEPT

SEPT

OCT

OCT

OCT

NOV

@ New Hampstead

St. Augustine

@ Creekside

@ Palatka

@ Melbourne Central Catholic

Clay

John Carroll

@ Mainland

ITG Next | 75

Fernandina Beach Pirates

1-4A

Written by: Nathan Dean

CHIROCARE A NEW SEASON I N AT H L ET I C H E A LT H C A R E

Chiropractic care can prevent football-related injuries as well as improve recovery, strength, and performance.

The Pirates put in a lot of hard work before the 2018 season in hopes of improving from their 5-5-1 record in 2017 under first-year head coach Jude Swearingen. Unfortunately, things took a turn for the worse in the early going, and Fernandina Beach failed to recover from an abysmal 2-8 season.

Swearingen and the Pirates will look to focus on 2019 and move on from the disappointing season a year ago, during which they allowed 291 points and only scored 128 all season.

Fernandina had high hopes of making it to the playoffs this past season, but fell far short of that goal. They finished the season without a win on the road, which will be a point of emphasis during the 2019 season to improve.

If the Pirates want to have a complete turn around, they are going to need help from some of their leaders on the team, such as senior running back and cornerback Chase Boyd. Boyd led the Pirates in rushing, receiving, and return yards in 2018 and tallied up a total of 1,413 all-purpose yards and four touchdowns. Boyd also had an impact on the defensive side of the ball with 12 total tackles and one interception on the year.

The Pirates will look for improvement on the 2019 season. The players will have to step up and prove to many that this team is a lot different from last year.

Photography by: ITG Next

Team Leaders Chase Boyd Chase Boyd

Jackson Mock

772 Yds Passing 540 Yds Rushing 465 Yds Receiving

Chase Boyd

4 Touchdowns

Latrell Whitehurst

2 Interceptions

2019 Players to watch

Chase Boyd Jackson Mock Josiah Rauls Latrell Whitehurst Cam Miller

Chiropractic manipulative treatment, commonly known as an adjustment, aligns the body and results in a stronger, more flexible athlete prepared to withstand injury.

The typical injury areas related to football and treatable by chiropractic care include the spine, head, neck, knees, and ankles.

All 32 teams in the NFL offer their players and personell chiropractic care.

RB/CB QB OLB/MLB/RB CB/SS WR/CB

It isn’t just for the athletes on the field! Sports fans who find that cheering on the team is their passion may find relief from those hard bleachers with a visit to their local chiropractor.

Head Coach: Jude Swearingen Years at school: 2 Record at school: 2-8

23

AUG

@ Keystone Heights

76 | itgnext.com

29

6

13

20

27

4

11

18

AUG

SEPT

SEPT

SEPT

SEPT

OCT

OCT

OCT

Yulee

Interlachen

@ Wolfson

@ Stanton

Andrew Jackson

Paxon

@ West Nassau

Hillard

Palatka Panthers

2-4A

Written by: Phil Jones

2018 STATS Points 354 315 Allowed Scored Season record 3-7 1-4 Overall Region

Image courtesy of palatkadailynews.com

Team Leaders Mitchell McKinnon

979 Yds Passing 1589 Yds Rushing 643 Yds Receiving

Jaylyn Session Treyvon Williams Jaylyn Session

18 Touchdowns

De’shawn Shaw

3 Interceptions

2019 Players to watch

Demontae Ashley Deshawn Shaw

QB/FS CB

Wesley Roberts Ke’shawn Hughes

WR RB/P

Head Coach: Willie Fells

Returning Starters

Years at school: 2 Record at school: 3-7

Offense: 7

23

AUG

Menendez

30

13

20

27

4

11

18

1

AUG

SEPT

SEPT

SEPT

OCT

OCT

OCT

OCT

NOV

@ North Marion

Flemming Island

Ponte Vedra

@ Clay

Bolles

@ Suwannee

Santa Fe

Bradford

@ St. Augustine

2018 IND

6

Defense: 8

Head coach Willie Fells returns for his second year at Palatka High School, where he played high school football himself, and with several returning starters on both sides of the ball, the Panthers should improve on last year’s 3-7 record.

Palatka will have seven starters returning on offense and eight on defense. The entire defensive front returns, which should improve one area that at times was a weakness for Fells and his Panthers squad.

“We had a difficult time stopping the run last year,” Fells said.

Backing up the defensive line will be two returning defensive backs: free safety Demontae Ashley, who will also lead the offense as the returning quarterback, and cornerback Deshawn Shaw, who recorded four interceptions last season, including one returned for a touchdown.

The Panthers return Wesley Roberts, a 6-foot-2, 180-pound wide receiver who is also an All-State basketball selection at Paltaka. Faizon Sutton returns at running back.

According to Fells, Ke’shawn Hughes is a dynamic player and will be expected to help the Panthers all over the field this year. Hughes is a natural free safety, but will also play slot and running back and will return punts. Hughes will also serve as the team’s punter this season.

“Ke’shawn ran a 4.4 in the 40 at the Blue Grey Combine” Fells said. “He can also throw the football 60 yards in the air, so we are going to do everything we can to try to get the football in his hands this year.”

The goals for Palatka are pretty simple, according to Fells.

“I want to push the envelope forward and strive for a winning season,” he said. “Once we do that, everything else will be ok.”

Team Leaders

Passing

Rushing

Receiving

Tackles

Sacks

Interceptions

Stephen Calvert 3,068 Yds QB

Frankie Hickson 1,032 Yds RB

Andy Isabella 1,698 Yds RB/WR

Bryton Barr 140 LB

Jessie Lemonier 10 DL

Jalen Elliott 4 S

ITG Next | 77

Top 10 Northeast Florida Games to Watch

The 2019 high school football season will be one for the ages. With many coaching changes and loads of talent in the Jacksonville area, these matchups are some of the best in high school football. Here are the top 10 must-watch high school football games in Northeast Florida.

Written by: Nathan Dean

The Bolles School vs.

New Hampstead High School

Ponte Vedra High School vs.

Creekside High School

Sept. 6

Nov. 1

The Bolles Bulldogs had an up-and-down season in 2018, finishing the year 8-5. One of their biggest struggles last season was winning their games on the road, finishing with a 2-3 road record. Although Bolles defeated New Hampstead last year, the Bulldogs will travel to Savannah, Georgia, this year for their 2019 matchup. New Hampstead wasn’t one of the best teams in Georgia last season with a 5-6 record, but they held their own against Bolles by only losing by nine points in a 43-34 final score. If Bolles wants to become a more dominant football team this season, they will have to avoid an upset in a possible trap game against New Hampstead.

Bartram Trail High School vs.

Oakleaf High School

Bartram Trail High School vs.

Sandalwood High School

Oct. 18

Oct. 25

Oakleaf didn’t have the season they expected last year, finishing with a 5-6 record and losing in the first round of the playoffs against Lincoln. But one of the biggest wins for the Knights last year was against a powerful Bartram Trail team. It was an offensive outpoor with a final score of 69-53. In 2019, both programs are loaded with talent that will be headed to play football at the Division I level. There’s a lot to prove in this game for both teams, and it should be one of the most exciting games of the year.

In 2018, Bartram Trail lost quarterback Chad Dodson to a devastating knee injury. Dodson is now healthy and ready to lead the Bears to more success in 2019. One of the biggest challenges will be in the final game of their regular season against Sandalwood High School. Sandalwood has two big recruits, quarterback Jeff Sims and cornerback Derek Bermudez, who are both committed to playing football at Florida State University. Sims will get some early looks at Bartram Trail cornerback Tre’Vez Johnson, who committed to playing for the University of Florida. The exciting matchup between Sims and Johnson is something Seminole and Gator fans alike should pay attention to.

St. Augustine High School vs.

Pedro Menendez High School

Fletcher High School vs.

Mandarin High School

Aug.30

Nov. 1

The Menendez Falcons took advantage of one of the worst seasons in football history for St. Augustine High School last year when they defeated St. Augustine for the first time in school history 62-28. Menendez won all five of their home games last year and look to continue that trend in 2019. St. Augustine finished 2018 with their first losing record in over a decade and look to quickly return to their dominating ways. To avoid another loss to Menendez, they will have to play the Falcons on the road and end their home-game winning streak. This is one of the most interesting games of the year and could speak loudly about who truly has the best high school football program in St. Augustine.

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The Creekside Knights had a 14-7 lead at the end of the first half against Ponte Vedra last year in what would have been a huge upset. The Sharks fought back and scored 21 points in the third quarter and went on to win the game 35 - 21. Creekside knows that they gave up a huge opportunity to defeat one of the best high school football teams last year, but just couldn’t hold them off for all four quarters. This year, Creekside’s final game of the season is against Ponte Vedra at home. It is safe to assume that the Knights would like to come out on top in the 2019 rematch and end the season on a high note.

Mandarin quarterback Carson Beck is one of the most talked about high school quarterback prospects in the country. Beck is entering his final season with the Mustangs before he moves to Athens, Georgia, to lead the Bulldogs. In 2018, the Mustangs won the Class 8A state championship, but lost to Fletcher in overtime during the regular season. This was not one of Carson’s best performances, as he finished the game with two touchdowns and two interceptions. If the Mustangs want to improve off of their record last season and chase another state championship, this particular matchup will be one of the biggest games of the year to watch. Beck will also be featured on the hit Netflix series “QB1: Beyond the Lights.”

Columbia High School vs.

Lee High School

Raines High School vs.

Lee High School

Oct. 11

Sept. 7

The Lee Generals proved to be one of the most impressive football teams in Florida last year. They had notable wins throughout the year and only lost two games. One of those two losses was against Columbia in a game that came down to the wire. Quarterback Cameron Sapp threw for 386 yards and four touchdowns, but it just wasn’t enough to defeat the Lions. This year, Columbia travels to Jacksonville for the rematch, and Lee has the talent to change this year’s outcome. The Generals look to increase their overall ranking in the state of Florida. A win over Columbia could definitely improve that.

The only loss the Raines Vikings suffered last year was in Week 1 against Lee. After the game, a deadly shooting occurred that left many people afraid to attend. Raines persevered and won every game after that, including the Class 4A state championship.

Last year’s game will forever mark the history of this matchup, but Raines wants to rewrite the outcome this year and finish 2019 undefeated. This game will take place in Week 3 and is expected to be an emotional one for everyone involved.

Carol City High School vs.

Trinity Christian Academy Sept. 20 Trinity Christian Academy was one game away from playing in the Class 5A state championship game last year. This year, the Conquerors look to correct their mistakes and ensure that they are in the state championship game this year. One of the biggest games of the year for them is against Carol City High School from Miami, Florida. On MaxPreps.com, Carol City is ranked as the fourth best high school football program in Florida. Trinity Christian Academy is ranked 14th. This was a chance for Trinity Christian to prove the rankings wrong and make a big statement for the 2019 season.

Mandarin High School vs.

Sandalwood High School Oct. 18 Two of the biggest quarterback prospects in Jacksonville will go head-to-head in what should be one of the most talked about high school football games in recent years. Carson Beck and Jeff Sims are expected to be stars when they head off to college, but who will have the better performance on Oct. 18? In 2018, Mandarin defeated Sandalwood 27-7, helping them gain momentum for a state championship season. Sandalwood wants to change the outcome this year and pull off a conference victory in front of their home crowd.

ITG Next | 79

1-4A

2018 STATS

Bradford Tornadoes

Points Allowed: 231 Points Scored: 218

2019 Players to watch

Written by: Phil Jones

Pedro Carter Erric Smith

After finishing with a 10-2 record and reaching the Class 4A semifinals in 2017, Bradford High had high hopes going into 2018. Then, while preparing his team for the regular season, head coach Brian Tomlinson suffered a sickness that took him away from his team for two months.

While Tomlinson was able to return, his team fell to 5-6.

Now healthy and back to 100 percent, Tomlinson is ready to go, and with quite a few returners from last year’s team back this year, the head coach is pretty excited.

“We return a lot of experience on both sides of the ball and have tremendous excitement throughout the program for the upcoming season,” he said.

Fans of the Tornadoes got a sneak peak at that excitement and experience in the spring game, as Bradford defeated Lake Weir 35-7.

23

Aug

Baker County

30

6

20

27

QB RB

Region Record: 2-1 Overall Record: 5-6 Head Coach: Brian Tomlinson Years at school:3 Record at school:16-8

Returning starting quarterback Pedro Carter went six for eight with two touchdowns against the Hurricanes, while returning running back Erric Smith ran for two touchdowns.

Other returners to look for this year are receiver Austin Lovell and athlete Nathaniel Davis. Offensive linemen Levontre Daniels and Gavin Woods will be back. On defense, Malik Hankerson and Drake Barber return, and both will line up at defensive end.

Overall, Tomlinson said he will have seven returning starters back on offense and nine on defense.

Expect Bradford to look more like the team from 2017.

“We have some young talented players back this year, and we expect them to compete,” Tomlinson said.

4

11

18

25

1

AUG

SEPT

SEPT

SEPT

OCT

OCT

OCT

OCT

NOV

@ Baldwin

@ Keystone Heights

Pierce County (GA)

University Christian

West Nassau

P. K. Yonge

@ Palatka

@ South Sumter

@ Fort White

Keystone Heights Indians

Written by: Nathan Dean

2-4A

2018 STATS Region Record: 4-4 Overall Record: 5-5

Points Allowed: 226 Points Scored: 232

2019 STATS

Head Coach: Chuck Dickinson

Players to watch Andrew Cox Nick Channell

ATH RB/WR/CB

Years at school: 21

The Indians had a decent year in 2019 with a 5-5 record, but they are nowhere near satisfied with it. Keystone Heights had one of the best rushing attacks on offense in 2018, and they get both of their lead guys back for one more run in 2019.

Nick Channell is a senior running back who is a weapon all over the football field, playing multiple positions such as wide receiver and cornerback. Channell rushed for over 1,000 yards last season on 173 carries, averaging 6.1 yards per carry.

Alongside him was now senior fullback and linebacker Ty Friedlin. Friedlin rushed for 909 yards on 160 carries, giving the Indians close to two guys with 1,000 yards rushing in one season.

In 2019, it will be interesting to watch the decision making by the Indians coaching staff for this year’s offense. Keystone Heights dominated on the run, but rarely ever passed the ball last year. Quarterback Gage Stevens, now a junior, threw for only 138 yards on 47 passing attempts all season.

Some of the stud guys on defense will not be back after graduating in 2019, so it will be another aspect to watch this season as to who will step up to improve their record going forward.

23

AUG Fernandina Beach

80 | itgnext.com

30

6

13

27

4

11

18

25

1

AUG

SEPT

SEPT

SEPT

OCT

OCT

OCT

OCT

NOV

@ Bell

Bradford

@ Umatilla

@ St. Joseph

Crescent City

@ Wildwood

@ Taylor

Interlachen

Union County

1-4A 2018 STATS Points Allowed: 163 Points Scored: 366 Region Record: 2-0 Overall Record: 9-3

Team Leaders Dallas Mumford

650 Yds Passing

Javon Wright

750 Yds Rushing 367 Yds Receiving

Davian Williams Kaleb Crandell

13 Touchdowns

Damon Harris Cameran Atwater

6 Interceptions

Photography by: ITG Next The Warriors continued their success on the field with a 9-3 record in 2018, but continue to face problems against familiar schools. The 2019 season will be an exciting one to watch for West Nassau, who looks to turn things around and accomplish bigger goals.

In 2017, West Nassau fell short of a championship after a loss to Raines High School. Before that, their only loss of the season was to Bradford High School. As successful as the Warriors were last year, they continued those struggles once again after suffering losses to Bradford, Raines, and Baldwin Coach Rickey Armstrong and the Warriors will look to create stronger motivation and momentum that this team needs to accomplish the ultimate goal: winning the state championship.

West Nassau fell just short of their goal of becoming the No. 1 seed in 2018, but their familiarity with Raines and ability to prepare for some of their opponents is something to keep track of. The Warriors will have to find the faces of their new rushing attack, which last year ran for over 3,000 yards. Four senior running backs in the class of 2019 at West Nassau are no longer leading the way in the running back room, so it will be something to watch in 2019 to see who emerges as the new lead back.

Losing successful seniors is a part of high school football. A “next man up” mentality and the hunger for a state championship will be the challenges West Nassau faces all year long.

2019 Players to watch Blayze Padgett Seth O’Neal Centari Mitchell Michael Thorn

QB MLB/DE CB/WR DE/TE

Head Coach:

Rickey Armstrong

Years at school: 6 Record at school: 35-20

West Nassau Warriors Written by: Nathan Dean

23

AUG @ North Florida

30

6

13

20

4

11

18

25

1

AUG

SEPT

SEPT

SEPT

OCT

OCT

OCT

OCT

NOV

Lee

@ Yulee

@ Baldwin

Bishop Kenny

@ Bradford

Fernandina Beach

@ Baker County

Andrew Jackson

@ Ridgeview

WATCH

BROUGHT TO YOU BY

SATURDAY | CW SUNDAY | 4 P.M. | WJXT ITG Next | 81

Who has helped you the most in your sports career?

My mother has helped me the most because she has made many sacrifices for me to be able to play now.

What makes you different from every other athlete out there?

I love to compete. I hate losing more than I like winning, so I always play as hard as possible.

CHANTZ WILLIAMS 82 | itgnext.com

DEFENSIVE END OAKLEAF KNIGHTS

1-3A 2018 STATS Points Allowed: 268 Points Scored: 178 Region Record: 1-1 Overall Record: 4-5

Team Leaders Artis Maddox

433 Yds Passing

Jajuan Turner

576 Yds Rushing 232 Yds Receiving

Randolph Myers Jajuan Turner

10 Touchdowns

Artis Maddox

4 Interceptions

Image Courtesy of berecruited.com

Andrew Jackson Tigers

Written by: Phil Jones

Talk about a tough way to end your season. A scrappy Jackson Tigers team had finished with a 4-5 overall record, which looked to be good enough to put the Tigers in the playoffs for the first time in eight seasons.

Due to the FHSAA’s confusing playoff points system, which has been replaced this year with a new system of determining playoff eligible teams, Jackson and a winless Gadsden team were virtually tied for the playoff spot in Region 1 Class 4A at the end of the regular season last year. According to head coach Antoine Atwater, he thought his team had clinched a playoff spot after a

23

AUG Father Lopez

30

13

2019 Players to watch KJ Mahone Ricky Dove Arnan Crooms Gary Wiggins

thrilling overtime victory over Stanton High.

A coin toss the next morning ended the brief playoff celebration.

Heading into this season, Atwater is hoping to turn a negative into a positive, saying he wants to use what happened last year as a life lesson with his team this year.

Atwater said his Tigers football team will be young, and a glance at the roster proves that to be the case. There are just four seniors on the team, including running back K.J. Mahone, athlete Ricky Dove, defensive end Arnan Crooms, and tight end and defensive end Gary Wiggins.

20

AUG

SEPT

SEPT

@ Stanton

Westside

Wolfson

27

SEPT @ Ferandina Beach

4

11

RB ATH DE DE/TE

Head Coach: Antoine Atwater Years at school: 3 Record at school: 6-14

17

25

1

OCT

OCT

OCT

OCT

NOV

Baldwin

@ Episcopal

@ Englewood

@ West Nassau

@ First Coast

Gene Coleman 10900 Lem Turner Road Jacksonville, FL 32218 Phone: 904-764-4139 Office Hours: M-F 9am to 5pm Saturday, By Appointment

ITG Next | 83

1-3A 2018 STATS Points Allowed: 241 Points Scored: 383 Region Record: 1-0 Overall Record: 7-3

2019 Returning Starters Defense: 6 Offense: 5

Players to watch Nick Elksnis Tucker Tomberlin Jack Bogan Ershod Jasey

TE QB WR/CB WR

Image courtesy of Episcopal Eagles via Twitter

Head Coach: Mark Brunell

Episcopal High School’s Golden Eagles are still smarting from narrowly missing the state playoffs last season.

Despite finishing with an overall record of 7-3, a loss in the final game versus Bishop Kenny cost Episcopal a chance at postseason play.

Some key starters returning this upcoming season for the Eagles and head coach Mark Brunell should give Episcopal the needed confidence and experience to shoot for another playoff run.

The team will have six starters returning on offense and five on defense.

Among the offensive players back in 2019 will be highly recruited tight end Nick Elksnis. The junior is being recruited by almost every major program in the country, including FSU, Notre Dame, Clemson, and Ohio State. The big tight end will be a favorite target for junior

Years at school: 3 Record at school: 11-9-1

Image courtesy of Episcopal Eagles via Twitter

23

AUG Providence

30

6

13

20

quarterback Tucker Tomberlin. Also returning will be wide receiver and cornerback Jack Bogan, a junior. According to Brunell, other significant returners include Langston Hardy, Ershod Jasey, Daniel Cooper, and Christoper Gardner.

Brunell said that although the team has some good experience returning at major positions in 2019, he and the team will miss Zack Blair, Jake Tylski, and Jack Barsdale, all key members of the Golden Eagles last year.

4

11

18

31

AUG

SEPT

SEPT

SEPT

SEPT

OCT

OCT

OCT

OCT

@ Lake Highland Prep

Hilliard

Providence

Baldwin

Crescent City

Cedar Creek

Andrew Jackson

@ Paxon

@ Stanton

Danny Dupree 510 Airport Center Dr, Suite 103 Jacksonville, FL 32218 Phone: (904) 757-8450 Office Hours: 9:00-5:00 Monday-Friday Saturday and Evenings by Appointment

84 | itgnext.com

27

Episcopal Eagles

1-3A Will this be the year that the Wolfpack turns it around? That’s the question on everyone’s mind, and according to Wolfson head coach Dennis Bettinger, the answer is yes.

“We expect to have a winning record this year – 6-4 or even better,” he said.

Bettinger admitted it may be a reach goal, but he’s not backing away from those expectations.

“This (a winning record) is my expectation every year,” Bettinger said.

He said everyone knows what it’s going to take to get the program turned around.

“The expectation of a 6-4 record is really high because Wolfson has not had a winning record since 2004, but that is what every player who signs up to play here already knows,” Bettinger said. “That is the Wolfpack way.”

The Wolfpack will have five returning starters on both offense and on defense, according to Bettinger. He expects the team to be led by returners Clyde Holland, Christian MacCauley, Ray Murphy, Shawn Tunsill, Christian Cosper, and Jaleel Armstrong.

Bettinger said the team will miss Kevon Bryant, Omari Jackson, Cameron Harris, and Madison Robinson, all of whom have graduated.

Players to watch

Head Coach: Dennis Bettinger

Clyde Holland RB/MLB Christian MaCauley T/DE

23

AUG

@ Stanton

30

Samuel W. Wolfson Wolfpack

Returning Starters Defense: 5 Offense: 5

2019

Years at school: 2 Record at school: 2-8

6

13

Written by: Phil Jones

20

27

11

18

25

1

AUG

SEPT

SEPT

SEPT

OCT

OCT

OCT

OCT

NOV

Paxon

North Florida

Fernandina Beach

@ Andrew Jackson

@ Hilliard

@ Interlachen

Bishop Snyder

Pine Ridge

@ Englewood

1-3A

2019 Players to watch Thomas Mack WR Austin Lloyd K Christian Marshall RB

Interlachen Rams

Head Coach: Matt Yancey Years at school: 2 Record at school: 2-7

Returning Starters Defense: 2 Offense: 5

Written by: Phil Jones

After back-to-back 2-8 seasons, Interlachen High School hopes to bounce back with a strong showing this season. This offseason has been promising, according to head coach Matt Yancey.

“Our kids have really bought into the offseason program,” Yancey said.

The numbers are up too, and that should help with the depth of the team.

“Our participation numbers are up compared to last year at this time,” Yancey said.

Interlachen will see seven starters return from last year’s team, including five from the offensive side, and two from the defense. Key

23

AUG @ Trenton

30

6

returners include the Rams leading receiver Thomas Mack and Christian Marshall, who was the team’s starting tailback. Rising sophomore Colbie DeLoach will be counted on as a starter this year after playing in all 10 games as a freshman in 2018. The Rams are fortunate to have kicker Austin Lloyd back, who is a three-year starter for Interlachen.

Despite the returning contributors from a year ago, Yancey and his staff will have to replace some members up front whom they lost to graduation, including Justin Darcey, who was a two-year starter at center; Julian Rivera, who started on both the offensive and defensive

13

20

4

11

lines the last three seasons; and T.J. Beauford, the team’s leading tackler.

Yancey’s expectations for the 2019 season are straightforward.

“We want to compete and show improvement in the program,” Yancey said.

Despite having a large number of sophomores and juniors, the head coach likes the direction of his team.

“We are young with only six seniors, but we’re much better off program-wise than we were last year,” he said.

18

25

1

AUG

SEPT

SEPT

SEPT

OCT

OCT

OCT

OCT

NOV

Umatilla

@ Fernandina Beach

Eagles View

Bell

@ Taylor

Wolfson

@ Brandford

@ Keystone Heights

St. Joseph

ITG Next | 85

1-3A

2018 STATS

Fort White Indians

Points Allowed: 187 Points Scored: 352

2019 Players to watch

Written by: Phil Jones

The Fort White Indians and head coach Demetric Jackson are hoping that classification changes in the offseason by the FHSSA will benefit his 2019 Indians squad. Fort White will go from Class 3A to Class 1A, and Jackson is hoping his team can take advantage of the move.

“We hope the move down to 1A will give us a better chance at making the playoffs and making a deep run,” Jackson said.

It’s not as if Fort White looked outmatched last season. The Indians finished 8-3 overall and 3-0 in district play, including six consecutive wins to end the regular season headed into the playoffs. However, the Indians fell in the first round, losing 49-34 to Pensacola Catholic.

Looking ahead, Fort White returns four starters on offense and seven on defense.

Jackson is hoping junior running back Brayden Summers can return from an injury-plagued season a year ago to become the breakout back Jackson knows he can be.

Quarterback Tyler Jefferson and newcomers Khalil Barr and Leon Atkins will be counted on to lead the Indians offense.

The defensive leaders for Fort White will be free safety Terrance Jones and linebackers Kameron Calhoun and Derrick Roberson.

23

30

AUG Suwannee

6

27

Tyler Jefferson QB Brayden Summers RB

Region Record: 3-0 Overall Record: 8-3 Head Coach: Demetric Jackson Years at school: 12

Team Leaders Stanley Maxwell Rahman Paul

Dylan Blair

1,877 Yds Passing 1,324 Yds Rushing 544 Yds Receiving

Stanley Maxwell

19 Touchdowns

Donavon Jenkins

4 Interceptions

Derrick Roberson

68 Tackles

4

11

25

1

AUG

SEPT

SEPT

OCT

OCT

OCT

NOV

@ Hamilton County

Santa Fe

@ Taylor County

Trinity Catholic

@ Baldwin

@ Newberry

Bradford

1-3A The Indians of Baldwin High School have had the entire offseason to put their tough, season-ending playoff loss to Taylor County behind them. It’s time to get back to work with a new coach – albeit with a familiar name.

Robert Shields is the new head coach, replacing his brother, Steve Shields, who resigned after leading Baldwin to a 9-2 record, including a first-round loss at home to Taylor County 24-17 .

Despite last season ending too early, there is hope that 2019 could bring another playoff run.

Baldwin will return several contributors from last year’s squad, including receivers Christian Sanderson and Xavier McGriff, who has committed to Butch Davis and Florida International University.

Sanderson had five touchdown catches last season, while McGriff had nine touchdowns.

Getting the ball out to the two talented wideouts will be either Bryce Tompkins or Ethan Krause. The two quarterbacks are competing for the starting position after last year’s signal-caller, Gavin Screws, graduated. Screws signed with Troy University.

Running back Amos Porter returns this season. He rushed for 11 touchdowns last season.

2019

2018

Players to watch Amos Porter Xavier McGriff

Baldwin Indians

Team Leaders RB/SS WR

Head Coach: Robert Shields

Gavin Screws AJ Mealer Xavier McGriff

2,562 Yds Passing 690 Yds Rushing 774 Yds Receiving

First year at school

23

AUG

@ Ridgeview

86 | itgnext.com

Written by: Phil Jones

30

6

13

20

27

4

11

18

31

AUG

SEPT

SEPT

SEPT

SEPT

OCT

OCT

OCT

OCT

Bradford

@ Westside

West Nassau

Episcopal

Stanton

@ Andrew Jackson

Fort White

University Christian

Middleburg

Providence Stallions

1-3A

Written by: Phil Jones

Photography by: ITG Next

2019 Players to watch

CJ Brooks Sebastian Reichhardt

MLB T/NG

Kai Darabi Cade Windham

Head Coach: Bobby McGlohorn

T/DT WR

Returning Starters

Years at school: 2 Record at school: 2-8

Offense: 5

Defense: 6

Halftime Happenings Marching Band

The concept of a school marching band originates from the military. Certain aspects such as uniforms and stepping in line are lasting elements of the historical influence of military bands.

Marching bands play music in the stands during football games, but the elements of competition, athleticism, musical talent, and performance art culminate during the choreographed shows at halftime.

23

AUG Episcopal

30

A devoted collegiate marching band may practice up to 30 hours per week.

1907

In 1907, the Marching Illini performed the first halftime marching band show at a college football game.

19 Million

That’s how many views The Ohio State University marching band’s “Hollywood Blockbuster Show” video has on YouTube.

30

AUG @ Melbourne Central Catholic

6

13

SEPT Stanton

SEPT

20

SEPT

@ Bishop Joshua Christian Snyder Academy

After winning three of their last four games to end the 2017 season, the Stallions were hoping that surge and a new look would follow them into the beginning of last season. With new head coach Bobby McGlohorn taking over for the departed Jeff Kopp, Providence won the first game of 2018, a convincing 30-7 victory over Andrew Jackson. It looked as if the Stallions were turning the corner after finishing a combined 9-19 over the previous three seasons.

However, that was not the case as the Stallions finished the season 2-8. According to McGlohorn he and the team are looking forward to a fresh start.

“Our team faced some adversity last year, and it was tough,” he said. “But, we’re ready for a new start this season.”

Providence will have five starters returning on offense and six on defense, including some kids with really good size: senior C.J. Brooks, a 6-foot-2, 200-pound middle linebacker; senior Sebastian Reichhardt, a 6-foot-1, 265-pound lineman; and senior Kai Darabi, another lineman who stands at 6-foot-1 and 280 pounds. McGlohorn said junior Evan Novak will see playing time at both linebacker and tight end.

He gives the Stallions another player of good size at 6-foot-2 and 210 pounds.

As far as the skill positions go, McGlohorn said sophomore receiver Cade Windham is one he hopes will break through in 2019.

McGlohorn said this season is all about taking a week-by-week approach.

“We just want to compete and go 1-0 every week,” he said. “If we can win that week’s game, we’ll enjoy being 1-0, and then we’ll try to do the same thing the next week. It’s that simple.”

27

4

SEPT

OCT

Cedar Creek

@ St. Joseph

11

OCT @ Christ’s Church Academy

Michael Tauzel 13170 Atlantic Boulevard Suite 58 Jacksonville, FL 32225 Phone: 904-425-4100 Office Hours: Mon-Fri 9:00am to 5:00pm After Hours by Appointment

ITG Next | 87

1-3A 2018 STATS Points Allowed: 173 Points Scored: 537 Region Record: 5-0 Overall Record: 13-1

Team Leaders Jacory Jordan

2,385 Yds Passing

Marcus Crowley

2,325 Yds Rushing

Isaiah Washington

924 Yds Receiving 31 Touchdowns

Marcus Crowley Stephen Williams

5 Interceptions

2019

Photography by: ITG Next

Players to watch Fred Davis II Miles Brooks Jacory Jordan

When you look at the Trinity Christian Conquerors’ 2019 season, it’s hard to not think about one of Newton’s laws of physics, which relates to an unstoppable force meeting an immovable object. On one hand, you have a team fresh off a 13win season, which saw them advance to the Class 5A state semifinals, back with a number of great performers from last year’s squad, including starting quarterback Jacory Jordan and virtually the entire offensive line in front of him. On the other hand, you have a schedule awaiting this talented team that includes 10 opponents who were playoff teams a year ago.

So, which will prevail? The defense will have two standouts back with Fred Davis II and Miles Brooks manning the corners. Davis is ranked as the nation’s No. 3 cornerback as well as the No. 3

CB/SS CB/FS QB

Head Coach: Verlon Dorminey Years at school: 28 Record at school: 279-69

overall prospect in the state of Florida by recruiting service 24/7 Sports. He has committed to Clemson.

Brooks is a four-star cornerback who really stood out last year with 45 tackles as a junior. He has committed to Georgia Tech.

The daunting slate of opponents awaiting head coach Verlon Dorminey and his team includes Colquitt County, a three-time Georgia state champion from Moultrie; area rivals Ribault and Raines; Plantation American Heritage from Miami; and powerhouse Columbia County in Lake City.

Despite the schedule, Trinity is a preseason favorite in several area polls; that has a lot to do with not just the top flight talent returning in 2019, but the fact that they will be moving down to Class 3A this year.

Trinity Christian Academy Conquerors Written by: Phil Jones

23

30

AUG @ Columbia

2018

13

20

27

3

11

17

25

SEPT

SEPT

SEPT

SEPT

OCT

OCT

OCT

OCT

@ Godby

Ribault

American Heritage

Miami Carol City

Pahokee

@ Brooker T Washington

@ Colquitt County (GA)

Lee

@ Raines

ACCTeam Leaders

88 | itgnext.com

6

AUG

Passing

Rushing

Receiving

Tackles

Sacks

Interceptions

Ryan Finley 3,928 Yds QB

Travis Etienne 1,658 Yds RB

Kelvin Harmon 1,186 Yds WR

Ryan Guthrie 107 LB

Clelin Ferrel 12 DE

Andre Cisco 7 DB Hamp Cheevers 7 DB

JANUARY 2, 2020 | 7:00 PM GROUP FUNDRAISING OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE CONTACT: KAYLA VANDERLAAN (904) 798-5998 KAYLA@TAXSLAYERGATORBOWL.COM ITG Next | 89

What is the most memorable moment of your sports career?

When we played Mandarin and I had the drive to myself four straight tackles.

Who has helped you the most in your sports career?

My head coach, Coach Small, has helped me develop leadership skills as well as helping me become mentally tough.

RALPH MENCY 90 | itgnext.com

DEFENSIVE END & TIGHT END ROBERT E. LEE GENERALS

ITG Next | 91

1-2A

University Christian Christians Written by: Phil Jones

2018 STATS Points 285 Allowed

The Christians are coming off a successful season last year, making a deep run in the state playoffs and finishing 8-5 overall. A 45-21 loss to North Florida Christian brought the season to an end for coach David Penland’s team. While Penland was proud of the effort by his team last season, he admitted that anything shy of a state title leaves room for improvement.

“Expectations are always high at University Christian High, and that means we always want to be playing for a state championship; that goal will always be the same,” he said. “We didn’t make it last year, and that really did not sit well with our seniors.”

With five returning starters on offense and eight coming back on defense, the Christians are in a good position to make another run into the playoffs. Returning to lead the team this season will be Max McClendon, Cody Kopp, Joe Carter, and Noah Robertson.

Penland is especially pleased with his team’s work ethic this offseason.

“Our guys have been working their tails off since December,” he said.

He also expects the younger guys to step up in 2019.

“This is a really close group of players with a lot of younger guys that we expect to make a great impact this season,” Penland said. “But, it’s the leadership of our seniors that will take us as far as we want to go, and so far I like what I see.”

23

6

20

457 Scored

Season record 8-5 1-0 Overall Region

Image courtesy of hudl.com

Team Leaders Ridge Jacobs Max McClendon Jaedon Stoshak

2,138 Yds Passing 1,263 Yds Rushing 800 Yds Receiving

Max McClendon

18 Touchdowns

Jaedon Stoshak

9 Interceptions

2019 Players to watch Max McClendon Cody Kopp

RB/CB WR/OLB

Joe Carter Noah Robertson

RB/MLB C/G

Head Coach: David Penland

Returning Starters

Years at school: 10 Record at school: 84-58

Offense: 5

27

4

11

18

25

Defense: 8

1

AUG

SEPT

SEPT

SEPT

OCT

OCT

OCT

OCT

NOV

@ Bolles

Clay

@ First Coast

@ Bradford

@ North Florida

Foundation Academy

@ Baldwin

@ Crescent City

Bishop Kenny

92 | itgnext.com

2018 Stats

1-2A

Eagle’s View Warriors

Team Leaders Byron Williams

116 Yds Passing 668 Yds Rushing

Jakobe Lavoile

2019 Players to watch

Head Coach: Frank Andrea

Jaylon Hunter Jamie Sharp

Years at school: 5 Record at school: 14-26

QB C/G

Written by: Phil Jones

Eagle’s View Academy head football coach Frank Andrea is not necessarily a fan of open enrollment.

“Open enrollment really hurt us last year,” he said.

According to Andrea, the Warriors lost five players due to the somewhat controversial rule in the sunshine state that was signed into law in 2016 by then Governor Rick Scott that allows Florida high school athletes to freely transfer between sport seasons with no penalty. But, heading into the upcoming season, Andrea said things have calmed down, and Eagle’s View has had no departures this offseason.

Fans of Eagle’s View are hoping that stability and the fact that almost every starter from a year ago is returning will translate into more wins in 2019. The Warriors will have nine starters returning on offense and eight on defense.

23

AUG @ St. Joseph

30

AUG @ Merritt Island Christian

6

13

20

Sophomore quarterback Jaylon Hunter will be back this year. Hunter will also play safety for the Warriors. Joining Hunter will be returning running back and defensive back sophomore Corey McCaleb.

Junior offensive lineman Jamie Sharp will return, but will be a bit lighter, according to Andrea. He has dropped from 300 pounds last season to a leaner and quicker 265 pounds heading into this season. Along with the weight change, Sharp will be moved from center, where he has started the last two years, to guard.

Eagle’s View will miss running back Jakobe Lavoile and cornerback Byron Williams, both of whom graduated and are headed to play collegiately.

Asked about his team’s outlook for this year, Andrea said he is looking for a better year. His Warrior team finished 4-6 a year ago.

“We have more stability and a better schedule,” Andrea said.

27

4

11

18

25

SEPT

SEPT

SEPT

SEPT

OCT

OCT

OCT

OCT

@ Joshua Christian

@ Interlachen

St Francis

@ North Florida

St John Lutheran

@ First Academy

Cedar Creek

@ Hailfax Academy

ITG Next | 93

94 | itgnext.com

visit itgnext.com

Written by: Nathan Dean

jacksonville university

dolphins

The Jacksonville University Dolphins began the 2018 season with hopes of improving their 7-4 record in 2017 but fell far from that goal by finishing the year with a disappointing 2-8 record.

The Dolphins finished last in the Pioneer Football League, were unable to win a single road game, and now hold the worst record in 21 years of the program.

Head coach Ian Shields returns for his fourth season as head coach and will look to quarterback Calvin Turner Jr. to lead the Dolphins to a better season in 2019 after injury scares throughout the final game against Dayton. Turner lasted four plays in the final game against Dayton before being carted off into an ambulance from a leg injury to end an already painful season. He was just 38 yards shy of Emmett Hunter’s 2003 JU single-season rushing record.

In 2018, Turner led the Dolphins in passing and rushing. Jacksonville’s spread offense is extremely run-heavy and focuses on being one of the best rushing attacks in the league. The rushing attack in 2019 will be one to watch with Turner returning from injury and with running backs Garnett Nicolas and Irvin Riley. JU will be without one of the best tacklers on the team, linebacker Thomas Oporto, after he completed his redshirt senior year. Oporto helped lead the defense for many years. JU will also be without their 2018 leading tackler, linebacker Dakota Trice, who transferred to the University of South Florida during the offseason.

2018 STATS

Team Leaders Calvin Turner Jr.

286 Yds Passing

Calvin Turner Jr.

1,148 Yds Rushing

Jalen Mason

112 Yds Receiving

Calvin Turner Jr.

18 Touchdowns

CJ Lewis

2 Interceptions

Head Coach: Ian Shields Years at school: 4 Record at school: 14-17

1-7

conference record

2-8 overall record

points allowed

218

d.b. milne field

points scored

2019 STATS

5,000

284

Players to watch Garnett Nicolas Calvin Turner Jr.

RB QB

After your sports career is over, what do you see yourself doing?

I want to be a businessman if football doesn’t work out.

How do you live In the Game?

I play every play like it’s my last and tell myself that I’m better than my opponent each play.

TRE’VEZ JOHNSON 96 | itgnext.com

CORNERBACK BARTRAM TRAIL BEARS

2018 Stats

4-1A

Crescent City Raiders

Team Leaders Naykee Scott Naykee Scott

1,808 Yds Passing 689 Yds Rushing

2019

Head Coach: Clarence Williams

Players to watch Naykee Scott Kaleb Young

QB/SS/RB OLB/MLB

Years at school: 4 Record at school: 20-11

After a disappointing 2017 season in which Crescent City felt they were snubbed of a playoff spot, they saw their fortunes in 2018 and made it back to the 1A state tournament, losing in the second round and finishing 9-3 on the season.

Crescent City had a strong year, particularly in district play. They were undefeated in district games until losing to Hawthorne in the state playoffs, finishing 5-1 on the season. They were led by a strong defense that had three shutouts on the season and held three more teams to single-digit point totals.

Two-way standout player Naykee Scott returns for his senior season. He led the team as

23

AUG

30

AUG

Written by: Kyle Grondin

6

SEPT

Madison Grant Career & @ Villages County Tech. Edu. Center

1A First Team All-Offensive quarterback and is a natural leader for the Raiders. He is joined by fellow senior Kaleb Young, who was one of the standout linebackers for the Raiders. The biggest losses for Crescent City are Bernard Wright III, who had 12 touchdowns offensively and six interceptions last season, and Zayne Whipple, a 1A First Team All-Defensive team player.

Crescent City comes into the season with a lot of returning talent, only losing four major seniors from the 2018 roster. The team looks poised to return to the playoffs and possibly make a deep run in the 1A state tournament.

13

27

4

11

25

1

SEPT

SEPT

OCT

OCT

OCT

NOV

Wildwood

@ Episcopal

@ Keystone Heights

Umatilla

University Christian

@ Taylor

98 | itgnext.com

2019

3-1A

Hamilton Co. Trojans

Players to watch Denandre Johnson Tyler Whetstone

QB/FS/RB RB/SS

Head Coach: Richard Vester

Written by: Kyle Grondin

First year at school Hamilton County comes to the 2019 season looking to see improvement. Last season they finished with a 1-8 record that they will want to put behind them very quickly. It started when Trojan head coach Ric Whittington abruptly resigned a week before the regular season began, and from there, the team struggled to find any cohesion throughout the season.

Hamilton, looking for a fresh start for 2019, quickly worked through the hiring process in the offseason. They brought on new head coach Richard Vester in December 2018 to start rebuilding the program in Jasper. He has over 22 years of coaching experience, and the

23

30

6

Trojans hope that experience will help bring more organization to the program this season.

Quite simply, Hamilton needs to see development on the offensive end. They only scored 94 points over nine games with 44 of those points coming in one game, their only victory of the season. Scoring slightly over six points per game over eight games isn’t going to see success in 2019, so any development can help improve the team’s chances of winning more games. With the drama of last season now behind them, expect the Trojans to improve, but to what degree remains to be seen.

13

20

27

4

11

25

1

AUG

AUG

SEPT

SEPT

SEPT

SEPT

OCT

OCT

OCT

NOV

@ Lafayette

Fort White

@ Suwannee

Lanier Co. (GA)

Williston

@ Union County

Newberry

Chiefland

@ Munroe

Paxon

Hilliard Red Flashes

3-1A

2018 STATS Points Scored: 121

Overall Record: 3-7

2019

Written by: Nathan Dean

Players to watch Nathan Dowie Tywuan Lee

QB RB

Head Coach: John Pate

The Red Flashes finished the 2018 season with a 3-7 record, leading to another disappointing year that had one less win than in 2017.

They faced some tough competition, suffering losses to dominating schools such as West Nassau, Episcopal, and Chiefland. Hilliard pulled off a 14-7 win in Week 1 against Fernandina Beach, which is where head coach John Pate coached before joining Hilliard.

Hilliard’s largest victory in 2018 came from a blowout performance on the road against Warner Christian Academy 51-0.

As for 2019, the Red Flashes are preparing for what should be a fun and challenging season. They finish the year with three straight road games after spending almost an entire month at home for four games from Sept. 20 to Oct. 11.

Hilliard will look to build on the foundation being set by Pate to turn them into an exciting football program.

23

AUG Oak Hall

30

6

20

27

4

11

18

25

1

AUG

SEPT

SEPT

SEPT

OCT

OCT

OCT

OCT

NOV

@ Bishop Snyder

@ Episcopal

St. Joseph

Wolfson

Branford

Halifax

@ Ferandina Beach

@ Bronson

@ North Florida

ITG Next | 99

3-1A

2019

Madison Co. Cowboys

Player to watch Vinsonta Allen

RB

Head Coach: Mike Coe

Written by: Kyle Grondin

The Class 1A state champions look to continue their winning ways in 2019. Madison County finished 2018 with a 13-1 record and won back-to-back state championships for the first time in school history. Head coach Mike Coe now has to continue to revamp the roster to stay competitive.

For the second year in a row, Madison County will have to replace its quarterback.

Travis Jay is now at Florida State after winning Offensive Player of the Year and becoming an Under Armour All-American. His workload will be made up by running back Vinsonta Allen, who ran for 165 yards and two touchdowns in the state championship game, as well as a big offensive line that overwhelmed a lot of teams last season.

While losing a lot of seniors from last season’s team, Madison County had many more remaining and is consistently one of the best rushing teams in Class 1A. That will be the same recipe for success for a team that averaged 39 points per game last season. Madison has shown they can reload and still be successful, and that is what’s expected on a path to a three-peat.

23

30

AUG @ Crescent City

5

13

20

27

4

11

18

1

AUG

SEPT

SEPT

SEPT

SEPT

OCT

OCT

OCT

NOV

@ Jefferson County

@ Rickards

Suwannee

Florida High

@ Lakewood

Columbia

@ Dunnellon

Clearwater Academy

Crestview

3-1A Head coach Ronnie Pruitt is hoping more time devoted to conditioning and additional time spent in the weight room will be the difference maker this year for his Union County football program.

“Our goal is to make the playoffs, and to do that we need to be in better shape than we were last year,” Pruitt said. “Our kids are really getting after it in the weight room. I’m pleased so far.”

The Tigers are looking to rebound from a first round playoff exit at the hands of Lafayette, a 34-30 loss. Several players from that game and last season in particular are no longer around, either due to graduation or through, as Pruitt put it, “some house cleaning.” Despite losing 16 seniors, Pruitt and Union County will return eight

2019

2018

Players to watch Hosea Robinson JB Godwin

Years at school: 10 Record at school: 68-30

23

30

AUG

Union Co. Tigers

Team Leaders RB/OLB DT/C

Head Coach: Ronny Pruitt

Lanier County (Ga)

starters from last season’s 5-6 team.

Returning this year is senior running back Hosea Robinson, who will also play linebacker and strong safety on defense. Pruitt said Robinson is a Division I type of talent.

Also returning to lead the Tigers will be senior J.B. Godwin, a defensive tackle and nose guard on defense and an offensive lineman when that unit has the ball.

Pruitt is changing the offense from wing-T to a more wide open spread offense, and leading the new look offense is quarterback Lance Thornton. The senior will also play some slot receiver on offense and will see time at outside linebacker on defense.

6

Lance Thornton Keyshawn Young Jaelen Watkins

13

20

447 Yds Passing 1,032 Yds Rushing 210 Yds Receiving

27

Written by: Phil Jones

4

18

25

1

AUG

SEPT

SEPT

SEPT

SEPT

OCT

OCT

OCT

NOV

@ Williston

@ Dixie County

Newberry

Tavares

Hamilton County

@ Santa Fe

Hawthorne

Jordan Christian

@ Keystone Heights

100 | itgnext.com

Written by: Kyle Grondin

Image courtesy of theledger.com

Demarckus Bowmanm • Running Back

Lakeland (Lakeland, FL) 5’9” 191lb

Commitment: Clemson

Bowman has ridiculous top-end speed.

He is the definition of a home-run-hitting type of running back.

He has an incredible ability to burst through a hole and run past everybody in his path. He should be an immediate impact player even at a school like Clemson, as he has racked up over 3,500 career rushing yards and 46 touchdowns in his high school career. His numbers last year rivaled some of the best in Florida high school history, including 36 rushing touchdowns.

He’ll need to improve moving from sideline to sideline; while his vertical running game is second to none and his cuts have the ability to make defenders miss, his moving laterally to find space needs to improve. He will have to become a better pass catcher to add some variety to his game, but his speed should see him reach the NFL. ITG Next | 101

Image courtesy of twitter via Andrew Ivins

Don Chaney Jr. • Running Back

Belen Jesuit Prep (Miami, FL) 5’11”

195lb

Davis is an elite cover corner who is excellent in man-toman schemes. He can transition quickly, which allows him to play press coverage or off the line of scrimmage. His speed allows him to cover receivers all over the field. His overall skill and competitive edge make him an intriguing prospect.

He’ll need to continue to fill out his frame physically to be able to help in running support and playing against the bigger receivers he’s bound to face at the next level.

Commitment: Miami

Image courtesy of burntorangenation.com

Fred Davis II • Cornerback

Trinity Christian Academy (Jacksonville, FL) 102 | itgnext.com

Chaney may be one of the best allaround running backs in the 2020 class. He has excellent vision, speed, length, and the ability to make players miss. He is just a difficult player to bring down as he can outrun you, out-muscle you, or just make you look silly as he makes you miss. He has shown great hands out of the backfield and shows a complete repertoire when it comes to his skill set. He is also an elite track and field athlete in the high jump and a good sprinter, proving that a lot of these skills can translate to the football field.

6’1” 185lb

Commitment: Clemson

One of the best pass catchers in the class, Rosemy is a guy who has proven it among some of the best players in the country, playing for one of the best programs in the country. He is a big receiver who has big hands that can catch the ball in tight spaces. He has quick bursts that allow him to get open in tight spots, but he lacks the top end speed to be a true vertical threat. Rosemy has great strength and size that will allow him to be a great possession receiver at a top-of-the-line school right away.

As he continues to improve his route running and technique, he will become one of the best short-range to mid-range receivers in the country. He needs to learn to make guys miss and improve his agility ratings to gain further yards after the catch.

Marcus Rosemy • Wide Receiver St. Thomas Aquinas (Ft. Lauderdale, FL) 6’2” 187lb

Commitment: Ohio

Image courtesy of onefootdown.com

Dexter’s size and length stand out as a defensive tackle, as he uses his long arms and quickness to get inside bigger linemen. He is one of the quickest tackles in the class and should be a menace to an opposing offense’s passing game, as his speed can get after quarterbacks and his long arms can deflect passes at the line of scrimmage.

He will need to fill out his frame and continue to add muscle so the interior linemen can’t push him around too much. He should have the versatility to play inside in a 4-3 defensive formation or as a defensive end in a 3-4 formation.

Gervon Dexter • Defensive Tackle Lake Wales (Lake Wales, FL) Image courtesy of hudl.com

6’7” 276lb

Commitment: Florida

Avantae Williams has been talked about as one of the elite football prospects for many years, which has earned national recognition since his middle school days as a do-it-all sort of player for DeLand. While playing elite level safety, Williams has also proven himself as a top-level punt returner and running back, showing a high football IQ at all stages of the game. Williams shows great ball skills for a defensive back and should be a staple for a fast Oregon defense for years to come.

Avantae Williams • Safety Deland (Deland, FL) 5’11”

170lb

Commitment: Oregon

Image courtesy of news-journalonline.com

Manuel is a big framed receiver who can go up and get any ball, and he is one of the most physical receivers in the 2020 class. A combination of elite size, strength, and testing as one of the best vertical jumpers in the class, Manuel has all the makings of a classic red zone target who can dominate opposing cornerbacks and make their lives difficult near the end zone.

He lacks elite level speed and quickness; his 40-yard dash and shuttle drill times tested below average for the wide receiver position. His game is in the possession-based style, using his frame to dominate any defender and get open. If Manuel can improve more athletically, he can fit into the mold of some of the best receivers in the NFL with his size and ball skills.

Leonard Manuel • Wide Receiver Image courtesy of theledger.com

Vanguard (Ocala, FL) 6’4” 200lb Commitment: Florida

Jones-Bell has the boom-or-bust sort of potential to work as a vertical passing game threat or in the slot as a quick screen or jet sweep kind of player who can hit the edge in a hurry. Jones-Bell only had 38 receptions last season, but 17 of them were touchdowns, showing just what kind of big play potential he has.

It’ll be interesting to see if he can continue to show that big play ability at the next level because he isn’t big enough to turn into a possession style receiver. He’s done this all against high level competition in high school. He may be the highest risk in the class, but his overall skill should outweigh any concerns.

Thaiu Jones-Bell • Wide Receiver Miami Carol City (Hallandale, FL) 5’11” 187lb Commitment: Alabama

Image courtesy of dailymotion.com

Carter is a tough, physical, run-stuffing style of tackle who has shown excellent strength on the football field and as an elite level weightlifter in high school competitions. He can bully offensive linemen and use his size to dominate the line of scrimmage. He can step in and contribute to a team immediately, but he needs to continue to improve technically to reach his full potential.

Jalen Carter • Defensive Tackle Apopka (Apopka, FL) Image courtesy of Andrew Ivins via twitter.com

6’4” 301lb Commitment: Georgia

Beck is a pro-style quarterback who helped lead his team to the Florida 8A state championship. he threw for 39 touchdowns on the season and has shown the ability to throw at different angles and get the ball out quickly. He will improve even further as football becomes his full-time sport and as he can continue to improve his deep ball and vertical passing game. He shows the skill to be a good runner when necessary, can play as a bit of a gunslinger with the ball, and is unafraid of taking risks. Overall, Beck has a bright future and looks to be the heir apparent to Jake Fromm at Georgia.

Carson Beck • Quarterback Mandarin (Jacksonville, FL) 6’5” 226lb Commitment: Georgia

Image courtesy of dawgnation.com

Who has helped you the most in your sports career?

My stepfather.

He has taught me not to do the bare minimum, causing me to go to the gym on off days and do skill position and agility work.

Who is your biggest sports inspiration?

I don’t really idolize anyone.

I just tend to do me and be the best version of myself.

JALEN RIVERS LEFT TACKLE & OFFENSIVE TACKLE OAKLEAF KNIGHTS

ITG Next | 105

8-Man Team

Old Plank Christian Academy Defenders

2018 STATS Points Allowed: 99 Points Scored: 372 Region Record: 6-1 Overall Record: 7-2

Written by: Phil Jones

2019 Returning Starters: 5 Players to watch John Beatty Hunter Carron TJ Harmon

QB/TE OLB/DB FB/LB

Head Coach: Cody Callahan First year at school

Old Plank Christian Academy football is riding a three-year run of impressive football. The defenders have lost only four games over the last three years. That includes a 30-9 loss in the 2017 state title game against Academy at the Lakes from Land O’ Lakes, Florida. Last season, Old Plank endured just one regular season loss, then a tough loss against Citi Christian of Miami in the first round of the playoffs.

This season could prove challenging for the Defenders and new head football coach Cody Callahan, who replaces Dwight Wilkins. Callahan has been an assistant for the last four years at Old Plank, and he’ll oversee a team that will be rebuilding.

The defenders return five starters from last year and will be forced to move some players to fill positions. That includes John Beatty, who will play quarterback and tight end this year.

The senior played defensive end last season. Beatty will replace Reece Wilkins, who played quarterback last season. Senior Hunter Carron will be back to play offensive and defensive line for Old Plank. Sophomore center Thomas Browning will also return this season, according to conditioning and defensive line coach Mike Trout. Trout also added that the coaching staff is excited to have a player back this season who did not play last year. Senior T.J. Harmon will be counted on to contribute this season and will play fullback and linebacker.

According to Trout, despite the expected rebuilding project, the defenders have worked hard this spring.

“We’re going to give it our best,” he said. “You can count on that in 2019.”

Halftime Happenings Dance/Drill Team

Like cheerleading, dance teams also evolved from early pep squads.

High school and collegiate dance teams often utilize a variety of dance styles including modern, hip hop, jazz, high kick, as well as some pom/cheer routines.

Image courtesy of lakerlutznews.com

Dance teams incorporate technique, choreography, and team spirit with current dance trends to engage the crowds.

50

The first dance team organized to perform at halftime was made up of 50 girls who had the necessary talent and enthusiasm but had not made the cheer squad.

85,000

More than 85,000 people attended the 2019 National High School Cheerleading Championship and National Dance Team Championship held in Orlando, Florida.

Schedule unavailable at time of publication.

2018

SEC Team Leaders 106 | itgnext.com

Passing

Rushing

Receiving

Tackles

Sacks

Interceptions

Tua Tagovailoa 3,966 Yds QB

Trayveon Williams 1,760 Yds RB

AJ Brown 1,320 Yds WR

Devin White 123 LB

Josh Allen 17 LB

Grant Delpit 5 S

St. Johns Country Day Spartans

NFFC South Division

Written by: Brent Beaird

2018 STATS Points 223 226 Allowed Scored Season record 3-6 1-4 Overall Region

Spartan coach Derek Chipoletti, in his second year, said he is excited about several players this season, including senior offensive lineman Liam Bielik.

“He’s a good football player and better kid,” Chipoletti said. “He’s a stalwart on the offensive and defensive lines.”

Other players Chipoletti mentioned are defensive back and receiver Max Arnold, running back and defensive back Marcus Coleman, lineman Joseph Shimko, and freshman quarterback Joey Gomory.

Last year’s quarterback, Max Monroe, has transferred to Ridgeview High School in Clay County.

After posting a 3-6 mark last season, Chipoletti said future schedules will allow the Spartans to play teams with a similar roster size.

“We beat similar teams convincingly like us, but teams that were in 2A and 3A and not independent like us beat us convincingly,” Chipoletti said.

Another positive for the Spartans are facility improvements.

“We have a new press box area going in,” Chipoletti said. “We have made investments in our players lounge, and our weight room has been upgraded. St. Johns is a nice school. You can get a good education, and it’s a great place to build a football program.”

Image courtesy of claytodayonline.com

Team Leaders Max Monroe

1,216 Yds Passing 452 Yds Rushing 510 Yds Receiving

Eli Morton Matthew Kelley Max Monroe

9 Touchdowns

Max Monroe

3 Interceptions

2019 Players to watch

Liam Bielik Max Arnold Marcus Coleman Joey Gomory

OLB WR/DB RB/DB QB

23

Head Coach: Derek Chipoletti Year at school: 2 Record at school: 3-6

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25

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AUG

SEPT

SEPT

SEPT

OCT

OCT

OCT

@ Ocala Christian

St John Paul II

Rocky Bayou Christian

@ Warner Christian

@ Bronson

Merritt Island

Georgia Christian

@ Aucilla Christian

ITG Next | 107

NFFC South Division 2018 STATS Points Allowed: 110 Points Scored: 322 Region Record: 5-0 Overall Record: 9-1

Team Leaders Dylan Thibault

1,247 Yds Passing

Dylan Thibault

658 Yds Rushing

Kent Hill

332 Yds Receiving 15 Touchdowns

James Drysdale Christian Kes

5 Interceptions Image courtesy of staugustine.com

2019 Players to watch Michael Mugford Christian Kes Kent Hill Gregory Allen

DL CB WR RB

Head Coach: Brannon Tidwell Year at school: 3 Record at school: 10-13

The Flashes were essentially in a league of their own in 2018 after finishing the season 9-1 and 5-0 in the region. St. Joseph Academy’s only loss in 2018 was in their playoff game in Perry, Florida, against Taylor County 49-23. Turning the page over to 2019, the Flashes are ready to not only continue their success, but vastly improve on it.

Saying that St. Joseph Academy has had success on offense would be an understatement. They outscored their 2018 opponents 322-110 overall. This success is primarily due to the phenomenal play by senior quarterback Dylan Thibault, who threw for over 1,200 yards and 13 touchdowns. Thibault also rushed for over 600 yards. Senior run-

ning back James Drysdale also had over 600 yards on the ground.

The Flashes will have to find new success on the offense after losing their star seniors.

Luckily, some of their star pass rushers are returning. Michael Mugford, Ethan Senderling, and Evan O’halloran combined for 13 total sacks last year and will all be back for their senior seasons. St. Joseph Academy also gets Christian Kes back, who had an amazing five-interception year during his junior season.

The new faces on offense for the Flashes will be something to track in 2019, but St. Joseph Academy fans should be excited for their returning talent on the defensive side to help continue their success in St. Augustine.

St. Joseph Academy Flashes Written by: Nathan Dean

23

AUG Eagle’s View

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27

AUG

SEPT

SEPT

SEPT

@ Cocoa Beach

@ Taylor

@ Hillard

25

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1

NOV

Keystone Lighthouse @ Heights Private Christian Interlachen

@ITGNext #StayInTheGame with #ITGNext

by following us on each of our social media platforms!

108 | itgnext.com

SSAC Coastal League Despite finishing with a disappointing 2-8 record last season, Cardinals head coach Travis Markoski is excited about the 2019 season.

“We’ve got quite a few starters returning from last year, and we’ll also have 14 seniors coming back,” Markoski said. “We’re poised for a solid season.”

Bishop Snyder never gave themselves a chance last season, losing their first eight games before putting together consecutive wins to salvage the season.

The Cardinals will return seven offensive starters and eight defensive starters, including two players who will see double duty. Albert Tre Williams is a returning two-way starter who will be counted on to carry the football as a running back on offense. On defense, Williams

is considered to be a shutdown corner. Pedro Velez will join Williams in the backfield on offense, and on defense he’ll play linebacker.

According to Markoski, Velez “runs the ball in a downhill style” when he caries the football, and defensively he “brings the boom.”

Ijon Richardson returns to steer the Cardinals offense from his quarterback position.

Markoski said Richardson is an exciting run/ pass/option) quarterback who is electric running the football.

Markoski said his group is excited and ready to go.

“These 14 seniors will be pushing their way through the pack,” Markoski said. “This team has grit and is ready to leave their mark.”

Players to watch

Team Leaders

Tre Williams Pedro Velez

Josh Williams

200 Yds Passing

Bishop Snyder Cardinals

Pedro Velez

748 Yds Rushing

Written by: Phil Jones

Pedro Velez

176 Yds Receiving

2018

2019 CB/WR WR/OLB

Head Coach: Travis Markoski Years at school: 4 Record at school: 9-22

23

AUG Trinity Christian Academy

30

6

SEPT

SEPT

Hilliard

@ Oak Hall

Providence

SSAC Coastal League

Cedar Creek Saints Written by: Phil Jones

13

AUG

23

30

AUG

@ Joshua Christ’s Church Christian Academy Academy

SEPT

11

17

OCT

OCT

Branford Christ’s Church @ Cedar Creek @ Wolfson Academy Christian

2018 STATS Points Allowed: 138 Points Scored: 305

Region Record: 3-0 Overall Record: 7-2

Players to watch

Head Coach: Jamie Gamel

2019 Returning Starters Defense: 6 Offense: 5

Edward Berry Ethan Floyd

6

13

27

G/DT TE

Years at school: 6

ry, a 6-foot-3, 280-pound offensive and defensive lineman. Gamel said Berry is currently entertaining several Division I offers. Also returning this season are seniors Ethan Floyd, Cameron Holler, and Zachary James. Demaci Griffin is a transfer from out of state whom Gamel said may end up as the starting quarterback, as last year’s starter Kareem Mixson graduated.

Gamel and the Saints are thinking even bigger than their goal of defending the district title.

“We want to not only repeat as district champs this year, but we want to reach for a state championship,” Gamel said. “That is our message. With our senior leadership and the talent we have this year, we think we can do it.”

After moving into the Sunshine State Athletic Conference last season, the Saints took advantage of the change, winning the district with a 7-3 record and landing a first-round playoff appearance.

Head coach Jamie Gamel will try to keep the momentum of last year’s success rolling. He and the Saints return five starters on offense and six on defense, and with an incoming transfer, Gamel said he has the weapons to possibly defend the district title.

“With the talent we have this year, especially our senior leadership, we really like our chances if we can stay injury free,” said Gamel, who is entering his eighth year as head coach at Cedar Creek.

Leading the returners is senior Edward Ber-

AUG

27

20

SEPT

4

11

18

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SEPT

SEPT

OCT

OCT

OCT

Paxon

@ Lafayette

@ Providence

@ Episcopal

Bishop Snyder

@ Eagle’s View

ITG Next | 109

Christ’s Church Academy Eagles

SSAC Coastal League

Written by: Phil Jones

2018 STATS Points 277 Allowed

Head Coach Jim Stomps has had the Eagles football program soaring since taking over in 2015. Even though Christ’s Church Academy has fielded a football team since 2007, as part of the Sunshine State Athletic Conference they had never made the playoffs until Stomps arrived.

They’ve made the postseason every season for the last four years, and with 14 seniors returning this season, Stomps is as confident as ever that Christ’s Church Academy will be back in the hunt for another playoff run in 2019.

“We had only five seniors graduate,” Stomps said. “In addition to our seniors, we’ll have 19 of our 22 starters from a year ago returning.”

Stomps said that while he’s glad to have lost very few starters, the ones who are gone were good ones.

“We’ll miss our center from a year ago, Ford Setzer, who signed with Erksine College, and Jacob Reeves, a four -ear starter at cornerback and defensive end. He signed with Southeastern University.”

Despite the quality of those departed players, Stomps loves the group he’s got to work with headed into this season.

“With the experienced group we’ve got, I can’t wait to get started,” Stomps said. “We have a twotiered system of goals. First, our short term goal is to win our division and get that bye. Then, we want to win the state championship. It’s that simple.”

Stomps pointed to Week 8 and their game versus Providence School as the key contest.

“It’s our cancer awareness game, so it’s a big game for a couple of different reasons,” Stomps said.

23

AUG

30

AUG

Bishop McLaughlin @ Cedar Creek Catholic Christian

WATCH 110 | itgnext.com

301 Scored

Season record 4-6 2-1 Overall Region

Image courtesy of duvalsports.com

Team Leaders Ben Anderson Cadence Lampp Hunter Hollis

1,768 Yds Passing 968 Yds Rushing 493 Yds Receiving

Cadence Lampp

12 Touchdowns

Jack Rhodes

2 Interceptions

2019 Players to watch

Ben Anderson Hunter Hollis

QB WR

Head Coach: Jim Stomps

Cadence Lampp Zac O’Connor

RB/SB MLB

Returning Starters: 19

Years at school: 4

6

13

27

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11

18

SEPT

SEPT

SEPT

OCT

OCT

OCT

@ St John Lutheran

@ Maclay

@ Bishop Snyder

Joshua Christian

Providence

Bronson

BROUGHT TO YOU BY

SATURDAY | CW SUNDAY | 4 P.M. | WJXT

2019

SSAC Coastal League

Duval Charter Panthers

Player to watch Bryce Broward

QB/LB

Head Coach: Kevin Willey

Written by: Kyle Grondin

Years at school: 3 Record at school: 10-10

Duval Charter had a strong season in 2018, finishing the season 9-2 and making it all the way to the semifinals of the FCAPPS tournament before losing to the eventual state champions, Academy at the Lakes.

This is a remarkable turnaround for the Panthers, who went from winning only one game in 2017 and really struggling to put points on the board to making the semifinals. Now they hope to. Now they hope to complete the dramatic turnaround and win a state championship.

They bring back two-way player Bryce Broward, who played quarterback and linebacker for the Panthers last season. As the senior leader of the team, he’ll be tasked with leading the offense that showed immense improvement in

2018. Coach Kevin Wiley will be tasked with surrounding Broward with all of Duval’s young skill position talent, as the team only lost six seniors from the 2018 roster.

Defensively, the Panthers were superb last season, giving up double digits in points only three times all season. The offense will need to continue to improve to match the defense’s output from last season, as two of the games that they allowed double-digit points resulted in losses. If they can find the right balance, the Panthers can become a juggernaut in the FCAPPS. Duval is still young, but the team is poised for a breakthrough. 2019 could be the season where it all comes together for the Panthers.

Schedule not available at time of publication.

SSAC Coastal League

2019 Players to watch Earnest Johnson Erron Moore Mike Pough Jr

QB WR LB

Head Coach: Charles Mickens Years at school: 2

Returning Starters Defense: 5 Offense: 8

Written by: Phil Jones

Despite enduring a winless season last year, Eagles head coach Charles Mickens said his squad is ready to put that behind them and move on to better times this year. He and the Eagles return eight starters on offense and five on defense.

Among the offensive returners will be several skill position players, including his starting quarterback, two running backs, two wide receivers, and three offensive linemen. Mickens is excited about having an experienced quarterback and his favorite target to throw to. Ear-

23

AUG

Joshua Christian Academy Eagles

30

AUG

Cedar Creek @ Saint Francis Christian Catholic

9

SEPT Eagle’s View

nest Johnson will don the No. 1 jersey this year under center. According to Mickens, he had a great spring game throwing the football and finding wideout Erron Moore, a 6-foot-4 wide receiver who “can really get up and go get the football,” according to Mickens.

Defensively, Joshua Christian will rely on a group of linebackers to put the clamp on opposing offenses. The group includes Mike Pough Jr., Darren Mathis, and Joseph Christian. Defensive end Wendell Russ Jr. will be among the leaders up front. Mickens is espe-

13

SEPT

20

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27

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cially excited about what his defense can do this year.

“Our defense was the key in our spring game,” he said. “The team we played really had a lot of problems moving the football.

Our guys were all over the place.”

As far as the overall expectations this year, Mickens wants to simply see continued improvement.

“I want to see my team make gains on and off the field and win some games while making school history,” he said.

4

OCT

11

OCT

@ Jordan Providence @ Merritt @ Christ’s Church West Oaks Christian Prep Island Christian Academy Academy

18

OCT @ Aucilla Christian

ITG Next | 111

Camden Co. Wildcats

1-7A

Written by: Phil Jones | Photography by: Michael Brinson

2018 STATS Points Bob Sphire continues his job of rebuilding Camden County’s storied football program as he enters season No. 3. After a 3-7 finish in his first year, Sphire put Camden back in familiar territory – in the playoffs – with a third-place finish in Region 1-7A. The Wildcats lost in the first-round playoff matchup against Walton County, but the good news for Camden fans was that they were back to their winning ways.

Sphire and Camden will try to keep things going in the right direction. The coach feels good about his team catching on to his way of doing things.

“This is our second offseason, and our players and coaches are now familiar with my approach to practice, game day, and everything we do,” Sphire said.

Camden will return two players on defense, but six starters are back on offense, including their two young, outstanding running backs: Daryl Williams and Jamie Felix. Felix is considered by most recruiting services to be the top running back in the class of 2022 and currently has offers from LSU, Purdue, and Mississippi State. Quarterback Logan Watson is also back to run Sphire’s spread offense.

Camden defeated Charlton County 21-8 in their spring game earlier this offseason, and Sphire likes what he sees.

“We’re going to be more balanced this year,” Sphire said.

23

30

AUG @ West Forsyth

6

13

210 Allowed

318 Scored

Season record 7-4 1-2 Overall Region

Team Leaders Logan Watson

1,831 Yds Passing 738 Yds Rushing 795 Yds Receiving

Jamie Felix Shawn Hardy Jamie Felix

8 Touchdowns

Roninn Wright

2 Interceptions

2019 Players to watch Daryl Williams Jamie Felix Logan Watson

Head Coach: Bob Sphire RB RB QB

Years at school: 3 Record at school: 10-11

Returning Starters Offense: 6

20

4

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18

Defense: 2

25

8

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SEPT

SEPT

OCT

OCT

OCT

OCT

NOV

@ Wren (SC)

Locust Grove

Richmond Hill

Brunswick

@ Glynn Academy

@ Colleton (SC)

Colquitt County

Lowndes

@ Tift

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by following us on each of our social media platforms!

112 | itgnext.com

2-1A 2018 STATS Points Allowed: 234 Points Scored: 332 Region Record: 5-2 Overall Record: 8-4

Team Leaders

There are few places in Georgia that are as special on Friday nights during high school football season as the place they call The Swamp in Charlton County. It’s been the home of the Bailey brothers, Champ, Boss, and Ronald Bailey, as well as Larry Smith, Chris Milton, and many more stars who’ve gone on to play collegiately and professionally.

It was also the home of Rich McWhorter, the former head coach who led the Charlton County football program for 29 years. McWhorter recently announced that he was leaving the Indians program for the head coaching position at Jackson County in Northeast Georgia.

Stepping in to fill the big shoes left behind by McWhorter is Russ Murray. He has been an assistant coach under McWhorter since 1995, holding the title of assistant head coach, so he’s familiar with the Indians’ winning tradition.

23

AUG Frederica Academy

30

6

Charlton Co. Indians

Written by: Phil Jones

He will need to find a way to replace a huge graduating senior class that includes the entire line on both sides of the ball. In all, Murray and Charlton lose 15 seniors, which, for a Class 1A program, is a big deal. Among those 15 is three-time All-State performer Raykwon Anderson, who played receiver and corner for Charlton last year. He has committed to Appalachian State.

Returners include 6-foot-6 offensive lineman Grayson Carter, who tips the scale at 270 pounds, and running back Tony Cobb.

20

27

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18

Raykwon Anderson

318 Yds Passing

Raykwon Anderson

114 Yds Rushing

Seaquon Clark

181 Yds Receiving

Seaquon Clark

2 Touchdowns

Randy Nelson

2 Interceptions

2019 Players to watch Grayson Carter OLB Tony Cobb RB Seaquon Clark WR/CB Randy Nelson WR/OLB

Head Coach: Russ Murray First year at school

25

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OCT

OCT

OCT

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NOV

@ Brantley County

Appling County

@ Atkinson County

@ Turner County

Irwin County

@ Wilcox County

Telfair County

@ Clinch County

Lanier County

ITG Next | 113

GISA 2-3A Even though the Frederica Academy Knights started last season at 0-2, their players and head coach knew they were better than the slow start showed. They never gave up, and that resolve led them into the state title game in Macon, where the Knights won the state championship over John Milledge in easy fashion.

The championship was their second overall and first title in six years.

Now, head coach Brandon Derrick will be forced to replace 11 seniors, including several players who have been three- and four-year starters.

That starts with Auburn signees Jaylin Simpson and Jashawn Sheffield, who have been standout players and leaders of the Knights during their time at the St. Simons School. Simpson, the team’s quarterback, threw for over 1,400 yards in his senior season and 15 touchdowns. He also ran for another seven touchdowns. Sheffield accounted for a ton of yardage himself along with 11 touchdowns in his senior season.

Defensively, Derrick must replace linebacker Harry Veal, who lead

Frederica Academy Knights 30

6

the team in tackles and sacks last season. Veal has received an offer to walk on at Auburn, giving Sheffield and Simpson a familiar face coming with them to the Plains. Also moving on is leading rusher running back Isaiah Jackson, who ran for close to 1,500 yards with 26 touchdowns.

Derrick and his staff will have five returning starters on offense and five on defense, along with many younger players who gained a lot of game experience last season.

“We have a ton of kids with game experience returning,” Derrick said.

Among those coming back are Denver Anthony, a defensive back and running back, as well as fellow running back Deke Jernigan, who Derrick said will also play some at linebacker this season.

While Frederica did lose several key members of last year’s state championship team, Derrick isn’t ready to wave the white flag just yet.

“We will be young in some areas, but I think we can be very competitive,” he said.

2019 Players to watch Denver Anthony Deke Jernigan

13

20

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11

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SEPT

SEPT

SEPT

OCT

OCT

@ Valwood

Tiftarea Academy

@ Bethlehem Christian

Augusta Prep

Pinewood

@ Westfield

DB/RB RB

18

OCT

Head Coach: Brandon Derrick Years at school: 6 Record at school: 42-25

26

OCT

8

NOV

@ Trinity @ John Milledge Bulloch Christian Academy Academy

itgnext.com

ITG Next | 115