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Raines Vikings 88

Apopka Blue Darters 18

Fleming Island Golden Eagles 40

Miami Central Rockets 66

Ribault Trojans 89

Bartram Trail Bears 19

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Dr. Phillips Panthers 21

Navarre Raiders 45

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Oakleaf Knights 24

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Sandalwood Saints 25

Ponte Vedra Sharks 51

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Vero Beach Indians 27

AAAAAAA Armwood Hawks 30 Atlantic Coast Stingrays 32 Bloomingdale Bulls 34 Buchholz Bobcats 35 Creekside Knights 36 Edgewater Eagles 37 8 | itgnext.com

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Suwannee Bulldogs 90 Terry Parker Braves 91 Wakulla War Eagles 92 Westside Wolverines 93 Yulee Hornets 94

AAAA Andrew Jackson Tigers 98 Baldwin Indians 99 Bolles Bulldogs 100 Booker T. Washington Tornadoes 101 Cardinal Gibbons Chiefs 102 Cocoa Tigers 104 Fernandina Beach Pirates 105 Gulliver Prep Raiders 106 Keystone Heights Indians 107

Santa Fe Raiders 108 West Nassau Warriors 109 Wolfson Wolfpack 111

AAA Chaminade-Madonna Lions 114 Crescent City Raiders 116 Episcopal Eagles 117

Trinity Christian Conquerors 128 University Christian Christians 129

A Baker Gators 132 Bradford Tornadoes 133 Dixie County Bears 134 Fort White Indians 135

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Hilliard Red Flashes 136

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Madison County Cowboys 137

PK Yonge Blue Wave 120 Providence Stallions 121

Trenton Tigers 139 Union County Tigers 140

Independent

Champagnat Catholic Lions 124

IMG Academy Ascenders 141

St. Joseph Flashes 127

Christian School Zarephath Academy Eagles 145

SSAC Bishop Snyder Cardinals 146 Cedar Creek Saints 147 Christ’s Church Eagles 148 Eagle’s View Warriors 149 Hamilton County Trojans 151

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Player Profiles Jordan Hall | Westside 14 DeMario Tolan | Dr. Phillips 31 Kaven Call | Apopka 44 Anthony Rucker | Jones 52 Zane Durant | Lake Nona 66 Grant Stevens | Nease 86

Old Plank Christian Defenders 152

Eric Weatherly | Bartram Trail

St. Johns Country Day Spartans 153

Devin Smith | Riverside

103

115

Middle School

AA

St. Francis Catholic Wolves 126

FHSAA Small

Darnell Cookman 154

Georgia Camden County Wildcats 155 Cook Hornets 156 Frederica Academy Knights 157

Kai Johnson | First Coast 144 Jayden Gibson | West Orange 150 The information, including game schedules, in this preview is accurate at the time of upload.

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Our Team Contributors Publisher Mark Dykes Editors Nick Anschultz Phil Jones Tyrah Walker Jonnie Brewer Graphics Mandy Douthit Lauren Caulder Audrey Wall

Mark Dykes

Mandy Douthit

aNNA Limoges

Chief Executive Officer

Creative Director

director of operations

Founder Mark Dykes is the entrepreneur and mastermind behind the In the Game 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 In the Game, despite his annual prediction that UGA will win the National Championship.

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.

Anna became a member of the ITG Next team in 2016, serving as an intern for three semesters. After graduating from Valdosta State University in 2017, she remained with the team as an editor, devoting her editorial eye to the company for two years before becoming the Director of Operations. In her free time, Anna enjoys reading and writing. More importantly, although she claims to be a fan of the New Orleans Saints, there is fortunately no other sign of such irrational fandom.

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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 is a native of South Georgia and calls Valdosta home. He is a 19-year veteran of the newspaper business, during which time he served as chairman of the Georgia Press Association’s Sales and Marketing Committee. He was also recognized as the state’s top newspaper circulation and sales director in 2002. Phil has worked in the radio industry for the last 12 years as host of The Afternoon Sports Drive, a daily sports show devoted mostly to high school football and other local sports.

Born and raised in Jacksonville, Florida, Tyrah Walker is excited to join the ITG Next family as one of the on-air hosts. A graduate of the preeminent University of South Florida, she received her bachelor's degree in mass communications with an emphasis in broadcast news (Go, Bulls!).

Tyrah is also an author. She is looking forward to sharing sports stories with the community. When she's not hosting or blogging, Tyrah enjoys reading, photography, and spending time with family.

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Brandon recently graduated from Valdosta State University with a degree in mass media. He is a sports videographer ready to get back into the action. He prefers to use Sony cameras. He currently uses a Sony 6300 but will be getting the new Sony A7siii. His dream is to be a videographer for the NFL or any sports team. His favorite sports team is Orlando City SC even though they’ve never been to the playoffs.

Nick is a native of Lake City, Florida, and joined the ITG Next team this summer as a sports editor and content creator. He recently graduated from the University of Florida with a Bachelor of Science in journalism and communications. He is a passionate sports fan, with college and high school football being his favorites to watch. In his free time, Nick enjoys fishing and taking up activities in the outdoors.

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Now he tells stories through the camera lens, having moved to Jacksonville in 2018 to launch a small business, AHA! Photography, Inc. A native of Waycross, Georgia, Allen is a University of Georgia journalism graduate and a lifelong Bulldogs fan – and he’s confident this is the season the Dawgs finally return the national championship to Athens.

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WESTSIDE DEFENSIVE LINEMAN

Top Offers

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Written by: Nick Anschultz

PASSING LEADERS

RUSHING LEADERS Luke Rucker Seminole 2,392 YDs

Casey St. John Jr. Boone 1,868 YDS

Gunnar Smith Lake Mary 1,742 YDS

Preston Strope Creekside 1,351 YDS

Chris Calhoun Sandalwood 1,217 YDS

Ja’randy Swint Jr. Osceola 884 YDS

CJ Brooks

Eden James

Olympia 1,473 YDS

Treasure Coast 751 YDS

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qbhitlist.com

GAMES TO WATCH Bartram Trail vs. Ware Co.(GA)

Edgewater vs. Boone

Oviedo vs. Hagerty

The Bears face a tough test in Week 1 when they travel to Georgia to take on Ware County. Both teams finished strong in 2020, with identical records of 10-2.

Bartram Trail fell in the Region 1-8A final to eventual state champion Seminole, and Ware County lost to Cartersville in the AAAAA regional finals. The Bears will be replacing starting quarterback Santino Marucci, but they do return a few standout players at the running back and receiver positions.

The Gators, on the other hand, return a solid core of key players from year ago. Quarterback Thomas Castellanos might be one of the top high school football players in South Georgia coming into his senior season. He threw for nearly 3,000 yards and 23 touchdowns a year ago. Castellanos also rushed for close to 1,000 yards and 24 touchdowns as well.

It will be interesting to see who wins this matchup come the fall.

In what is known as one of Central Florida’s oldest high school football rivalries, Boone and Edgewater have been facing off against each other going all the way back to the 1950s, according to an article on the Orange County School’s website. The two schools, which are located in Orlando, are only roughly eight miles apart from each other.

The game is known as “the Battle for the Barrel” in which the winning team takes home a barrel that has both schools’ colors painted on it along with the final score and date of the matchup.

Last season, it was Edgewater that walked away with the barrel after defeating Boone 37-20. With that victory, it marked the third year in a row that the Eagles defeated their inner-city rivals. We’ll see if Boone can take back the Spirt Barrel this season.

This game should have a little extra meaning to it when Oviedo and Hagerty square off in the “Hometown Showdown” this season. The Huskies of Hagerty lost to the Lions twice last season, with the most recent coming in the Region 2-8A quarterfinals.

Oviedo and Hagerty are separated by roughly six miles and have been matching up against each other dating back to 2007. The Lions of Oviedo have won the last five meetings between the schools, with the Huskies last win coming in 2016.

It should be interesting to see if Hagerty can finally snap the win streak in 2021.

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IMPACT CHANGES It was quite the season for Samford Seminole football squad last year. The Seminoles, despite the ongoing challenges of COVID-19, managed to put together one of its best seasons in school history in 2020 after going 12-0 and winning the Class 8A title over Osceola last December. The title was the Seminoles second-ever in program history.

Heading into 2021, Seminole will be without some key pieces to that championship team a year ago, making chances to go back-toback a little more difficult. Arguably the game to watch in Class 8A will be when Bartram Trail travels to Ware County for a huge nonconference match up early in the season.

Some notable schools that have made the move to Class 8A in 2021 include: Venice, Sarasota, Plant City and Creekside. It should be fun to watch how this class plays out come the fall.

TACKLE LEADERS

RECEIVING LEADERS

Martin Ramos

Jayden Gibson

Venice 127 TKS

West Orange 693 YDs

Dylan Chiedo

Jashawn Platt

Bartram Trail 107 TKS

Venice 774 YDs

Trenton Kintigh

Ephraim Floyd

Venice 101 TKS

Vero Beach 688 YDs

TJ Lane

Victor Jones Jr.

Mandarin 99 TKS

Olympia 663 YDs

TW: Dylan Chiedo

heraldtribune.com

TOP TEN RANKINGS 8A

1

2 Seminole

6 Bartram Trail

Osceola (Kissimmee)

7 Apopka

3

4

Miami Columbus

Miami Palmetto

8

9

Vero Beach

Treasure Coast

5 Venice

10 Winter Park

ITG Next | 17

REGION 1 - 8A

APOPKA

27

AUG

3

@ Colonial

SEPT

West Orange

10

SEPT

@ Dr. Phillips

17

SEPT

@ Ocoee

24

SEPT Edgewater

1

OCT

@ Evans

WHAT TO EXPECT Apopka has emerged as one of the most consistently winning programs in the entire state of Florida, and that should continue this season.

It could be the defense, though, that determines how far Rolson’s team advances this season.

“We feel like we have one of the better defensive units we’ve ever had here at Apopka, especially the front seven” Rolson said.

The Blue Darters head coach isn’t overlooking his offense, however.

“We also have an experienced offensive line,” Rolson said.

Apopka is simply reloading this season, and if there is one area that could pose a challenge, it’s the quarterback position. Lowman was one of the best around, and it will be difficult to fill the huge void he leaves behind.

But, regardless of who line up behind center, there are plenty of weapons for the Blue Darters.

KEY LOSSES

One of the main reasons for the Blue Darters successful run over the last two seasons was the play of quarterback Jaquan Lowman. The dual-threat signal caller has given opposing defensive coordinators sleepless nights throughout his career at Apopka, rushing for an incredible 2,600 yards with 38 rushing touchdowns.

He also had 1,465 passing yards with 12 touchdowns through the air during his time at Apopka. Lowman signed with Appalachian State, where he will take his talents. Replacing him will be a top priority for Rolson and his staff this season.

Running back and linebacker Curtis Spivey will also move on to play at the collegiate level, signing with Charleston Southern. He leaves behind an impressive stat line, with 80 tackles on defense, and 302 rushing yards, and four touchdowns.

Defensive end Devin Barnes will be missed. He racked up 12 career sacks and 79 tackles while starring for the Blue Darters defense.

Another solid run into the playoffs, with an 11-3 record, and flirting with a state title.

18 | itgnext.com

8

15

OCT

@ Lakeland

OCT West Port

29

OCT

Lake Brantley

5

NOV Wekiva

Written by: Phil Jones Photography courtesy of theapopkavoice.com

2020 STATS overall record 8

Wins

233

4

Losses

Points Scored Points Allowed

130

Head Coach: Jeff Rolson

WHO’S BACK

Even though Rolson and Apopka will look high and low on the current returning roster for the replacement for Lowman, there remains plenty of returning talent to work with.

On offense, the Blue Darters will have a couple of talented running backs returning with Quincy Frazier and Keyondray Jones. A couple of emerging receivers will have an opportunity to make an impact this season in Rolson’s wide open offense.

Anthony Summerlin and Andre Phillips can line up at either wideout or in the slot.

Defensively, Apopka will return two of the best linebackers with Travion Barnes and Josiah Robinson. At defensive end, Kaven Call is another top-of-the-line defender, and he has been offered by Rutgers University.

Cornerbacks Myller Terameau and Nikai Martinez are both highly recruited defenders, and they will make it very difficult for opposing passing attacks.

REGION 1 - 8A

27

AUG

@ Ware County (GA)

3

10

SEPT

SEPT

Columbus

Lincoln

17

SEPT

@ Mandarin

24

SEPT

@ St. Augustine

BARTRAM TRAIL

9

OCT

@ Ponte Vedra

WHO’S BACK

The Bears return a lot in 2021. Chief among them is senior running back Eric Weatherly, who is receiving offers from several schools including Middle Tennessee State and Florida A&M. A threat to run and receive the ball, the senior standout hauled in 28 catches for 522 yards with four touchdowns last season. On the ground, he rushed for 345 yards on 37 carries and four touchdowns.

Senior outside linebacker Micah Pollard is expected to lead the Bears defense in 2021. He recorded 11 sacks last year and is committed to Michigan.

Junior defensive back Sharif Denson, who recorded 52 tackles and had an interception last year roaming the defensive backfield for Bartram Trail, is one of the most sought-after players on the First Coast, receiving offers from just about everyone. The impressive list includes major programs such as FSU, Michigan, Nebraska, Notre Dame, Penn State, and the University of Georgia.

Senior offensive lineman Austin Gladden returns to give the Bears size and experience up front this season. The 6-foot-5, 300-pound lineman is also being courted by several schools, including Saint Mary and Oklahoma Panhandle.

KEY LOSSES

The Bears will have big shoes to fill with the loss of starting quarterback Santino Marucci. The signal caller is headed to Wake Forest, where he will play for the Demon Deacons.

Marucci played just one season at Bartram Trail after transferring to the Bears from Benjamin High School. He threw for 1,165 yards in his senior season, throwing 14 touchdowns. In 132 pass attempts, he had just three interceptions.

He also rushed for another 338 yards and six touchdowns.

Four-year starter at running back Aaron Jones III has graduated and leaves with a super impressive record of 3,243 career rushing yards and 46 touchdowns during his career.

Kicker David Kemp is gone, having moved on to Memphis University. During his time at Bartram Trail, he connected on 25 of 42 attempts, including a career long 54-yarder. He also made 57 of 61 point after attempts.

It looks like another nice run by the Bears. 10-3 overall record.

15

22

OCT

29

OCT

@ Oakleaf

Creekside

5

OCT

NOV

Sandalwood

Buchholz

Written by: Phil Jones Photography by: Allan Allnoch

2020 STATS overall record 10

Wins 412 265

2 Losses Points Scored Points Allowed

Head Coach: Darrell Sutherland

WHAT TO EXPECT After a successful run last year carried Bartram Trail to the regional finals, Bears fans should be expecting big things once again this season.

The team returns several key playmakers on both sides of the ball, and head coach Darrell Sutherland has established (and delivered) high expectations during his long tenure at Bartram Trail. That includes playoff appearances in 17 of the schools’ 21 years of playing football and several deep runs in the playoffs.

With top playmaker Weatherly returning on the offensive side and Denson and Pollard on defense, Bartram Trail should give Bears fans plenty to root for this season.

If there is a question mark, it is who will replace Santino at quarterback? But expect Sutherland and his staff to have that figured out by the start of the season.

ITG Next | 19

REGION 1 - 8A

DELAND

27

AUG

@ Mainland

3

SEPT

@ University

10

SEPT

@ St. Thomas Aquinas

17

24

SEPT

SEPT

Oviedo

Seabreeze

1

OCT

@ Lake Mary

WHO’S BACK TJ Moore, a rising sophomore who saw limited time as a freshman last season, gets the nod at the starting signal caller position this season. Allen says he was impressed with Moore as a freshman last season, which included a start versus powerhouse St Thomas Aquinas, a game that saw Moore hold his own.

Senior Euhari Gordon will move from defense to offense this season, where he will line up at running back. Senior offensive lineman Marco Selph Jr. will return, and he will have a little help as offensive lineman Eli Walker transfers in from Mainland High School. Outside linebacker Lamont Harding will provide leadership on the defensive side this year.

8

22

OCT

@ Deltona

OCT

Flagler Palm Coast

29

@ Seminole

The most notable losses are on the offensive side of the ball, where coach Steve Allen and his staff will need to replace the most talent heading into this season. But that doesn’t mean that the defense won’t have to replace some talent, as well.

On offense, quarterback Aaron Manning graduates after throwing for over 1,000 yards (1,052) in his one year as a starter, along with 10 touchdowns through the air. His top receiver, Chuck Bradley, has also graduated.

Running backs Jayland Patrick and Travion Dixon will not return. On defense, Mississippi State signee and former Bulldogs outside linebacker Timar Rogers will be missed. He was a leader for Allen and his defensive staff on and off the field during his career at DeLand. Lastly, offensive/defensive lineman Danny Brown also graduated as well.

How this team starts could mean everything.

20 | itgnext.com

NOV Pine Ridge

Written by: Phil Jones Photography by: ITG Next

2020 STATS overall record 4

Wins

169

3

Losses

Points Scored Points Allowed

104

KEY LOSSES

5

OCT

Head Coach: Steve Allen

WHAT TO EXPECT It will be interesting to see Moore run the offense this season. He is one to watch this year across the Sunshine State. Deland did lose quite a bit of talent, however, and one must wonder if this will turn out to be a rebuilding season for Allen and his staff.

Moving Gordon from defense to running back will leave another big hole on that side of the ball with Rogers having graduated. Although, having Harding back will help. According to observers close to the Bulldogs program, he is perhaps the team’s best overall player.

REGION 3 - 8A

27

AUG @ Jones

3

SEPT

Timber Creek

10

SEPT Apopka

17

SEPT

@ Celebration

24

SEPT Lake Mary

DR. PHILLIPS

1

OCT

@ West Orange

WHAT TO EXPECT Dr. Phillips has a long history of fielding one of the top programs in the Orlando area. And head coach Rodney Wells is excited about this year’s team, giving Panthers fan hope for a return to a state championship.

“We are excited about this group, and [we] feel like with the experience we have returning that this could be another great season for us,” Wells said.

Dr. Phillips will have six returning starters coming back on offense, and seven on defense. The offense may need a little more work this offseason, as they went scoreless in a 12-0 spring game loss to Winter Park.

8

OCT Cocoa

15

OCT

@ Osceola (Kissimmee)

22

@ Olympia

Leading the pack of key contributors this season will be four-star offensive lineman Payton Kirkland, who is ranked as the No.11 offensive tackle in the country, according to 247Sports. He currently has over 40 offers.

Senior running back/linebacker Demario Tolan is another highly recruited player that will be looking to have a dominant senior season in 2021 before heading off to the college level. Tolan is committed to LSU. Senior quarterback Joe Joe Patti will be back to lead the Panthers’ offense and will be looking for top receiver Joanes Fortlien. Fortlien has offers from several schools, including Florida State University and the University of Miami.

Expect coach Wells to have his team ready for a big 2021 season.

OCT Windermere

Written by: Phil Jones Photography courtesy of ilovedrphillips.com

2020 STATS overall record 5

Wins 211

2

Losses

Points Scored Points Allowed

93

WHO’S BACK

28

OCT

Head Coach: Rodney Wells

KEY LOSSES The Panthers lose several key playmakers from last year’s squad. While several of the players won’t return to Dr. Phillips, they will be playing football, as they have signed letters of intent to play at the collegiate level.

Athlete Alberto Guzman and linebacker Jaelen Jackson will both attend St Thomas University, while wide receiver Ledger Hatch and defensive back Myles Wiley are going to be teammates of the Crimson of Harvard University.

Cornerback Calvin Wesley is leaving Dr. Phillips for Manchester University, where he’ll play next season. Offensive lineman Ronnie Hayes is another key contributor from last season that wont return.

ITG Next | 21

REGION 1 - 8A

MANDARIN

27

AUG

Atlantic Coast

3

SEPT

@ Spruce Creek

10

SEPT

@ First Coast

17

SEPT

Bartram Trail

24

SEPT

@ Baker County

1

OCT

@ Creekside

WHAT TO EXPECT The Mustangs are young, and they are in a tough district, but Ramsay says his team is full of guys that have the talent and ability.

“We are indeed young, but we have a lot of potential,” he said. “Our expectations are to make the playoffs . . . that’s always our goal.”

The Mustangs will be in the same district with the likes of Bartram Trail, Creekside, Oakleaf, and Sandalwood, which the head coach says is going to be a challenge.

“It is a tough district, but I like our guys potential,” Ramsay said.

The key will be to somehow find replacements for Lewis and Smith, along with departed quarterback Tre Lawrence.

KEY LOSSES The Mustangs are hoping that a player will step up this offseason to fill the shoes of wide receiver Jaylen Smith, who graduated this past spring.

The standout wideout had 1,189 receiving yards on 75 receptions with 14 touchdowns throughout his career with Mandarin. Smith isn’t the only impact receiver not returning in 2021. Devon Lewis, who finished his Mandarin career with 822 receiving yards on 48 receptions and six touchdowns also graduated as well.

The guy who threw them those passes, quarterback Tre Lawrence, is also leaving due to graduation. He had 1,654 career passing yards with 15 touchdowns plus another rushing touchdown during his time as the Mustangs signal caller.

Linebacker Nic Mitchell will certainly be missed on defense. He had 160 tackles and close to 11 sacks from his LB spot while at Mandarin.

Ramsay is a veteran, who will have his guys ready.

22 | itgnext.com

8

15

OCT

OCT

@ Ed White

Oakleaf

22

5

OCT

NOV

@ Sandalwood

Fletcher

Written by: Phil Jones Photography by: ITG Next

2020 STATS overall record Wins

3

6

Losses

155

Points Scored 201

Points Allowed

Head Coach: Bobby Ramsay

WHO’S BACK Head coach Bobby Ramsay is back and says he’s glad to have a couple of seniors returning this season. They are senior offensive lineman Matt Adams and senior strong safety Tony Carter. The safety has 89 tackles and an interception on his resume.

Ramsay also points out three juniors who he says will be key to the team’s chances this year. That group starts with running back/linebacker TJ Lane, who has 168 rushing yards on 40 carries, plus 65 tackles to his credit. Linebacker Carmello Murphy will be back, as will wide receiver Jeremiah Shack.

goldstaradjusters.com 904.406.7232

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ITG Next | 23

REGION 1 - 8A

OAKLEAF

28

AUG

Orange Park

3

SEPT Carol City

10

SEPT Columbia

17

SEPT

@ Camden County (GA)

24

SEPT @ Clay

1

OCT Sandalwood

WHO’S BACK Oakleaf will have a lot of holes to fill on both sides of the ball when the season starts. But the Knights do return some veteran talent. It is likely junior quarterback Drew Ammon will be the next guy up to replace Simmons. Ammon appeared in 10 games for the Knights last season and had roughly 50 yards passing.

Furthermore, junior running backs Devin Outlaw and Mike Mitchell should be relied on more in the backfield with the departure of Grey and a few other veteran backs.

On the defensive side, look for lineman LeAnthony Stephens and linebacker Deric Andrews to have more of an impact this upcoming season. The two combined for 89 tackles as juniors last year.

KEY LOSSES The Knights will be replacing talent in multiple positions come the start of the season.

Quarterback Walter Simmons III is just one of the seniors who graduated in 2021. Simmons III had over 1,000 yards passing and 20 touchdowns last season.

Additionally, running back Adrian Grey and wide receiver’s Terrance Anthony and Cobie Bates are also gone, as well. Grey led the team with over 1,000 yards rushing, while Anthony and Bates were two of Oakleaf’s top receivers a season ago. The pair combined for 1,540 yards and 18 touchdowns in 2020.

Lastly, two of the Knights’ top tacklers on defense also graduated in 2021.

Linebacker Marcus Anthony had a team-high 80 tackles as a senior, while linebacker/safety Chrystian Sellers was right behind him with 77 tackles.

The Knights will be replacing some important pieces from last year’s team. It will be hard to fill the spaces of two leading receivers, a running back, and quarterback. But with some athletic players coming back in 2021, I can still see a postseason appearance in the cards for Oakleaf.

24 | itgnext.com

15

OCT

@ Mandarin

22

OCT

Bartram Trail

29

5

OCT

NOV

@ Creekside

@ Fleming Island

Written by: Nick Anschultz Photography by: ITG Next

2020 STATS overall record 7

Wins

285 247

4

Losses

Points Scored Points Allowed

Head Coach: Frank Garis

WHAT TO EXPECT Last season, Oakleaf finished with an overall record of 7-4. The Knights’ postseason appearance was a short one, as they were able to advance in the opening round thanks to a forfeit but lost the following week to Bartram Trail in the Region 1-8A quarterfinals.

Oakleaf loses a good number of players from last year’s team, including its quarterback, leading rusher, and leading wide receiver. Look for some sophomores and juniors to step up and fill some of the holes left by the graduating seniors.

SANDALWOOD

REGION 1 - 8A

27

3

AUG

SEPT

@ Fletcher

Buchholz

17

10

SEPT

@ Atlantic Coast

SEPT

Creekside

Ribault

Written by: Nicholas Anschultz Photography by: ITG Next

overall record 8

274

3

Losses

Points Scored Points Allowed

215

1

OCT

@ Oakleaf

8

OCT

@ Raines

22

OCT Mandarin

29

OCT

@ Bartram Trail

5

NOV First Coast

WHO’S BACK

2020 STATS

Wins

24

SEPT

Head Coach: Adam Geis

WHAT TO EXPECT It was a bounce back season for the Sandalwood Saints in 2020. After posting a 3-5 record the year prior, the Saints managed to win eight games last season and made it to the Class 8A regional semifinals before falling to Seminole, 40-20.

Sandalwood will look to have that same kind of success again in 2020. But it won’t be easy, as the Saints will be replacing a lot of seniors from last year’s squad.

Perhaps the most impactful returning player for the Saints in 2021 is dual-threat quarterback Christopher Calhoun II. During his junior year, he appeared in 10 games and threw for over a 1,000 yards and 13 touchdowns, according to MaxPreps. He also rushed for a team-leading 934 yards and seven touchdowns. According to his Twitter account, Calhoun is committed to the University of Connecticut.

“He can do it all,” Geis said. “He can run [and] he can throw. He is beyond dynamic for the high school level.”

One other player to keep an eye on for Sandalwood is wide receiver Khalil Ward.

He had 224 receiving yards along with one touchdown during his junior season.

With some veteran wide receiver talent departing, look for him to play a big role in 2021. Lastly, according to Geis, offensive linemen Kyle Duncan is another returning player for the Saints and will help anchor a big offensive line.

KEY LOSSES The 2020 Sandalwood team was full of veteran leadership. In fact, the Saints will be replacing 19 seniors heading into the 2021 season.

One of those seniors is wide receiver/running back Nick Brown, who led the team with 32 receptions and 508 receiving yards last season, according to Maxpreps. He also had 10 carries for 84 yards to go along with his receiving numbers.

Sandalwood also loses its top two tacklers from last season as well. Linebacker/defensive end Langston Hardy finished with 78 total tackles, while linebacker Branden Jennings put together a team-high 127 tackles, according to Maxpreps.

Both players are committed to Division I schools, as Hardy is committed to the University of Connecticut and Jennings is committed to the University of Maryland, according to their Twitter accounts.

Sandalwood lost a lot of production from last year’s team. But they also return quite a few talented players, as well. I wouldn’t be surprised if this squad is back in the playoffs in 2021. I predict a third-round playoff appearance for the Saints in 2021.

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REGION 3 - 8A

STEINBRENNER

20

AUG Robinson

27

AUG

@ Hillsborough

3

SEPT

Tampa Bay Tech

10

SEPT

@ Newsome

17

SEPT Sickles

24

SEPT

@ Armwood

1

Steinbrenner will have junior running back Kirby Vorhees returning to give the team a serious threat out of the backfield. Last season, despite being overshadowed by Silas, he ran for 438 yards and eight touchdowns on just 61 carries. That’s an average of 7.2 yards per carry.

Another returner that Perez says he’s expecting big things from this season is wideout Austin Kubel. The senior receiver had 10 catches for only 149 yards, but he made them count, with two of those catches counting for touchdowns. Those stats were only in seven games.

Another area of the team Perez points out are the linebackers. There, the team will have senior returners Keenan Cruz and Colin Bernstein. Between the two defenders, they have 145 career tackles, six sacks, and seven fumble recoveries.

KEY LOSSES The Warriors will have some big holes to fill this season. One of the biggest losses in the history of Steinbrenner High’s football program is running back/wide receiver Deon Silas, a four-year player who put up some unbelievable numbers during his career at Steinbrenner.

He rushed for 2,734 yards while hauling in 1,428 receiving yards along with 39 rushing touchdowns, nine receiving touchdowns, three punt return touchdowns, and four kickoff return touchdowns. That’s 55 total touchdowns for the standout who is already enrolled at Iowa State. That’s a lot of production to replace.

Other key players that have moved on include safety Matthew Durrance, (South Dakota State), linemen Garrett Cates (Charleston Southern) and Joseph Encarnarcion (Ave Maria), Linebacker Austin Brannen (Campbell), receiver JP Woodward (Ave Maria), and quarterback Bryce Lowe (Carthage).

Consider this a rebuild season for Perez and his staff, but they’ll be back before you know it.

15

OCT

@ Alonso

WHO’S BACK

26 | itgnext.com

8

OCT

OCT

@ East Lake

Gaither

22

29

OCT

OCT

Palm Harbor Chamberlain University

Written by: Phil Jones Photography courtesy of orlandosentinel.com

2020 STATS overall record 4

Wins

242

3

Losses

Points Scored Points Allowed

175

Head Coach: Andres Perez

WHAT TO EXPECT This should be an interesting campaign for Steinbrenner, as they will have to replace a good bit of key production on both the offense and defense. They must find a replacement for their starting quarterback and will most likely turn to sophomore Ty Robinson to fill the shoes of Lowe.

With Silas, you’re talking about replacing a great deal of rushing, receiving, and special teams production. Perez says there are two areas he’ll be counting on to help carry the team this season.

“We will be counting on our linebacker corps in a big way this season,” Perez said.

Perez also says there is one area on offense that he thinks is ready to break through in 2021.

“Look for our wide receivers to make a splash,” he said.

REGION 2 - 8A

27

AUG Cocoa

3

SEPT

Martin County

10

SEPT @ Viera

24

SEPT

@ Westwood

1

OCT Centennial

VERO BEACH

8

OCT

John Carroll Catholic

WHAT TO EXPECT Any time you lose a player of the year, it’s going to be tough to replace that player’s results. However, Vero Beach fans can expect yet another successful season from their Indians this year.

The key will be if Smith Jr. can step in and replace the production left behind

by Nairn. Another Smith, senior receiver James Smith, will finally get an opportunity to show what he can do with his good size and speed. He will compliment the proven Floyd as another choice at receiver, and add another headache for opposing pass defenders.

The Indians always have a prolific offense under Jankowski, and this year should be no different. It was the defense, however, that shined in the 22-0 spring game victory over John Carroll.

If that is any indication of how things could go this year, look for another solid run by the Indians.

KEY LOSSES Head coach Lenny Jankowski has been fortunate to have quite the feeder system at Vero Beach, and this year should be no different.

But its still going to be a challenge to replace the key starters from last season’s nine-win team. That includes finding a replacement for the 8A Offensive Player of the Year Bobby McMillian.

The running back rushed for 1,116 yards and 20 touchdowns on 165 carries last season. He also had four receiving touchdowns.

Last year’s starting quarterback, Jackson Nairn, is off to Iowa Western where he’ll continue his football career after having an incredible senior season with the Indians last year. He threw for 2,256 yards and 22 touchdowns, averaging 205 pass yards per game. Nairn also completed 60% of his passes.

Defensive end Keanu Koht will be missed on the defensive line as a pass rusher and run stopper. He is headed to the University of Alabama Crimson Tide to continue his playing career.

A 10-win season is not out of the question.

15

OCT

@ Treasure Coast

22

OCT

Glades Central

29

5

NOV

NOV

@ Central

Raines

Written by: Phil Jones Photography courtesy of verobeachfootball.com

2020 STATS overall record 8

Wins 369

3

Losses

Points Scored Points Allowed

130

Head Coach: Lenny Jankowski

WHO’S BACK First team selection and lineman Omarion Davis will be back to anchor the Indians offensive line this season.

Wide receiver Ephraim Floyd, a third team All-State selection last season will be back. Floyd had 50 receptions for 688 yards and seven touchdowns last season.

A newcomer to the team, senior transfer Maurice Smith Jr., will most likely assume the quarterback position for the departed Nairn. He previously played for Westwood High School. As a sophomore, he threw for 1,757 yards and 16 touchdowns in just six games. In Vero Beach’s Spring jamboree, the newcomer threw six touchdowns.

On defense, cornerback Devin Willis will be back. In addition to being a shut down type corner, he also is a regional long jump champion, leaping an incredible 23-feet-two-inches, according to the TFRRS Florida website.

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Written by: Nick Anschultz

PASSING LEADERS

RUSHING LEADERS

Zachary Pleuss Ridge Community 2,464 YDs

CJ Simms Jr. Viera 2,298 YDS

Logan Hackett Lake Gibson 2,131 YDS

Jayce Berzowski Jr. Manatee 1,682 YDS

Jaylon Glover Lake Gibson 1,588 YDS

Jaden Booker Palmetto Ridge 1,227 YDS

Anthony Hankerson St. Thomas Aquinas 1,178 YDS

Richard Young Lehigh 982 YDS

TW: Jayse Berzowski

TW: Jaylon Glover

GAMES TO WATCH Buchholz vs. Cardinal Gibbons Two well-known programs from their respective classes collide when Cardinal Gibbons matches up with the Buchholz Bobcats early on in the season. The Chiefs won their second state title last season after defeating the Bolles Bulldogs in the Class 4A state championship. Cardinal Gibbons finished the season with an 8-1 overall record while Buchholz finished its season at 8-2. Both the Bobcats and Chiefs will be without some key players from a year ago, but they return a few standout athletes as well. Cardinal Gibbons loses starting quarterback Brody Palhegyi, but star running back Kamari Moulton is back after rushing for a team-leading 502 yards last season.

Buchholz, on the other hand, loses its top rusher from a year ago in running back Quandarius Smith.

The Bobcats do return, however, quarterback Creed Whittemore, who threw for over 1,000 yards in 2020. Should be fun to see who wins this matchup come the fall.

St. Thomas Aquinas vs.

Cardinal Gibbons Last year, Cardinal Gibbons defeated St. Thomas Aquinas in one of the more shocking upsets to take place during the high school football season in Florida. The two schools, which are separated by almost 10 miles from each other in the city Fort Lauderdale, had not matched up since 2010 prior to last year’s meeting.

The Raiders only blemish on their schedule in 2020 came from the Chiefs, so this game should have a little extra juice to it when the two teams square off in the fall. Additionally, both St. Thomas Aquinas and Cardinal Gibbons were also champions of their respective classes, with the Raiders winning the Class 7A title and the Chiefs winning the Class 4A championship. We’ll see who wins the rematch come October.

Lake Gibson vs. Lowndes (GA) This has the potential to be one of the more intriguing matchups in Class 7A this season.

Lowndes is one of the top schools in Georgia when it comes to high school football. The Vikings have five state championships and have taken home 13 regional titles in their program’s history. Last season, Lowndes finished with an overall record of 10-2 and lost to Collins Hill in the Class AAAAAAA state final four. Lake Gibson, meanwhile, finished 11-2 and lost to Palmetto in the Region 3-6A final.

Both the Vikings and Braves see plenty of talent coming back in 2021. Quarterback Jacurri Brown returns for Lowndes after throwing for over 1,000 yards and 14 touchdowns last season. Lake Gibson also gets its starting gunslinger back as well. Logan Hackett passed for over 2,000 yards and had close to 30 touchdowns in 2020. Another Florida-Georgia matchup. Who will come out on top this fall?

IMPACT CHANGES For the second season in a row, it was St. Thomas Aquinas who walked away as champions of Class 7A in 2020. It was the Raiders 12th state championship, good for best in the state, after previously being tied with Bolles at 11.

Heading into 2021, the competition in Class 7A will be ramped up a bit with the addition of a few notable schools either moving up or down due to the reclassification. Two St. Johns County schools will be playing in 7A this season, as Nease moves down from 8A and Ponte Vedra moves up from 6A. Additionally, two well-known schools from down South are also new in 7A this year, as Lake Gibson moves up from 6A, while Palmetto moves back to 7A after previously being in 6A. Class 7A has no shortage of talent in 2021. It should be fun to watch how it plays out.

TACKLE LEADERS

RECEIVING LEADERS

Jaylen Wester

Quan Lee

Palmetto 126 TKS

Buchholz 693 YDs

Jonny Eaton

Sam McCall

Viera 118 TKS

Lake Gibson 903 YDs

Jahiem Odom

Greg Gaines III

Atlantic Coast 117 TKS

Tampa Bay Tech 804 YDs

Bryson Rodgers

RJ Kelly

Wiregrass Ranch 710 YDs

Kathleen 104 TKS

heraldtribune.com

hssportsfl2.wixsite.com

TOP TEN RANKINGS 7A

1

2 St. Thomas Aquinas

6

3

Lake Gibson

Lakeland

Buchholz

Niceville

Edgewater

9

8

7

5

4

Armwood

Palmetto

10 Manatee

Bloomingdale

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REGION 3 - 7A

ARMWOOD

27

3

AUG

@ Chamberlain

SEPT Hillsborough

17

10

SEPT

SEPT

@ Gaither

Strawberry Crest

Written by: Phil Jones Photography courtesy of tampabay.com

overall record 5

4

262

Points Scored

Losses

Points Allowed

127

Head Coach: Evan Davis

WHO’S BACK

The Hawks will gladly welcome back their big time, three-star safety for his senior season. Kye Stokes is an absolute beast and is committed to Ohio State University.

Stokes has five interceptions so far heading into his senior season. Additionally, he has 35 total tackles, 208 receiving yards, and 265 all-purpose yards in his time with the Hawks. Stokes can do a little bit of everything on the football field.

Quarterback Murdolph Jones will return to take over for the departed Ransom. In limited action last season, the junior threw for one touchdown, but his potential has already been noticed by college recruiters, including the University of South Florida, who has extended an offer to Jones.

Head coach Evan Davis points to linebackers Cliff Spears Jr. and Damenon Hughes as his other key returners that will help Armwood make another possible run at a state title.

30 | itgnext.com

Steinbrenner

1

OCT

@ Tampa Bay Tech

15

OCT

@ Bloomingdale

22

OCT

Wiregrass Ranch

29

OCT

@ Wharton

5

NOV

@ Newsome

WHAT TO EXPECT

2020 STATS

Wins

24

SEPT

Davis has the team and the talent to make it back to the state title game, where they were two seasons ago. They came up short that night, but this year will see Armwood with another solid opportunity at redemption.

Yes, losing a Desmond Watson and Noah Biglow makes it a lot tougher to go after dreams of a championship. But Davis seems to have a winning system that seems to reload instead of rebuild, and that has Armwood fans hopeful that 2021 could be their year.

Davis recognizes the team’s weakness and strength, weakness being the “overall inexperience” of the team. “ Our strength will be our linebackers, who are all returning,” he said. As far as an area of concern, it’s “the overall inexperience”, said Davis. Davis said.

KEY LOSSES Armwood is one of the top producers of college-bound talent year after year. And this past season was no different.

The Hawks will send dynamic cornerback Noah Biglow to the Pittsburgh Panthers—the reward for a career that saw the defensive back disrupt opposing offenses with his nine interceptions, four fumble recoveries, and 48 tackles.

Two of those interceptions were returned to the house for touchdowns. He also had a kickoff returned for a touchdown, along with a receiving touchdown.

Joining Biglow on the train to the next level is quarterback Cam Ransom, who is headed to the Eagles of Georgia Southern. Linebacker Chris Davis is also headed to Georgia Southern, where he’ll look to break into the starting defensive lineup as a linebacker.

Finally, Desmond Watson is headed off to play under Dan Mullen and the Gators of Florida.

Get ready, cause here comes Armwood in 2021.

DR. PHILLIPS LINEBACKER

Top Offers COMMITTED

ITG Next | 31

REGION 1 - 7A

ATLANTIC COAST

27

3

AUG

@ Mandarin

17

10

SEPT

SEPT

SEPT

Riverside

Sandalwood

Nease

Written by: Phil Jones Photography by: ITG Next

overall record 5

6

201

Losses Points Scored

248

Points Allowed

Head Coach: Mike Montemayor

WHO’S BACK Running backs Arthur Walker and Kendall Mathis will return to give Atlantic Coast a solid rushing threat this season. Together, the seniors have amassed close to 1,800 yards for their careers.

Paving the way for the two backs will be a pair of solid linemen, starting with Marcello Coleman and Taelyn Ransom. Returning to give help on both sides of the ball will be Carter Ladd, who will line up at tight end and defensive end this season.

On defense, a couple of senior linebackers will be back to anchor things on that side of the ball: They are Tyrez Fluellen and Janari Grimsley.

32 | itgnext.com

@ Fletcher

8

OCT Creekside

15

OCT

Ponte Vedra

22

OCT

@ Fleming Island

29

OCT

@ First Coast

5

NOV

University Christian

WHAT TO EXPECT

2020 STATS

Wins

1

OCT

The Stingrays will be young, having graduated not only a ton of seniors last season, but they must replace some key talent. Losing your starting quarterback and his three main receivers will equate to losing 8,000 yards of offense.

Montemayor acknowledges that he’ll be forced to start several freshman and sophomores this season. The defense will have some experience and depth to build from this off season, and that may wind up being the saving grace for Atlantic Coast.

The Stingrays also enter a new district this season with Nease, Fletcher, Ponte Vedra, Fleming Island, and First Coast.

KEY LOSSES The Stingrays lose three top notch receivers who are all headed to big time college programs. The trio is Patrick Bryant II, Jordan Smith, and Malcolm Seaborn.

Bryant will continue his football career at the University of Illinois, while Smith will attend and play for Saint Thomas University. Seaborn will attend the Naval Academy, where he’ll play for the Midshipmen.

Ridge Jacobs, the Atlantic Coast starting quarterback last season, was also rewarded for his accomplishments on Friday nights with a scholarship to the University of South Florida. Jacobs leaves with 5,444 career passing yards and 53 touchdowns during his four-year career.

On defense, Montemayor will have to replace both of his starting corners from a year ago as Jordyn Williams and Josh Williams Jr. are graduating. In addition to the corners leaving, safety Desmond Evans will also not return.

The Stingrays finish with a strong end to their season.

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ITG Next | 33

REGION 3 - 7A

BLOOMINGDALE

27

AUG

@ Gaither

3

10

SEPT

SEPT

Newsome

@ Jesuit

17

SEPT Lennard

Written by: Nick Anschultz Photography courtesy of baynews9.com

overall record 12

423

1 Losses Points Scored Points Allowed

201

Head Coach: Jake Coulson

KEY LOSSES Entering the fall, Bloomingdale will be replacing several seniors on both sides of the football.

On offense, these losses include: Quarterback Tre Simmons (Tusculum University) and wide receiver Agiye Hall (Alabama).

As for the defensive side, the Bulls will be replacing just about everyone on this side of the ball in 2021, according to head coach Jake Coulson.

34 | itgnext.com

@ East Bay

8

OCT

@ Plant City

15

22

OCT

OCT

Armwood

Palmetto

29

OCT

@ Manatee

5

NOV Hillsborough

WHAT TO EXPECT

2020 STATS

Wins

2

OCT

Last season, the Bloomingdale Bulls finished with an overall record of 12-1 and fell just short of a state championship appearance after losing to St. Thomas Aquinas in the Class 7A state semifinals.

Coming into the 2021 season, the Bulls are looking to build on that success from a year ago. But this won’t be the same Bloomingdale team from 2020.

The Bulls lose a handful of talented players from last year’s squad, and Coulson said they are going to have to change strategies in hopes of making a deep postseason run again in 2021.

WHO’S BACK As for players to watch this fall for Bloomingdale, quite a few athletes are expected to step up and be impactful for the Bulls this season, according to Coulson.

On the offensive side, senior running back Brycnn Bennett will be one to watch after putting together a solid junior season.

“He really came on late last year,” Coulson said. “We are really expecting big things out of him.”

Others to watch on the offensive side are senior wide receiver/running back Ollie Manhertz and junior right guard Isaiah Lowery.

On the defensive side, senior defensive end La’montrae Banks will be a player to look out for come the fall.

“He’s not really built like a defensive end,” Coulson said. “He is more of like a standup outside linebacker that you can breakdown as a defensive end (because) he’s so fast. He has great speed off the edge.”

Losing important pieces like Simmons and Hall, plus trying to replace an entire defense, will be a tough task for Bloomingdale. But I still see a third-round playoff appearance in 2021 for the Bulls.

REGION 1 - 7A

27

AUG

@ Trinity Catholic

3

SEPT

@ Sandalwood

17

10

SEPT

SEPT

Cardinal Gibbons

Eastside

Written by: Phil Jones Photography courtesy of wruf.com

1

OCT Leon

BUCHHOLZ

7

OCT

@ Gainesville

15

OCT

@ Chiles

22

29

OCT

OCT

Bolles

Forest

5

NOV

@ Bartram Trail

WHAT TO EXPECT

2020 STATS

Head Coach: Mark Whittemore

The Bobcats have one of the most experienced coaches in head coach Matt Whittemore, a Buchholz alumnus. He played wide receiver there at the Gainesville school and always seems to have his team in the running. That includes last season’s 8-2 record, which included a couple of playoff wins, before losing to powerhouse Niceville by a field goal.

Can coach Whittemore lead his team to another deep playoff run this year?

With so much talent at the skill positions, which should be the strength of the team, according to coach Whittemore, look for the Bobcats to have no problem scoring points. The head coach also feels good about the defense this upcoming season.

“Our defensive line and linebackers should lead us on the defensive side this year,” said coach Whittemore.

WHO’S BACK

KEY LOSSES

overall record 8

Wins 416

2 Losses Points Scored Points Allowed

225

Even though the Bobcats lose some All-State caliber talent, long time head coach Mark Whittemore is blessed to have several All-State selections coming back.

It starts with returning junior quarterback Creed Whittemore. He was an All-State selection after enjoying a stellar first season as the starter in 2020. He threw for 1,675 yards and 23 touchdowns on 109 completions last year.

Perhaps the most impressive stat for Creed was the fact that he only threw four interceptions in 176 attempts. He also rushed for 353 yards and added two more touchdowns.

His favorite target will likely be All-State receiver Quan Lee, who is a senior this year. He has caught 19 touchdowns in his Buchholz career with 1,896 career receiving yards. First team All-State offensive lineman Dashawn Oliver (could not find name?) will be back.

The Bobcats will have to replace some big-time playmakers this year, including a couple of All-State performers who were key to their eight-win season last year.

One of those is running back Quan Smith, a first team All-State selection. He rushed for 2,878 yards on 427 carries during his Bobcats career, while adding 35 rushing touchdowns. He averaged right around 7 yards every time he carried the ball.

Smith also had three receiving touchdowns to give him a total of 38 TD’s. He will be continuing his football career at Kennesaw State University as a member of the Owls.

Joining him as a First Team All-State selection was offensive lineman Da’shawn Owens and defensive end Matt Clayton, who was another other AllState performer that will not return this season. He finishes his career at Buchholz with 82 total tackles and 7.5 sacks.

Another strong run into the playoffs: I predict a 10-3 overall record.

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REGION 1 - 8A

CREEKSIDE

28

AUG Ribault

3

SEPT

@ Nease

10

SEPT

Fleming Island

17

SEPT

@ Sandalwood

23

SEPT

@ Chiles

1

OCT Mandarin

WHAT TO EXPECT McIntyre has done a great job of turning the Knights’ football program around. He led them to their first winning record in nine years last season. Four of their five losses were to teams with a 26-4 overall record.

The point being the foundation has been laid. And now Creekside is ready to take that next big step — literally and figuratively.

Creekside will move from Class 7A to 8A this season. But with the amount of returning experience and talent, it’s probably not going to slow down the Creekside football train this season. The only possible question mark could be quarterback, which McIntyre says is completely undecided heading into spring practice.

KEY LOSSES The Knights lose three-year starters Will Aaronson, Robbie Balke, and Hunter Jones on the offensive line. There are also a couple of skill position guys that will be missed, including two receivers from last season.

Tight end Jacob Ritchie signed his letter of intent with Wofford, where he’ll continue his college football career. Wide receiver Jack Goodrich, who leaves as Creekside’s all-time career leader in receiving yards, will play football for West Florida in the Gulf South Conference.

The Knights and head coach Sean McIntyre will lose another school stats leader as linebacker Tucker Owens departs as the school’s all-time leader in tackles. Standout defensive lineman Luther McCoy will attend the University of Minnesota, where he will continue his football career with the Golden Gophers.

Expect the Knights to have a deep run.

36 | itgnext.com

8

OCT

@ Atlantic Coast

15

OCT

@ Bartram Trail

29

5

OCT

NOV Ponte Vedra

Oakleaf

Written by: Phil Jones Photography by: ITG Next

2020 STATS overall record Wins

5

255

4

Losses

Points Scored Points Allowed

221

Head Coach: Sean McIntyre

WHO’S BACK The Knights will gladly welcome back defensive end/outside linebacker Christian Yousefzadeh.

“Christian is a very good football player [and] excellent pash rusher,” said McIntyre.

The Creekside senior is being heavily recruited “by everyone,” according to McIntyre.

Joining the standout defender will be a couple of senior linebackers, Ryan Brumell and Vincent Approbato. The entire defensive backfield returns, with cornerbacks Jake Thorpe and Carter Mceachean and safeties Landen Frazier and R. Walter Stovall all coming back to man their respective positions on the defensive side. Leading receiver Maxwell Robinson will be back. He led the team in catches last year.

REGION 2 - 7A

27

3

AUG

SEPT

Bishop Moore

@ Venice

17

10

SEPT

SEPT

@ East Ridge

Jones

Written by: Phil Jones Photography courtesy of yourcommunitypaper.com

2020 STATS overall record 8

Wins

3

311 223

Losses

Points Scored Points Allowed

Head Coach: Cameron Duke

WHAT TO EXPECT With four of the five starters returning along the offensive line, this will be the area of strength for Edgewater, so expect the Eagles to keep defenses off balance and keeping them guessing on what’s coming next.

Edgewater is talented, with one of the best teams in 7A this year. They will have what it takes to make another run at the state finals once again this year.

Look for multiple formations that take advantage of getting both Connelly and Williams on the field and involved as much as possible. Key games include an early season matchup with Jones Orlando, who was one of the three defeats suffered by Edgewater last season.

I predict a 12-2 record with a repeat trip to the state 7A finals.

24

SEPT

@ Apopka

EDGEWATER

1

OCT

Winter Haven

7

OCT

@ Winter Park

15

OCT Wekiva

22

OCT

@ Ridge Community

5

NOV

@ Boone

WHO’S BACK Returning to lead Edgewater this season will be a senior ATH that Duke says is “the best football player I’ve ever coached,” which is saying a lot, considering the number of players that he has coached.

He’s talking about Jeremiah Connelly, a four-year starter at Edgewater.

“The young man can do it all,” Duke said.

The coach says he and his staff will continue to play Connelly at running back, receiver, punt and kick return and defensive back.

Other key returners include senior offensive linemen Dante Finley and Shaheem Hill.

Cornerback BJ Williams will be another key returner. Lastly, junior ATH Cedric “CJ” Baxter Jr. is another player that can do a lot of different things. He’ll be all over the field.

According to Duke, Baxter currently has over 20 offers, including Florida.

KEY LOSSES The Eagles lose some key, big time players who were impactful during their tenures at Edgewater. Their loss will be felt.

The question will be: Can the Eagles find a way to replace their production?

According to head coach Cameron Duke, the biggest losses are Tommi Hill, Christian Leary, Deshawn Troutman, and Canaan Mobley. Hill was an athlete, who made an impact all over the field. Offensively, he had a career total of 1,586 receiving yards on 85 career receptions and 14 touchdowns.

He also had six interceptions with a touchdown. Hill is attending Arizona State on scholarship.

Christian Leary was a wide receiver, who is headed to Alabama. He hauled in 78 receptions in his Edgewater career for a total of 1,587 yards receiving. He caught 13 touchdown passes and added nine rushing touchdowns. Leary also ended up with 795 yards rushing, averaging a little over 8 yards per carry.

Deshaun Troutman is off to continue his football career with the University of Miami Hurricanes. The three-star linebacker is already making an impression on those close to the program, who call him fearless. Despite being a heavily recruited dual-sport athlete at Edgewater, quarterback Canaan Mobley has decided to forego college athletics and focus on becoming an architect.

ITG Next | 37

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REGION 1 - 7A

27

AUG

Dakota Ridge

3

10

SEPT

SEPT

Raines

Mandarin

17

SEPT Ponte Vedra

24

SEPT

@ Ed White

FIRST COAST

1

OCT

@ Nease

WHAT TO EXPECT Head coach Marty Lee, who is one of the longest tenured coaches in all North Florida, has seen it all throughout his storied career. And so far through offseason workouts, including their spring game, he likes what he sees out of his Bucs team.

“I was pleased with our spring game performance,” said Lee, referring to his First Coast team’s shutout win over Fernandina Beach 33-0. “I think we are poised to have a strong run game with this team.”

Defensively, Lee thinks his team will be able to rush the passer this year, but there are still areas he says that needs work.

“We still need to work on our passing game, and I’d like us to step up with our team leadership,” said Lee. In the end, Lee says that the upcoming season “could be a fun year.”

KEY LOSSES There is some big-time talent whose career as a First Coast Buccaneer is over, but for some of these players, it doesn’t mean that they are through playing football.

Perhaps the biggest loss will be with the departure of talented defensive end Phillip Lee. The “Sackmeister” was a pass rush nightmare for opposing quarterbacks and made life tough over his career at First Coast. He will now take those talents to Troy University.

The defensive end on the other side also graduated, but Damien “Deuce” Deloney will continue his football career at the next level, as he will head off to Valdosta State University. Wide receiver Jalen Evans, who caught passes and returned kicks and punts for First Coast during his career, has committed to Stetson University, where he too will continue his football career.

Wide receiver Jabari Mack, who was the team’s leading receiver last season, will not return as well.

First Coast finds success despite some key losses.

15

22

OCT

OCT

Fleming Island

@ Fletcher

29

5

OCT

NOV

Atlantic Coast

@ Sandalwood

Written by: Phil Jones Photography by: Allan Allnoch

2020 STATS overall record Wins

3

4

103

Losses Points Scored

183

Points Allowed

Head Coach: Marty Lee

WHO’S BACK The team’s quarterback, Larry Edwards, will return.

He is widely considered the top quarterback in the city among all starting signal callers.

One of his top targets will return in senior Van Adams Jr. Adams hauled in 17 receptions for 440 yards and three touchdowns. Another top receiving target for Edwards will be Devin Hopkins, who reeled in 12 catches for 210 yards and a touchdown in 2020.

Senior defensive back Derrick Hartley Jr. will return to give the Buccaneers needed experience in the secondary this season. He finished with 35 tackles, eight pass break ups, and two interceptions last season, and is a Howard University commit.

Offensive lineman Tommy Bridgewater Jr., an Honor Society student, will return to anchor the offensive line.

ITG Next | 39

REGION 1 - 7A

FLEMING ISLAND

20

27

AUG

AUG

Westside

Clay

3

SEPT

@ Lake Minneola

10

17

SEPT

@ Creekside

SEPT Fletcher

Written by: Phil Jones Photography by: ITG Next

overall record 10

348

3 Losses Points Scored Points Allowed

190

Head Coach: Damenyum Springs

WHO’S BACK Fleming Island will have a couple of juniors returning this season, both of whom are attracting a lot of attention from Division I programs. Running back Sam Singleton will return, and he’s drawing interest from Cincinnati, Florida State, Kentucky, and Michigan.

Another player getting looks is junior receiver Darion Domineck. Furthermore, the remaining top contributors coming back this season are all seniors. They include: Cornerback Joseph Stephens and safety Dedric Walker, along with defensive end Hunter Williams, defensive lineman Ricky Joseph, offensive lineman Anthony Timpson, and skilled player receiver Caleb Jones.

40 | itgnext.com

@ Ridgeview

1

OCT

@ Ponte Vedra

15

OCT

@ First Coast

22

OCT

Atlantic Coast

29

5

OCT

NOV

Nease

Oakleaf

WHAT TO EXPECT

2020 STATS

Wins

24

SEPT

The Golden Eagles lost a lot of experience from last year’s team, with 23 seniors having graduated overall. Despite those players not returning, Springs will have a lot of firepower to work with.

“I think we have the chance to be pretty special,” said Springs.

He points to the skill position players returning this year.

“I like the fact that we return skill guys on offense and defense,” said Springs.

With that confidence, look for Fleming Island to make another deep run into the playoffs, as they did last season.

KEY LOSSES You know you’ve lost some big-time talent when your top performers will all be playing college football on Saturdays this fall. That’s the case for head coach Damenyum Springs and his Golden Eagles staff.

TK Kocak finished the season as the Golden Eagles quarterback, but also played fullback for much of last season. He’ll be attending Navy and will play for the Midshipmen.

Offensive lineman Evan Sheets signed with Warner College, while quarterback Grant Travis will attend Myrtle Beach Prep. Rounding out the top losses on offense for Fleming Island includes running back Timmy Thomas.

“He’s a big bruising back,” said Springs. “He’ll be missed.”

On defense, the head coach will lose the entire defensive backfield. Gone are cornerback Darius Harris, who signed with Elon as well as both safeties. Darryl Nesmith will attend Concord and Devin Grind will play for Ava Maria.

Middle linebacker Alex Maier will move on to attend Furman University, where he’ll play for the Paladins.

Back-to-back 10-3 records puts Fleming Island in the hunt for 7A.

ITG Next | 41

REGION 1 - 7A

FLETCHER

27

3

AUG

SEPT

Sandalwood

@ Terry Parker

17

10

SEPT

SEPT

Andrew Jackson

@ Fleming Island

1

OCT

Atlantic Coast

2020 STATS overall record 6

2 Losses

199

Points Scored Points Allowed

120

Head Coach: Ciatrick Fason

WHAT TO EXPECT Former Senators player and long time assistant coach Ciatrick Fason has been named as the new head coach of the Senators, according to Fletcher High Schoool athletic director Joe Reynolds. He replaces former head coach Bobby Raulerson. Fason returns to Fletcher High, where he played running back from 1998-2001. He holds the schools all-time rushing record with over 7400 career rushing yards.

Nease

22

OCT First Coast

29

OCT

@ Ponte Vedra

5

NOV

@ Mandarin

A group of seniors bring back experience and talent to a Fletcher High team looking to build on back-to-back 6-win seasons. On the offense, the Senators will welcome back senior quarterback Keely Watson, along with two senior offensive linemen in Toby Matson and Caelen Lavender. Tight end Aiden Heilmann, another senior, will be back. Over on defense, the team welcomes back Florida State University commit Aaron Hester, whose dad, Ron, starred for the Seminoles and went on to play for the Miami Dolphins. Defensive end is his natural position, but the team will use him at running back in some different packages this season. Hester actually played a good bit at RB last season. Lastly, linebacker Maximus Pasko also returns.

KEY LOSSES The Senators will be forced with the task of replacing the majority of their starters on the offensive line, three of which will be headed off to play college football. That group is center Bryce Virata, who is headed to the Keiser University Seahawks, a NAIA (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics) team.

Guards Mike Bartilucci and Chandler Kirton were three-year starters and will also be playing on Saturdays this fall. Kirton signed with Austin Peay University, while Bartilucci will attend The Citadel. Defensive end Joshua Davis will attend The University of Tennessee-Martin, and defensive teammate Jeff Davis will play for the Bears of Lenoir-Rhyne College. As big as those losses are, the player leaving behind the largest void has to be running back Myles Montgomery, who signed with the University of Cincinnati Bearcats. He rushed for 2,124 yards and 20 TD’s as a junior at Fletcher, according to 247sports’ website.

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

42 | itgnext.com

@ Ribault

15

OCT

WHO’S BACK

Written by: Phil Jones Photography courtesy of hudl.com

Wins

8

OCT

The Senators keep heading in the right direction this season.

REGION 2 - 7A

27

AUG

@ Lake Mary

3

SEPT

@ Lowndes (GA)

10

SEPT

Winter Haven

17

SEPT Lakeland

LAKE GIBSON

24

SEPT

Riverview (Sarasota)

1

15

OCT

@ George Jenkin

WHAT TO EXPECT Losing Paxia, who had a great run at Lake Gibson, is tough; however, the Braves should be just fine with a quality coach like Barefield, who is excited to be coaching high school football for the first time in his career.

Lake Gibson is another school on the move as a result of the offseason reclassification effort, as the Braves will move from 6A to 7A this season.

Despite the move up, Lake Gibson should have enough returning talent to make yet another run at a state title just as they did last season. The Braves advanced all the way to the state semifinals before being eliminated.

22

OCT

Senior running back Jaylon Glover is a four-star back that returns to give the Braves a solid rusher. Barefield says he has been impressed by Glover so far.

“He’s the real deal, and one of the best backs I’ve seen-at any level,” said the Braves new coach.

Three-year starter at quarterback Logan Hackett is back. And the signal caller will have some quality receiving targets to throw to in Sam McCall and Cormani McClain. McCall is a Florida State commit, and McClain is among the top-rated corners in the 2023 class.

Safety Jyvonte McClendon will return despite nursing an ankle injury all spring. The standout defensive back is committed to South Carolina.

Different classification and coach, same result: 11-2 overall record for 2021.

NOV

@ Kathleen

Bartow

@ Auburndale

Written by: Phil Jones Photography courtesy of Lake Gibson Braves Football via Twitter

2020 STATS overall record 11

Wins

2 Losses

634

Points Scored Points Allowed

161

WHO’S BACK

5

OCT

Head Coach: Keith Barefield

KEY LOSSES Former head coach Robert Paxia is off to Flagler Palm Coast. And taking his spot is Keith Barefield, a career college coach who comes to the Braves from Louisiana Lafayette.

As far as players, the Braves lose three quality linebackers who were run stoppers and could defend against the pass well. They are Gavin Barthiel, JJ McKinley, and Kaleb Ross.

Ross signed with Brown, McKinley signed with Iowa Central, and Barthiel signed with Washington State University. Also gone is left tackle Marcus Fisher.

ITG Next | 43

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REGION 1 - 7A

27

3

AUG

SEPT

Fort Walton Beach

Easton (LA)

17

10

SEPT

SEPT

@ Milton

Tate

Written by: Phil Jones Photography courtesy of Navarre via Twitter

overall record 6

211

1 Losses Points Scored Points Allowed

139

@ Leon

8

OCT Mosley

15

OCT @ Pace

22

OCT

@ Niceville

29

5

OCT

NOV

Gulf Breeze

Crestview

WHAT TO EXPECT

2020 STATS

Wins

24

SEPT

NAVARRE

Head Coach: Jay Walls

KEY LOSSES The Raiders lose some key players who have contributed to the success of Navarre these past four years.

That includes defensive lineman Grady Kelly, who is off to Colorado State University, where he’ll continue to cause havoc on the defensive line.

On the offensive line, Elijah Melendez is also headed off to play at the next level, where he will play at Valdosta State University.

Quarterback Zach Marquis will take his talent to North Carolina Wesleyan. The signal caller had 616 passing yards and six touchdowns last year. He will keep defensive back Mekhi Domino as a teammate at NC Wesleyan.

Athlete Bailey Hutson and defensive back Jebari Mitchell are going off to play at Huntington College.

Head coach Jay Walls has always been a winner as a head coach in Florida and Georgia, and that includes his career at Navarre. The Panama City native has coached at Suwannee, Tift County, and now with the Raiders, where he’s led the class 7A Raiders to 82 wins against just 22 losses, with two state semifinal appearances.

He enters his 10th season at Navarre and will inherit a team with some good talent along the lines, but a lot of holes to fill. The Raiders lost 39 seniors, and quite a bit of talent, especially at skill positions, including quarterback with the graduation of Marquis.

Zavier Hamilton, the super sophomore, could be counted on to play some there, and will likely be counted on in several other ways this season. This will require one of Walls’ best coaching jobs if his Raiders are to get back to the playoffs in 2021.

WHO’S BACK

The Raiders will have a couple of linebackers returning who have a combined 214 tackles between them. Devin Wright returns with 132 tackles, three sacks, and an interception to his credit heading into his senior season.

Sebastian Melendez has 82 tackles with an incredible 14 quarterback hurries and two fumble recoveries as part of his resume so far at Navarre. They will be joined by returning teammate and tight end Davion Hardy to lead the Raiders this season.

A player to keep an eye on is rising sophomore Zavier Hamilton, a running back/cornerback who is already commanding attention from college recruiters.

According to Raiders long time play-by-play man, Bill Hammel, the sophomore has already received offers from LSU, Florida State, Georgia, and Auburn.

Walls rallies his team to another playoff bound season.

ITG Next | 45

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REGION 1 - 7A

27

AUG

@ Ponte Vedra

3

17

10

SEPT

SEPT

Orange Park

Creekside

24

SEPT

SEPT

@ Atlantic Coast

@ Yulee

Written by: Phil Jones Photography by: Allan Allnoch

overall record 8

127

Losses Points Scored Points Allowed

286

1

OCT

First Coast

8

OCT St. Augustine

15

OCT

@ Fletcher

29

OCT

@ Fleming Island

5

NOV

@ Westside

WHAT TO EXPECT

2020 STATS 1 Wins

ALLEN D. NEASE

Head Coach: Collin Drafts

WHO’S BACK Head coach Collin Drafts will have a ton of returners back this season. He and the Panthers return 35 seniors and 17 starters from a year ago.

Leading the pack of returners are several threeyear starters, including senior tight end Grant Stevens, who is committed to Coastal Carolina. Another three-year starter coming back is senior offensive tackle Sam Dec, who is committed to Army.

The other multi-year starters are senior receivers Dom Henry and Donavan Wilson. Senior running back Taliek Golphin, who was last season’s leading rusher, will also be back for the Panthers.

Expect quite a different season this year compared to last year’s one-win season. Drafts will have a ton of people returning, including the big bodies up front on offense in Stevens and Dec and top skill guys Dom Henry and Golphin.

With so many different weapons and experience returning this year, expect Nease to be multiple on offense, with a strong running game. Even with Carn off to Troy, Nease will still have two capable quarterbacks returning in Gabe Ohlson and Marcus Stokes, which will also give the Panthers options in the passing game.

Nease fans should get ready for what could be one of the more talented teams since Tebow rolled through these parts.

KEY LOSSES Fortunately for the Panthers, they don’t lose much at all. Only a handful of players on last season’s roster graduate, and of those, just a few were starters and/or contributors.

Perhaps the biggest loss is their starting quarterback, Will Carn. He was the team’s starting signal caller over the last two seasons, passing for 23 passing touchdowns and rushing for two touchdowns. He passed for 2,607 yards over that time, also. Carn will move on to play at Troy University.

Defensive lineman and team captain for the last two seasons Kyle Bazler will not return. He too will move on to play collegiately, but not in football. He will play baseball at a TBD college or university. Also not returning is safety Ty Davis and defensive lineman Darren Johnson.

Sky is the limit. A 12-2 record and a state title isn’t out of the question at all.

Jonathan Gibbs

340 Town Plaza Avenue Suite 250 Ponte Vedra, FL 32081

Phone: 904-834-7312 Office Hours: Mon-Fri 9:00am to 5:00pm Evenings & Weekend by Appt.

ITG Next | 47

REGION 1 - 7A

NICEVILLE

27

3

AUG

SEPT

Lincoln

Choctawhatchee

17

10

SEPT

@ Fort Walton Beach

SEPT @ Pace

24

1

8

SEPT

OCT

OCT

Godby

Crestview

Edison

15

OCT

Gadsden County

22

29

OCT

OCT

Navarre

Tate

Written by: Phil Jones Photography courtesy of Niceville Football via Facebook

WHO’S BACK

2020 STATS

Some big-time talent will return this season, so look out Niceville opponents.

Returning is senior receiver/cornerback Azareyeh Thomas, who, according to Thompson, has received an offer from “practically everyone in the country.”

In his time at Niceville, Thomas has 65 total tackles with seven interceptions as a defender, plus 826 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns as a pass catcher, plus another 561 yards rushing and eight touchdowns as a runner.

Senior defensive lineman Austin Firestone is back, and like his teammate Thomas, he is trying to decide between dozens of offers. He has 9.5 sacks with 43 solo tackles so far while at Niceville.

Juniors Micah Turner, Joe Hanson, and Jayden Sheppard are back this season. Sheppard has an offer from Georgia Tech.

overall record 11

Wins 545

1 Losses Points Scored Points Allowed

179

Head Coach: Grant Thompson

WHAT TO EXPECT With five straight trips to the state semifinals, the expectations are always high at Niceville. Like so many programs that make winning the norm and not the exception, Niceville is accustomed to saying goodbye to great players, while welcoming in even more talent.

The only thing remaining now is for Niceville to finally capture that elusive state championship, which they should get close to again this season. Even with a lot of returning talent, there is one big question mark that must be answered: Who replaces Wainwright at quarterback?

Other than that, don’t expect much of a falloff in 2021.

48 | itgnext.com

KEY LOSSES Head coach Grant Thompson and the Eagles must find a replacement for the Eagles starting quarterback, Trey Wainwright, who is off to Furman University to play for the Paladins.

His numbers were unbelievable for a player who started his high school career as a “ballboy” (his freshman season), then became a backup once joining the team as a sophomore.

In two seasons as the Niceville quarterback, he led one of the most prolific offensive attacks in the entire state with 2,795 yards passing and 35 touchdowns. He had the state’s best completion percentage this past year at 72%. He was also named Mr. Football for the state of Florida last season.

Others not returning this year include receiver/cornerback Dramarian McNulty, tackle/defensive tackle Kimo Makaneole, and wideout Roland Clay, whose one season yielded 809 yards receiving and 13 touchdowns.

This could be the year Eagles fans. 10-0 regular season.

The playoffs are yours for the taking.

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REGION 1 - 7A

27

AUG Nease

3

SEPT

@ Episcopal

10

SEPT

Baker County

17

SEPT

@ First Coast

24

SEPT

@ Menendez

PONTE VEDRA

1

OCT

Fleming Island

WHAT TO EXPECT Senior running back Bobby Kegley will move into a bigger role this season, as he’ll try to fill the big shoes left behind by Parker. He’ll have a big body up front paving the way for he and the other backs this year, as offensive lineman Michael Curry returns.

The senior lineman has impressed the new coach.

“Michael is a great weight room guy-really gets after it,” Price said. “He’s such a great football player.”

Another player that Price is glad to have back this season is outside linebacker Luke Pirris, an All-State selection last season. Pirris has added muscle this offseason to better fill out his 6-foot-4 frame, possibly making the player even better. He had an interception and forced a fumble in the Sharks’ spring game.

Defensive lineman Evan Fleischer will return and should see time at defensive tackle as well as defensive end, according to Price.

KEY LOSSES Talented quarterback Jacobi Myers will not return, although he was lost to injury during the season last year that saw several Sharks go down to injury or illness.

Myers suffered a broken left fibula, according to new head coach Steve Price.

The good news is that Myers has fully recovered and is at Lenoir Ryne on scholarship. The multi-year starter had 2,199 passing yards with 20 passing touchdowns while at Ponte Vedra. He also had 597 rushing yards with six touchdowns.

Two wide receivers will not return, as Michael Olkiewicz and Jack Polian have graduated. Olkiewicz finished his Sharks career with 718 and seven touchdowns, while Polian ended with 438 all-purpose yards and four touchdowns.

According to Coach Price, Polian will walk on at Notre Dame.

Running back Campbell Parker is also off to continue his football career after finishing a stellar career at Ponte Vedra. The four-year starter is off to the Citadel.

The Sharks found the right guy for the job.

9

15

OCT

OCT

Bartram Trail

@ Atlantic Coast

29

5

OCT

NOV

@ Creekside

Fletcher

Written by: Phil Jones Photography by: ITG Next

2020 STATS overall record Wins

5

5

202

Losses Points Scored

Points Allowed

167

Head Coach: Steve Price

WHAT TO EXPECT After a promising 4-0 start to the season last year, things were looking splendid for the Sharks. Then, injuries and COVID-19 complications hit the team hard, sidelining several of the Sharks’ top players. Then, the team saw its coach resign in midseason, leaving what had been a promising season in turmoil.

The team struggled to score and lost its last five games to finish at 5-5. But the future is bright with the addition of new head coach Steve Price, who comes over from North Florida Christian, where the coach enjoyed success. The guy is a winner and will have the Sharks turned around right away.

Jonathan Gibbs

340 Town Plaza Avenue Suite 250 Ponte Vedra, FL 32081

Phone: 904-834-7312 Office Hours: Mon-Fri 9:00am to 5:00pm Evenings & Weekend by Appt.

ITG Next | 51

JONES TIGHT END

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REGION 4 - 7A

28

AUG

St. Frances Academy (MD)

3

SEPT

@ Plantation

17

10

SEPT

24

SEPT

Monsignor Pace

DeLand

SEPT Western

Written by: Phil Jones Photography courtesy of sun-sentinel.com

overall record 8 291

1 Losses Points Scored Points Allowed

117

1

OCT

Cooper City

8

OCT

@ South Plantation

16

OCT

@ Cardinal Gibbons

22

OCT Dillard

29

OCT @ Nova

WHAT TO EXPECT

2020 STATS

Wins

ST. THOMAS AQUINAS

Head Coach: Roger Harriott

Harriott says he wants to take the pressure off his team despite the lofty expectations that come with playing for a traditional championship program.

“The expectation for this 2021 season is to produce another productive, memorable experience, but although winning another state championship is a blessing for us, we’re more focused on representing our program with faith and a champions effort on and off the field,” Harriot said.

The head coach says he is blessed to have a mature group of senior leaders who always come ready to put in the work, and that’s what makes St. Thomas Aquinas a championship program year after year.

If opponents are looking for a downward turn in St. Thomas Aquinas’ fortunes, it isn’t likely to happen this season. Look for another state title run from the Raiders.

KEY LOSSES

WHO’S BACK While the Raiders lose a lot of talent, they also return several strong playmakers from last year’s state championship squad. The returning group includes senior quarterback Zion Turner, who has thrown for 2,848 career yards and 34 touchdowns while completing 60% of his passes. He has also rushed for a career 608 yards and 19 touchdowns.

Senior running back Anthony Hankerson will be back this season to lead the rushing attack for the Raiders. He rushed for 1,178 yards and scored a total of 16 touchdowns last year. He has 25 career touchdowns while at St. Thomas Aquinas.

Senior tight end Mason Taylor and junior Broden Sobolewski will be back on the offensive line, while a couple of returning seniors will lend experience to the defense. Linebacker Derrieon Craig and defensive back Jerrod Cameron Jr. return.

Coming off yet another state championship last season, St. Thomas Aquinas must face an all too familiar challenge: Finding a way to replace multiple losses among graduating starters from last season. But that’s not anything new for the Raiders and head coach Roger Harriott.

He and his staff at the Ft. Lauderdale powerhouse will have to replace defensive ends Tyreak Sapp and Dallas Turner. Sapp heads to the University of Florida, and Turner heads to play for Nick Saban and the Crimson Tide.

The Raiders must replace two corners in Ja’Den McBurrows, who is headed to Michigan, and Tyson Russell, who signed with Vanderbilt. Their defensive backfield teammate, free safety Isiah Taylor will head west to play for the Wildcats of Arizona.

Defensive tackle Adetola “Tola” Daranijo will attend and play at West Virginia University. Center Joshua Sauickie will head off to play at Air Force.

Undefeated. I predict a 10-0 regular season and four playoff victories en route to another championship.

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ITG Next | 53

REGION 3 - 7A

TAMPA BAY TECH

20

AUG Manatee

27

AUG Plant City

10

3

SEPT

SEPT

@ Steinbrenner Hillsborough

24

@ Gaither

Written by: Phil Jones Photography courtesy of tampabay.com

overall record 8

4

464

Losses

Points Scored Points Allowed

280

Head Coach: Jayson Roberts

KEY LOSSES The Titans say goodbye to three-year starting quarterback David Wright. He is off to Allen College, a Division II program, to continue his football career.

Wright accumulated a stunning 6,602 passing yards in those three years. He also threw 68 touchdown passes in that same time span. Wright added 544 yards rushing yards and 14 touchdowns also.

Wide receiver Jamari Gassett has also graduated and is off to the University of Buffalo. Gassett was a first team All-State selection. Safety Steven Parker’s graduation leaves a big talent void in the secondary for the Titans this season. Parker signed with the University of North Carolina-Charlotte.

Defensive end Henry Hughes has graduated and is heading off to play at Rutgers University.

54 | itgnext.com

1

8

15

OCT

OCT

OCT

Armwood

Newsome

@ Wiregrass Ranch

22

OCT

@ Wharton

29

OCT

5

NOV

Strawberry @ Crest Chamberlain

WHAT TO EXPECT

2020 STATS

Wins

SEPT

If there is a question mark headed into summer workouts, it might be the quarterback position.

“Quarterback is still a competition right now,” Roberts said.

There are two juniors who are battling for the starting job, says the head coach. It looks as if junior Charles Coney, who was the back up to Wright last season, and a new transfer from Tampa Catholic, Xavione Washington, will battle for the starting job.

With practically every starter on the offensive line coming back, Roberts says he expects to lean heavy on the run this year but likes having receiving weapons like Gaines III. It may be time for these guys to step up and flex their muscles. They have among the best talent year after year, and this year is no different.

WHO’S BACK Head coach Jayson Roberts is smiling ear to ear, and you would be too if you had the firepower to work with like he and his staff will have this season.

Senior wide receiver Greg Gaines III who is mulling over several offers including Iowa State and Florida State University, will be back to give Tampa Bay Tech a major weapon for the offense.

Meanwhile, defensive end Keyon Clark, another senior, provides pressure against the pass. He is a first team All-State selection, and according to Roberts, was third overall in sacks last season in the state.

Senior cornerback Michael Boone, is a “very physical” player, according to Roberts.

The Titans head coach says Michael Boone has already received seven or eight offers from Division I programs.

Sophomore running back Rod Gainey will be back in the backfield, where he started a freshman last season. Junior safety Norris Davis is also back and has offers from West Virginia, South Florida, Penn St, and the University of Tennessee.

Tampa Bay Tech is ready for prime time.

I predict a 12-2 overall record this season.

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Written by: Nick Anschultz

PASSING LEADERS

RUSHING LEADERS

Daveon Palmer Dunbar 2,300 YDs

Dylan McNamara Barron Collier 1,953 YDS

Caleb Pierce Hillsborough 1,951 YDS

Ammiel Steele Booker T. Washington 1,530 YDS

Ty Baxter St. Augustine 1,229 YDS

Brandon Gibson Lake Minneola 1,228 YDS

Joquez Smith Jesuit 1,226 YDS

Joseph Restall Orange Park 1,194 YDS

TW: Dylan McNamara

news4jax.com

GAMES TO WATCH Trinity Christian vs. Riverside

Jesuit vs. Hillsborough

Jones vs. IMG Academy

Trinity Christian and Riverside met in the regular season last year with the Conquerors coming out on top 14-6 over the Generals in “The Backyard.” Trinity Christian finished the 2020 season with a 12-1 record and won the Class 3A state title after defeating Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna in a shocking upset last December.

Riverside, on the other hand, put together an overall record of 6-3 and fell to Pace in the Region 1-6A quarterfinals. This season will mark the third year in a row these two schools have faced off, with the Conquerors winning the last two meetings. We’ll see who comes out on top when these two programs meet later on in the season.

esuit and Hillsborough square off in an intriguing Class 6A matchup around the mid part of September. The Tigers of Jesuit move up a class in 2021 after competing in 5A for the last 10 seasons and should be a team to watch in 6A. Jesuit finished last season with a record of 14-1 and fell to American Heritage (Plantation) in the Class 5A state semifinals.

The Terriers are also coming off a solid year after putting together a record of 8-2 and making an appearance in the postseason. Both teams return plenty of talent from a year ago as well. Senior quarterback Caleb Pierce is back for Hillsborough after throwing for close to 2,000 yards and 17 touchdowns in 2020. Meanwhile, Jesuit gets its leading rusher back from last season in junior Joquez Smith. He had over 1,000 yards and 18 touchdowns last year. Should be fun to see who wins this matchup come the fall.

Another school also moving up a class in 2021 is Jones. The Fightin’ Tigers move from 5A to 6A this season and will have quite the schedule when they take the field in the fall. One of the teams Jones will square off with around midseason is IMG Academy. The Ascenders finished the 2020 season undefeated and were crowned national high school football champions for the first time in program history.

The Fightin’ Tigers do return quite a bit of talent from last year’s team, which finished with a 9-1 record and made a regional final appearance. IMG Academy loses some key players from its national championship team, including star quarterback J.J. McCarthy. But the Ascenders also return some standout athletes as well in 2021. This matchup should be a good one when September rolls around.

56 | itgnext.com

IMPACT CHANGES There were quite a few changes that took place in Class 6A during the offseason. Reigning 6A champion Miami Central dropped down to Class 5A during the reclassification process, which means a new champion will be crowned in 6A for the first time in two seasons this year. In terms of coaching changes, the Columbia High Tigers will enter this fall with a new coach for the first time in 10 years after Brian Allen resigned from his position in June. Former Fort White head coach Demetric Jackson was hired to take over the reins after spending 14 seasons with the Indians. Additionally, Daytona Mainland also enters the 2021 season with a new coach. Travis Roland, who played at Mainland High, returns to coach his alma mater after former head coach, Scott Wilson, stepped down back in March. New coaching hires as well as teams shuffling will make 6A intriguing to watch in 2021.

TACKLE LEADERS

RECEIVING LEADERS

Joseph Sipp Jr.

Junior Vandeross

Hillsborugh 122 TKS

Jesuit 981 YDs

Drake Harwell

Jaydn Girard

Lake Minneola 114 TKS

Jesuit 671 YDs

Mitch Hammond

A’Ceon Cobb

Atlantic Coast 97 TKS

Jones 655 YDs

Rashad Clark

Derick Mosley

Englewood 651 YDs

Ridgeview 89 TKS

hudl.com

primetimepreps.com

TOP TEN RANKINGS 6A

1

2

Miami Northwestern

6

3 Jesuit

Columbia

Jones

Vanguard

Naples

9

8

7

5

4

Mainland

Lake Minneola

Escambia

10 Lake Wales

ITG Next | 57

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58 | itgnext.com

REGION 1 - 6A

27

3

AUG

SEPT

American Heritage (Delray)

Bolles

17

10

SEPT

SEPT

@ Oakleaf

Englewood

Written by: Phil Jones Photography courtesy of theledger.com

overall record Wins

7

276 279

Trinity Christian

1

OCT Westside

8

OCT

@ Riverside

15

OCT

@ Orange Park

22

OCT

@ Madison County

29

OCT

@ Raines

WHAT TO EXPECT

2020 STATS 5

24

SEPT

COLUMBIA

Losses Points Scored Points Allowed

Head Coach: Demetric Jackson

WHO’S BACK Jackson is hoping that a trio of offensive skill guys will be able to step up and lead the Tigers’ offense this season. Returning are wide receivers Trey Tolliver and athlete Marcus Peterson. In two seasons, Tolliver has 670 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns.

The junior will also return kicks and punts this season. Peterson, a senior, had 19 catches and seven touchdowns in 2020. Peterson also played quarterback for the Tigers last year, throwing for 637 yards and six touchdowns. Fullback Tony Fulton will also be back. On defense, Columbia brings back defensive end Bobby Miller and safety Amare Ferrell.

The Tigers finished the 2020 season with just two regular season wins before making a run in the playoffs. Expect Columbia to be in the hunt this year under Jackson, especially with playmakers Peterson and Tolliver back. Look for big things this year from Columbia.

KEY LOSSES The Tigers say goodbye to former head coach Brian Allen, who stepped away from his alma mater after serving as the Tigers’ head coach for the last 10 years. He is being replaced by former Fort White head football coach Demetric Jackson, who, like Allen, is an alumni of Columbia. Jackson told me that he is bringing several members of his Fort White staff with him, but will also keep some of Allen’s assistants on staff. “I’m excited to be here, where I played and attended high school,” said Jackson. Columbia will lose a couple of top skill position players that will leave Jackson having to make some decisions heading into the season.. Gone are wide receiver Jaden Williams and athlete Shyheim Brown. Brown recorded 174 total tackles throughout his Columbia career, while Williams accumulated 1,223 all-purpose yards over his Tigers’ career. Williams is headed to Butler Community College to continue his football career. Brown, meanwhile, is headed to Florida State University, where coaches plan to utilize the multi-talented player as a DB/LB hybrid player. In his final season at Columbia, he averaged close to seven tackles per game and had four sacks. He was also credited with four blocked punts during his senior season. Brown played offense, defense, and special teams while at Columbia. Additionally, linemen Tyler Ford and Nathan Walmsley also graduated.

Tigers bounce back and make a run in Class 6A this season.

ITG Next | 59

REGION 2 - 6A

EAU GALLIE

27

AUG Astronaut

3

SEPT

@ Satellite

17

10

SEPT

SEPT

@ Gateway

Rockledge

Written by: Phil Jones Photography courtesy of Commodore Football via Twitter

2020 STATS overall record 7

Wins 321

2 Losses Points Scored Points Allowed

179

Head Coach: Chris Sands

WHAT TO EXPECT The Commodores and Sands advanced to the Region 4-5A final last season. And despite a tough loss to American Heritage (Plantation) in the game, Eau Gallie showed that it is a team to be reckoned with heading in to the 2021 season.

The Commodores will move up after offseason reclassification puts them in Class 6A this season. Sands must find reinforcements to replace the losses that Eau Gallie suffered in the secondary due to graduation, as well as a new quarterback. Cade Ross was a solid game manager and under his direction, the Commodores finished with their best twoyear stretch with Ross under center, finishing 16-4 with him at quarterback.

Despite the losses, look for the Commodores to handle things in 6A this season.

24

SEPT @ Viera

1

OCT

@ Lake Wales

8

22

29

OCT

OCT

OCT

Bayside

Auburndale

Heritage

5

NOV

@ Melbourne

WHO’S BACK

The Commodores will have some talent returning this season, starting with the return of senior running back TJ Johnson. He returns with 1,585 rushing yards and 14 rushing touchdowns on his resume so far.

He also has caught 16 passes for 174 yards and one touchdown, but make no mistake, Johnson is a workhorse-type back who will be counted on for his running ability this season.

A sophomore to keep an eye on is linebacker Timajay Hayes. Playing as a freshman last season, Hayes ended the year with 39 overall tackles, an interception, and caused two fumbles. Another young player that’s getting attention is returning junior receiver Robert Stafford, who already has several big-time college programs interested in his services, including Oregon State, Arkansas, South Florida, just to name a few.

Senior Defensive tackle Timaule “Porkchop” Hayes is another Commodore receiving offers, as the lineman has 74 tackles, five sacks and five caused fumbles in three years with the Commodores.

KEY LOSSES The Commodores will look to replace some big-time talent that will move on to play at the next level.

Head coach Chris Sands said four players are going to be huge losses and were a big part of the Commodores success over the course of their career. The group starts with fourstar safety Dink Jackson (no longer on Ole Miss roster due to personal issues, according to 247sports article). Jackson had 42 total tackles and four sacks in his final season as a Commodore.

During his career at Eau Gallie, the standout had 194 career tackles and 15 sacks. He also totaled 11 touchdowns. Cornerback/running back Jordan Blackmon is also off to play college football, signing his letter of intent with the University of South Florida. Safety/receiver Jamari Nelson ended his career with 1,160 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns on offense.

On the defensive side, Nelson, who signed with Gardner-Webb, totaled 162 tackles with 10 interceptions, and two blocked field goals. He added another touchdown to his overall total, giving him 11 TDs while at Eau Gallie. Quarterback Cade Ross threw for an incredible 7,472 yards and 82 touchdowns during his time as the Commodore QB. He has signed to continue his career at St Francis University in Pennsylvania.

Move to 6A? No problem. I predict a 10-3 overall record this year.

60 | itgnext.com

REGION 1 - 6A

27

AUG

@ Paxon

3

SEPT

@ Bishop Kenny

10

SEPT

@ Episcopal

17

SEPT

@ Columbia

24

SEPT Westside

ENGLEWOOD

1

OCT

@ Riverside

WHAT TO EXPECT Fans of the Rams can expect to be rooting for the team well into October and maybe longer. A lot of youth that took their lumps last season will be a year older this season and ready to dish out the pain of last year on those same opponents in 2021.

Harbison himself got a late start, taking over in October, but with the learning curve mostly complete, it will be a whole new approach this season.

Look for Clark to once again be the team’s offensive leader from scrimmage and on special teams. But there’s a lot more supporting cast surrounding Clark, so expect a strong rebound for the Rams in 2021.

WHO’S BACK Englewood returns quite a few starters and guys that saw a good bit of playing time last year. Both quarterbacks will be back. And according to Harbison, they’ll both play based on “who’s got the hot hand.”

Juniors Sean Wilks and Terrence Ford will split time running the offense, and they’ll be looking to returning receiver senior Rashaud Clark as their primary target to throw the ball to. Clark will also return kicks and punts this season. A Second Team All-State selection last year, Clark led the state in average yards per return with an amazing 58.3 yards per return average.

Lining up behind Wilks and Ford in the offensive backfield will be junior running back Sa’jari Love. Love will also return kicks and punts. An All-State performer last season, he led the state in average return yards per kick and punt.

Defensively, Englewood returns starting cornerback sophomore Jalen Scarver, as well as junior defensive end J’sean Scarver. Junior safety Julio Valcarcel will be back and will run the defense.

Coach Harbison says Valcarcel is “the team’s best defensive player.”

A trip to the second round of the playoffs.

15

22

OCT

OCT

Stanton

Fernandina Beach

29

5

OCT

NOV

Orange Park

@ Wolfson

Written by: Phil Jones Photography by: ITG Next

2020 STATS overall record Wins

2

6

Losses

140

Points Scored 243

Points Allowed

Head Coach: Zack Harbason

KEY LOSSES As head coach Zack Harbison settles in for his second season overseeing Englewood, he’ll have quite a few key pieces returning to the Rams in 2021. That’s the good news. But he’ll also have to find a way to replace both starting corners and a linebacker from last season’s squad.

The graduated defensive backs are Connell Foster and Braulio Ponce de Leon, while the linebacker is Brian Hernandez. On offense, the Rams lose a couple of linemen in center Isiah Musca and right guard Kaloosh Henley JR, as well as kicker Cesar Monjarez-Mendez.

ITG Next | 61

REGION 1 - 6A

GAINESVILLE

27

3

AUG

@ Vanguard

SEPT

Bishop Moore

10

SEPT

@ Trinity Catholic

17

SEPT

@ Matanzas

Written by: Phil Jones Photography courtesy of wruf.com

overall record Wins

4

82

Losses Points Scored

126

15

21

OCT

OCT

Santa Fe

Buchholz

Middleburg

Ridgeview

29

OCT

@ St. Augustine

5

NOV

@ Eastside

The Hurricanes were hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic last season and were only able to take the field just six times, winning two games. The fact that Gainesville will return only one starter along the offensive line this season is a concern for head coach Doc Pollard.

“We only had six games of experience from last year, and that means a lot of missed reps,” said Pollard.

He says the lack of experience along the offensive line is an area that he and his staff will focus on before the kickoff classic opener versus North Marion.

The good news for Pollard and the ‘Canes is that they return a good bit of experience on defense from last year. That unit looked good during the spring game vs Ocala Forest, allowing just one touchdown. The game ended in a 7-7 tie.

Points Allowed

Head Coach: Dock Pollard

KEY LOSSES The Hurricanes will have to replace some key players from last year’s squad, especially along the offensive line — the area where they lose the most players.

Included in that group is the anchor right in the middle in starting center/guard Julian Moore.

Other offensive playmakers that will be missed include H-back Dallas Figueroa, who also saw some time over on defense last season and wide receiver Elijah Lee. The defensive unit loses some key players too. And it starts with defensive back Cassaun Garrison, who registered 26 tackles in just six games last year. He is headed off to play at the next level, signing with South Alabama.

His teammate and defensive lineman Treyvon Jenkins (could not find name on roster?) has graduated.

62 | itgnext.com

7

OCT

WHAT TO EXPECT

2020 STATS 2

24

SEPT

WHO’S BACK Gainesville will welcome back several key playmakers from last year and several multiyear starters.

According to head coach Dock Pollard, he says the team will rely mainly on the leadership of four returning seniors, starting with senior defensive back/athlete Dyoni Hill, who tallied 22 tackles and two sacks in just six games last season. He currently is committed to Marshall University.

Another DB/ATH returning is senior Ryan Nolan, who has registered 77 career tackles and four interceptions, including one returned for a touchdown. He also has 447 career rushing yards with seven touchdowns, plus 130 yards receiving with two touchdowns through the air.

The other seniors returning include the lone starter on the offensive line Ammon Engebretsen. Additionally, defensive end Brandon Bowden is the other senior coming back.

A sophomore will lead the team at quarterback as Shamon “Shooby” Coleman returns.

Lastly, strong safety Ahman Covington, who registered two sacks in last year’s abbreviated season, returns.

They say defense wins championships, and the Hurricanes have a good-looking group on that side of the ball.

REGION 3 - 6A

27

3

AUG

@ West Port

SEPT Wharton

17

10

SEPT

SEPT

@ Bloomingdale Hillsborough

Written by: Phil Jones Photography courtesy of tampabay.com

overall record 14

1 Losses

562 196

@ Plant City

8

OCT

@ Clearwater Central Catholic

15

OCT

@ Jefferson

22

29

OCT

OCT

Blake

King

5

NOV

Tampa Catholic

WHO’S BACK

2020 STATS

Wins

24

SEPT

JESUIT

Points Scored Points Allowed

Head Coach: Matt Thompson

WHAT TO EXPECT The biggest question mark heading into the 2021 season is the quarterback situation, says head coach Matt Thompson.

“I think we’re in a really good spot heading into the playoffs,” said Thompson. “Except for that one area.”

The good news is that this senior class has led Tampa Jesuit to the state semifinals for the last three years. And that path to success should bear the fruits of victory.

There were only five starters of the 22 total starters that do not return this year, so Tigers fans can expect another solid run through the regular season and into the playoffs.

According to Thompson, there are 12 total Tigers with current offers awaiting their decision. That number will likely only climb this year.

The Tigers welcome back an important part of the group that led to their 14 wins in 2020. On the defensive side of the ball, a couple of linebackers return, including senior AJ Cottrill.

The All-County and All-State selection gave it everything he had every time he stepped onto the field, according to Thompson.

“He’s intense,” said Thompson.

As a three-year starter, AJ Cottrill had 372 total tackles, averaging 11.6 tackles per game and four sacks. The other linebacker is junior Troy Bowles, who has received several offers, including from Texas A&M and Georgia.

Free safety Caleb Williams and junior wide receiver Junior Vandeross also return this season. The returning junior was quite the disruptive force, having caused two fumbles so far in his Tigers’ career.

Thompson says another returner he will be counting on is offensive lineman Trequan Alexander, who is 6-feet-3, will pave the way for Tigers’ runners and create passing lanes.

The senior is credited with 48 pancake blocks in just 14 games.

KEY LOSSES Thompson and his coaching staff will have to replace the departed starting quarterback from last year, Joseph Pesansky. The 6-foot-4 signal caller has graduated and is taking his talents to Holy Cross University.

The righthanded quarterback threw for 2,930 yards and an incredible 35 touchdowns against just five interceptions last season. His completion percentage was 63 %. Pesansky also tacked on 129 yards rushing with six touchdowns, on top of what was already an impressive resume.

On the defensive side of the ball, Tampa Jesuit loses cornerback Tyler Corish. During his career at Jesuit, Corish made life difficult for opposing offenses and their ability to run and pass. He ends his career at the Tampa school with 105 total tackles and five interceptions. He also recovered two fumbles from his cornerback position.

Jesuit has the team to possibly make a run at the state finals once again this year.

ITG Next | 63

REGION 1 - 6A

LINCOLN

27

3

AUG

SEPT

@ Niceville

Godby

17

10

SEPT

@ Bartram Trail

SEPT

@ Mosley

Written by: Phil Jones Photography courtesy of Lincoln Trojans Football via Facebook

2020 STATS overall record 6

Wins 230

2 Losses Points Scored Points Allowed

117

Head Coach: Jimmie Tyson

WHO’S BACK Senior quarterback Perry Fisher returns to lead the multiple Trojans offense and is poised to polish off his Trojans career with a solid senior season. He already has 1,730 yards passing and 13 touchdowns to go along with 436 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns. That’s 23 touchdowns so far, and soon to increase. Fisher is a three-star QB, according to 247sports, and has committed to Maryland.

Junior linebacker Raylen Wilson, who is currently rated as a Top 10 linebacker in the state of Florida returns this season. His coach says Wilson currently has over 30 offers.

Running back/ATH Fredrick Alexander Jr. will be back, as will two-year starter Omarion LaRoach, a middle linebacker.

Senior shut down cornerback Robert Wilson will be back to finish off his stellar high school season, before heading off to play college ball. He is receiving numerous offers, including Maryland, Jackson State, and FAMU.

64 | itgnext.com

1

OCT

@ Gadsden County

7

15

OCT

OCT

Leon

Choctawhatchee

22

OCT

@ Rickards

28

OCT

Fort Walton

4

NOV

Trinity Christian

WHAT TO EXPECT Jimmie Tyson takes over as the head coach after serving as the team’s defensive coordinator for the past four years. He says his team’s strength heading into this season is the experience returning at key positions on offense and defense.

“We have talent and the experience that every head coach wants,” said Tyson.

The first-year head coach does admit that his Trojans team is not the biggest team most Friday nights, so his plan of attack is to use a lot of gap scheme, with a lot of moving parts.

“We are probably a little undersized on the offensive and defensive side of the ball, so our gap scheme and angle blocking will be the key to moving the ball,” said Tyson.

Nothing replaces experience, and Lincoln has a lot of that.

KEY LOSSES The Trojans will be sad to see standout cornerback Darien “DJ” Lawrence leave Tallahassee.

During his time roaming the Lincoln defensive backfield, Lawrence always made quarterbacks think twice before throwing his way. Still, he wound up with 43 tackles and an impressive six interceptions while at Lincoln. One of those interceptions resulted in a “pick six” touchdown for Lawrence.

He is heading to Lehigh University to continue his football career.

Another defensive back that is graduating is Jarvis Williams. He put up solid numbers during his time at Lincoln, with 93 tackles, four interceptions, and two fumble recoveries. One of those recoveries was returned for a touchdown.

Receiver Dominic Larry was the team’s leading receiver last year, finishing with 599 yards and five touchdowns. He has been rewarded for his performance during high school and will now head off to Southeastern University to continue his football career.

Running back Dorian Collier has wrapped up his career at Lincoln and is heading off to Chadron State to play collegiately.

Should be a solid year for Tyson in his first year as the head coach in Tallahassee.

REGION 1 - 6A

27

3

AUG

SEPT

@ Menendez

@ Atlantic

17

10

SEPT

SEPT

@ Deltona

Gainesville

Written by: Phil Jones Photography by: ITG Next

overall record 6

245 219

Orange Park

1

OCT

@ Middleburg

8

OCT

Lake Howell

15

OCT Ridgeview

22

5

OCT

@ St. Augustine

NOV

Flagler Palm Coast

WHAT TO EXPECT

2020 STATS

Wins

24

SEPT

MATANZAS

4

Losses

Points Scored Points Allowed

Head Coach: Matt Forrest

WHO’S BACK Leading the returning skill position players is wide receiver Noah Cundiff. The senior wideout was a first team All-Area selection last season. He has 15 total touchdowns in his career at Matanzas and has racked up 837 total yards receiving.

According to head coach Matt Forrest, Cundiff has received several Division I offers, and says his receiver is “a big player for us”.

Another skill position player receiving offers is quarterback Preston Roberts, who has transferred in from Flagler Palm Coast High School to take over for the departed Dattilio. Another transfer joining the Pirates this season is Ty Baxter, a senior running back who comes in from the St Augustine Yellow Jackets.

Forrest took over a team that had finished 3-7 in 2019, and he led them to a 6-4 record last year in his first season and a playoff win over New Smyrna Beach in the first round of postseason play.

He has implemented his “Air Raid” style offense, with a lot of passing and getting guys in open spaces. That will be the name of the game once again this season as Matanzas brings in an experienced signal caller to pick right up where Dattilio left off last season.

With two sophomores starting in the defensive backfield, will opposing teams try to expose the youth back there? Don’t think so—starters Jordan Mills and Shomarion Gaines started as true freshmen last season, so they appear young, but they’re really one year older.

KEY LOSSES Quarterback Ethan Dattilio has graduated after rewriting all the passing record books at Matanzas High.

He leaves quite a legacy behind, including 1,750 passing yards and 19 touchdowns during his senior season last year. In 287 pass attempts, Dattilio had just seven interceptions.

Kicker/punter Stephen Usina has graduated and will attend Salisbury College in North Carolina. Offensive lineman Nicholas Morin also will play at the next level, as he is headed to Mount Marty University in South Dakota.

On defense, defensive end Rex Robich has received an offer and will play for the Bulldogs of Mississippi State University. Middle linebacker Aly Louis-Charles leaves a big void in the defensive middle with his departure.

More good things headed their way at Matanzas.

ITG Next | 65

LAKE NONA DEFENSIVE LINEMAN

Top Offers COMMITTED

66 | itgnext.com

REGION 4 - 5A

20

AUG

@ St. John Bosco (CA)

4

SEPT

10

@ Bishop Gorman (NV)

SEPT

16

SEPT

@ Booker T. Wash- @ Miami Springs ington

MIAMI CENTRAL

23

North Miami Beach

WHO’S BACK Returning in 2021 to give the Rockets another solid chance at yet another state title will be junior quarterback Keyone “Lyghtz Out” Jenkins. The lefty dual-threat is more of a true threat as a pocket passer, but can do damage on the edge, as well.

“We are teaching him how to use his speed to be a little more crafty and creative,” said head coach Roland Smith.

He will have a trio of receivers to choose to throw the ball to this year: Lamar Seymore, as well as Zaylan Reece and Trent Henry.

Transferring in from Miami Edison is Dante Richardson, who is receiving a ton of attention from just about everybody. The Rockets will welcome back two All-Americans on the defense in linebacker Wesley Bissainthe and defensive end Rueben Bain Jr. Transferring in from Carol City will be defensive end Raashaun Rainey.

KEY LOSSES As is always the case with this South Florida powerhouse, the Rockets will lose some big-time playmakers, while ushering in some new ones ready to take their spot on the highlight reel.

Notable losses for the defending state champs are wide receiver/cornerback Yulkeith Brown, who along with teammate and running back Amari Daniels, are headed to Texas A&M. Brown was also the Rockets main return man this past season.

Also off to the land of big-name college football is five-star linebacker Terrence Lewis, who will take his talents to Maryland, where he’ll likely make an impact right away for the Terrapins defense.

Defensive tackle Stefon Young-Rolle and receiver Robert McMinn will head to Alabama State.

12-1 and another shot at the state title . . . 5A this year.

1

SEPT

7

OCT

10

OCT

Northwestern

Hialeah-Miami Lakes

OCT Edison

Written by: Phil Jones Photography courtesy of miamiherald.com

2020 STATS overall record 8

Wins 238

1 Losses Points Scored Points Allowed

78

Head Coach: Roland Smith

WHAT TO EXPECT The Rockets will move from 6A to 5A in the FHSSA’s offseason realignment and reclassification. But it doesn’t matter what class the Rockets fall into because they are going to be quite the team to beat once again this year.

You’re probably not going to find more superstars on one roster than with Smith’s team. And the coach really knows how to manage the talent and get the most out of his players.

Their junior quarterback Jenkins is a dynamic player, and he’ll give the Rockets opponents plenty to worry about this season. Smith says his goal is to make sure he and his staff work on themselves, and not so much who they’re playing.

“We know everyone is always gunning for us every week, so we’ve got to be ready for everything that comes our way,” he said.

REGION 1 - 6A

MIDDLEBURG

20

AUG

@ Fort White

27

3

AUG

SEPT

Stanton

Eastside

10

SEPT

@ Santa Fe

17

SEPT

St. Augustine

1

8

OCT

Matanzas

Episcopal

WHAT TO EXPECT A new era has begun for the Middleburg Broncos football team. Ryan Wolfe, who has spent numerous years coaching at the high school football level, will begin his first year has head coach of the Broncos this fall.

Wolfe most recently was the offensive coordinator for Fleming Island High School and is known for his high-scoring offenses. He takes over a squad that went winless in 2020 but shows potential heading into 2021.

“I think we are just trying to establish our philosophies that we believe in, you know,” Wolfe said. “Set the foundation for the years to come with accountability and effort and execution that we are going to try and install here.”

KEY LOSSES In terms of players the Broncos are losing heading into 2021, Wolfe said strong safety Stone Newsome was perhaps the most impactful player Middleburg lost. Newsome had a team-leading 70 tackles during his senior season in 2020 and is committed to Carroll University, according to his Twitter account.

WHO’S BACK While the Broncos will have to replace arguably their best player in Newsome, they return plenty of production in 2021.

In addition to the 10 players returning, Wolfe says there are five other young guys who had a strong spring and will be ones to watch come the fall: Sophomore QB Aiden Postemski, sophomore TE/FB Travis Mcstephenson, sophomore middle/outside LB Austin Cruse, sophomore DE Tucker Cody, and junior center Landen Padgett.

68 | itgnext.com

15

OCT

22

OCT

29

OCT

@ Gainesville

OCT

@ Clay

@ Ridgeview

5

NOV Yulee

Written by: Nicholas Anschultz Photography by: ITG Next

2020 STATS overall record 10

125

Losses Points Scored

376

Points Allowed

Head Coach: Ryan Wolfe Middleburg returns a lot of talent in 2021.

Guys who were freshman last year will be sophomores and juniors will be seniors. With a new coach and a new culture being established, look for the Broncos to come out and play hard this season. I see a bounce back season and a few wins coming this year for Middleburg.

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ITG Next | 69

REGION 1 - 6A

ORANGE PARK

28

3

AUG

SEPT

@ Oakleaf

Ridgeview

17

10

SEPT

SEPT

@ Nease

Riverside

Written by: Phil Jones Photography by: Allan Allnoch

overall record Wins

6

199

Losses Points Scored

327

Points Allowed

Head Coach: Tom MacPherson

WHO’S BACK Senior starting quarterback Tavien Wilkerson will return to lead the Raiders’ offense this season. He had a solid season last year, throwing for 674 yards and six touchdowns. He rushed for another 148 yards last season with two touchdowns on the ground.

Junior running back JoJo Restall returns to give Orange Park quite the rushing threat this season. He ran for 1,194 yards last season, averaging 9.1 yards rushing per attempt, and 149 yards rushing per game.

Additionally, he ran for 12 touchdowns.

Restall played in just eight games. Returning to pave the way for Restall and the Raiders ground game and to provide protection in the pass game for Wilkerson will be offensive tackle Roderick Kearney.

70 | itgnext.com

@ Matanzas

1

OCT

West Nassau

15

OCT Columbia

22

OCT

@ Westside

29

OCT

@ Englewood

5

NOV Clay

WHAT TO EXPECT

2020 STATS 4

24

SEPT

According to MacPherson, who kicks off his sixth season at the helm of Orange Park, he says his team’s strength will be the running game this season.

That’s certainly understandable with the return of Restall, who ran for a ton of yards in just eight games last season.

“We have all new linebackers this season, so that could be our weakness,” said MacPherson.

Anytime you have your starting quarterback and go-to back returning, you’ve got to like your chances. Orange Park will look to avoid the 0-4 start that plagued them last year, although they were able to rebound with four wins in their last six games.

KEY LOSSES Running back/free safety Ericksen McConnell will not return this season, and his leadership on and off the field will be missed. He leaves with 149 total tackles to his credit while at Orange Park, along with four fumble recoveries. He will continue his football career at Methodist University in North Carolina.

Kicker/punter Christian Bartley graduated, having converted 29 of 31 point after attempts in his career with the Raiders, along with 4 of 5 successful field goal attempts. That includes a longest of 47 yards. Bartley will kick and punt for the Jacksonville Athletic Academy, a NIAA School.

Wide receiver Tyrone Roberts will not return, as he moves on to attend school and play football for the St. Thomas University Bobcats. Offensive tackle Zack Williams and defensive end Christian Jackson graduated, as well.

Raiders start fast and finish strong.

WATCH Saturday | 5 P.M. | CW Sunday | 4 P.M. |WJXT

ITG Next | 71

RIDGEVIEW

3

10

SEPT

@ Orange Park

SEPT Menendez

REGION 1 - 6A

24

17

SEPT

SEPT

@ Clay

Fleming Island

Written by: Phil Jones Photography by: ITG Next

overall record 7

284 257

4

Losses

Points Scored Points Allowed

Head Coach: Bryan Arnette

WHAT TO EXPECT With a new coach coming in over the spring, there will be a “get-to-know-you” period between coach and players. But once the Panthers get past that, it’ll be time to get to work.

This will be new head coach Bryan Arnette’s first head coaching gig, and it will be interesting to see how things go in year one. He does inherit a program that is coming off a seven-win season after winning just one game in 2019.

A lot will depend on who replaces Arnold at quarterback, and on defense, who can fill the huge void left behind by Dorsainvil and Reed.

72 | itgnext.com

St. Augustine

8

OCT

@ Baker County

15

OCT

@ Matanzas

21

OCT

@ Gainesville

29

OCT Middleburg

5

NOV

West Nassau

WHO’S BACK

2020 STATS

Wins

1

OCT

Senior linebacker Miika Tuisano will lead the returning starters on the defensive side this season. So far in his career at Ridgeview, he has 81 total tackles and two interceptions.

Junior offensive lineman Collier Stephens will return to anchor the offensive line. Athletic Director Chris Gallagher says Stephens is “one of the strongest guys on our team.”

Staying with the offense, athlete Chris Baptiste will be back to give the Panthers a weapon basically wherever he’s needed. Junior running back Bryson Hampton returns to the backfield, where he finished with 233 yards rushing on 46 carries a year ago.

Other returners include wide receiver Isiah Gamble and quarterback Ben Gardiner.

KEY LOSSES

Former head coach Matt Knauss has resigned to accept a job in another state.

When it comes to the player losses, Ridgeview’s biggest positions to replace will come on defense, although there are a few offensive positions to fill.

Wide receiver Max Arnold has graduated, as has quarterback Max Monroe.

In Monroe’s two seasons, he had 1,653 passing yards and 13 touchdowns to go along with 183 yards rushing and one touchdown on the ground. He also served as the team’s punter.

Defensively, All-County performers linebacker Joe Reed and defensive end Josh Dorsainvil are gone. Dorsainvil will continue to play football at Savannah State. Defensive backs AJ Beaufort and Rae Barger have also graduated.

Hard to say. I’ll give the Panthers a vote of confidence.

Coach of the Year

Who Will Be this Year's?

ITG Next | 73

REGION 1 - 6A

RIVERSIDE

27

AUG

@ Terry Parker

3

SEPT

@ Atlantic Coast

10

SEPT

@ Ribault

17

SEPT

@ Orange Park

24

SEPT

Andrew Jackson

1

OCT

Englewood

Columbia

WHO’S BACK

Senior defensive back Jaheim Singletary will return to lead the Generals this season. He has already committed to Ohio State University. So far, the senior has 92 tackles with 10 interceptions, two of which he has returned to the house for touchdowns.

Singletary also has 20 pass breakups on defense, as well. He has made an impact on offense as well, where he has seven receptions for three touchdowns.

Senior wide receiver Alvin Gibson returns to the Generals this season to provide a pass catching weapon for the Riverside passing attack. He will also line up at halfback, where he can also be a threat to run the ball if needed. So far, the senior athlete has 1,002 yards rushing along with 290 receiving yards. He has three touchdowns on the ground and through the air as a receiver, making it six TD’s total.

Quarterback Cale Zarah returns to give the Generals a stellar offensive weapon this season. He has 2,899 passing yards so far with 31 touchdowns through the air. He has rushed for another 568 yards and five touchdowns.

KEY LOSSES

The Generals will lose some big bodies along the defensive line heading into the 2021 season.

The two main defensive linemen that will surely be missed are defensive tackle Jai Robinson and Dedrick Smith. Robinson is a 6-foot-3 lineman who wreaked havoc on the interior for Small’s defense. He ends his career with the Generals with 66 solo tackles and 12 sacks. He also had four fumble recoveries.

But that’s not all he did for his Generals team. Robinson was also the team’s punter, and a talented one. He averaged 46.6 yards per punt on 48 punts. He is headed off to continue his football career at Keiser University.

His linemate, Dedrick Smith, is also headed off to play college football. He committed early on in his high school career to attend and play for the Memphis Tigers. Smith finished with 87 tackles, eight sacks, four fumble recoveries, including one that was returned for a touchdown. The standout defensive lineman also had 11 quarterback hurries.

Linebacker Ahmahd Denmark will also not return for the Generals in 2021. He ended up with 62 tackles, five sacks, and two fumble recoveries in his time at Riverside.

I like this team. You should too. 12-2 ands a trip to the final.

74 | itgnext.com

8

OCT

22

OCT

@ Trinity Christian

28

5

OCT

NOV

@ Westside

@ Ed White

Written by: Phil Jones Photography by: Allan Allnoch

2020 STATS overall record 6

Wins 240

2 Losses Points Scored Points Allowed

117

Head Coach: OJ Small

WHAT TO EXPECT The Generals are certain to be one of the favorites this season in Class 6A. They seem to be in the hunt every season under the guidance of head coach OJ Small, with 10 and nine wins in 2019 and 2018.

Even in the COVID-19 shortened season of 2020, Small led his team against all odds to six wins in just eight games. With a team returning talents like Jaheim Singletary, quarterback Cale Zarah, and Alvin Gibson to throw or run, opponents should be ready for a tough time when lining up against Riverside this season.

They are loaded, and the head coach likes what he has seen so far.

“I feel good about where we are, and I like our attitude,” Small said.

It’s easy to see why.

REGION 1 - 6A

20

AUG @ Clay

27

AUG

@ Dunnellon

10

3

SEPT

SEPT

@ Bolles

Menendez

17

@ Middleburg

Written by: Phil Jones Photography by: ITG Next

overall record 10

3 Losses

523 271

24

SEPT

Bartram Trail

1

OCT

8

@ Ridgeview

OCT

@ Nease

22

29

5

OCT

OCT

NOV

Matanzas

Gainesville

Palatka

WHO’S BACK

2020 STATS

Wins

SEPT

ST. AUGUSTINE

Points Scored Points Allowed

Head Coach: Brian Braddock

WHAT TO EXPECT With Edwards gone, but a dynamic back returning in Wynn, you wouldn’t blame Braddock to go run heavy this season, but the coach says that’s not what his team is about.

“We actually take a lot of pride on being balanced,” he said. “Our offense has totaled 2,000 yards rushing and receiving over the last few seasons, and I don’t see that changing this season. We have a lot of confidence in Trey Dirden because he’s been there before,” said Braddock.

Look for St. Augustine to use the returning experience up front on the line to run block and pass block this season.

The optimism is real. St. Augustine racked up 35 points in each half in their recent spring game against Bishop Kenny, winning each half 35-14 and 35-7.

Head coach Brian Braddock counts three returning senior offensive linemen as key components that he and his staff hope will pave the way for a talented group of backs and a new quarterback this season.

Center Trenton McCrary, along with tackles Zavion Ferguson and Jason Jackson will provide a lot of experience on the offensive line this season.

“Those three guys have played a lot of snaps for us in their career here at St, Augustine,” Braddock said.

They’ll be expected to open holes for returning tailback Aaron Wynn, who has 811 total yards— rushing and receiving— and 10 touchdowns. Braddock is excited to see what the senior tailback can do this season.

“Aaron is a real speed guy and is always a step away from taking it all the way,” the head coach said.

Replacing the departed Edwards at quarterback will be Trevon Dirden, who played receiver last year, but has played quarterback previously at St. Augustine in his freshman and sophomore seasons before moving to receiver his junior season in 2020.

KEY LOSSES You have to start with the Jackets All State quarterback Sammy Edwards, who ended his storied career with 3,978 passing yards and 38 touchdowns. Additionally, he completed 62% of his passes while at St. Augustine.

Edwards also added 768 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns on the ground. He was named the Florida Class 6A Offensive Player of the Year for his performance and will be headed to Valdosta State University.

Athlete Dequan Stanley is also off to the land of college football after doing a little bit of everything for the Yellow Jackets. He was a force on offense, finishing with 1,238 career receiving yards and 12 touchdowns as a receiver.

He added 107 rushing yards and two touchdowns to his scoring total, but that wasn’t all. Stanley also had 558 kickoff return yards with three touchdowns during his junior season along with two interceptions returned for a touchdowns his last two seasons. He totaled six interceptions in all. Stanley is headed to the University of South Florida.

Linebacker Darrell Myers has also graduated.

The string of playoff appearances continues.

ITG Next | 75

Written by: Nick Anschultz

PASSING LEADERS

RUSHING LEADERS JD Sherrod Cypress Lake 1,608 YDs

Alquerious Ray Clay 1,898 YDS

Blayne Romano

Mark Fletcher

Eustis 1,373 YDS

American Heritage 1,411 YDS

Damari Charlton St. Brendan 1,338 YDS

Owen Walls Cypress Creek 1,233 YDS

qbhitlist.com

King Benford Menendez 1,181 YDS

Chase Gillespie Godby 905 YDS

hudl.com

GAMES TO WATCH Miami Central vs.

Bishop Gorman (NV)

American Heritage (Plantation) vs. IMG Academy

Two high school football powerhouses collide in an early season matchup when the Miami Central Rockets matchup against the Bishop Gorman Gaels out of Nevada. The two schools are no strangers to appearing in big games as well as winning huge matchups. The two programs have combined to win a little over 20 state titles.

Miami Central captured its seventh title after defeating Lake Minneola in the Class 6A state championship last season, while Bishop Gorman played a two-game schedule this past spring after COVID-19 cancelled fall sports in the state of Nevada last fall. This game will be a part of the annual Battle at the Beach football series that will take place at the Paradise Coast Sports Complex in Naples. We’ll see what happens when these two well-known programs take the field this fall.

American Heritage and Chaminade-Madonna square off in what should be an intriguing matchup of South Florida foes. Last season when these two teams met, it was the Patriots who walked away with a low scoring win, 7-3. Additionally, both American Heritage and the Lions are coming off state championship game appearances in 2020, with the Patriots winning the Class 5A title and Chaminade-Madonna falling to Trinity Christian Academy in the Class 3A state championship. Should be fun to see who takes home this year’s meeting when the schools meet early on in the season.

76 | itgnext.com

Menendez vs. Clay This could have the potential to be one of the more intriguing games to look out for in Class 5A this season. While last year’s final score between the two teams wasn’t close — Clay won 49-7 — the last three meetings prior have only been separated 11 points, including two points in 2018 and one point in 2019. Additionally, those three games from 2017-2019 featured an abundance of points from both the Blue Devils and Menendez. The matchup during the 2017 season was the highest scoring, with the result being 60-49.

Something to look out for in this matchup this season is the running backs on both teams. Senior running back Alquerious Ray is back for Clay after rushing for over 1,000 yards and 24 touchdowns last season, while the Falcons return senior quarterback King Benford, who also racked up over 1,000 yards on the ground a year ago.

We’ll see who wins this rushing battle come the fall.

IMPACT CHANGES Last season, American Heritage (Plantation) won its first state championship since 2017 and fifth title overall. The Patriots will be loaded again in 2021, starting with Broward 5A-1A offensive player of the year Mark Fletcher, who returns for his junior season after rushing for over 1,000 yards and 11 touchdowns last season.

But new to Class 5A this season is another Florida high school football powerhouse in Miami Central. The Rockets are coming off their second straight state championship — seventh overall — after beating Lake Minneola in the Class 6A title. Miami Central was dominant in 6A, making this move really interesting to watch in 2021. The high school football reclassification also brought a few other notable teams into Class 5A this season. These include: Daytona Seabreeze, Cypress Creek (Wesley Chapel), Clearwater, Middleton (Tampa) and Port Charlotte just to name a few. There is a lot of talent in 5A this year. We’ll see how it all shapes out.

TACKLE LEADERS

RECEIVING LEADERS

Kayne Westfield

Richard Dandridge

Wakulla 100 TKS

St. Brendan 736 YDs

Michael Young III

Alex Perry

Paxon 92 TKS

Port Charlotte 658 YDs

Tayjon Thomas

D’maurion Frazier

Yulee 90 TKS

Clay 655 YDs

Tyree Patterson

Brady Nowlan

Englewood 614 YDs

Nature Coast 89 TKS

hudl.com

larryblustein.com

TOP TEN RANKINGS 5A

1 American Heritage (Plantation)

6 Miami Killian

2

3

Miami Central

4 Wakulla

8

7 Raines

Bishop Moore (Orlando)

Dunnellon

9 Chamberlain (Tampa)

5 Rockledge

10 Godby

ITG Next | 77

REGION 4 - 5A

AMERICAN HERITAGE

20

AUG

IMG Academy

28

AUG

Treasure Coast

3

SEPT

Chaminade -Madonna

17

SEPT

@ Edna Kar (LA)

24

SEPT Hallandale

1

OCT

@ Cardinal Gibbons

WHAT TO EXPECT Last season, the American Heritage Patriots finished with an overall record of 11-2 and won the program’s fifth state championship in school history. The Patriots defeated Tallahassee Rickards in the Class 5A state title to secure its third championship in five years.

Coming into 2021, American Heritage doesn’t lose too many important pieces from its championship team a year ago.

Offensively, three quarterbacks graduated this past spring as well as a few running backs and wide receivers. On the defensive side, the Patriots get one of their top tacklers back from 2020 along with a few other standout defensive players.

With a good portion of last year’s team returning, American Heritage could be poised for another run at a state championship.

KEY LOSSES On offense, the Patriots lose a handful of talented players from the 2020 team.

Vinson Davis III, who played a variety of positions on the offensive side of the ball, is graduated and will be playing for Charleston Southern this fall. He racked up over 100 yards passing and close to 400 yards rushing last season.

Furthermore, quarterback Dylan Romig is also gone after throwing for over 100 yards and three touchdowns a season ago.

American Heritage also loses three of its top receivers as well. Nick Whitton (Edinboro University), Oronde Gadsden II (Syracuse University) and Michael Watkins III (Edinboro University) all graduated last spring.

Lastly, on the defensive side of the football, junior middle linebacker David Vadala transferred to Saint Thomas Aquinas after leading the Patriots with 78 tackles last season, and safety James Williams graduated after recording 74 tackles and two interceptions his senior season.

Williams is rated as the No. 1 safety in the country for the class of 2021 and is committed to Miami, according to 247Sports.

The Patriots will be loaded with talent again come this fall. And with plenty of standout athletes back from a year ago, American Heritage should be right there near the end again when the playoffs come around in November. I can see the Patriots making another appearance in the state title in 2021.

78 | itgnext.com

8

OCT

@ Trinity Christian

15

OCT

@ Jensen Beach

22

29

OCT

OCT

@ Boynton Beach

Stranahan

Written by: Nick Anschultz Photography courtesy of sun-sentinel.com

2020 STATS overall record 11

Wins

318

2

Losses

Points Scored Points Allowed

146

Head Coach: Patrick Surtain Sr.

WHO’S BACK Some important players back for American Heritage this season include quarterback Blake Murphy, who passed for close to 700 yards and eight touchdowns during his sophomore season.

Also back on offense for the Patriots is standout junior running back Mark Fletcher. He rushed for a team leading 1,411 yards and 11 touchdowns a year ago. Senior wide receiver Emory Clemons is back as well to help give some support at this position in the fall.

On defense, senior defensive end Richard Thomas (Indiana) and senior linebacker Jaeden Kinlock (Harvard University) are back to help anchor one of the state’s top defenses in 2020. The two players had a combined 140 tackles last season for American Heritage.

REGION 1 - 5A

27

3

AUG

SEPT

@ Bradford

Viera

17

10

SEPT

@ Ponte Vedra

SEPT

Paxon

Mandarin

Written by: Phil Jones Photography by: ITG Next

overall record 10

402

3 Losses Points Scored Points Allowed

178

1

OCT

@ Bishop Kenny

8

22

OCT

OCT

Ridgeview

Ed White

29

OCT

@ Suwannee

5

NOV

@ Baldwin

WHO’S BACK

2020 STATS

Wins

24

SEPT

BAKER COUNTY

Head Coach: Kevin Mays

WHAT TO EXPECT No reason to expect anything less than another solid year for head coach Kevin Mays and his Wildcats team. That’s not to say that they won’t have to work to replace some key talent, because they will.

If Baker can fill the void left behind by the departing Scooby Graham, it will help a lot in this Wildcats offense. Perhaps the biggest question mark for Mays and Baker County will be the quarterback position: Who takes over for the departed Carson Crawford?

That could mean the difference between the ‘Cats repeating their 10-wins from last season or not.

Leading the returners for Baker County this season will be a group of seniors that bring experience to several key areas of the team, on both sides of the ball.

On offense, running back Jamarian Baker returns. He has rushed for 751 yards and nine touchdowns on 123 carries for the Wildcats over the past two seasons and will be counted on this year to fill the void left behind by the departure of Graham. Blocking for Baker will be returning offensive guard Chase Crews.

Over on defense, the defensive backfield will have returning strong safety Ronnie Ellis and cornerback De’Heaven Clark to bolster the Wildcats run and pass defense. Clark had four interceptions in just nine games last season.

Meanwhile, linebacker Toby Kinghorn is back. He has registered 114 tackles and six sacks from the LB spot during his career at Baker County.

KEY LOSSES Baker County loses top running back Scooby Graham, who was the Wildcats go-to rusher over the past two seasons. He leaves with 1,353 career rushing yards to his credit, plus another 203 receiving yards during his career at Baker County.

Quarterback Carson Crawford will leave another void in the Wildcats backfield, as he graduates, too. Even in their run heavy offense, Crawford threw for just under 1,000 yards (934) during his two-year career at Baker County, with 10 touchdowns.

The offensive line will be a bit lighter up front with the loss of lineman Damontae Gibson, while over on the defensive line, end Zane Mobley graduated and leaves with 98 total tackles and nine sacks.

With a solid group of returning seniors, expect another great year for Mays and Baker County.

ITG Next | 79

REGION 1 - 5A

BISHOP KENNY

27

3

10

AUG

SEPT

SEPT

Providence

Englewood

@ Stanton

24

SEPT

@ West Nassau

1

OCT

Baker County

WHAT TO EXPECT What was a weakness for Bishop Kenny last year should now start to pay off.

“We had nine sophomores contributing on defense last year,” Krause said.

“Hopefully, we will see that experience begin to pay off this season.”

Bishop Kenny took its lumps these last two seasons, but fans can expect this bunch to do a complete 180. With Resar under center right out of the gate, the Crusaders’ offense will be in good hands. That will also free up last year’s part time quarterback Bradley Miller to move to running back, and he’ll play on defense, also.

The biggest question marks will be who steps in at center with the graduation of Myslinski? And who takes over kicking duties with the departure of Meisler to Marshall?

WHO’S BACK Krause and his Crusaders will welcome back several key players from last season’s roster, as well as a transfer. Senior running back/linebacker Baylor Newsom will return. He registered 91 total tackles with a sack and an interception last season. On offense, Newsom rushed for 423 yards on 78 carries.

The group of returners also include senior receiver Andrew Tabor and junior Michael Leonard, who is projected to start at outside linebacker this season.

Transferring in from Eagles View Academy will be senior Cory McCalip, a talented player who figures to get playing time at strong safety/outside linebacker (considered the “spur” position), as well as outside wide receiver.

Taking over at quarterback will be talented sophomore James Resar. He started the final game at quarterback last season for Bishop Kenny as a freshman and has already received strong interest from Wake Forest University, in addition to several other Division I programs, according to Krause.

I predict a turnaround in 2021.

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.

80 | itgnext.com

15

22

OCT

@ Ed White

29

OCT

OCT

@ Paxon

Suwannee

5

NOV

@ Episcopal

Written by: Phil Jones Photography by: ITG Next

2020 STATS overall record 1 Wins

7

201

Losses Points Scored

305

Points Allowed

Head Coach: Tim Krause

KEY LOSSES The Crusaders will have to replace highly recruited center Michael Myslinski, who after first committing to Texas, decided that Iowa was where he wanted to be. When asked who would be replacing the new Hawkeye, head coach Tim Krause replied with a simple “to be determined.”

Bishop Kenny will lose another player to the collegiate level with kicker Sean Meisler headed to Marshall University. Meisler finished his Crusaders career with 12 of 19 field goals made, with a long of 52 yards.

Other top players leaving the Jacksonville school include defensive tackle Emmett Rice and wide receivers/defensive backs Matthew Helow and Lucas Sams.

REGION 1 - 5A

20

AUG St. Augustine

27

AUG

@ Fleming Island

10

SEPT

@ Bradford

17

24

CLAY

1

SEPT

SEPT

OCT

Ridgeview

Oakleaf

Palatka

WHO’S BACK Look out for senior running back Al’Querjous Ray this season as he returns to lead the Blue Devils offensive rushing attack once again. This guy is a machine and led all of Class 5A in rushing yards last season with 1,898.

He averaged 173 yards rushing per game last season, and averaged right at 10 yards per carry. He had 24 touchdowns on the ground and two through the air receiving.

Ray isn’t the only weapon returning, as senior athlete/wide receiver Dmaurion Frazier will be back. Look for Frazier to play offense and defense this season.

Speaking of defense, junior cornerback Jarvis Lee returns, as does three-year starter Brandon Peavy, who will also see double duty, both on defense at outside linebacker and on offense at tight end.

KEY LOSSES When looking at the Blue Devils’ losses to graduation, it’s notable to start with quarterback Tre Griner, who had 2,024 yards passing and 1,113 rushing yards over his three-year career at Clay High School.

To go along with those numbers, he added 23 passing touchdowns, and had only nine interceptions during that entire time. Griner isn’t through with his football career just yet, as he will play for Eastern New Mexico.

One of his protectors on the offensive line is also headed to the next level, as offensive tackle Jordan McGill will attend and play for North Carolina Central.

Defensive end and long snapper Valdez Seymour graduated and will play football at Lake Erie College.

Could be a special year for the Blue Devils. I predict an 11-2 overall record this season.

15

OCT

@ Menendez

22

29

OCT

5

OCT

Middleburg

NOV

@ North Marion

@ Orange Park

Written by: Phil Jones Photography by: ITG Next

2020 STATS overall record 9

Wins

2 Losses

438

Points Scored Points Allowed

202

Head Coach: Kyle Kennard

WHAT TO EXPECT For one thing, expect Clay to be run heavy on offense. No big surprise there, with Ray back to carry the load this season. But don’t think that head coach Kyle Kennard won’t air it out with an athlete like Frazier returning.

“We will look to be explosive on the perimeter this season,” Kennard said.

Kennard took over a one-win team and turned it around in a big way, leading the Blue Devils to nine wins and a playoff victory.

If there is a concern this season, it’s the inexperience on defense.

“We have quite a few kids on that side of the ball [defense] that hasn’t played a lot,” said Kennard.

ITG Next | 81

REGION 1 - 5A

EASTSIDE

20

AUG

@ Dixie County

27

AUG

P.K. Yonge

3

SEPT

@ Middleburg

10

SEPT

@ Buchholz

17

SEPT

@ Menendez

30

SEPT

North Marion

WHAT TO EXPECT Despite their struggles last season, Deleon and his staff are preaching the positive to their Rams players, reminding them that it only takes a break here and there to turn things around.

The Rams looked much improved in their spring game earlier this offseason vs Santa Fe, losing in a tight game 22-21, which was varsity vs. varsity for both squads.

In that game, returning junior quarterback Holden Johnson hooked up with receiver Andre Bradford several times, including a touchdown. The timing seemed to be there between the receiver and his QB. And if the two can maintain that chemistry through the season, then fans can expect good things and a more productive offense this season from their Eastside Rams.

If there is a concern that Eastside must still work on, it’s the lack of depth along the offensive line.

“We lost three starters on the O-line, and that’s always tough on any team,” said Deleon.

KEY LOSSES The Rams will try to bounce back from last season’s covid-impacted season.

But they will have to do it with out some key playmakers who have graduated.

Included in that group is running back Keonte Macon and receiver/kick returner Aziel Gainey. Both players came up big in leading Eastside to their first win last year and erasing an 11-game drought the team had been in that dated back to the previous year.

Macon and Gainey each scored a touchdown in the win over Santa Fe, and their contributions will be missed this season.

In his first season of playing varsity football, Macon ended up with 634 yards rushing and five touchdowns, including the deciding score in that first win.

Earnest Walker, a running back/receiver, has also graduated. He had 248 yards receiving last year with two touchdowns.

Linemen Zantavion Rushing and Leonard Walker will also not return this year.

14

22

OCT

OCT

Newberry

Palatka

29

OCT

@ Santa Fe

Gainesville

Written by: Phil Jones Photography courtesy of wruf.com

2020 STATS overall record 9

1 Wins 100

Losses Points Scored

343

Points Allowed

Head Coach: Alex DeLeon

WHO’S BACK Head coach Alex Deleon is excited to have starting quarterback Holden Johnson back in 2021. Just a junior, the young signal caller has 1,814 passing yards over his first couple of seasons as the Rams’ quarterback and has thrown for nine touchdowns.

One of his favorite targets this season will be returning receiver Andre Bradford, who has 26 catches for 334 receiving yards so far.

Also coming back this season to offer protection for their quarterback and to provide run support up front is senior linemen Tyler Brooks and Aumaury Smith, who will both also play on the defensive line as well.

Look for major improvement from the Rams in 2021, with a chance at a .500 season if not better.

82 | itgnext.com

5

NOV

REGION 1 - 5A

27

AUG

@ Baldwin

3

SEPT

@ Westside

17

SEPT Suwannee

24

SEPT First Coast

1

OCT

@ Paxon

ED WHITE

8

OCT Mandarin

WHO’S BACK The Commanders will see a slew of experience returning in 2021, starting with a couple of safeties. Senior Malik Brown will return this year, moving from wide receiver where he played in 2020 to safety this season.

“He really looks better on that side,” Johnson said.

Another safety, junior Davaughn Patterson, returns to anchor the defensive backfield.

“He’s our most recruited guy right now” Johnson said.

On offense, junior quarterback Isiah Teal returns and will assume the role of starter right from the start. Teal took over about midway through last season and did a good job. He threw for 618 yards and five touchdowns last year.

Senior running back Jaquan Wiggins is another returner who took over for another injured player and made the most of his time.

“He took over for Jaison early in the season and showed then that he was ready to step up,” Johnson said.

KEY LOSSES Running back Jaison Patterson was a four-year contributor, starting as a freshman with the Commanders. He leaves Ed White with impressive numbers: 2,917 rushing yards and 25 total touchdowns.

Patterson wasted no time moving on to the next phase of his career and is an early enrollee at Bowling Green University. Wide receiver Deangelou Brown will be missed, as he was the team’s leading receiver last season, according to head football coach Lawrence Johnson. He finished with 279 yards on 12 catches.

On defense, the Commanders will miss outside linebacker Kevin Greene, who signed with Thomas Moore University, located in Kentucky. He finished his career with 97 total tackles and 13.5 sacks. He also had one interception during his career at Ed White.

Another playoff run. Yes. The Commanders will go far.

15

22

OCT

OCT

Bishop Kenny

@ Baker County

29

5

OCT

NOV

Terry Parker

Riverside

Written by: Phil Jones Photography by:

2020 STATS overall record Wins

5

5

199

Losses Points Scored

273

Points Allowed

Head Coach: Lawrence Johnson

WHAT TO EXPECT With four of the starting five offensive linemen returning this season, the senior Wiggins ready to step in, plus your starting quarterback coming back, look for the offense to feel comfortable in their scheme.

Additionally, Ed White loses only three total starters from last season. The Commanders do have to replace two graduated corners, but having the safeties in Patterson and Brown coming back should balance it all out.

ITG Next | 83

PALATKA

27

REGION 1 - 5A

3

AUG Lake Weir

24

10

SEPT

SEPT

@ Eustis

SEPT

Weeki Wachee

Newberry

Written by: Phil Jones Photography courtesy of palatkadailynews.com

overall record 10

53

Losses Points Scored

402

Points Allowed

Head Coach: Patrick Turner

WHAT TO EXPECT Turner has his work cut out for him. Palatka has struggled despite having six previous coaches try their best to turn the Panthers program around. Turner will be the seventh head coach to give it a shot, coming over from Pedro Menendez where he served on the staff as coach from 2013-2017, along with overseeing the Falcons athletic program as the school’s athletic director.

Turner says what has happened in the past doesn’t matter, and he’s only looking straight ahead.

“I think the upcoming season will be a vast improvement, and we will be competitive this year,” says Turner.

“We have a great group of hard-working young men who want to win. I’m very excited for the season.”

84 | itgnext.com

@ Clay

8

OCT

@ West Nassau

15

OCT

North Marion

22

OCT

@ Eastside

29

OCT Menendez

5

NOV

@ St. Augustine

WHO’S BACK

2020 STATS 1 Wins

1

OCT

New head coach Patrick Turner takes over for Fells, and is excited about his new team, despite the loss of several playmakers from last season. He seems confident in the leadership that will return this year.

The new coach points out a group of seniors that includes offensive lineman Daunte Wilkerson, who is a great athlete for a big guy, as evidenced by his performance in the shot put, an event in which he is a regional qualifier. Another great athlete, and not just in football, is wide receiver Jamal Bryant, who is also a regional qualifier in the long jump and high jump, according to Turner.

Turner also points out offensive tackle Tyler Mclnnis, running back Leetrez Smith, cornerback/strong safety Kamari Betts, and defensive tackle Derrick Washington as players he believes will be beneficial to the team.

KEY LOSSES Former head coach Willie Fells is out after three seasons at Palatka. He was 6-24 in three seasons. The Panthers also had several players graduate, including quarterback O’Marion Wilson, who played free safety for Palatka in addition to quarterback.

Running back Delton Nealy Jr., who served a running and receiving back, also graduated as well.

There are several other players not returning in 2021 for Palatka, and that group includes safety Vincent Washington, and a pair of line backers in Jamie Crouse, and Shemar Curry. Fullback Teontray Myles, middle linebacker Joel Weaver, free safety Seager Jordan, outside linebackers Kamari Cohens, and Jakeem Denson, along with safety Trace Ogle, and kicker/punter Gabe Herrington are all gone, as is senior defensive tackle James Matthews Jr.

Nowhere to go but up, and they will, starting this season. I see the Panthers improving upon last year’s record and winning a few more games than they did last season.

REGION 1 - 5A

27

3

AUG

SEPT

Englewood

Wolfson

10

SEPT

@ Hilliard

17

SEPT

@ Baker County

24

SEPT

@ Lafayette

PAXON

1

OCT Ed White

WHAT TO EXPECT Look for the defense to be the potential strong area of the team this season, according to Steve Brown. The head coach, who returns for season number nine, says that side of the team will return starters with a high number of meaningful minutes.

“We will have three three-year starters on defense, as well as multiple twoyear starters back this year,” said Brown.

The team is also riding the momentum of playing in the program’s first ever playoff game, and that has led to a flurry of excitement and activity this offseason, according to Brown.

“We have been devoting more time than ever to our offseason conditioning program”, he said.

KEY LOSSES The Paxon Golden Eagles will be without their starting quarterback from the last two years. Christion Russ has graduated and moved on.

Also gone is kicker/punter Hunter Jones, who was solid in extra points and field goals this past year for Paxon. The team loses left tackle Adam Slama, a 6-foot-2 lineman who was great at run blocking as well as pass blocking.

The team’s long snapper Nate Schwerdtfeger will graduate, leaving the team to find a position that has become a specialist for not just Paxon, but many other teams, as well. He also played right tackle, according to head coach Steve Brown.

Other seniors that will not return include defensive ends Frantzy Exantus and Cameron Avery. Wide receiver Nari Jordan also departed via graduation.

Brown leads Paxon to its second-ever state playoff game—and wins.

15

22

OCT

OCT

@ Suwannee

Baldwin

29

OCT

Bishop Kenny

5

NOV

@ Stanton

Written by: Phil Jones Photography by: ITG Next

2020 STATS overall record Wins

3

5

124

Losses Points Scored

164

Points Allowed

Head Coach: Steve Brown

WHO’S BACK Returning to the Golden Eagles in 2021 will be senior safety Nick Bell, who according to Brown, is receiving several offers from colleges. The list includes Davidson, the Navy, and the Air Force.

Senior offensive lineman/defensive lineman Myles Douglas will be back, as will Athlete John Smith.

Senior linebacker Amare Burke comes back this season, as does sophomore athlete Kaiden Morris.

Junior running back Stephen Ikeokwu returns to the Paxon backfield this year. Senior Logan Holman will also return for his final year at Paxon as well.

ITG Next | 85

NEASE TIGHT END

Top Offers

86 | itgnext.com

REGION 1 - 5A

27

3

AUG

SEPT

@ St. Augustine

Matanzas

17

10

SEPT

SEPT

@ Ridgeview

Eastside

Written by: Phil Jones Photography courtesy of jacksonville.com

overall record 5

6

265

Losses Points Scored

298

Ponte Vedra

8

OCT

Terry Parker

15

OCT Clay

22

OCT

@ North Marion

29

5

OCT

NOV

@ Palatka

@ Tocoi Creek

WHAT TO EXPECT

2020 STATS

Wins

24

SEPT

PEDRO MENENDEZ

Points Allowed

Head Coach: Matt Potak

WHO’S BACK

Quarterback and four-year starter King Benford returns to lead the offense.

Head coach Matt Potak says he may line Benford up at some other positions this season if it will help the team. Benford is also a running quarterback, with 2,543 rushing yards and 31 touchdowns during his career so far at Menendez.

He has also thrown for 1,032 yards and three touchdowns. Benford is receiving several offers to play college football, with Navy currently being the main one, according to Potak.

Also returning is senior running back Tabias Brown, who ran for eight touchdowns last year. Others coming back are senior kicker Bryce Addison, sophomore safety Julian Quintero, and top pass rusher in defensive end Seth Stamps.

Potak says he will open the competition at almost every position to create a whole new depth chart of sorts.

“We have 18 returning starters, but I don’t want those guys thinking that they’re just going to walk in and assume that same role this year,” says the new Menendez head coach.

So, with that, expect to see some new faces in new places this season. There will be some new guys on the offensive line, according to Potak, and that could be one of two areas of concern this season.

“We could have some questions at our linebacker spot,” said Potak.

Regardless of who winds up where, there’s a lot of game experience returning, and that could be a big plus for Falcons fans in 2021.

KEY LOSSES The good news is that the Falcons don’t lose too many players from last season. They only lose four seniors total.

The bad news: They must say goodbye to running back Duane Graham, who was the team’s second leading rusher last season with 763 rushing yards and six touchdowns.

Graham leaves with 1,886 total rushing yards over his three-year career at Menendez. He also had 21 total touchdowns during that span.

The other three players graduating are offensive tackle Amahd Baker, who will play for Peru State College in Nebraska. Fellow linemates Clyde Smith and Will Bunnell are the only remaining seniors who will not be back.

Could be a big season for the first-year head coach and his Menendez squad.

ITG Next | 87

RAINES

27

AUG

REGION 1 - 5A

3

Trinity Christian

SEPT

@ First Coast

17

SEPT

@ Andrew Jackson

24

SEPT

Clearwater Academy Int

1

8

OCT

@ Terry Parker

OCT

Sandalwood

Yulee

WHAT TO EXPECT Look for Masline and his staff to rely heavily on the run game this season.

“Yes, we are going to lay heavy on that part of our offense,” the head coach said.

With the return of a running quarterback and a former 1,000-yard rusher, it’s understandable why that will be a big part of many offensive game plans in 2021 for the Vikings. They return a lot of athleticism to this team, and that could give opposing defenses a big headache this season.

If there is an area of concern, it could be the lack of defensive experience, according to Masline.

“I would say that’s an area we are going to need to focus on this offseason,” he said.

There are just four returning starters on that side of the ball.

WHO’S BACK Returning this season to help get Raines to the playoffs is quarterback Carlton Butler Jr. Over the last couple of seasons, the senior has thrown for 1,056 yards and five touchdowns. He has also rushed for 530 yards and ran it in for nine touchdowns. His go to receivers are coming back this year: wideout Kareem Burke and Quincy Burroughs.

Burke has 638 yards receiving over his career as a Viking, with seven touchdowns. He averages 24.5 yards per catch. Burroughs (Masline?) is expecting this to be his breakout year at receiver for Raines.

In the backfield, returning senior running back Darnell Cummings had an outstanding sophomore season in which he ran for over 1,000 yards and had seven touchdowns. Head coach Donovan Masline is hoping he can return to that form this season.

On defense, safety Kyree Hammond and cornerback Kenton Kirkland return to man the defensive backfield for Raines.

Look for an improvement over last season’s four wins.

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

88 | itgnext.com

15

OCT

23

OCT

@ Ribault

29

5

OCT

NOV

@ Vero Beach

Columbia

Written by: Phil Jones Photography by: ITG Next

2020 STATS overall record Wins

4

7 282 261

Losses Points Scored Points Allowed

Head Coach: Donovan Masline

KEY LOSSES Raines doesn’t lose a lot of quantity, but they are all quality players that will not return.

Starting wide receiver Mikih McGhee will be missed. The speedy wideout had 559 receiving yards with four total touchdowns while at Raines. On the offensive line, guard Terence Williams has graduated.

On defense, the Vikings say goodbye to a couple of linemen and two of their key defensive backs from a season ago. Defensive tackle Cedric Newsome will not return, along with defensive end and outside linebacker Marquis Newman.

In the secondary, cornerback Christian McNair left via graduation. His secondary mate, free safety, and cornerback Preston Jackson also graduated as well.

REGION 1 - 5A

28

AUG Creekside

3

SEPT

@ Trinity Christian

10

17

SEPT

SEPT

Riverside

Westside

24

SEPT

@ Sandalwood

JEAN RIBAULT

1

OCT @ Yulee

WHO’S BACK Returning for Ribault and White in 2021 will be sophomore quarterback Nick Jones, whom White says has “a rocket arm.” It will be Jones that’s going to be counted on to fill the void left by Jackson’s graduation.

Junior wide receiver Kevin Stokes Jr. will return and will serve as one of Jones’ primary receiving targets. Three-year starter Shaun Davis will return to man the offensive line.

“Shawn is probably our best O-lineman,” says White.

On defense, defensive end Carmello Cooper will return. White refers to Cooper as “a headhunter.”

“Carmello is very fast, and plays very sound,” White said.

Senior linebacker Breon Jordan returns to give the Trojans a big-time presence on that side of the ball.

“Breon is our top linebacker on the team, and is very explosive,” White said.

KEY LOSSES Head coach Marlon White mentioned several key players whose presence will be missed heading into this season.

At the top is outside linebacker Cory “Robot” Cooper, who led the team with 128 tackles in just 10 games. White says that Cooper “led by example.”

Free safety/cornerback Sean Evans, who led the team with five pass breakups, one blocked punt, and 44 tackles, has graduated. Evans accepted an offer and will play football at Stetson.

Former team captain and multi-purpose player Martranius Mack has graduated and will go on to play for Webber State. Mack led the team in all-purpose yardage with 998 during his senior season.

Starting quarterback Santana Jackson will not return this year after leading the Ribault offense over the last two seasons. He tallied 2,651 passing yards and 22 touchdowns over the last two years. He also added 350 yards rushing during that time as a starter.

Coach White and Ribault improve on last season.

8

OCT Fletcher

15

OCT

Terry Parker

23

5

OCT

NOV

Andrew Jackson

Raines

Written by: Phil Jones Photography by: ITG Next

2020 STATS overall record Wins

3

7

243 290

Losses Points Scored Points Allowed

Head Coach: Marlon White

WHAT TO EXPECT Whether the Trojans and White can turn things around from last year’s three-win season may very well depend on how quickly Jones can pick up the offense. He is charged with a big responsibility of replacing the playmaker Jackson at quarterback, and for Jones himself, this will be a good dose of on-the-job training.

White says his biggest concern heading into the season is his team’s lack of experience.

“I think our inexperience is going to be the biggest challenge we face this season,” he said.

However, White says he likes the defense and believes it should be his team’s biggest strength.

ITG Next | 89

REGION 1 - 5A

SUWANNEE

27

AUG

@ Dunnellon

3

10

SEPT

SEPT

Santa Fe

Hawthorne

17

SEPT

@ Ed White

24

SEPT

@ Bradford

WHAT TO EXPECT Hall says he has high hopes for his 2021 Bulldogs team, especially on the defensive side of the ball.

“Our defense has a chance to be the best in years with seven returning starters,” Hall said.

Hall also feels good about the offensive side of the ball.

“Offensively, we have more speed and playmakers since the 2014 team that went to the semifinals,” he said.

But there are still some big voids to fill, especially with the departure of Moore to Duke University, and along the offensive line, an area of the team that Hall points to as one that might just be a concern.

“We must have some guys step up on the offensive line this season,” Hall said.

“That’s where we lost three starters due to graduation.”

WHO’S BACK According to coach Hall, some of the top returners back to help the Bulldogs in 2021 are running backs Malachi Graham and Terrell Atkinson, along with wide receivers Camdon Frier and Garrison Beach.

A couple of offensive linemen are also on Hall’s list. They are Jimariai Brooks and Braxton Thompson. The coach says he is looking forward to welcoming back kicker/punter Braxtyn Green to the ‘Dogs this year.

Defensively, key position players returning in 2021 to lead the Bulldogs are linemen Austin Smith and Antonio Mckinney, linebacker Andrew Brown, and defensive backs Jay Smith, Travis Mckinney, and DJ Coleman.

The two new quarterbacks that could compete to fill the really big shoes of Moore are Kodi Lang and Bronsen Tillotson.

Strong defense, but some holes to fill on offense. Hall finds a way, though.

90 | itgnext.com

15

OCT Paxon

22

29

OCT

@ Bishop Kenny

OCT

Baker County

5

NOV

@ Florida State Univ.

Written by: Phil Jones Photography courtesy of unionrecorder.com

2020 STATS overall record 8

Wins 324

3

Losses

Points Scored Points Allowed

187

Head Coach: Kyler Hall

KEY LOSSES The Bulldogs will say so long to playmaker and dual threat three-star quarterback/athlete Jaquez Moore, who signed with Duke University. Moore played all four years of his high school career, always giving the Bulldogs of head coach Kyler Hall a true weapon of a player.

One of his top targets on offense, Wesley Jones, is also not returning after graduating from the Live Oak school. Jones was also used as a defensive back at Suwannee. Linemen Dawson Chitwood and Brian Robinson also graduated and moved on, as has linebacker Blaine Howard.

REGION 1 - 5A

27

3

17

10

AUG

SEPT

SEPT

Riverside

Fletcher

@ Wolfson

24

SEPT

OCT

Yulee

Stanton

Raines

overall record 6

Losses

136

Points Scored 177

8

OCT

@ Menendez

15

OCT

@ Ribault

22

29

OCT

OCT

University Christian

@ Ed White

WHO’S BACK

2020 STATS

Wins

1

SEPT

Written by: Phil Jones Photography by:

2

TERRY PARKER

Points Allowed

Head Coach: Char-ron Dorsey

WHAT TO EXPECT Terry Parker has a lot of young guys who will have their chance to step up and make plays this year, according to assistant head coach Mike Holloway.

“These guys have been waiting for their chance, and now they’ll have it,” said Holloway.

Holloway also pointed out that the Braves have a new defensive coordinator, who will look at everyone equally. Curtis Ford is the new addition to the coaching staff, and will likely conduct open tryouts, allowing new players that opportunity to come in and make changes where needed.

Returning to help get the Braves get back on track this year will be senior defensive back/receiver Damani Dent.

During his last couple of seasons, Dent has three interceptions, 84 tackles, and 321 receiving yards with a couple of touchdowns. The rising senior was an All-Gateway Conference selection for his accomplishments this past year.

Junior quarterback Roman Doles will return under center for Terry Parker this year.

In his first year as the Braves quarterback last season, Roman Doles showed that he’s more than capable of helping this team as he passed for just under 1,000 yards for the year (982 yards) and had seven passing touchdowns along with one rushing score.

He will have junior David Hamilton Jr. to throw to this year. Hamilton is a 6-foot-3 receiver. Senior athlete Tyrek Williams will be back this year to give head coach Charron Dorsey and his staff a weapon they can use at anytime and at any skill position.

A newcomer, senior Justin Drayton, will play running back and linebacker.

KEY LOSSES Terry Parker will say goodbye to several playmakers from the last couple of seasons, and most are on the defensive side of the football. There is, however, an offensive playmaker who will be missed: Athlete Kevonte Doles.

One look at Kevonte Doles stat line will tell you all you need to know about the graduating athlete. He finishes his career with 1,314 rushing yards and 731 receiving yards. Doles also had a total of 13 rushing touchdowns and four receiving touchdowns. He was a contributor on special teams as well, racking up 373 return yards on kickoffs.

The Braves lose two bookends on defense with the graduation of ends Antonio Riley and Chris Victor. Both players leave behind great high school careers, but now start their next chapter: Riley will attend Campbell University and Victor will go on to play at Mississippi Valley State.

Look for Terry Parker to an improve this season.

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

ITG Next | 91

REGION 1 - 5A

WAKULLA

27

AUG

Delaware Valley

3

SEPT

@ North Marion

17

SEPT Godby

24

SEPT

Florida A&M

1

OCT

Florida State Univ.

8

OCT

Jefferson County

WHO’S BACK Head coach Scott Klees lists five seniors as ones to watch, and the ones he will lean on to lead the War Eagles this year.

Running back/safety Zamarion Smith has been a workhorse on both offense and defense while a War Eagle, as his stats will attest to that. Smith has 524 rushing yards on 61 carries and six touchdowns, plus another 194 receiving yards as a running back.

As a defensive back, Smith has registered 76 tackles, two fumble recoveries, and one blocked punt.

Linebacker Kanye Westfield has 153 career tackles and an impressive 13 sacks on the Wakulla defense, while cornerback/slot receiver Denzel Miller returns with 84 tackles, nine interceptions, and a fumble recovery so far as a defender. Offensively, Miller has 52 receptions for 1,055 yards heading into his senior season.

Senior linebacker/running back Brendan Wilson will return armed with an impressive stat line of 1,124 yards rushing and nine touchdowns on offense as well as 61 tackles, two sacks and an interception on defense.

Offensive tackle Ben Sapp returns for his senior season.

KEY LOSSES The War Eagles will lose a couple of skill position guys that made up a large part of their offense in last year’s seven-win season.

One of those impact players was athlete Jakari Ervin, who put up some impressive numbers last year, and throughout his entire career at Wakulla.

Over his time with the War Eagles, he racked up 1,474 yards rushing on 161 carries and 14 touchdowns. He also added 767 receiving yards and three touchdowns, to give him 17 total touchdowns. Evans also added 338 kickoff return yards while on special teams.

Quarterback Desmond Greene leaves behind a very successful run while at Wakulla, finishing with 1,166 passing yards and nine touchdowns through the air. Greene also had 402 yards rushing and two touchdowns. As a defensive back, he added 94 tackles.

Speaking of defense, defensive end Khamari Brown will be missed, as he ends up with 171 total tackles, six sacks, and an interception. Brown even added a rushing touchdown while at Wakulla.

Another winning season looks to be in store for coach Klees and his Wakulla team in 2021.

92 | itgnext.com

15

22

OCT

West Florida

OCT

@ Arnold

29

5

OCT

NOV

@ Pensacola

@ Chiles

Written by: Phil Jones Photography courtesy of starkejournal.com

2020 STATS overall record 7

Wins 226

2 Losses Points Scored Points Allowed

154

Head Coach: Scott Klees

WHAT TO EXPECT A lot of returning talent plus an experienced head coach is usually a pretty good formula for any football team, and that is the case for Wakulla and coach Klees.

The biggest question mark facing Klees and his War Eagles staff will be the quarterback situation heading into this fall. The only experienced player at that position is returning senior Blake Wolf, with rising sophomore Haden Klees — the only other quarterback listed on the War Eagles returning roster.

But, regardless of who plays quarterback, there remains plenty of support and experience on the offense with Wakulla this season. Other than that, Wakulla should be in solid shape heading into the season.

REGION 1 - 6A

20

AUG

@ Fleming Island

27

AUG

@ Andrew Jackson

3

10

SEPT

SEPT

Ed White

Baldwin

17

SEPT

@ Ribault

WESTSIDE

24

SEPT

@ Englewood

1

OCT

8

@ Columbia

WHAT TO EXPECT The Wolverines will move to 6A this season, and DuBose says it will be a challenge his team is ready to accept.

“Everyone says they want to be champions, but no one wants to work for it and earn it,” DuBose said. “But we will welcome the opportunity to go out and show what we can do.”

Westside made it to the second round of the playoffs last year, but that was in Class 5A. Can they do it again this season having moved up a classification?

That move, which will bring with it a daunting schedule, won’t make things easy.

However, DuBose doesn’t concede anything.

“We have some really good sophomores and juniors coming up who we think will help us a lot this season—and beyond,” the head coach said.

KEY LOSSES Head coach Rodney DuBose will have to find a way to replace several playmakers who leave behind major accomplishments while they played at Westside.

It starts with dual threat quarterback Ditannon Otis, who is off to Hawkins Junior College to continue what could be a stellar career if his total numbers at Westside are any indication.

He leaves with 3,172 career passing yards and 994 rushing yards accrued during his three-year run. That includes 31 passing touchdowns and 11 rushing touchdowns.

Linebacker/tight end Christopher Johnson is headed to UConn to play football.

Center/defensive tackle Ray Bolden III, an All-State selection will not return, nor will All-District safety Darrell Williams, who will join Otis at Hawkins Junior College.

Defensive end and middle linebacker Dominique Alexander graduated, and has headed off to Dodge City Community College to continue his playing career.

Westside hangs in there. A finish of .500 isn’t anything to be ashamed of considering everything from losing the players to the move up.

22

OCT

OCT

@ Valdosta (GA)

Orange Park

28

5

OCT

NOV

Riverside

Nease

Written by: Phil Jones Photography by: ITG Next

2020 STATS overall record Wins

6

4

Losses

184

Points Scored

183

Points Allowed

Head Coach: Rodney DuBose

WHO’S BACK Senior quarterback Jordan Campbell will become the heir to Otis at the signal caller position and will be counted on to take over as leader for the offense.

He completed 61 of 91 passes last season and threw seven touchdowns. Running back Kaloun Walker will return with his average of 6.1 yards per rush.

Junior wide receiver Antwon McCrae will return to give Westside a weapon in the passing game this year. He had 629 receiving yards last season on 24 catches. Defensive tackle Jordan Hall is back, along with offensive lineman Dequan Cobb.

ITG Next | 93

REGION 1 - 5A

YULEE

27

AUG

@ Hawthorne

3

SEPT

@ Fernandina Beach

17

10

SEPT

SEPT

West Nassau

@ Terry Parker

Written by: Phil Jones Photography by: ITG Next

overall record Wins

7

Losses

171

Points Scored 272

Points Allowed

Head Coach: Kyle Dougherty

WHO’S BACK The Hornets will bring back a solid junior class, led by receiver Zack Drawdy Jr., who Dougherty calls “a special athlete.” Drawdy is currently considering offers from UNC Charlotte, Austin Peay, and Eastern Kentucky.

Junior offensive and defensive lineman Brendan Black, whom his coach calls “a mauler”, will return for the Hornets. He is receiving attention from a few college programs, according to his coach.

A couple of junior safeties return to lead the Yulee defense this season. They are safety Landon Hale and safety Benjamin Thompson, who Dougherty says will probably also play some at running back this year.

94 | itgnext.com

1

OCT

Nease

Ribault

15

OCT

@ Raines

22

OCT Bradford

29

OCT

Trinity Catholic

5

NOV

@ Middleburg

WHAT TO EXPECT

2020 STATS 2

24

SEPT

The jury is still out on what Yulee fans can expect from the Hornets in 2021, but if Dougherty’s attitude and excitement is any indication of what his team will do, then things could be looking up this season.

Of course, there’s nowhere to go but up from last season’s two-win season.

With the weapons that are returning, it’s a safe bet that Yulee will at least double the two-win total.

Dougherty likes his team’s enthusiasm so far, even if he has only been on campus for just two weeks.

“The players are really grinding and getting after it in the weight room,” Dougherty said. “They want to win, and they’re doing all the right things to get to that point.”

KEY LOSSES Former coach Terrence Flagler is out after finishing with six wins in two seasons.

New head coach Kyle Dougherty will have a few key pieces to replace in his first season at Yulee.

Gone is athlete Jalen Holmes, who finished with 653 career rushing yards and 872 career receiving yards along with 18 touchdowns while at Yulee. Receiver Devonn “DJ” Littlejohn is off to continue his playing career at Ohio Wesleyan. DJ wound up with 695 career receiving yards and four touchdowns.

Quarterback Justice Pope, who threw for 1,671 yards during his time with the Hornets, graduated as well. Offensive and defensive lineman Donovan Henry will also not return.

New Coach. Big turnaround.

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ITG Next | 95

Written by: Nick Anschultz

PASSING LEADERS

RUSHING LEADERS

Kemper Hodges

Kade Frew

South Walton 2,880 YDs

Bolles 1,496 YDS

Dylan Rizk

Jason Hogan

American Heritage (Delray) 2,075 YDS

Jalen Sonnier Andrew Jackson 1,767 YDS

Carson Haggard Gulliver Prep 1,103 YDS

Lemon Bay 1,150 YDS

Cam Miller Fernandina Beach 1,039 YDS

Nathan Webb North Bay Haven 1,012 YDS

mypanhandle.com

GAMES TO WATCH Bolles vs. Columbia A good, early season matchup in Class 4A will see the Bolles Bulldogs travel to Lake City to take on Class 6A Columbia. The two schools have squared off in the past, with the last meeting coming in 2018. The Bulldogs fell in that game 34-19 to the Tigers and will look to avenge that loss in 2021.

Bolles is coming off a 10-win season last year and a state runner-up finish after falling to Cardinal Gibbons in the Class 4A state title game. Columbia, meanwhile, is coming off a 5-6 season in 2020 and a regional final appearance. The Bulldogs return offensive star Kade Frew, who has totaled over 2,000 yards and 32 touchdowns over the last two seasons.

The Tigers also return quite a bit of talent, including standouts Marcus Peterson and Amare Ferrell. We’ll see who wins this year’s matchup when the fall rolls around.

96 | itgnext.com

Cardinal Gibbons vs.

American Heritage (Plantation) Two South Florida heavy weights square off in early October when American Heritage travels to Cardinal Gibbons. Both schools are coming off state championship seasons, with the Chiefs winning the Class 4A title and the Patriots taking home the Class 5A championship.

American Heritage and Cardinal Gibbons have matched up every year going back to 2009, and going back to 2017, each game has been decided by 10 points or less.

The Chiefs will be looking to snap their twogame skid against the Patriots this season, but it won’t be easy, as Cardinal Gibbons will be replacing some key players from last year’s championship team. Will this matchup be another close finish in 2021? We’ll find out soon enough.

Gulliver Prep vs. Manatee Another game to look out for early on in the season in Class 4A will be the matchup between Gulliver Prep and Manatee. Both teams are coming off strong seasons in 2020 and return some star talent in 2021. Arguably, the focal point in this matchup will be the quarterback battle, as Carson Haggard is back for his senior season with the Raiders, while senior Jayce Berzowski is back for the Hurricanes. Both quarterbacks threw for over 1,000 yards last season and combined for 34 passing touchdowns. Expect a lot of passing yards put up when these two teams meet in late August.

IMPACT CHANGES Class 4A should be interesting to watch in 2021. Last season saw Bolles and Cardinal Gibbons matchup in the state championship, with the Chiefs winning their second-ever football title. But 2019 Class 4A state champion Booker T. Washington will be back in the picture this season after opting out of the FHSAA postseason a year ago due to the surrounding issues with COVID-19.

Gadsden County (Havana) and Cocoa also had strong seasons in 2020, both making it to the regional finals. New teams entering Class 4A this season include: Andrew Jackson, Baldwin, Wolfson, Central (Brooksville), Hernando (Brooksville), Discovery, Parrish, Calvary Christian (Fort Lauderdale), and Davenport, which is a new school in 2021. It should be fun to watch how this class plays out this year.

TACKLE LEADERS

RECEIVING LEADERS

Jack Pyburn

Cade Roberts

Bolles 121 TKS

South Walton 1,350 YDs

Grayson Howard

Brandyn Butler

Andrew Jackson 118 TKS

American Heritage (Delray) 613 YDs

Conner Nobles

Pearce Spurlin III

West Nassau 104 TKS

South Walton 606 YDs

Jamaryae Robinson

Jeremy Parker

Cocoa 528 YDs

Andrew Jackson 100 TKS

TW: Conner Nobles

TW: Cade Roberts

TOP TEN RANKINGS 4A

1

2

Booker T. Washington (Miami)

6

Cardinal Gibbons

7 Rutherford

3

Gadsden County

5

4 Cocoa

8 South Sumter

Bolles

9 Miami Carol City

Gulliver Prep

10 Marianna

ITG Next | 97

REGION 1 - 4A

ANDREW JACKSON

20

27

AUG

@ Atlantic Coast

AUG Westside

10

3

SEPT

17

SEPT

@ Providence

SEPT

@ Fletcher

Raines

Written by: Phil Jones Photography by: ITG Next

overall record Wins

5

Losses

204 215

Points Scored Points Allowed

Head Coach: Christopher Foy

WHAT TO EXPECT While Andrew Jackson certainly lost some playmakers on defense, they should have more than enough returning firepower on offense to make up for any deficiencies this season.

Sonnier is one of the top signal callers, and Gaines is just a junior and can give Andrew Jackson several options all over the field. With his first season behind him, look for Foy and his staff to take advantage of the many weapons at their disposal, and open it up on offense.

@ Fernandina Beach

14

OCT Episcopal

29

OCT

@ West Nassau

5

NOV

@ Ribault

Returning in 2021 for the Tigers will be a “very experienced group,” according to Foy. This group includes senior quarterback Jalen Sonnier, who has over 3,000 passing yards during his time as Andrew Jackson. That includes last season’s 1,767 passing yards and 16 touchdowns. The senior’s completion percentage was an unheard of 68% last season, hitting his target in 130 of 191 attempts.

Joining Sonnier will be returning junior athlete Fred Gaines, who rushed for 261 yards with five touchdowns, while racking up another 236 yards receiving and three touchdowns threw the air last season.

Defensively, free safety Matthew Merritt, cornerback Caleb Francis, and outside linebacker Grayson Howard will be back. Howard has received an offer to play for Ole Miss.

KEY LOSSES Second year head football coach Christopher Foy says his team will miss several graduating seniors who made an impact on the team last year. But most notably will be along the offensive and defensive line.

Offensive lineman, defensive lineman, and team captain Tre’darious Moore’s presence along both sides of the ball will be missed. His linemate Daquan Sneed also graduated.

Cornerback and safety Ezenwa Lampkins will not return, and that leaves a big hole in the Tigers’ secondary to fill. The graduating CB registered 162 tackles and five interceptions while roaming the defensive backfield for the Andrew Jackson squad.

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

98 | itgnext.com

@ Riverside

30

SEPT

WHO’S BACK

2020 STATS 4

24

SEPT

Tigers rebound in 2021 in coach Foy’s 2nd season as head coach.

REGION 1 - 4A

20

27

AUG

AUG

Ed White

Stanton

10

SEPT

@ Westside

17

SEPT

@ West Nassau

Written by: Phil Jones Photography by: ITG Next

overall record 8

196

1 Losses Points Scored Points Allowed

113

1

OCT

@ Episcopal

15

OCT Bradford

22

OCT

@ Paxon

28

5

OCT

NOV

Baker County

Wolfson

WHAT TO EXPECT

2020 STATS

Wins

BALDWIN

Head Coach: Rob Shields

WHO’S BACK Baldwin will have a ton of experience in 2021 as they return several seniors this season, including outside receiver Dejuan Malpress, who Shields says is an “impact player.”

In addition to Malpress, there are a few other receivers who will be back including Larry Worth. He’ll play tight end and wide receiver but will also see action on special teams and at defensive end.

Other returners include three seniors: slot receiver Armale Dubose, running back Levarn Harvin, and lineman Peyton McClain, who will be a four-year starter for Baldwin. The defense will return linebacker Malcolm Harvin along with cornerback Don Velvet III.

If the Indians are to have repeat success as they enjoyed last year, they will have to find a way to replace the losses along both sides of the line, as well as a new quarterback.

“We will be replacing a lot of linemen on both sides of the ball, which is never a good thing,” Shields said.

A replacement for Petty will be a priority, but Shields says he does have a lot of experience returning, and at important positions.

“We have some really good skill positions players returning, so I think we’ll be okay,” Shields said.

The coach also says getting off to a good start is critical to his team’s success this year.

“We have Ed White in week one, then we play Baker County for the first time, so winning those games is very important for us,” Shields said.

According to the head coach, a return trip to the playoffs and winning a couple of games in the post season are the main goals for the Indians this year.

KEY LOSSES The Indians will have to find a new quarterback with their starter from the past two years leaving. Bryce Tompkins passed for over 3,800 yards and 38 touchdowns in his two seasons as the starter.

Offensive linemen Connor Perry and Jaharii Wilkins have graduated, along with defensive lineman Dale Walker.

Defensive back Tyson McClendon and defensive end Carl Nesmith have left, and both are headed to FAMU where they’ll continue their football careers.

One of the losses that head coach Rob Shields points to as one that will be the hardest to replace is Ty Petty, the Indians’ long snapper.

“That’s going to be a tough one,” Shields said.

Long snapper has become one of the more specialized positions on any football team, and Shields says he’ll have to start from the beginning to find a replacement for Petty.

A lot of experience returns. Expect a trip to the quarterfinals in 2021-2022.

ITG Next | 99

REGION 1 - 4A

BOLLES

27

AUG

West Nassau

3

SEPT

@ Columbia

10

SEPT

St. Augustine

17

SEPT

@ Fernandina Beach

24

SEPT

University Christian

1

OCT

Trinity Christian

WHAT TO EXPECT There’s no reason to think The Bolles school won’t be back where they always are: Knocking on the door of a state championship. They came close last season, losing in the finals to Cardinal Gibbons by a final score of 35-21.

That comes a year after making it to the finals also but losing a close game to Booker T. Washington out of Miami.

Can they get back to another finals? I wouldn’t bet against the Bulldogs, although head coach Matt Toblin says he will need to have someone step up among the skill positions and in the outside passing game.

That could lead to more of a running attack than we’re used to seeing from Bolles, as the head coach says he likes his team in the trenches.

“I think that’s where our strength is,” Toblin said.

KEY LOSSES Caden Fordham, an athlete for the Bulldogs throughout his career, has moved on to the next level, accepting an offer to play football at North Carolina State University.

Fordham played defensive back, linebacker, punter, and returned kicks during his three year as a starter for Toblin. He will likely play safety for the Wolfpack. He recorded 301 total tackles, 10 sacks and seven interceptions in his time at Bolles. Additionally, Fordham ran for 181 yards with four touchdowns during his senior season.

Also leaving behind a solid career at Bolles is wide receiver Davis Ellis, who has accepted an offer to play football at the University of Penn. He leaves with a total of 1,677 receiving yards to his credit and 18 touchdowns.

Quarterback Gunner Boree graduated and will also move on to play college baseball at Brown.

Another stellar season for Toblin and the Bulldogs.

100 | itgnext.com

8

OCT

@ Marist (GA)

22

29

5

OCT

OCT

NOV

Buchholz

Westwood

Mainland

Written by: Phil Jones Photography by: ITG Next

2020 STATS overall record 10

Wins 394

3 Losses Points Scored Points Allowed

183

Head Coach: Matt Toblin

WHO’S BACK A group of seniors will be returning to lead the Bolles School football team this year including running back Kade Frew, who has racked up a substantial number of rushing yards during his time at running back.

He has 2,449 rushing yards on 359 carries with 32 total touchdowns as a workhorse-type runner for the Bulldogs. He’ll look to add to that total this year.

Inside linebacker Jack Pyburn will return to lead the defensive attack for Toblin’s team, while another senior leader, defensive lineman Hayden Schwartz who has 112 tackles so far while at Bolles, also returns. He also has recorded 12 sacks from his defensive lineman position over the last two years.

REGION 4 - 4A

20

26

AUG

AUG

@ Armwood

Norland

3

10

SEPT

@ Northwestern

SEPT Central

Written by: Nick Anschultz Photography courtesy of prepforce.com

overall record Wins

3

149

Losses Points Scored

Points Allowed

77

@ Coral Gables

23

SEPT Edison

1

OCT

@ Killian

8

OCT

Glades Central

14

OCT

22

North Miami Beach

OCT

@ Homestead

WHO’S BACK

2020 STATS 3

17

SEPT

BOOKER T. WASHINGTON

Head Coach: Gerald Cox

WHAT TO EXPECT Last year, Booker T. Washington finished with an overall record of 3-3. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the FHSAA playoffs being altered, the Tornados were one of several South Florida teams that participated in the Tri-County playoffs.

Booker T. Washington ultimately fell to Glades Central in the Class 6A-1A Gold quarterfinals.

Heading into 2021, the Tornadoes lose quite a bit of talent from last year’s team to graduation, according Cox. But they also return some key pieces as well that will hopefully help fill the holes left by the seniors.

Cox said the expectations for Booker T. Washington remain the same: Get to the state championship and win it.

While Booker T. Washington will be without some standout players from last year, there is still plenty of talent returning for the Tornadoes.

According to Cox, Booker T. Washington added two transfers to help boost the defense in 2021: Brothers Justin and Joshua McMullen, who come from Coral Gables High School, will be joining the Tornadoes this fall.

Cox said he expects them to play a big role in the secondary.

Additionally, almost the entire wide receiving core is back for the Tornadoes this season. Seniors Adam Moore Jr. and Xavier Mcelliott will be just a few of the names to look out for at this position, according to Cox. As for quarterback, two players are expected to battle it out for the starting position. One of the athletes is an up-and-coming sophomore by the name of Claudell Sherman while the other is incoming ninth grader Sean Ponder.

Lastly, the offensive line is expected to be led by senior Jason Jeanty Jr., who is a four-year starter for Booker T. Washington.

Other notable names to watch for in 2021: Running back Antwan Smith, running back Jaylen Chandler, and cornerback Fabian Scott.

KEY LOSSES The Tornadoes will be replacing a handful of talented seniors from the 2020 team.

According to head coach Gerald Cox, these guys include cornerback Rance Conner (Louisville), defensive back Horacio Johnson (Southern University), quarterback Torey Morrison (Tennessee State), and defensive end Jeremiah Peters (Toledo). All four of these players will be playing collegiate football this fall.

The Tornadoes lose some key players on both sides of the football. But with some added talent and numerous standout guys back in 2021, expect Booker T. Washington to be right there near the end come playoff time. I predict an appearance in the state championship for the Tornadoes this season.

ITG Next | 101

REGION 4 - 4A

CARDINAL GIBBONS

27

AUG

@ Venice

3

SEPT

Cardinal Newman

17

10

SEPT

SEPT

Stranahan

@ Buchholz

Written by: Nick Anschultz Photography courtesy of miamiherald.com

overall record 8

269

1 Losses Points Scored Points Allowed

112

Head Coach: Matt DuBuc

WHO’S BACK A handful of key players on both sides of the football are back for the Chiefs this season.

On the offensive side, Cardinal Gibbons returns senior tackle Jackson Crozier to help anchor the offensive line. Additionally, senior wide receiver Davon Kiser is back for the Chiefs, as well. According to DuBuc, he has nine kick returns the last three years. Junior running back and leading rusher from a year ago Kamari Moulton also returns for his junior season.

Defensively, senior middle linebacker Trayvon Brown is back after recording close to 75 tackles a year ago.

Senior defensive end Mason Thomas and senior cornerback Isaiah Farris also return for Cardinal Gibbons to give the defense some veteran experience this fall.

102 | itgnext.com

@ Calvary Christian Acad.

1

OCT

American Heritage

8

OCT Pine Crest

16

OCT

St. Thomas Aquinas

29

OCT

@ Flanagan

5

NOV

@ Boyd Anderson

WHAT TO EXPECT

2020 STATS

Wins

24

SEPT

Last season, the Cardinal Gibbons Chiefs finished with an overall record of 8-1 and defeated the Bolles Bulldogs in the Class 4A state championship. It was the Chiefs second title in program history and first since 2018.

Heading into 2021, the expectations remain the same. DuBuc expects his squad to be one of the few teams left standing again come the end of the playoffs in December. Cardinal Gibbons loses a couple of key players from last year’s championship team, including its starting quarterback and leading receiver.

But the Chiefs also return some key athletes as well, making another run at a state championship a realistic possibility again this fall.

KEY LOSSES Among the standout players gone for Cardinal Gibbons in 2021 include senior starting quarterback Brody Palhegyi. He had over 1,000 yards passing and 17 touchdowns in 2020 for the Chiefs. He will be attending Western Carolina University to continue his playing career, according to his Twitter account.

The Chiefs also lose senior wide receiver Troy Stellato, who finished with a team- leading 394 receiving yards and seven touchdowns last year. According to head coach Matt DuBuc, he will be attending Clemson University this fall.

Lastly, Cardinal Gibbons also loses offensive tackle Anthony Earle, who will be attending Florida Atlantic University to continue his playing career.

Losing their starting quarterback and leading receiver will be a blow to the Chiefs. But there is plenty of talent returning that should help fill some of the voids left. Look for Cardinal Gibbons to be in the mix for a state title again this fall. I predict another state championship appearance for the Chiefs again In 2021.

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ITG Next | 103

REGION 2 - 4A

COCOA

27

AUG

@ Vero Beach

3

SEPT

Osceola (Kissimmee)

10

SEPT

@ Venice

24

SEPT

Treasure Coast

8

SEPT

@ Dr. Phillips

WHO’S BACK Returning in 2021 will be University of Connecticut commit, Timothy Passmore, a defensive tackle for the Tigers. He had 33 tackles, including 11 tackles for loss last season.

Returning to give Cocoa a weapon in the backfield will be senior back OJ Ross, who has amassed 1,705 rushing yards and 23 touchdowns on the ground while at Cocoa. He also has an additional 693 receiving yards and six touchdowns as a Tiger.

Also returning are wider receivers Jmariyae Robinson, Kyon Calhoun, along with Demargio Grimes and Cedrick Hawkins. Transferring in from Holy Trinity to attempt to fill the void left behind with the graduation of Arroya is quarterback Davin Wydner. He was an All-State selection last year for his performance at Holy Trinity.

KEY LOSSES Perhaps the biggest question facing head coach Ryan Schneider is how to replace 2,708 passing yards. That’s the amount quarterback Diego Arroyo threw for in his senior season.

His career numbers are jaw dropping: 8,487 passing yards and 62 touchdowns. His completion percentage of 70% may be the most impressive of all the amazing stats from the former Tigers QB. Arroyo also rushed for six touchdowns during his time at Cocoa High.

Graduated defensive lineman Dajavon White also contributed quite a bit on the defensive side of the ball during his Cocoa career. He leaves with 286 career tackles and 32 sacks. Lastly, offensive lineman Hunter Gfell also graduated and will be playing at Wofford College.

12-2 for Cocoa and a shot at a state title.

104 | itgnext.com

15

22

OCT

OCT

Spruce Creek

Viera

29

3

OCT

NOV

@ Lake Minneola

@ Rockledge

Written by: Phil Jones Photography courtesy of duvalsports.com

2020 STATS overall record 10

Wins

1 Losses

474 125

Points Scored Points Allowed

Head Coach: Ryan Schneider

WHAT TO EXPECT Cocoa had no problem putting up points last season. And even with the departure of Arroya, the Tigers will still have plenty of weapons to make another run at a state title.

Last season, they made it to the state semifinals but lost to Cardinal Gibbons. The Tigers have one of the most dynamic offenses around the state of Florida, and if their defense can step up in 2021, the Tigers will be a team to beat in Class 4A this season.

REGION 1 - 4A

20

AUG Hilliard

27

AUG

@ Keystone Heights

3

10

17

FERNANDINA BEACH

24

SEPT

SEPT

SEPT

SEPT

Yulee

Providence

Bolles

Wolfson

30

7

SEPT

Andrew Jackson

WHAT TO EXPECT Last season was a historical year for the Pirates football program. They won their first playoff game in school history over rival West Nassau. Can they repeat that success this season?

“It’s really year to year with us,” said Swearingen.

He admits it’s going to be tough, returning only seven seniors on a roster of almost 60 players. But the news isn’t all bad. Fernandina Beach will return nine starters from a defense that forced four shutouts last year, and a repeat of that same success could determine if the Pirates enjoy their second straight playoff win in school history.

Look for Turner to take ownership at the QB position and lead the offense to match the outstanding play of the defense in 2021.

WHO’S BACK Back for Fernandina Beach in 2021 is senior wide receiver Cameron Jacobs and junior receiver Josiah Evans. The two combined for 282 yards and five touchdowns last season. Additionally, safeties Ernest Cortez and Willie Coleman are also back, along with defensive lineman Caiden Sweat. Cortez and Coleman both had over 60 tackles in 2020 for the Pirates, while Sweat finished with 59 tackles.

A transition season for the Pirates with several good players departing but a lot of good ones coming back. Look for good things to continue.

15

OCT

OCT

@ Santa Fe

@ West Nassau

22

29

OCT

OCT

@ North Florida Englewood Edu Institute

Written by: Phil Jones Photography by: ITG Next

2020 STATS overall record 7

Wins

365

4

Losses

Points Scored Points Allowed

239

Head Coach: Jude Swearingen

KEY LOSSES Simply put, the Pirates have a lot to replace this season. Gone are offensive linemen Sam Loper, Zachary Hannaford, and Hampton Tanner. Kicker/ punter Phil Tita has graduated and will be playing at Drake University.

Last season’s leading rusher and receiver Khamari Barksdale is gone.

“Khamari led us in rushing and receiving from his running back position last year,” says Swearingen.

The captain of last year’s Pirates’ defense, AJ West, has graduated as well as starting cornerback Sincere Rogers. Other contributing seniors who have graduated include TE/FB/LB Kyle Lee and RB/LB John Flood.

ITG Next | 105

REGION 4 - 4A

GULLIVER PREP

19

AUG Newman

27

AUG

3

@ Manatee

SEPT Palmetto

10

SEPT TRU Prep

17

SEPT

@ Benjamin

24

SEPT

Dade Christian

1

OCT

15

29

OCT

Champagnat @ Chaminade Catholic -Madonna

5

OCT

NOV

@ Cardinal Neuman

@ Bishop Moore

Written by: Nick Anschultz Photography courtesy of gulliverprep.org

WHAT TO EXPECT The Gulliver Prep Raiders finished the 2020 season with a 5-1 overall record.

After advancing through the first round of the playoffs, the Raiders fell in the Region 4-4A semifinals to Cardinal Gibbons.

Heading into the 2021 season, Gulliver Prep will look to build off of last season’s success. The Raiders return plenty of talent from the 2020 team, including their starting quarterback, leading rusher and almost an entire receiving core.

With a lot of key returners back in 2021, it should be interesting to see if Gulliver Prep can reach that ultimate goal of a state title come December.

2020 STATS overall record 5

Wins 245

Gulliver Prep’s biggest loss of players comes on the defensive line.

Guard/defensive tackle Jonathan Del Rosario, guard/defensive tackle Andres de la Pedraja, guard Lukas Stavrinides, defensive tackle Eddy Cachon (Holy Cross) and defensive tackle/center Matt Antezana (University of Miami) all graduated in 2021.

Additionally, senior wide receiver/cornerback Gabe Nealy (USF) and senior safety/fullback Matty Sullivan also graduated, as well.

The Raiders’ roster will be loaded with some talented athletes again in 2021. I can see them making a little deeper run in the postseason, especially with the offensive weapons they have. I can see a state semifinal appearance this season for Gulliver Prep.

Points Scored Points Allowed

83

KEY LOSSES

1 Losses

Head Coach: Earl Sims

WHO’S BACK There will be multiple players for the Raiders to keep an eye on come the fall. Some of those include senior quarterback Carson Haggard, junior running back Sedrick Irvin Jr., junior wide receiver Jalen Brown, and senior linebacker Jayvon Only just to name a few.

Furthermore, senior linebacker/athlete Jonathan Fyne and senior offensive lineman Patrick Atkins Jr. are also ones to keep an eye on heading into their senior seasons in 2021. Haggard threw for over 1,000 yards and 15 touchdowns during his junior season while Irvin led Gulliver Prep in rushing with 552 yards last season.

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106 | itgnext.com

REGION 2 - 4A

27

3

AUG

SEPT

Fernandina Beach

@ Bell

24

17

SEPT

SEPT

@ Umatilla

Interlachen

Written by: Phil Jones Photography by: ITG Next

overall record 6 242

3

Losses

Points Scored Points Allowed

152

1

OCT

Fort White

8

OCT

Crescent City

21

OCT

@ Taylor

28

5

OCT

NOV

@ Stanton

@ P.K. Yonge

WHAT TO EXPECT

2020 STATS

Wins

KEYSTONE HEIGHTS

Head Coach: Chuck Dickinson

It will be interesting to see who steps up and fills the shoes of Tibbetts, who truly fit the title of “athlete”. The graduate did it all for the Indians during his career at Keystone Heights. He was a running back, a defensive back, a receiver, and was their key kickoff and punt returner.

Losing your top all-around guy, not to mention your starting quarterback, will present some challenges for Dickinson and his staff. What about kicker and punter? Ian Schofield did an admirable job handling the kick and punt chores.

If the spring game against Middleburgh is any indication, the loss of those players could mean there is work to be done this offseason.

Keystone Heights was shutout 21-0 in its spring game, and while it doesn’t technically count in the standings, it could indicate the losses are going to be tough to replace.

WHO’S BACK

KEY LOSSES

Returning to lead the Indians in 2021 will be junior safety Ryan Jones, who registered 45 tackles last season.

Also returning to try to get the Indians back to the playoffs once again this season are a group of seniors including running back/linebacker Tyler Jenkins, who has 83 tackles as a defender to go with 1,437 career rushing yards and 14 touchdowns as a running back.

Joining Jenkins is another senior, Dalton Hollingsworth, who has a knack for knowing where the ball is at any moment. He has 632 rushing yards with nine rushing touchdowns as a running back, and as a defender he has 142 career tackles with four interceptions and six fumble recoveries.

Seniors John David Schenck and Logan Williams also return this year.

The Indians will miss ATH Colton Tibbetts, who graduated this past spring.

He tallied 11 touchdowns and 661 rushing yards along with 60 receiving yards last season. Tibbetts had 1,024 all-purpose yards, and defensively, he contributed 34 tackles and three interceptions in 2020. Tibbetts was a second team All-State selection last season.

Quarterback Gage Stevens also departed the team via graduation. He passed for just under 1,000 yards — finishing with 989 — and also threw 11 touchdowns.

Stevens also rushed for three touchdowns in his three-year career with the Indians.

Kicker/punter Ian Schofield will not return, and that leaves Dickinson searching for his replacement. The kicker went 56 of 61 on point after attempts, along with 4 of 7 on field goal attempts, including a long of 40 yards in his three-year career. As a position player, he recorded 88 tackles.

Linebacker Bryson Channell will also not return for Keystone Heights in 2021.

A slight drop off, but Dickinson coaches them up.

ITG Next | 107

REGION 2 - 4A

SANTA FE

27

AUG Newberry

3

SEPT

@ Suwannee

17

10

SEPT

SEPT

Middleburg

@ Fort White

Written by: Phil Jones Photography courtesy of wruf.com

overall record Wins

6

62

Losses Points Scored

206

@ Gainesville

1

OCT

@ P.K. Yonge

7

OCT

Fernandina Beach

15

OCT

@ St. John Paul II

22

OCT

Union County

29

OCT Eastside

WHAT TO EXPECT

2020 STATS 2

24

SEPT

Points Allowed

Head Coach: Jared Allen

The jury is still out on the Raiders defensive secondary heading into the season opener versus Bradford High. The team lost every defensive back to graduation, and Allen says it was a concern in the Raiders spring game vs Eastside.

The Raiders pulled out the win by a 23-22 score, but Allen says the secondary struggled at times.

“We gave up some big pass plays by Eastside,” Allen, the second-year head coach, said.

Allen says it is a concern starting four new guys this season but feels like they’ll come around, and the offensive line will be an area of strength this year.

“I think that is a position group that will be our most improved group from a year ago,” Allen said.

However, the coach says he thinks his team has enough senior experience and that leadership will carry the team this season.

WHO’S BACK

KEY LOSSES

A host of seniors will return to give the Raiders a solid group of familiar faces back in 2021-2022.

Leading the pack will be their quarterback Landon Rogers, who has been a four-year starter, including the last two for Santa Fe. Receiver Amman Tillman should provide Rogers with a solid target this season.

Another receiving target is Devan Mitchum, who will also see time at cornerback. Senior Jaheim Foye will give the Raiders size on both the offensive and defensive line this season.

Joining Foye will be another big body in Kamarious Gates. The 6-foot-4, 270-pound defensive end/ tackle transferred in this offseason from Williston High. Junior running back Javarus Evans will be back this year to give Santa Fe a running threat in 2021.

The Raiders will miss big defensive tackle Najhay Calhoun, who has taken his talents to Butler Community College. Head coach Jared Allen says Calhoun demanded double teams all year long, tying up two offensive linemen.

Hard hitting linebacker and the Raiders defensive captain Balin Strickland is also headed to play at collegiate level. He will play for Trion College in Indiana.

The Raiders will have to replace their entire defensive backfield, losing starters Rondarius Goldwire, Gerrell Richardson, Franklin Richardson, and Dylan Akers, who was also the team’s punter. His brother, Chris Akers, also graduated. He was a linebacker for Santa Fe. The Raiders must audition a replacement for kicker Zach Williams, who graduated as well.

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Things get better in 2021 for Santa Fe.

REGION 1 - 4A

27

AUG

@ Bolles

10

SEPT @ Yulee

17

SEPT Baldwin

24

SEPT

Bishop Kenny

1

OCT

@ Orange Park

WEST NASSAU

8

OCT Palatka

WHAT TO EXPECT Armstrong says his Warriors team should be OK on offense with many experienced starters and contributors returning this season. It’s the Warriors’ defense that he is taking a wait and see approach with.

“We gave up too many rushing yards last season, and that really kept us from being as good as I felt that we could’ve been,” Armstrong said.

He feels a bit more optimistic with his offense. Armstrong also acknowledges that he had quite a few younger players that saw playing time last season, and he’s expecting them to step up and take on a larger role this season.

That includes a pair of mammoth juniors who were back up’s last season but will be expected to step in and fill a couple of holes along the line. They are tackles Daniel Callahan and Luke Schuler.

KEY LOSSES Head coach Rickey Armstrong and his Warriors football team lost multiple good players to graduation.

One of these players are receiver/defensive back Chaz Davis, who Armstrong says was one of the team’s best receivers in his career at West Nassau. He will continue his playing career at Division II Gannon University in Pennsylvania.

Linebacker Carson Murray, the team’s leading tackler last season and one of the top tacklers in Class 4A, has graduated. Another solid defender, free Safety Christian Bailey will be missed, as will four-year starter offensive lineman Trey McCullough, who has moved on to Alcorn State.

“Those guys did a lot for us,” Armstrong said. “We’re surely going to miss them.”

West Nassau will be tested in their televised season opener vs Bolles in the Bold City Showcase.

15

OCT

Fernandina Beach

22

OCT

@ Astronaut

29

5

OCT

NOV

Andrew Jackson

@ Ridgeview

Written by: Phil Jones Photography by: ITG Next

2020 STATS overall record Wins

4

7

Losses

290

Points Scored Points Allowed

297

Head Coach: Rickey Armstrong

WHO’S BACK The Warriors return seven starters from last year’s squad, including standout defensive end and tight end Michael Thorn. He will be a four-year starter for West Nassau and, according to Armstrong, is currently considering three offers from Alcorn State, Brown, and Harvard.

Lineman Wyatt Butler returns to offer stability along both lines. Armstrong says Butler is one of the strongest players on the team, benching 400 pounds. He is mulling a preferred walk on invitation from Texas State University.

Senior running back/linebacker Conner Nobles will return. He rushed for 887 yards and 13 touchdowns last season, and defensively was the Warrior’s second leading tackler last season with 104 total tackles.

Receivers Prentiss Davis and Leondrel Whitley will return, serving as the likely primary targets for returning junior quarterback Brady Wright.

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110 | itgnext.com

REGION 1 - 4A

27

3

AUG

SEPT

@ Hilliard

@ Paxon

10

SEPT

Terry Parker

17

SEPT

Christ’s Church Acad

Written by: Nick Anschultz Photography by: ITG Next

overall record 8

Losses Points Scored

247

24

SEPT

@ Fernandina Beach

1

OCT

@ Father Lopez

22

OCT

@ Crescent City

28

OCT

@ Baldwin

5

NOV Englewood

WHAT TO EXPECT

2020 STATS

68

WOLFSON

Points Allowed

Head Coach: Dennis Bettinger With nearly its entire roster back from a year ago and a spring to mesh with each other, look for Wolfson to improve in 2021 and get back in the win column this season.

Last season, the Wolfson Wolfpack finished with an overall record of 0-8. But due to COVID-19 and the FHSAA’s adjusted playoff format, the Wolfpack were able to make an appearance in the postseason where they lost to Episcopal in the opening round.

Wolfson will look to put last year behind them and Is seeking improvement heading into the 2021 season. The Wolfpack will be a young team when they take the field this fall and return plenty of talent on both sides of the ball.

Bettinger said the expectations remain the same for his team — Finish with a winning record.

“My expectations are like every year, 6-4 or better,” he said. “I will always state that no matter who we have or who we play.”

KEY LOSSES Wolfson will come into 2021 with nearly its entire roster back from a year ago. Head coach Dennis Bettinger said the Wolfpack didn’t lose too many guys in 2020 and will return a young team with only three seniors expected to take the field come August.

WHO’S BACK Bettinger named multiple players on both offense and defense that will be ones to watch come the fall.

On offense, the Wolfpack return two running backs in juniors Tyler Terry and Daniel Davisson. Additionally, Wolfson will have some depth at the receiver position with juniors Ryan Horton, Aidan Nicholls, and Sharod Murphy all returning in 2021.

On defense, look for junior linebacker Erik Sheets and senior cornerback Chris Mason to have an impact on this side of the ball for the Wolfpack.

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Written by: Nick Anschultz

PASSING LEADERS

RUSHING LEADERS

Tre Donaldson FSU High 2,880 YDs

Ershod Jasey Episcopal 1,496 YDS

Zane Fullmer

Davion Gause

Windermere Prep 1,214 YDS

Chaminade-Madonna 762 YDS

Brandon Marcsisin

Xavier Townsend

Calvary Christian (Clearwater)

1,048 YDS

Tayven Clark Cardinal Mooney 902 YDS

hudl.com

Berkeley Prep 715 YDS

Tre Donaldson FSU High 702 YDS

TW: Ershod Jasey

GAMES TO WATCH Chaminade-Madonna vs.

Buford (GA)

FSU High vs.

Trinity Christian Academy

Another Florida-Georgia matchup set to happen this season is between the Chaminade-Madonna Lions and the Buford Wolves. The Lions are coming off a season in which they finished Class 3A runner-ups and won eight games.

The Wolves, however, are coming off a 13win season that included a state title after defeating Lee County in overtime in the GHSA Class AAAAAA state championship last December. This is a game that could quite possibly set the tone for how the rest of the season plays out for both of these schools. Buford will bring back quite a bit of talent from its championship team a year ago, including quarterback and All-Region 8-6A selection Dylan Wittke.

Chaminade-Madonna loses quarterback Jaylon Tolbert to graduation but does bring back its second-leading rusher from 2020 in running back Davion Gause. This should be a game to mark on your calendars as we head into the fall.

On the back end of its schedule this season, Florida State University hosts another one of the state’s top football programs in Trinity Christian Academy. Last season, the two schools met in the Class 3A playoffs, with Trinity Christian coming out on top 45-14 en route to its eighth state championship.

This season, the two teams will meet in the regular season, as the Seminoles will look to avenge last year’s loss to the Conquerors. Quarterback Tre Donaldson is back for Florida State University after throwing for over 1,000 yards and 15 touchdowns a season ago.

Additionally, running back Treyaun Webb is back for Trinity Christian Academy after putting up a total of 837 yards on the ground and 12 touchdowns in 2020. The two schools also met back in 2016 during the postseason, with the Conquerors winning that one 38-7.

Trinity Catholic vs. Buchholz Two playoff teams from a year ago meet up to open their seasons when Trinity Catholic hosts arguably one of the more consistent teams in Class 7A the Buchholz Bobcats.

This matchup will be headlined by the quarterbacks, as both teams graduated their top rushers from 2020. Senior Cole Gonzales returns for the Celtics after throwing for over 800 yards and eight touchdowns a year ago.

Furthermore, Creed Whittemore, the son of head coach Mark Whittemore, returns behind center for the Bobcats this season. Creed put together a total of 1,675 passing yards and 23 touchdowns last season. We’ll see who puts together the better performance when the two teams meet in late August.

IMPACT CHANGES After two seasons in Class 3A and a state title, Trinity Christian Academy has moved to Class 2A in 2021. Now the question is, who will be some of the other favorites to possibly come out on top in 3A by season’s end? Chaminade-Madonna might be one team to look out for again this year. Quarterback Jaylon Tolbert is gone as well as leading rusher Thaddius Franklin. But the Lions return some key players who will likely have a big role in whether they can make a deep playoff run again in 2021. Berkeley Prep will also be a team to keep an eye on as well after a solid eight-win season and regional final appearance last year. Of course, there are also a number of new schools apart from Class 3A that could also possibly make some noise as well. It’ll be interesting to see how it all shapes out.

TACKLE LEADERS

RECEIVING LEADERS

Austin Redd

Mason Williams

Bishop Verot 116 TKS

Windermere Prep 594 YDs

Justin Herring

Chris Graves

Iterlachen 97 TKS

Bishop Verot 500 YDs

Idris Williams

Nate Johnson

Lakeland Christian 83 TKS

Clearwater Central Catholic 418 YDs

Glen Smith III

Jim Murrah

Somerset South Homestead 383 YDs

Maclay 83 TKS

maxpreps.com

miamiherald.com

TOP TEN RANKINGS 3A

1

2

Chaminade -Madonna

6 Miami Edison

3 FSU High

7 Pensacola Catholic

Clearwater Central Catholic

8 Trinity Catholic (Ocala)

4 Berkeley Prep

9 First Academy (Orlando)

5 Lakeland Christian

10 Tampa Catholic

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REGION 4 - 3A

CHAMINADE-MADONNA

14

AUG Miramar

20

27

AUG

AUG

@ Dillard

@ Western

3

SEPT

10

SEPT

@ American @ Heritage Columbus

Written by: Nick Anschultz Photography courtesy of sun-sentinel.com

overall record 2 Losses

8

299

Points Scored Points Allowed

120

Head Coach: Dameon Jones

WHO’S BACK A few notable names back on offense for the Lions in 2021 are running backs Jonathan Harris and Davion Gause as well as wide receivers Brock Lopez and Edwin Joseph.

Harris, who enters his junior season this fall, rushed for over 400 yards and six touchdowns last season.

Meanwhile, Gause, who is entering his sophomore season, finished as the second-leading rusher on the team a year ago and has slowly started to make a name for himself after a strong freshman campaign.

Lopez and Joseph should also be names to look out for this season, especially with the holes left by Josh Jenkins and Michael Edwards at the receiving position.

114 | itgnext.com

24

SEPT

1

OCT

@ Buford Champagnat @ (GA) Catholic Seminole

8

OCT

@ Fort Lauderdale

15

OCT

Gulliver Prep

22

OCT

29

OCT

Stranahan Lakewood

WHAT TO EXPECT

2020 STATS

Wins

17

SEPT

Last season, the Chaminade-Madonna Lions finished with a record of 8-2 and fell to the Trinity Christian Conquerors in the Class 3A State Championship.

While it wasn’t the result the Lions were hoping for, it was still quite the season given the circumstances at hand last year.

Coming into 2021, Chaminade-Madonna will be looking to end up back in the same position come this December. The Lions lose their starting quarterback, leading rusher and leading receivers from a year ago.

But, while Chaminade-Madonna does graduate a few seniors, it returns quite a few talented underclassmen who will likely play big roles this up coming season.

KEY LOSSES Some of the exceptional players gone for Chaminade-Madonna in 2021 include starting quarterback Jaylon Tolbert. After throwing for over 1,000 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2020, Tolbert is set to take the field for Howard University this fall.

Furthermore, leading rusher Thaddius Franklin is also gone after racking up close to 800 yards and four touchdowns last season. He will be continuing his playing career at the University of Miami.

Lastly, receivers Josh Jenkins and Michael Edwards also graduated after racking up a combined 571 yards during their senior seasons. Jenkins will be playing for Ave Maria University while Edwards is set to take the field for Ferris State University this fall.

Chaminade-Madonna loses some impactful players from last year’s team. But with the running back and wide receiver positions mostly still intact from 2020, the Lions still have a shot at making a playoff run again in 2021. I can see a state semifinal or state championship appearance for the Lions this season.

RIVERSIDE LINEBACKER

Top Offers

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REGION 1 - 3A

CRESCENT CITY

20

AUG

@ Father Lopez

27

AUG

@ Chiefland

3

SEPT Umatilla

10

SEPT

@ Interlachen

17

SEPT

@ Trenton

24

SEPT Hilliard

1

15

OCT

Delaney served on an interim basis during what was admittedly a tough, COVID-19 impacted season in 2020. His Raiders finished winless, but with the interim tag replaced by head coach, Delaney can focus on rolling up his sleeves and getting his team back to their winning ways.

Delaney says he really likes his team speed heading into the season.

“We really have some good speed, especially with our skill guys,” said Delaney.

He also says one of his team’s strength is the depth at the receiver’s group that the Raiders have headed into 2021 season.

“We like to throw the ball, and we will this year, so having some depth there is a real plus for us,” said Delaney.

WHO’S BACK Returning this year for the Raiders will be senior quarterback Naykeem Scott, who split time at quarterback last season, but according to Delaney, will be the team’s starter this year.

A couple of multiyear starters will return to give the Raiders a boost of experience. Senior running back Elijah Hernandez is a three-year starter, while junior wide receiver Sheldon Patrick is another three-year starter who gives Crescent City much needed experience at the important skill positions.

Two seniors who return will give the Raiders some experience up front on both sides of the ball: Defensive lineman Jack Lewandowski is a two-year starter up front on the defensive side of the ball, while three-year returning starter Jeremiah Cook is back on the offensive line.

Expect Crescent City and Delaney to have more of an improved season in 2021.

22

OCT

Cornerstone @ Keystone Charter Acad Heights

WHAT TO EXPECT

116 | itgnext.com

8

OCT

29

OCT

@ Taylor

OCT

Jordan Christian Prep

Wolfson

Written by: Phil Jones Photography courtesy of duvalsports.com

2020 STATS overall record 8 76

Losses Points Scored

391

Points Allowed

Head Coach: Sean Delaney

KEY LOSSES Despite the tough season that the Crescent City Raiders went through last year, the good news is that they didn’t lose too many seniors from the team.

However, they will certainly miss three-year starter Anthony Scott, who did a little bit of everything for the Raiders over his career.

“We will miss Anthony this season,” head coach Sean Delaney said.

Scott played receiver, rusher, played defense, and returned kicks. But now, another Raider will have to step up and fill the void. Other Raiders that graduated are defensive lineman Jaime Gomez, linebacker/running back Jordan Torres, tight end Nathan Erkman, and linebacker Kyle Grimes.

REGION 1 - 3A

3

10

SEPT

SEPT

Ponte Vedra

Englewood

1

24

SEPT

OCT

Zarephath Academy

Baldwin

Written by: Phil Jones Photography by: ITG Next

overall record 6

276

3

Losses

Points Scored Points Allowed

207

8

OCT

@ Middleburg

14

OCT

@ Andrew Jackson

22

OCT Providence

28

OCT

@ University Christian

5

NOV

Bishop Kenny

WHAT TO EXPECT

2020 STATS

Wins

EPISCOPAL

Head Coach: Marcus Wells

WHO’S BACK There are two returning quarterbacks that could battle for the starting position. They are junior Ryker Tomberlin, the younger brother of previous year starter Tucker Tomberlin, and another junior, John Allen Ginder. Ginder threw two touchdown passes in the Eagles’ 35-0 spring game victory against Stanton.

There will be some talent at the skill positions returning this season for Episcopal. Running backs Kirk Reed, and Ershod Jasey are back this year, with Jasey entertaining offers from a few schools, including Division I Georgetown University. Lastly, explosive wideout Corey Scott is also returning for the Eagles after hauling in 23 catches for 270 yards and three touchdowns last season.

Wells says that much of what his predecessor built at Episcopal will remain in place, with a few changes coming around.

“We are changing a few things, but most of what we are doing will stay as they have been under Coach Brunell,” said Wells.

Even though Brunell isn’t the head coach any longer, Wells was his main guy, and the new coach knows plenty about the formula that has made Episcopal a team that is in the hunt for a playoff win or two every year.

Look for the Eagles to keep rolling, even with the departure of their starting quarterback. There are still plenty of playmakers on the roster to more than make up for the loss of Tucker Tomberlin.

If the spring game win over Stanton is any indication of what the Eagles fans can expect this season, look for another strong effort in 2021-2022.

KEY LOSSES The biggest loss for the Eagles came during the offseason and it wasn’t a player. It was longtime head coach Mark Brunell, who took over an Eagles football program that had never tasted victory in the postseason.

That all changed under the former Jags quarterback, as Brunell led the Eagles to their first playoff win in 2019. He then led the Eagles to two playoff wins last season, ending with a 6-3 record. His longtime assistant, Marcus Wells, will assume head coaching duties.

As far as player losses, there are some big holes to fill with the departure of starting quarterback Tucker Tomberlin, who is off to Stetson. He leaves behind 3,230 career passing yards and 39 touchdowns. Defensive end/tight end Nick Elksnis graduated, leaving a huge hole to fill. He leaves with 1,090 career receiving yards and 12 touchdowns, plus 38 tackles and close to six career sacks.

Wideout Jack Bogan will have to be replaced, as he as well graduated.

Wells has big shoes to fill replacing Brunell, but this is his chance to show that this is his team moving forward.

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REGION 1 - 3A

FLORIDA STATE

20

AUG

Thomas County Central (GA)

27

AUG Godby

3

SEPT

@ Gadsden County

10

SEPT @ Leon

24

SEPT

@ Madison County

1

WHO’S BACK

KEY LOSSES The Seminoles will only lose four starters from last year’s team, but its not so much the quantity of the losses as it is the quality.

There are two receivers that head coach Jarrod Hickman and the Seminoles are going to hate to see leave, including four-star stud Ahmari Harvey, who is taking his talents to Auburn University. Although he’s just one player, his performance in several areas is going to be missed this season.

During his stellar career at Florida High, Harvey had 326 total tackles and 15 interceptions, including four that were returned for touchdowns. Adding to his defensive stat sheet, Harvey also had a fumble recovery for a touchdown and two kickoff returns for a touchdown. Offensively, the standout receiver had 1,301 receiving yards with 12 touchdowns. Furthermore, Harvey also tacked on 574 kickoff return yards, plus 208 return yards as a punt returner.

Also leaving is the Tallahassee QB Club Receiver of the Year for last season Jahaz Morgan. Nickelback Kai Morgan is also not returning, and he leaves behind a resume that includes 47 tackles with 4.5 sacks and two blocked field goals. Receiver George Henderson and kicker/punter Cam McCormick have also graduated.

118 | itgnext.com

29

OCT

@ Wakulla

While the losses are certainly going to be felt, there should be enough returning talent to give Seminole fans plenty to be excited about this season.

Heavily recruited offensive lineman Kenneth Colston, a 315 pound, 6-foot-5 tackle, will be back to provide a lot of blocking ability for whomever the Seminoles decide on at quarterback in 2021.

Returning are two players who will likely both see time under center, including Drew Faurot and Tre Donaldson. Donaldson has 1,765 passing yards with 15 touchdowns and a 68% completion percentage during his Seminole career. The senior has also rushed for 702 yards and another 10 touchdowns.

Fellow senior Drew Faurot, who took most of the snaps in Florida High’s 28-0 spring game victory over Dunnellon High, contributed at safety last season, racking up 53 total tackles. Look for incoming freshman wideout Kesean Inman) to contribute this season.

The Seminoles could be poised for another strong season in 2021.

15

OCT

5

OCT

Trinity Christian

@ Florida A&M

NOV Suwannee

Written by: Phil Jones Photography courtesy of Florida High Athletics via Facebook

2020 STATS overall record 1 Losses

10

Wins 384 126

Points Scored Points Allowed

Head Coach: Jarrod Hickman

WHAT TO EXPECT Don’t expect much drop off for the Seminoles this season, despite losing some incredibly talented players to graduation. As mentioned earlier in this preview, Hickman likes his team, since they lose only four starters.

The Seminoles had a great opportunity last season for a state title, losing only to Trinity Christian Academy in the Region 1-3A final. The team will have two players in Faucet and Donaldson that can admirably handle the offense, while being able to contribute on defense, too.

If the spring game victory is any indication, look for Florida high to be able to score and give up very few points in 2021.

REGION 1 - 3A

27

AUG

@ Father Lopez

3

SEPT Tocoi Creek

10

SEPT

Crescent City

17

SEPT

Holy Trinity Episcopal

24

SEPT

@ Keystone Heights

INTERLACHEN

1

OCT Bell

WHO’S BACK

Coming in to take over as head football coach is Erik Gibson, who replaces former coach Matt Yancey.

In Gibson’s first game, his Rams lost to Trenton high in the spring game, which gave the new head coach an idea of what he has to work with. Gibson will have returning quarterback Reginald Allen Jr., a junior, to oversee his offense.

Allen Jr. threw for 844 yards and eight touchdowns last season in his first year as the Rams starting quarterback. He also ran for just under 500 yards on 70 carries and had three touchdowns. Allen Jr. averaged 7.1 yards per carry.

Wide receiver and kick returner Chavaris Dumas, another junior, will return, and could serve as one of Allen Jr.’s main targets this season. He will also be a playmaker against the pass this year for the Rams. The junior had eight interceptions last year and racked up 38 total tackles.

Also returning will be offensive and defensive lineman Colbie Deloach as well as linebacker Jacob Carnes, who had 47 tackles and four sacks last season to go along with his career total of 103 tackles.

KEY LOSSES Former head football coach Matt Yancey is out as coach of the Rams.

As far as players not returning, running back and defensive end DJ Polite graduated this past spring. He had 86 tackles and racked up seven sacks in his time at Interlachen. Polite also added 164 yards rushing as a fullback.

Running back Faizon Sutton graduated and will be playing collegiately at Warner College. He had 671 rushing yards and 16 total touchdowns during his Rams career, with eight coming via the ground game and the other half through receiving touchdowns.

The other losses are linebacker Isaiah Dixon, who racked up 190 tackles six sacks during his stellar career. Also gone in 2021 is wide receiver Joey Bacco.

The receiver leaves with 328 yards receiving on just 17 catches in his two years with the Rams. He also had six touchdowns for Interlachen.

Gibson will have the Rams turned around in time.

8

OCT

@ Taylor

15

OCT

@ Christ’s Church Acad

22

29

OCT

OCT

@ Chiefland

Fort White

Written by: Phil Jones Photography courtesy of palatkadailynews.com

2020 STATS overall record Wins

5

5

202

Losses Points Scored

Points Allowed

210

Head Coach: Eric Gibson

WHAT TO EXPECT Gibson arrives at Interlachen from Union County, where he was the wide receivers’ coach. This will be his first head coaching job, although he did coach professionally with the Jacksonville Sharks of the Arena Football League.

Gibson says he likes what he sees in his new team, although he’s concerned with his offensive and defensive lines.

“We are just young and inexperienced in those two areas heading into the season,” says Gibson.

He does, however, have a good feeling about his skill players.

“I really like our offensive and defensive skill position guys,” the first-year head coach said. “I think that’s our strongest areas of the team right now.”

ITG Next | 119

REGION 1 - 3A

PK YONGE

27

AUG

@ Eastside

3

SEPT Hawthorne

17

10

SEPT

SEPT

@ Newberry

@ Union County

Written by: Phil Jones Photography courtesy of pkyonge.ufl.edu

overall record 3

8

Losses

172

Points Scored 261

Points Allowed

Head Coach: Kevin Doelling

WHO’S BACK A seasoned group of seniors will be back to give Blue Wave fans hope for a turnaround season in 2021. Leading the way is quarterback Aaron Small Jr., who sits at 6-foot-2 and 205 pounds, according to his Hudl account.

Small is a talent, with 2,230 passing yards and 23 touchdowns through the air so far during what has been a stellar career at P.K. Yonge. He also has carried the ball 207 times for 896 yards rushing and 15 touchdowns. He’ll be counted on this senior season to right the ship.

Joining Small Jr. will be running back KJ Wooden and athlete Tyson? Doering. On defense, tackle Courtney Brown II and end Chance Brinson will be back.

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Santa Fe

8

OCT

Tocoi Creek

15

OCT Wildwood

22

OCT

@ Fort White

28

OCT

@ Providence

5

NOV

Keystone Heights

WHAT TO EXPECT

2020 STATS

Wins

1

OCT

Head coach Kevin Doelling says the leadership of the returning group of seniors will be one of the team’s strength this year.

“This group of seniors have been with me since I coached them in middle school,” Doelling said.

That’s important as Doelling will be stepping into the role of varsity coach for the first time, taking over for former coach Marcus McDonald, who has taken an administrative position at the school.

The new coach will need that unity of seniors to help rally the troops and turn around what was just a three-win season last year. Doelling says his offense must do a better job of moving the football if his Blue Wave team is going to get better.

“The last two years our defense has kept us in games while our offense has struggled to move the ball,” Doelling said. “We must find our identity on offense this season.”

KEY LOSSES The Blue Wave will see running back/linebacker Taylor Kendrick depart the PK Yonge campus, but his football days may not yet be finished.

The graduated player is a walk on at Florida A&M (FAMU). He attracted the attention of the Rattler coaches with his high school numbers of 214 career tackles as a defensive player, plus his 113 carries for 647 rushing yards and four touchdowns on the offensive side of the ball.

Two other running backs will also not return: Phillip Miller leaves with a stat line of 339 rushing yards and two touchdowns as a running back. He also had an additional 49 tackles as a cornerback. Fellow defensive back and running back Yarnell McCray also graduated along with Torey Cobb, who played running back/defensive back, also.

Two-way lineman Javari Seabrooks will also not return in 2021.

It all depends on that offense.

REGION 1 - 3A

20

AUG

Eagle’s View

27

AUG

3

@ Bishop Kenny

SEPT

Andrew Jackson

10

SEPT

@ Fernandina Beach

17

SEPT Stanton

24

SEPT

Father Lopez

PROVIDENCE

1

@ Tocoi Creek

WHAT TO EXPECT The Stallions will be making a major move headed into the 2021 season, as they will move back into the FHSAA after spending the last two seasons as a member of the Sunshine State Athletic Conference.

“We know this first year back in 3A will be a transition for us, but we feel it’s the best move for our program,” McGlohorn said.

The Stallions will move back into Class 3A Region 1, “where things will be a little tougher” according to McGlohorn.

Overall, Providence will bring back six starters on offense and four on defense, and McGlohorn says despite moving back into the FHSAA, he likes his team.

“I think we’re going to be pretty balanced,” he said.

WHO’S BACK Returning for the Stallions this season will be three seniors that McGlohorn says he expects to lead his Stallions in 2021.

“We have senior wide receiver Cade Windham returning,” the head coach said.

Windham had a recent visit with Tulane University, and is poised to likely have more schools showing interest. McGlohorn says he deserves more interest.

“I wish he could get more attention—he deserves it,” McGlohorn said.

The experience at receiver should help the inexperience that the Stallions will face with having a new quarterback taking over this year.

Junior Brooks Hicken will take over at quarterback for the departed Walker, and this will be his first year as a starter. Senior running back Tavio Tauler will give the Stallions experience at yet another crucial position on the offense, along with senior Will Moon, who at 6-foot-5, will take over at tight end and defensive end for the departed Novak.

With a new quarterback, and the move back to FHSAA, look for a transition season and the move back to FHSAA Class 3A.

7

OCT

22

OCT

OCT

@ Episcopal

Hilliard

28

5

OCT

NOV

P. K. Yonge

@ Bell

Written by: Phil Jones Photography courtesy of prov.org

2020 STATS overall record Wins

3

3

Losses

154

Points Scored

151

Points Allowed

Head Coach: Bobby Dan McGlohorn

KEY LOSSES Head coach Bobby McGlohorn will lose his starting quarterback from last season. Austin Walker, who is headed to St. Thomas University, will be missed, according to McGlohorn.

“Any time you lose your starting quarterback, its tough,” said McGlohorn.

He leaves after completing 67% of his passes as the signal caller for the Stallions. One of his favorite targets will also graduate, Jaden Martinez Heath. Heath is a 6-foot-5 receiving machine.

Running back Thomas Woods will also leave for the college ranks, as he’ll join Walker at St. Thomas University. Tight end and defensive end Evan Novak is another Stallion that will be missed, and he too is headed to the college ranks to continue his football career. Novack is headed to Division III Washington and Lee University.

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 | 121

Written by: Nick Anschultz

PASSING LEADERS

RUSHING LEADERS Davin Wydner Holy Trinity 2,809 YDs

Scott Lynch Northside Christian 2,576 YDS

Chris Stephenson Cambridge Christian 2,008 YDS

Eli Moore Southwest Florida Christian

1,940 YDS

Orel Gray University Christian 1,120 YDS

Zuri Watson Northside Christian 843 YDS

Treyaun Webb Trinity Christian Academy 837 YDS

Richemard Mellin First Baptist Academy 790 YDS

recruitingnewsguru.com

GAMES TO WATCH University Christian vs.

Bolles

Two schools from Duval County matchup when the University Christians take on the Bolles Bulldogs in late September. This is an intriguing game for a few reasons.

First, both University Christian and Bolles finished state runner-ups in their respective classes last season. The Bulldogs fell to Cardinal Gibbons in the Class 4A state title game, while the Christians fell to Champagnat Catholic in the Class 2A championship.

Secondly, both teams have some talent coming back on their rosters in 2021. The Christians get junior quarterback and 1,000-yard thrower Desirrio Riles back along with Class 2A All-State running back Orel Gray. Gray rushed for over 1,000 yards in 2020 and also added 15 touchdowns.

Bolles also returns its own 1,000-yard rusher in running back Kade Frew. Frew was also an All-State selection for Class 4A last season and racked up a total of 17 touchdowns. We’ll see who wins this matchup come the fall.

Champagnat Catholic vs.

Chaminade-Madonna

Northside Christian vs.

Cambridge Christian

Another game to watch for in Class 2A is a matchup of two well-known schools from the South Florida area. Champagnat Catholic, which won its second state title in a row last season, takes on Class 3A runner-up Chaminade-Madonna.

The two teams met last season, with Chaminade-Madonna winning 27-14 in a battle of the Lions. Both schools lose some key pieces from their 2020 rosters, but they also return several impact players in 2021.

Freshman quarterback Ennio Yappor takes over at quarterback for the graduated Tyous Taylor. Yappor had a strong season for Champagnat Catholic last year and will be one to watch in this matchup.

Additionally, Chaminade-Madonna will also be replacing its starting quarterback in Jaylon Tolbert.

But despite losing the gunslinger, Chaminade-Madonna will still have some help on offense, with running backs Davion Gause and Johnathan Harris back in 2021. Will Chaminade-Madonna win again in 2021? We’ll find out soon enough.

Two Tampa-area teams meet up in a Class 2A battle between the Northside Christian Mustangs and the Cambridge Christian Lancers. Last season, the matchup between these two schools was an exciting one, with the Lancers coming out on top in a 29-28 overtime thriller. This game features two of Class 2A’s top returning passing leaders in Northside’s Scott Lynch and Cambridge’s Chris Stephenson.

Lynch threw for nearly 3,000 yards and had a whopping 31 touchdown passes during his sophomore season with the Mustangs last year.

Stephenson had just over 2,000 yards passing and 18 touchdowns as a sophomore for Cambridge. You can bet when these two teams meet up in the fall, there will be quite the passing numbers put up. We’ll have to wait and see who comes out victorious.

IMPACT CHANGES

Champagnat Catholic enters the 2021 season as back-to-back champions of Class 2A. The Lions should be favorites again to come out on top this season, as they return plenty of talent and also added some additional players via transfer that will help fill the holes left by the departing seniors. Additionally, look for University Christian to be right there in the thick of it again this season, with plenty of star talent coming back from a year ago. Lastly, the reclassification saw plenty of teams either move up or down into Class 2A. Defending Class 3A champions Trinity Christian moves down to 2A and should be a team to watch this season. But will there be a few other schools new to Class 2A this season that could a make a run as well? We’ll have to wait and see how it all unfolds.

TACKLE LEADERS

RECEIVING LEADERS

Tropper Price

One Williams

North Florida Christian 152 TKS

Northside Christian 816 YDs

Sincere Edwards

Tobias Lewis

Orangewood Christian 110 TKS

Westminster Academy 751 YDs

JP Pickles

Ric’Darious Farmer

North Florida Christian 100 TKS

Holy Trinity 700 YDs

Zeldrick Roberts

Prince Strachan

Orangewood Christian 97 TKS

John Carroll Catholic 633 YDs

orlandosentinel.com

hudl.com

TOP TEN RANKINGS 2A

1 Trinity Christian

6 North Florida Christian

2 Champagnat Catholic

7 Foundation Academy

3 Victory Christian

8 Orlando Christian Prep

4 University Christian

9 Cambridge Christian

5 Seffner Christian

10 Zephyrhills Christian

ITG Next | 123

REGION 4 - 2A

CHAMPAGNAT CATHOLIC

27

AUG

@ Northwestern

3

SEPT

24

10

SEPT

@ American Her- @ Monsignor Pace itage

SEPT

@ Chaminade -Madonna

1

It was quite the season for Champagnat Catholic in 2020. The Lions finished with an overall record of 11-2 and captured their second straight state title after defeating University Christian in the Class 2A Championship.

Coming into 2021, the expectations don’t change for Champagnat Catholic, as the Lions will once again be seeking another state title come the end of the season. They return plenty of talent on both sides of the ball and added a few transfers as well to help boast the roster this fall.

“The expectation, to be honest, is to go ahead and repeat,” Clavijo said. “That is kind of the standard we have created here and that is our goal every single year. To go ahead and win the state championship.”

WHO’S BACK The Lions have several key players coming back that are expected to have a big impact this up coming season.

In addition to the athletes returning from last year, head coach Hector Clavijo said Champagnat Catholic has also had a few players transfer in, as well. Those players include wide receiver Marvin Sims from Miramar High School, defensive tackle Lennox Ingleton Jr. from Senior Everglades High School, linebacker Antron Williams from Miami Springs and defensive end Timothy Summons from Dr. Krop High School.

Furthermore, Clavijo also named a couple of returning players from last year’s team to watch this season. Those include senior wide receivers Benson Prosper and Jaylin Terzado, along with sophomore offensive lineman Jabari Dukes and freshman quarterback Ennio Yapoor.

A chance at a possible third straight state title might not be unrealistic for Champagnat Catholic given the talent returning and added. Expect them to be right there in the thick of it come playoff time. Make it a three-peat for the Lions in 2021.

15

OCT

@ Gulliver Prep

WHAT TO EXPECT

124 | itgnext.com

8

OCT

OCT

@ Tru Prep

@ Benjamin

22

OCT

@ Miami Int. Academy

Written by: Nick Anschultz Photography courtesy of miamiherald.com

2020 STATS overall record 11

Wins

2 Losses

549

Points Scored Points Allowed

195

Head Coach: Hector Clavijo

KEY LOSSES Champagnat Catholic will be replacing a few key players from last year’s championship team.

Arguably one of the biggest is quarterback Tyous Taylor. During his senior season, Taylor threw for over 2,000 yards and close to 40 touchdowns. He will be continuing his playing career at Ferris State.

Additionally, running back Donovan Jones is also gone for the Lions in 2021. He rushed for over 1,000 yards and 13 touchdowns in 2020. Those numbers were good for best on the team. According to his Twitter account, Jones will be playing at Gardner-Webb this fall.

SHOP ITGNext.com ITG Next | 125

REGION 1 - 2A

ST FRANCIS CATHOLIC

27

AUG

Indian Rocks Christian

3

SEPT

10

@ Santa Fe Catholic

SEPT

Aucilla Christian

17

SEPT

24

SEPT

@ Rocky Bayou @ Seven Rivers Christian Christian

8

OCT Bell

WHAT TO EXPECT After a winless 2020 campaign, Saint Francis Academy is seeking improvement on both sides of the football heading into the 2021 season this fall. The Wolves lost a few players from last year to graduation and transfer.

That being said, they also return some key pieces, including their starting quarterback and starting center. McDaniel said the Wolves will be looking to get better with stopping the run on the defensive side, while also trying to limit the turnovers on the offensive side from a year ago, as well.

“Those two things have to be a focus going into our season,” he said.

15

OCT

Cornerstone Charter Acad

22

29

OCT Oak Hall

In terms of players lost from last year’s team, Saint Francis will be replacing athletes from a mix of positions.

According to head coach Scott McDaniel, the Wolves lost senior Trevor Spencer, who played multiple spots including quarterback. They also lost one of their strongest linemen in Tylan Roundtree to graduation, as well. McDaniel said he was not on the field much last season due to injuries.

Lastly, Saint Francis will be replacing leading rusher Jecomiah Walker and wide receiver Omarion Littles from a year ago, too. Both players transferred to Buchholz High School.

I think this team has the potential to be better than last year, but replacing Walker and Littles as well as Roundtree, who was an anchor up front, will be tough. I see the Wolves improving this season and getting a few wins in 2021.

126 | itgnext.com

NOV

@ Bronson

Rocky Bayou Christian

Written by: Nick Anschultz Photography courtesy of gainesville.com

2020 STATS overall record 10

Losses

166

Points Scored 402

KEY LOSSES

5

OCT

Points Allowed

Head Coach: Scott McDaniel

WHO’S BACK While the Wolves will have to replace a lot of talent from multiple positions, quarterback Riley Brown returns for his senior season to lead the offense behind center. Brown threw for over 1,000 yards, 11 touchdowns and 17 interceptions last season.

“He was a little bit turnover proned last year,” McDaniel said. “But we expect him to be improved.”

On the offensive line, Saint Francis gets one of its more veteran guys back in starting center Thomas Duarte. And lastly, senior Andy Rubert returns and will play on both sides of the field at running back and middle linebacker, according to McDaniel.

REGION 1 - 2A

27

10

AUG

SEPT

Eagle’s View

North Florida Edu Institute

24

17

SEPT

@ Trinity Christian

Written by: Nick Anschultz Photography by: ITG Next

Legacy Charter

1

OCT

8

@ Father Lopez

OCT

@ Christ’s Church Academy

15

OCT

@ Stanton

29

OCT

Seffner Christian

WHAT TO EXPECT

2020 STATS overall record 1 Wins

SEPT

ST. JOSEPH ACADEMY

8

117

Losses Points Scored

307

Points Allowed

Head Coach: Kyle Bradburn

KEY LOSSES The Flashes will be replacing a handful of key players heading into the season. The first is Targon Ridley Jr., who head coach Kyle Bradburn said was a do-it-all athlete for St. Joseph and played wide receiver, running back, linebacker and defensive back.

The second player is wide receiver/free safety Mack Mims.

“Both of those dudes were kind of all-world for us,” Bradburn said. “Probably two of our best players.”

In addition to Targon Ridley and Mims, the Flashes lost starting quarterback Mj Leinheiser and three offensive linemen.

Heading into the 2021 season, St. Joseph Catholic Academy is focused on one word — finish.

After a 1-8 record last year, head coach Kyle Bradburn said the expectations are always to get better. But one thing the Flashes are looking to improve on this year is finishing out games. Bradburn noted that his team was either tied or leading in almost every game but three last season.

So, being able to close out games will be something harped on going into the fall. Additionally, St. Joseph will be relying on some young talent to step into bigger roles in 2021 after losing some important pieces on both sides of the ball.

“We are a young team,” Bradburn said. “We got a small amount of players.

But we are hoping to make it work and really enjoy our fall and hopefully go out there and win some more games this year.”

WHO’S BACK

St. Joseph loses quite a bit of talent from last year’s team. But the Flashes also return some athletic players, too. Junior Duke Ridley, who is Targon’s little brother, is one player who has experience in multiple positions for St. Joseph.

Bradburn said he played quarterback during the spring, but he is wanting to move him into another position on offense to use his athletic ability.

The second returning player is sophomore offensive lineman Clayton Kennedy.

Last year was his first season playing football, and he started in every game for the Flashes, according to Bradburn.

“With his maturity and the way he looked in spring, we are expecting him to be a real dominant force on the offensive line,” Bradburn said.

Lastly, junior Nathaniel Kes is another player expected to have a big season.

Bradburn said he played mostly on the offensive line last season but will play running back this fall.

St. Joseph Academy loses some important players on both sides of the ball. It will be hard to replace a do-it-all athlete like Ridley, especially. But I think there are still some key guys coming back who will help the Flashes improve in 2021 and put together a few more wins than last year.

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REGION 1 - 2A

TRINITY CHRISTIAN

27

AUG

@ Raines

3

SEPT Ribault

10

SEPT

Zarephath Academy

17

SEPT

Clearwater Acad International

24

SEPT

@ Columbia

1

OCT

@ Bolles

WHAT TO EXPECT Trinity Christian enters this season following a 12-1 record last year and its first state championship since 2016. After dropping their opening game of the season to Bolles, the Conquerors never had another loss on the schedule, as they managed to win 12-straight on the way to their eight title overall.

Heading into 2021, Trinity Christian will be replacing 17 seniors from that championship team, but the expectations remain the same heading into the fall.

That is making it to the postseason.

“There’s just a lot of holes to fill,” Dorminey said. “We had a great senior class.

Six of the 17 (kids) went (on) to play Division I football.”

KEY LOSSES The Conquerors will be replacing some key players in numerous positions come the start of the season.

Frist, they lose their starting signal caller Jacory Jordan. He had 16 touchdowns and threw for over 1,000 yards during his senior season last year.

Trinity Christian also loses its top receiver and UF commit Marcus Burke as well as offensive lineman Austin Barber, who is also committed to UF. Additionally, defensive back and Maryland commit Corey Coley Jr. is also gone along with linebacker and USF commit C.J. Ross.

Lastly, running back/wide receiver Kaleb Killian and cornerback Terrell Jackson are also gone, as well. Both are committed to Air Force.

“There is six Division I holes to fill, (which is) pretty big,” head coach Verlon Dorminey said.

8

OCT

American Heritage

15

22

OCT

4

OCT

@ Florida State Univ

NOV

@ Lincoln

Riverside

Written by: Nick Anschultz Photography by: Allan Allnoch

2020 STATS overall record 12

Wins 363

1 Losses Points Scored Points Allowed

154

Head Coach: Verlon Dorminey

WHO’S BACK According to Dorminey, one of the more exceptional players returning for the Conquerors will be junior running back Treyaun Webb. Dorminey said he was sidelined a lot of last season due to injuries but will be one watch heading into the season.

“There’s really a lot of eyes on him,” Dorminey said. “He’s got a lot of Division I offers.”

Seventeen seniors is a lot of talent lost for Trinity Christian. But, that being said, there are still some strong players returning in the fall. I can see another deep run in the playoffs for the Conquerors in 2021.

128 | itgnext.com

REGION 1 - 2A

20

AUG Lincoln

27

AUG

3

@ Booker T. Washington

SEPT

@ Zephyrhills Christian

10

SEPT

Madison County

UNIVERSITY CHRISTIAN

24

17

SEPT

@ Bradford

Can University Christian High make it back to another state championship game? The odds are in their favor as they only lose a handful of position players that contributed to the success of last year’s team.

The running attack should be strong once again this year, which should give Riles time to set up play action and really exploit defenses this season.

Penland says he likes the team’s senior leadership and experience and the University Christians are expecting to compete for state championships every year.

“We’ve kind of set the bar pretty high here throughout the years, and that’s a good thing,” Penland said.

That success has also led to scheduling tough opponents, and its no different this year.

The Christians are very blessed to not have too many personnel loses from last season’s team, which advanced to the Class 2A state championship game and fell to Champagnat Catholic by a final score of 41-27.

The Christians saw running backs Louis Riles and Joe Carter graduate. Carter leaves with 759 rushing yards, 270 receiving yards last season, and nine total touchdowns. Carter also was credited with 52 solo tackles last season, including 14 tackles for loss. He added two sacks to his stat line, as well.

Safety/outside linebacker Darius Vason was another tackling machine for head coach David Penland’s team, totaling 100 tackles and six sacks. Defensive end/ tackle Coast Moyle is the other key contributor that will not return, and his effort will be missed. He had 71 total tackles with 7.5 sacks as a Christians’ defender.

It’s hard to pick against University Christian this year with so much returning talent.

28

OCT

@ Bolles

WHAT TO EXPECT

KEY LOSSES

22

SEPT

5

OCT

@ Terry Parker

NOV

@ Atlantic Coast

Episcopal

Written by: Phil Jones Photography by: ITG Next

2020 STATS overall record 9

Wins

3 Losses

426

Points Scored Points Allowed

185

Head Coach: David Penland III

WHO’S BACK A playmaker returns at quarterback for the Christians this season. Junior Desirrio Riles will be back to lead the offense once again in 2021. Riles can hurt defenses with his arm or his feet, as he had 1,041 passing yards and 13 touchdowns through the air last season, along with 328 rushing yards and seven touchdowns on the ground. He can also play safety.

Receiver/cornerback Ja’won Grey figures to be one of Riles favorite targets this season. The senior has 704 receiving yards with 44 catches over the last two seasons. He has nine receiving touchdowns and one rushing touchdown.

Returning juniors safety/running back Orel Gray and kicker Carson Hancock join the group coming back this season.

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Written by: Nick Anschultz

PASSING LEADERS

RUSHING LEADERS Colin Amison Port St. Joe 2,128 YDs

Ashton Nunes Freeport 1,930 YDS

Dae’jon Shanks Bradford 1,343 YDS

Kevis Thomas Taylor County

1,293 YDS

Alex Williams Wewahitchka 1,754 YDS

Zay McDaniel Wewahitchka 1,626 YDS

Kaleb Wagner Baker 1,403 YDS

Kevis Thomas Taylor County 1,238 YDS

maxpreps.com

TW: Alex Williams

GAMES TO WATCH Hawthorne vs.

Orlando Christian Prep

The Hawthorne Hornets will undoubtedly be one of the teams to watch in Class 1A this season.

The Hornets return plenty of veteran leadership along with some transfers that should make for another solid season. Hawthorne’s 2021 schedule is full of well-known, tough schools from around the state. One game that does stand out is an early season trip to Suwannee. The Bulldogs finished 2020 with eight wins and fell to Pine Forest in the Region 1-5A quarterfinals. Suwannee returns a few notable players from last season’s team, most notably sophomore wide receiver Camdon Frier. Should be exciting to see who walks away winner of this Class 1A vs. Class 5A matchup.

130 | itgnext.com

Madison County vs.

Valdosta (GA)

Fort White vs.

Union County

Class 1A powerhouse Madison County kicks off its season against one of the more wellknown high school football programs in the country — the Valdosta Wildcats. The Wildcats will head into the fall following one of the more historic offseasons in the program’s history.

Valdosta was hit with sanctions from the GHSA back in April that was a result of an investigation into rules violations and improprieties within the program. Former head coach Rush Propst was removed from his position in the weeks following the sanctions being handed down, with Shelton Felton being named the acting head coach for the upcoming season.

Despite the offseason issues for the Wildcats, this game should still be an intriguing one, given the two schools’ rich history of success and combined state championships. It should be fun to see who comes out on top in this Florida vs.

Georgia matchup.

After 14 seasons with the Indians, former head coach Demetric Jackson will be on a different sideline come the start of the season.

Jackson was named the new head coach of the Columbia High Tigers in early July after former coach Brian Allen stepped down as the Tigers’ head man just days prior. Assistants Roy Harden and Ken Snider will be the interim coaches for Fort White this upcoming season.

In addition to Fort White having to replace its head coach, the Indians also lost their starting quarterback in Tyler Jefferson. He transferred to Hawthorne High School at the end of June.

With two of its main leaders now gone, Fort White’s season-opener against Union County will be one to keep an eye on, as the Indians move forward under new direction for 2021.

IMPACT CHANGES Last season, the Baker Gators won their first state championship in almost 30 years after defeating the Hawthorne Hornets in the Class 1A title last December. The Hornets came close to a title in 2020 and should be one of the favorites to win it all in Class 1A this season, given the talent coming back.

Hawthorne also got an addition to its quarterback room with former Fort White quarterback Tyler Jefferson transferring over back in June. As for coaching changes in Class 1A, Demetric Jackson also left Fort White after 14 seasons to take the head coaching job at Columbia High School. Furthermore, the Bradford Tornadoes and Taylor Wildcats are two new schools joining Class 1A this season after the reclassification back in March. Should be exciting to see how it all shapes out this season.

TACKLE LEADERS

RECEIVING LEADERS

Ke’shaun Mitchell

Nick Jefferson

Madison County 147 TKS

Port St. Joe 688 YDs

Jayquan Williams

Dakota Quinn

Hawthorne 126 TKS

Port. St. Joe 540 YDs

Jailen Ruth

Brenden Hall

Hawthorne 122 TKS

Dixie County 504 YDs

Caden Henderson

Trevor Holtzendorf

Freeport 495 YDs

Union County 122 TKS

mainstreetdailynews.com

TW: Nick Jefferson

TOP TEN RANKINGS 1A

1

2

Madison County

6

3 Baker

7 Wildwood

Blountstown

5

4

Hawthorne

9

8 Newberry

Vernon

Pahokee

10 Chiefland

Dixie County

ITG Next | 131

REGION 1 - 1A

BAKER

20

3

AUG

@ Northview

17

10

SEPT

SEPT

Cottondale

SEPT

Rocky Bayou Christian

South Walton

Written by: Phil Jones Photography courtesy of nwfdailynews.com

2020 STATS overall record 15

Wins 507

Points Scored Points Allowed

189

Head Coach: Matt Brunson

WHO’S BACK Junior running back Kayleb Wagner will return this year and look for him to be the go-to guy in the Gators’ offensive game plan this season. Despite playing in the shadows of top back Brunson last season, the then-sophomore ran for 1,403 yards.

Senior Jared Raybon is back this season, and the senior will be counted on to do what he does best— tackles. Raybon was the team’s top tackler last season with 97 tackles.

Also coming back to help head coach Matt Brunson and his Gators defend their title is running back/ defensive back Ryan Fleming. Coach Brunson said that despite Fleming being used only at cornerback last season, he wants to continue Fleming at cornerback, but also use him at running back this year.

132 | itgnext.com

24

SEPT Northview

1

OCT

8

@ Lighthouse Private Christian

OCT Jay

15

OCT

@ Walton

22

OCT

@ Blountstown

5

NOV Vernon

WHAT TO EXPECT Can the Gators capitalize on the momentum of last year’s undefeated season and state championship? Last year represented the third championship game appearance in the last five years, but their first title since 1993.

Despite losing Brunson, Harper, and Sharpe and their production, the Gators will still have plenty of returning contributors who have played enough to know what they’re doing.

Having Wagner back is huge because the success of the Gators is their run game. If they can do it effectively, then they stand as good a chance as anyone at winning a state championship.

In addition to Brunson being the state’s leading rusher, Baker was the only Florida team to rush for over 5,000 yards in 2020. All eyes will be on Wagner and Fleming to see if they can lead Baker to another state title.

The defense is one of the state’s best as well, giving up an average of just 13 points last season.

KEY LOSSES Joe Brunson will be missed, and his loss to graduation is almost like not having two players back. He racked up 230 total tackles, four interceptions, and nine sacks during his career on defense at Baker High.

On offense, Brunson’s performance was just as impressive, if not better. The running back led the state last season with 2,538 yards rushing and 30 touchdowns. During his career, the scat back had right at 5,000 yards rushing (coming up 8 yards short) on 657 carries for the run heavy gators. He ended up with a total of 52 touchdowns.

The Gators also lost fullback/linebacker Seth Baksa, who finished his Baker career with 861 yards rushing and 92 tackles on defense.

Can the Gators repeat? Yes, this season could be another run towards a state title for Coach Brunson and his team.

REGION 4 - 1A

27

AUG

Baker County

3

SEPT

@ Union County

10

SEPT Clay

17

SEPT

University Christian

24

SEPT Suwannee

BRADFORD

1

OCT

American Collegiate Acad

WHAT TO EXPECT

The short-term and long-term future is bright at Bradford. However, with the addition of an experienced QB like Amari Jones, the competition should make both players that much better, and whatever happens with the QB position, Bradford now boasts perhaps the most talented duo of talented quarterbacks in class 1A, if not the entire state of Florida.

With Shanks showing great talent and poise as a true freshman last season, he proved that he is more than capable of handling the Tornadoes’ offense this year.

The question is if there will be enough supporting cast surrounding the rising sophomore.

That’s a fair question anytime you lose the school’s all-time leading career rusher in Erric Smith.

Who will replace those 1,326 yards and 11 touchdowns that Smith ran for last season alone?

Then there’s the question of replacing one of the finest defenders to ever roam the field at Bradford in Balfour. Head coach Brian Tomlinson says that despite some big shoes to fill, he likes the athleticism of his team heading into 2021.

“I think that’s going to be the strength of our team this year,” said Tomlinson.

KEY BACK

A freshman phenom from last season will return as a sophomore this year at quarterback. Dae’Jon Shanks returns to run the Bradford offense, and if last year is any indication of how the young signal caller will handle things this year, it could be a good year for he and the Tornadoes.

As a ninth grader and starting quarterback, Shanks passed for 1,343 yards and 15 touchdowns last year. He rushed for another 576 yards and scored three touchdowns on the ground, too. A returning receiver/defensive back could become one of Shanks favorite targets this year.

Sophomore Chalil Cummings had 111 receiving yards on offense but added 56 tackles as a defender. Two other defenders return in junior defensive lineman Dejon McBride and senior defensive end Sincere Hankerson.

Shanks will actually have some competition as former Valdosta Ga Wildcat QB Amari Jones has transferred to Bradford High School. He recently enrolled and is now practicing with the team, according to head coach Brian Tomlinson. The Tornadoes head coach says that the current plan heading into the season is to play both Jones and Shanks.” Last season as the Wildcats starting QB, Jones threw for 1091 yards with 13 touchdowns in just 6 games. He added 235 yards rushing on 57 carries for Valdosta, leading the ‘Cats to the Georgia Class 6A playoff semi-finals.

Look for Tomlinson and staff to find playmakers. Another solid season for the Tornadoes.

15

22

OCT

OCT

@ Baldwin

@ Yulee

29

5

OCT

NOV

Madison County

Fort White

Written by: Phil Jones Photography courtesy of jacksonville.com

2020 STATS overall record 6

Wins

6

259

Losses

Points Scored Points Allowed

216

Head Coach: Brian Tomlinson

KEY LOSSES Three-sport standout and football free safety/receiver Dontae Balfour graduates but leaves behind an impressive list of accomplishments while at Bradford. He ends his high school career with 201 tackles and 14 interceptions. As a receiver, he had 680 receiving yards with seven touchdowns along with two fumble recoveries.

His Tornado career may be done, but not his football career. He will attend and play football for the Tar Heels at the University of North Carolina.

Two other former Bradford Tornadoes who will be missed include running back/cornerback Erric Smith, who is headed to Alabama A&M. Smith ended his stellar career at Bradford as the Tornadoes all-time rushing leader with a career total of 3,160 yards.

Sterling Roberts, who starred at free safety and wideout at Bradford, takes his talents to Troy. Receiver Austin Lovell and his 851 receiving yards with 14 touchdowns will be missed.

He ends his career at Bradford with 920 all-purpose yards.

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REGION 3 - 1A

DIXIE COUNTY

20

27

AUG

Taylor County

Eastside

10

3

AUG

SEPT

SEPT

Trenton

@ Williston

Written by: Phil Jones Photography courtesy of wruf.com

overall record Wins

@ Chiefland

24

SEPT

@ Hamilton County

8

OCT

Union County

15

OCT

@ Fort White

22

OCT Newberry

WHAT TO EXPECT

2020 STATS 5

17

SEPT

3

Losses

267

Points Scored

266

Points Allowed

Head Coach: LB Cravey

KEY LOSSES The Bears will look to replace three-year starting quarterback Sam Cannon who graduated. He racked up 1,580 passing yards with 24 touchdowns during his stint as the Dixie County signal caller. He also rushed for an additional 798 yards and eight touchdowns.

In his senior season, Cannon completed 29 of his 44 passes for 10 touchdowns in just six games. Also moving on is running back/defensive back Jaydon Malone, who ended up with 1,046 career rushing yards and 12 touchdowns while at Dixie County.

Other key contributors who will not return in 20212022 include linebacker/fullback Keatan Brown and center/defensive tackle Thomas Smith.

Dixie County usually just reloads, but this season could challenge Cravey and his staff unlike past seasons. Sam Cannon was a leader and had a good grasp of the offense.

The Bears can only hope that St. Laurent can grow up and fill the big void left with Cannon’s departure. It’s the same thing for Keaton Brown, who was a force on both sides of the ball.

Look for Cravey to rely more on the run game this season, and there’s nothing wrong with that when you have two backs like Kolton Hunt and Paras Clines.

The offense scored 40 or more points in each victory last season, but that was with an experienced quarterback. Can they muster up that same level of offensive output this season?

WHO’S BACK Head coach LB Cravey points to four seniors he will be counting on to lead the Bears to another winning season this year. The group includes running back/ defensive back Kolton Hunt, who has 520 rushing yards on 102 carries with seven touchdowns so far with Dixie County.

Hunt has also tallied three interceptions with 66 tackles during his time as a Bear.

Another senior that Cravey mentions is wide receiver/defensive back Brenden Hall.

He has 625 receiving yards with 10 total touchdowns through two seasons. Eight of those touchdowns have come as a receiver, while the remaining two touchdowns have been of the rushing variety.

Fullback/defensive end Paras Clines is yet another senior that will be counted on for leadership on and off the field this season. He has 90 overall tackles and five sacks so far while starring for Dixie County. He has also rushed for 338 yards along with putting up 117 receiving yards, too. He has committed to Florida International University (FIU), where he’ll continue his football career.

The new quarterback this season will be senior Carson St. Laurent.

Look for yet another winning campaign in Bears country.

134 | itgnext.com

REGION 3 - 1A

20

AUG Middleburg

27

AUG

@ Union County

3

SEPT

@ Newberry

10

17

SEPT

Hamilton County

7

94

Losses Points Scored

280

@ Taylor County

1

OCT

15

@ Keystone Heights

OCT

Dixie County

22

OCT

P.K. Yonge

29

OCT

5

@ Interlachen

NOV

@ Bradford

WHAT TO EXPECT

overall record 2

SEPT

Santa Fe

2020 STATS

Wins

24

SEPT

Written by: Phil Jones Photography courtesy of wruf.com

FORT WHITE

One good thing for Fort White is the team played several underclassmen last season, and they gained valuable experience that should pay off this year. The Indians had four freshman starters and played six freshmen overall last season, and those players will now be experienced sophomores heading into this season. Look for that to be a key in determining if Fort White can improve on their two-win season. The roster is still young, with only a few seniors. If this team can catch a break or two, they could maybe return to another 8-win season like they enjoyed just three seasons ago, when they finished 8-3 in 2018.

Points Allowed

Interim Coaches: Roy Harden and Ken Snider

WHO’S BACK Snider and Harden will be counting on four seniors and hopefully a junior to lead the team back to a winning season in 2021. They include senior wideout Darren Clark, who has accumulated 412 all purpose yards so far as an Indian. Linebacker Cody Lee returns as well as offensive lineman Jesse Thompson, who will help upfront when it comes to run blocking and pass protection for the Indians this season. One player that has enjoyed a great offseason so far is tight end and kicker/punter Houston Crews. “He has really had an outstanding offseason so far, and we like what we see from him,” said Jackson.

KEY LOSSES Coach Demetric Jackson has left Fort White to take the Columbia High School head coaching job. Taking his place on an interim basis for the upcoming season are assistants Roy Harden and Ken Snider. Harden will handle the offensive duties for Fort White, while Snider will be the Indians’ defensive coordinator, according to an article by Jordan Kroeger of the Lake City Reporter. The two coaches will inherit a team that doesn’t lose much in the way of quantity, but will lose some quality ball players. It starts with the loss of running back/defensive back Tavion Taylor. Additionally, other players who have graduated and will move on include defensive back Diontay Haughten, outside linebacker Colby Holton, offensive lineman Matthew Mattson, guard Gordon Jones and defensive lineman/offensive lineman Jamiel Gray. Safety Jarod Cannon will also not return, as he has left the team.

Fort White also lost its starting quarterback in Tyler Jefferson, who transferred to Hawthorne back in June, leaving a huge hole to fill on the Indians’ offense this season.

The future is bright at Fort White as these younger players mature.

ITG Next | 135

REGION 3 - 1A

HILLIARD

20

AUG

@ Fernandina Beach

27

AUG Wolfson

3

SEPT

@ Stanton

10

SEPT Paxon

17

SEPT

@ Lafayette

24

7

SEPT

@ Crescent City

WHO’S BACK

Pate welcomes back several key members of not just last season’s nine-win squad, but that have contributed to Hilliard’s turnaround.

Senior DJ Coston returns, and Pate says he will transition Coston from a true slot receiver to more of a hybrid running/pass catching slot back. The four-year starter is a speedster and clocked at 4.5 seconds in the 40-yard dash (according to his Hudl account? No source?). He has 766 receiving yards and 618 rushing yards in his last two years and will figure to be a major part of the Hilliard offense once again this season.

Senior Carson Newkirk returns at defensive end, but Pate says he will use Newkirk more as a tight end also this year. He had 6.5 sacks last season and has 17 career sacks over his three years as a starter. He also has three forced fumbles and a blocked punt.

Junior quarterback Lyle Bennett will run the offense, something he has done since taking over as a 14-year-old freshman. Pate says Bennett can “really sling it,” and that ability to throw the football is one of the main reasons that he took Hilliard from a run option team to the spread offense that they run today.

15

OCT

@ Providence

22

OCT

OCT

Branford

Trenton

Written by: Phil Jones Photography by: ITG Next

2020 STATS overall record 8

Wins 279

1 Losses Points Scored Points Allowed

153

Head Coach: John Pate

KEY LOSSES

WHAT TO EXPECT

Look for this year to be Pate’s best season so far at Hilliard.

It would not be wise to bet against Pate. The Red Flashes head coach took over a program that had finished with three wins the year before he arrived, and since then, he has led Hilliard to 15 wins over the last two seasons.

“The program was simply trying to field enough players to outfit a team when I arrived,” Pate said.

“Now, we have kids who not only want to play, but they expect to win when we take the field.”

With key playmakers like Coston, Newkirk, and Bennett returning, look for another great run by Pate and his Red Flashes in 2021. They looked like they are indeed ready, as they blanked Christ’s Church Academy 30-0 in the spring game earlier this spring.

The Red Flashes will miss several key members that have been a part of head coach John Pate’s turnaround at Hilliard.

The reigning Class 1A Region 3 Player of the Year, Tywuan Lee, leads the group. The running back/cornerback leaves with 1,993 career rushing yards and 31 overall touchdowns as part of his entire contributions. Lee will continue to showcase his skills at Missouri State University.

Teammate Jason Sheffield, a receiver/defensive back during his time at Hilliard, graduated as well. And he will also head off to play at the next level, as he will attend the new Jacksonville Athletic Academy. Sheffield tallied 934 career receiving yards and 13 touchdowns overall during his time at Hilliard.

DJ Blake and his pass rushing prowess will be missed as he leaves behind a stellar high school football career while at Hilliard. He registered 11.5 sacks last season, plus 22 tackles for loss.

136 | itgnext.com

REGION 2 - 1A

20

AUG Wakulla

27

AUG

@ Valdosta (GA)

3

SEPT Taylor

10

SEPT

@ University Christian

17

SEPT

@ Chiles

MADISON COUNTY

24

SEPT

1

8

OCT

Florida State Univ Dunnellon

WHO’S BACK Junior Jamie Hampton will make the move to quarterback this season, taking over for the departed Williams. Hampton played halfback last season.

Keonia Nelson started at left tackle last season as a freshman and will return there this year for his sophomore season. Joining him on the offensive line will be Caesar Barron, a senior guard. Defensive end Jeremy “JT” McKnight, who had 15 sacks last season as a junior, will return to lead the pass rush once again this season.

The defense will also welcome the return of a couple of three-year starters this year with linebacker/running back Keshaun Mitchell coming back, along with senior linebacker Jahyren Lee.

KEY LOSSES The Cowboys will lose playmaker Zarrion Robinson, who did a little bit of everything for Madison County last season.

As a defensive back, receiver, and punt/kick returner, he had 53 total tackles, seven interceptions, and two fumble recoveries. Additionally, Robinson had four touchdowns coming from a punt return, fumble recovery returned for touchdown, and two receiving touchdowns. He is headed to Stetson.

Quarterback RJ Williams will also head off to Stetson after a senior season in which he threw for 720 yards and 12 touchdowns. Williams also added 290 yards and seven touchdowns on 56 carries rushing as well. Bruising running back Robert Hiers leaves Madison County with a career mark of 3,207 rushing yards and 29 touchdowns.

Last season he ended up with 966 yards rushing and seven touchdowns. He will attend Webber College.

Madison has another strong season this year.

22

OCT

OCT

Suwannee

Columbia

29

5

OCT

NOV

@ Bradford

@ Rickards

Written by: Phil Jones Photography courtesy of wtxl.com

2020 STATS overall record 10

Wins

3 Losses

343

Points Scored Points Allowed

136

Head Coach: Mike Coe

WHAT TO EXPECT It will be interesting to see if Madison County can bounce back from an earlier-than-expected exit from the state playoffs last season.

Despite winning 10 games, last season marked the end of three straight state title runs for Coe and the Cowboys. The loss of Williams, Robinson, and Hiers are especially tough, and filling their void could be the difference in Madison County returning to their winning ways or going another season without a trip to the championship game.

Can Hampton make the transition from his halfback spot to quarterback this season?

ITG Next | 137

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REGION 3 - 1A

20

27

AUG

AUG

@ Jefferson County

Bronson

3

SEPT

10

@ Dixie County

SEPT Lafayette

Written by: Nick Anschultz Photography courtesy of pintrest.com

overall record 4

7

200

Losses Points Scored

224

17

SEPT

Crescent City

1

OCT

@ Chiefland

8

OCT Branford

15

OCT

Hamilton County

22

OCT

@ Hilliard

WHAT TO EXPECT

2020 STATS

Wins

TRENTON

Points Allowed

Head Coach: Bill Wiles

KEY LOSSES Some of the key players Trenton will be replacing come the fall include fullback/linebacker Caleb Morgan. Morgan led the Tigers with 537 rushing yards in 2020. He was also one of two players with a teamhigh 84 tackles on the defensive side of the football.

“Caleb was very much a leader on the field and off (the field),” Wiles said.

Trenton also replaces one of its more talented running backs in Jacob Guthrie, guard/linebacker/ defensive end Jaxon Nessmith, tight end/linebacker Jaken Hafner, and tackle Alex Brown.

“We lost quite a few pieces,” Wiles said. “So, we’ve got to try and find people to take their place.”

Last season, the Trenton Tigers finished with a record of 4-7, with two of the Tigers’ losses coming by forfeit. One of those games was their first-round playoff matchup with the Newberry Panthers.

Heading into 2021, the outlook is still the same. Head coach Bill Wiles said his squad has the chance to be good this year and that they are enthusiastic about the upcoming season this fall.

The Tigers will be replacing some key players from the 2020 team, but they also return quite a few talented athletes, as well.

“The expectations (is) always to be as competitive as we can be,” Wiles said.

“Get to the playoffs and play as long as we can play.”

WHO’S BACK The Tigers will be relying on a couple of returning players to help fill the void left by the graduating seniors. One of those guys is quarterback/safety Tyler Perry. Perry threw for over 400 yards and four touchdowns on offense and had 28 total tackles on defensive last season.

Additionally, the Tigers also get running back/linebacker Tristan Sloan back for one more season. Sloan led the team with seven rushing touchdowns in 2020 and had 84 tackles as a linebacker.

“Keeping those kids healthy (and) keeping them on the field is going to be huge for us,” Wiles said.

Lastly, Kyle Pollock is another returning player who is expected to take on a big role come the fall. Pollock also plays on both sides of the field, and Wiles said he has the ability to be either a tight end or wide receiver for Trenton.

The Tigers will have to fill some big holes come the fall. But with some important pieces coming back, I can see a few more wins than last season and a possible second round playoff appearance.

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REGION 3 - 1A

UNION COUNTY

27

3

AUG

SEPT

Fort White

Bradford

17

10

SEPT

Harvest Community

SEPT

P.K. Yonge

Written by: Phil Jones Photography courtesy of wruf.com

@ Williston

8

OCT

@ Dixie County

22

OCT

@ Santa Fe

29

OCT Newberry

5

NOV

@ Cocoa Beach

WHO’S BACK

2020 STATS overall record 8

Wins

24

SEPT

4

361

Losses

Points Scored

Junior dual threat quarterback AJ Cortese returns to lead the Fightin’ Tigers offense this season. In his first year as a starter last year, he threw for 1,183 yards and 15 touchdowns. He also ran for another 462 yards and added nine rushing touchdowns to his offensive totals.

The team’s leading tackler from a year ago, Trevor Holtzendorf, returns this season if he can recover from a knee injury in time. Head coach Andrew Thomas says he hopes that Holtzendorf will be ready by the season opener.

Points Allowed

175

Head Coach: Andrew Thomas

WHAT TO EXPECT Anytime you have your quarterback returning on offense and the teams leading tackler on defense coming back, you’ve got to like your chances. Thomas says his team is already ahead of where they were during last season.

“We were not this far in the middle of last season as we are now,” Thomas said, who is heading into his second full season as head coach.

That’s saying a lot, considering that the Fightin’ Tigers won eight games and made it to the Region 3-1A finals last year. There’s no reason to think Union County won’t at least equal their accomplishments of last year.

140 | itgnext.com

KEY LOSSES On the Fightin’ Tigers defense, they’ll lose defensive tackle Solomon Jones, along with linebacker Paden Clyatt. Clyatt recorded 71 tackles in his final season at Union County. Cornerback BJ Harvey graduated, and his presence in the defensive backfield will surely be missed, as will his two interceptions last year.

On offense, Union County says goodbye to running back Cade Vaughn, who ended up with 916 career rushing yards. Tight end Lake Harris will not return, along with departing receiver Cortez Slocum.

Slocum finishes with 1,108 career receiving yards on 63 catches with 13 touchdowns while at Union County. He also made an impact on the defensive side of the ball, as he ended up with seven interceptions and 55 tackles from his free safety position.

The Fightin’ Tigers also lose playmaker and second-leading rusher from last season Manny Covey. The dual-sport athlete transferred to Starke to play for the Bradford Tornadoes, according to his Twitter account and 247sports’ website.

Looks like another solid year for Union County.

INDEPENDENT

29

AUG

Bishop Sycamore

3

SEPT

@ La Salle (OH)

10

17

SEPT

SEPT

Northwestern

Jones

IMG ACADEMY

25

SEPT

@ Central (MA)

15

22

OCT

OCT

St. Thomas More (CT)

WHAT TO EXPECT

Despite the difficult circumstances at hand in 2020, IMG Academy managed to put together an undefeated season and won the high school football national championship for the first time in program history.

The Ascenders defeated TRU Prep County in the GEICO High School Bowl Series title to secure the program’s first title. Adding to the 8-0 overall finish and national championship, IMG Academy also came in at No.1 in MaxPreps’ final national high school football rankings.

It marked the first time in program history that the Ascenders earned the honor of National Champions.

Heading into 2021, IMG Academy loses plenty of talent from last year’s championship team, including three quarterbacks as well as a handful of receivers and running backs.

The Ascenders will also enter the fall with a new head coach after Bobby Acosta departed for a head coaching job at Del Valle High School in Texas.

Thomas “Pepper” Johnson, who served as the defensive coordinator last year, was named the new head coach in June. With some coaching changes and talented seniors now gone, it will be interesting to see how the season transpires for IMG Academy.

KEY LOSSES

Coming into the fall, the Ascenders will be without some important pieces from last year’s championship team.

Quarterback J.J. McCarthy (Michigan) is gone after throwing for over 1,000 yards and 16 touchdowns last year in his one season with IMG. He was also named Florida High School Football Player of the Year by MaxPreps after putting together a stellar senior season.

Additionally, running back Lovasea Carroll (Georgia) also graduated this past spring.

He finished as the second leading rusher for IMG Academy last year, totaling 464 yards and seven touchdowns on the ground. Defensively, safety Omar Burroughs (Kansas), cornerback Markevious Brown (Ole Miss), and linebacker/defensive end Jamarion Ellis (Georgia State) are also gone in 2021 as well.

With a new coach at the helm and some star players no longer on the team, it might be tougher for IMG Academy to try and repeat in 2021. But, with a handful of talented guys back this fall, the Ascenders shouldn’t see too much of a drop off.

29

East St. Louis (IL)

19

OCT

NOV

@ Auburn (AL)

St. Frances Academy (MD)

Written by: Nick Anschultz Photography courtesy of sandiegouniontribune.com

2020 STATS overall record 8

Wins 426

Points Scored Points Allowed

185

Head Coach: Thomas “Pepper” Johnson

WHO’S BACK While several players from last season are gone for IMG Academy in 2021, the Ascenders do get back a few standout players on both sides of the ball this fall. At the running back position, senior Kaytron Allen is back after leading the team with 515 rushing yards last season.

Receivers Shawn Miller and Weston Adams are also back to help give this position some experience with the departing seniors. On defense, look for junior linebacker Malik Bryant and senior safety Kamari Wilson to help anchor the defense. The two had a combined 45 tackles in 2020.

ITG Next | 141

INDEPENDENT

STANTON

20

AUG

@ Baldwin

27

AUG

@ Middleburg

3

SEPT Hilliard

10

SEPT

Bishop Kenny

17

SEPT

@ Providence

24

SEPT

@ Terry Parker

8

The 2020 season was a bit of an unusual one for Stanton. The Blue Devils finished winless, but only played a six-game schedule.

Additionally, four or five of their strongest players sat out the entire year due to COVID-19 concerns from parents, according to head coach Michael Healey. Now, all of the focus for Stanton is on 2021.

Healey said the Blue Devils had a solid spring and will be a young group, as there are only four seniors who competed during spring practice. The rest of the team is expected to be full of freshman and juniors.

“We will be young,” Healey said. “But we will be fairly athletic. I think that if all of the kids come back to play in the fall, we will be competitive in every ball game.”

WHO’S BACK In terms of impactful players returning, Healey named three athletes who have stood out from the rest of pack so far.

The first is fullback/linebacker Deacon Taylor. The second player is Amarah. Healey said he will likely move Amarah over to tight end given his size and speed. Lastly, sophomore Lucas Pedrianes is another guy expected to play a big role come the start of the season.

Healey said Pedrianes will be the Blue Devils’ starting center.

“I think he is going to wind up having a good year if he can stay healthy,” Healey said. “He has really good explosive power. And he is a real physical kid.”

This will be a young group taking the field when the fall rolls around.

With such a large number of underclassmen, it might take a little while for them to start meshing. But the competitiveness will be there. Look for Stanton to improve this year and win a few ball games by season’s end.

14333 Beach Blvd Suite 1 Jacksonville, FL 32250 Phone: 904-309-9077 Office Hours: Mon-Fri 9:00am to 5:00pm After Hours by Appointment

142 | itgnext.com

22

OCT

@ Wolfson

WHAT TO EXPECT

Ramey El-Abu

15

OCT

28

OCT

@ Englewood

5

OCT

Lafayette

NOV

Keystone Heights

Paxon

Written by: Nick Anschultz Photography by: ITG Next

2020 STATS overall record 6

Losses

37

Points Scored Points Allowed

218

Head Coach: Michael Healey

KEY LOSSES Like most high schools, COVID-19 had a big impact on the Blue Devils’ football program last season.

According to head coach Michael Healey, Stanton lost nearly an entire class of players due to COVID-19 concerns. But a few of the athletes who sat out in 2020 are now expected to be back for the fall.

One of those guys is Ruben Amarah. Healey said he was with the team during the spring and is likely to be back. A couple of other players were also expected to rejoin the team this summer after missing last year.

INDEPENDENT

20

27

AUG

AUG

Paxon

Episcopal

10

3

SEPT

@ Interlachen

SEPT

@ Keystone Heights

17

SEPT

@ Bishop Kenny

TOCOI CREEK

1

OCT Providence

WHAT TO EXPECT The team will play as independent in its first year as a FHSAA member.

According to Jeff Holland, the St. Augustine-area high school will have an initial enrollment of approximately 1,200 students in ninth-11th grade for the 2021-2022 season, with a projected growth of 300 additional students anticipated for the 2022-2023 school year.

If that estimate holds true, then Tocoi Creek would be placed in Class 5A; however, a final decision on the Toros’ exact classification will be made next year.

WHO’S BACK This will be the first class to represent the Toros. According to athletic director Jeff Holland, the school will primarily pull from the Nease school district, with students also coming from the Bartram Trail school district.

The Toros’ head coach will be Mike Kolakowski, who arrives at Tocoi Creek from Findlay University. There, he was the team’s defensive coordinator. Kolakowski has spent much of his coaching career in the college ranks, including stops at William & Mary, Cincinnati, and Mercer University.

Kolakowski said there were 87 players who came out for the team’s first spring practice workouts, and that number has held steady in the mid-80s.

The roster will be made up of ninth to 11th graders, including former Nease player Kaiz Ragland, who Kolakowski says has shown great leadership skills and being a solid football player. He’ll play RB and DB. Other players who came over to the Toros include junior LB Charlie Allsup and WR Dawson Cope. Defensive end Carson Collins and ILB Alex Buffington are other players that the coach says has stood out.

The QB will be sophomore Jevon Welch.

“I wish I could name all of them because they are all very important members of our team,” said Kolakowski.

The Toros’ head coach said he has six assistant coaches on staff right now and expects to add more as the team moves closer to its season opener against Paxon High School in the Kickoff Classic.

8

OCT

@ P.K. Younge

22

OCT

@ Umatilla

29

5

OCT

Melbourne Central Catholic

NOV Menendez

Written by: Kyle Grondin

Head Coach: Mike Kolakowski

WHO’S BACK It can be hard to predict how a new school will do in their first year of competition. But look for Tocoi Creek to hold their own in 2021. Best of luck to the Toros this season.

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 | 143

FIRST COAST CHEER

144 | itgnext.com

ZAREPHATH ACADEMY

FHSAA SMALL CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

27

AUG

@ Young Kids In Motion

10

SEPT

@ Trinity Christian

17

SEPT

@ Branford

24

SEPT

@ Episcopal

1

OCT

West Oaks Academy

8

OCT

15

OCT

@ Zephyrhills @ Jordan Christian Acad Christian Prep

WHAT TO EXPECT The 2020 season was a historic one for Zarephath Academy. The Eagles completed the school’s first-ever football season and are hoping that experience gained will lead to some wins in 2021.

Zarephath finished 0-5 last year but return every player from last year’s team.

Durham said the Eagles’ roster will consist of mostly 10th graders and is confident his team will be improved this season.

“I think that we will do better than what we did last year,” Durham said. “We’ve stepped the competition up very, very high right now. I think we will win probably four to five games.”

KEY LOSSES The Zarephath Eagles will return its entire roster from last season this fall.

WHO’S BACK Head coach Ivory Durham named four key players that are back for the Eagles this season: Quarterback Jordan Martin-Durham V, sophomore athlete Tyrone Blunt III, senior running back Ziar Lee, and sophomore running back/ defensive end Lamar Jacobs.

“They (Martin-Durham and Blunt) are probably the best two young players in the city right now,” Ivory said.

22

OCT

@ BOLCA Prep

29

5

OCT

@ Victory Christian Acad

NOV

@ Munroe

Written by: Nick Anschultz Photography by: ITG Next

2020 STATS overall record 5

Losses

48

Points Scored Points Allowed

196

Head Coach: Ivory Durham With some strong talent returning and a roster that remains intact from last season, I think Zarephath may hit that goal of four to five wins this year.

ITG Next | 145

SSAC - 11 MAN

BISHOP SNYDER

8

27

AUG

AUG

Mt. Dora Christian

@ St. Edward’s

3

10

SEPT

SEPT

Oak Hall

Bronson

Written by: Phil Jones Photography by: ITG Next

overall record 6

5

171

Losses

Points Scored 241

Points Allowed

Head Coach: Travis Markoski

KEY LOSSES The state champion Cardinals lose a big part of the offense that helped carry them to the title last season.

Quarterback Ijon Richardson and running back Ethan Maxwell accounted for over 2,100 yards of total offense last year, with Maxwell rushing for 839 yards and Richardson passing and rushing for a combined 1,274 yards. Richardson received an offer and will play collegiately at Warner University.

Defensively, Kemari Kelly will be missed, as will his 12 sacks from a year ago from his defensive end position. Safety/punter Christian Villanueva will not return, while cornerback Max Carballo also graduated.

146 | itgnext.com

24

@ Cedar Creek Christian

SEPT

Harvest Community

1

OCT

Christ’s Church Academy

8

OCT

@ Trinity Christian

15

OCT

@ Eagle’s View

WHAT TO EXPECT

2020 STATS

Wins

17

SEPT

We could be looking at another deep run in the playoffs from the Cardinals.

After finishing with just three wins in the regular season, Bishop Snyder got hot at just the right time, winning three straight playoff games, including an exciting 20-19 victory in the SSAC Class A State Championship matchup with ODA (Outof-Door) Academy.

The Cardinals will return most of their big offensive line, with Scaldo as the anchor, while the defense returns a ton of experience.

The quarterback position is a bit of a question mark. And losing Richardson and Maxwell hurts, but there is still a lot of talent coming back.

WHO’S BACK Bishop Snyder brings back 14 starters from last year’s squad. That includes a trio of seniors: Defensive lineman/center Josh Carter, two-way lineman Matt Hildreth, and linebacker/defensive lineman Angel Lecointe.

Junior offensive lineman Joe Scaldo and his 6-foot-4 frame return, but he will play on the offensive line only, according to head coach Travis Markoski.

Three sophomores and a junior make up the key returning skill position guys.

Nikko Bates, a 10th grader who played defensive back and wideout last season, will move to quarterback this year.

Junior James Bishop will remain at his receiver/defensive back positions in 2021. Running back Jordan Belt is a sophomore who will also line up at wide receiver. Sophomore Shane Geiger will return to his slot position on offense and defensive back.

Cardinals find a way to return to title game.

SSAC - 11 MAN

20

AUG

@ St. Joseph

3

SEPT

Christ’s Church Academy

10

SEPT

17

@ Oak Hall

SEPT

Bishop Snyder

Written by: Phil Jones Photography courtesy of duvalsports.com

overall record 4

6

248 233

24

SEPT St. Edward’s

1

OCT

@ Harvest Community

8

OCT

@ Central Florida Christian Acad

15

22

OCT

OCT

@ Oak Hall

@ Branford

WHAT TO EXPECT

2020 STATS

Wins

CEDAR CREEK CHRISTIAN

Losses Points Scored Points Allowed

Head Coach: Jamie Gamel

WHO’S BACK Coming back this season will be senior Michael “Mikey” Hays, who played primarily at running back last season, but according to Gamel, Hays will switch to quarterback this season to replace the void left by the graduation of Anderson.

Junior Keyon Paige will be back, and Gamel says he will return to play safety and cornerback on defense, while lining up at running back over on the offensive side of the ball.

“Keyon will be starting his third year on the varsity team for us,” said Gamel.

Sophomore Simeon Moore will be back to bolster the offensive and defensive lines. The head coach likes his strength and says the lineman is also a top finisher at the state wrestling meet.

Cedar Creek and Gamel are looking to make it back to where they left off last season.

“We made it to the semifinals of the conference playoffs and were one game away from making it to the state championship game,” Gamel said.

The Saints lost to Out of Door Academy by a 37-26 final score. Gamel says his goal is to take his team right back and win one more game this year.

“We have our entire coaching staff returning this season, and that’s a big thing,” says the head coach. “Our goal will be to make a championship run — nothing less.”

The key will be if Hays can run the offense like it ran last year, and if Paige can replace Duke at the running back position. The success of the Saints will likely come down to those two things this season.

KEY LOSSES The Saints and Gamel should be in good shape, losing just a small handful of seniors heading into the 2021 season.

They will need to find a new quarterback, as last year’s starter Martuez Anderson graduated. Head coach Jamie Gamel says his departing signal-caller and two-sport star is considering offers from colleges in both basketball and football.

Running back Kayjuan “Duke” Maduka is headed off to Waldorf University in Iowa to continue his football career. He was a 1,000 plus yard rusher for Cedar Creek last season. Defensive end/tight end Lawrence Feagin will be missed, along with departing wide receiver/free safety Justin Vanderburg.

I predict another run at the conference title in 2021.

ITG Next | 147

CHRIST’S CHURCH

27

3

AUG

SEPT

Harvest Community

@ Cedar Creek Christian

SSAC - 11 MAN

17

10

SEPT

Bell Creek Academy

Written by: Phil Jones Photography by: Kaitlyne Piper

overall record 6

147

1 Losses Points Scored Points Allowed

95

Head Coach: Koreen Burch

WHO’S BACK While the Eagles lost several key players, especially from the skill positions, the line on both sides will see several key players returning in 2021.

That group includes senior center/defensive nose tackle Hayden Brown, senior offensive guard/ defensive tackle Rowan Collins, senior offensive and defensive tackle Ernesto Caballero, and junior defensive end/offensive lineman Ryan Lowe.

Senior Joe Del Rosal will return to man the defensive end and tight end positions for the Eagles.

Del Rosal registered five sacks as well as five fumble recoveries last season.

148 | itgnext.com

@ Wolfson

24

SEPT

1

@ Mount Dora Christian Acad

OCT

@ Bishop Snyder

8

OCT

St. Joseph Academy

15

OCT Interlachen

WHAT TO EXPECT

2020 STATS

Wins

SEPT

The Eagles will have former Providence High offensive coordinator Corey Burch taking over as the new head football coach. This could be a tough transition season for Christ’s Church Academy. The majority of all key starters at linebacker, quarterback, running back, defensive back, and wide receiver are gone.

The line will return several starters, and that will be the strength of the team this season. If the Eagles can somehow find some younger guys that step up and can make an impact that could be the difference in whether the recent run of success that the Eagles have enjoyed continues.

KEY LOSSES The biggest loss for the Eagles is their former head coach Jim Stomps.

Stomps has left the school after an amazing six-year run that saw him turn around a program that was 0-9 the year before he arrived at Christ’s Church Academy.

Under Stomps, the Eagles made it to the state playoffs every year, including last season, when they went undefeated in the regular season, only to lose in the first-round of the playoffs.

As far as players go, the losses include a ton of quality and quantity, including both quarterbacks, Trey Rose and Jacob Dennie. Rose transferred to Fletcher High School, while Dennie moved over to Creekside High School.

Running back/linebacker Andrew Partyka graduated and is headed to Wheaton College. Kicker/punter David Britt also graduated and is off to Ave Maria University.

Linebacker Lee Setzer will head off to the Merchant Marines to continue his football career, while leading tackler and linebacker Zac O’ Connor also graduates.

Wide receiver Hunter Hollis and running back/strong safety Dawson Schnepel also graduated as well.

The Eagles may lose a few more games than last season in what will likely be a rebuilding year.

SSAC - 11 MAN

20

AUG

@ Providence

27

AUG

@ St. Joseph Academy

10

17

SEPT

SEPT

Cedar Creek Christian

@ St. Edward’s

Written by: Phil Jones Photography courtesy of evasathletics.com

overall record 7

280

3

Losses

Points Scored Points Allowed

145

24

SEPT

@ Oak Hall

1

OCT

@ Trinity Christian

8

OCT

Halifax Academy

15

22

OCT

OCT

Bishop Snyder

@ Faith Christian

WHAT TO EXPECT

2020 STATS

Wins

EAGLE'S VIEW

Head Coach: Frank Andrea

WHO’S BACK Jaylon Hunter is back and brings a lot of experience at several positions. He can play quarterback, free safety, and running back. Last year, he ran for 707 yards, including 278 in a win over St Francis Catholic.

He also passed for 464 yards and threw seven touchdowns last year. He was a Second Team AllState selection in 2020.

An Honorable Selection All-State performer at linebacker is Owen Sheetz, who also returns in 2021.

He also plays fullback and tight end for the Warriors. Other returners include Austin Martinez, Josh Lingerfelt, and incoming transfer Damon “Speedy” Thornton, who joins the Warriors from St Joseph’s.

Eagles View lost some good players. But they will also have some really good ones returning this season. Will it be enough to get the Warriors back to the semifinals? Last season was the school’s first trip to the semifinals ever, and their first trip to the playoffs in a decade. This season’s success could depend on the scheme as much as the talent itself, according to Andrea.

“Our unique offense gives us a distinct advantage,” Andrea said. “That single wing concept keeps opposing defenses off balance and gives them problems.”

Andrea also has another trick up his sleeve. He will add the read option to his already tricky offense, giving defenses yet another thing to worry about.

KEY LOSSES Head coach Frank Andrea must find a way to replace several main pieces of last year’s semifinal Warrior team. It starts with a couple of players who have transferred out: Corey McCalip was the team’s main running back last year, and Andre Rigens has also left the team via transfer. Andrea holds out hope that either one or both could return.

To say that Eagles View will miss middle linebacker Justin Jones is a major understatement. Andrea says Jones played six straight years of varsity football with the Warriors, starting in the seventh grade. Center James Sharpe has graduated, and Andrea says he will be playing JUCO football somewhere.

Jacob Kern was the team’s punter, receiver, and defensive back, but he has graduated. Jakahri Johnson played nose tackle on defense and guard on the offensive line.

Look for Andrea’s Eagles View team to keep things going in the right direction.

ITG Next | 149

WEST ORANGE WIDE RECEIVER

Top Offers

150 | itgnext.com

SSAC - 11 MAN

27

3

AUG

@ Maclay

17

10

SEPT

SEPT

SEPT

@ Fort White

Lafayette

Williston

Written by: Phil Jones Photography courtesy of hudl.com

HAMILTON COUNTY

24

SEPT

Dixie County

1

8

OCT

@ North Florida Edu Institute

OCT Chiefland

15

OCT

@ Trenton

WHO’S BACK

2020 STATS

Head Coach: Kirkland Mitchell

Mitchell says that despite the loss of key athletes like Whetstone and Johnson and big guys like Martin, he is excited about the players he has returning.

Athlete Jeremiah Gibson will return to give the Trojans a ton of speed and ability on both sides of the ball this season.

“He is quite the football player, and he’s a top track athlete, as well,” Mitchell said.

He had 19 catches and five touchdowns last season. He added a rushing touchdown and a special teams score on a kick return.

Also returning to lead Hamilton County will be outside linebacker Jaquan Strawder. He had 67 tackles last season from his defensive position and recovered three fumbles last season, one for a touchdown. He added a rushing touchdown, as well.

The battle for quarterback will be between Connor Jones and Julian Garcia, according to Mitchell.

WHAT TO EXPECT

KEY LOSSES

Mitchell inherited a team with a slim roster when he arrived before last season and has turned things around at the Jasper school. Despite losing the Class 1A Player of the Year to graduation, he will have some speed to work with this season.

“I think we will be solid,” Mitchell said. “I think the strength of the team will be our skill position guys. I like the guys we have returning.”

If there is a challenge for Mitchell and his staff, it could be the offensive and defensive line. But the second-year head coach at Hamilton says he’s not too worried.

“I think if we can work with those big guys and get them going, then I believe we’re a well-rounded bunch,” he said.

Head coach Kirkland Mitchell and Hamilton County will miss ATH Tyler Whetstone.

Whetstone did everything for the Trojans over his career at Hamilton County.

He ended up with 631 rushing yards, 145 receiving yards, and 185 kickoff and punt return yards. The standout also had 40 total tackles and four interceptions.

Whetstone had a total of eight touchdowns while starring for Hamilton County.

Another playmaker that will not return is quarterback Denandre Johnson.

While at Hamilton, he threw for 885 yards with nine touchdowns. He was also a weapon with his run abilities, rushing for 231 yards and two touchdowns.

Offensive and defensive lineman Jhebari Martin, a mammoth of a human being, will be missed. At 6-foot-5 and 315 pounds, Martin drew the attention of college recruiters, and in the end, decided to accept the offer from Florida A&M University (FAMU).

overall record Wins

2

6 164

Losses Points Scored

243

Points Allowed

Mitchell keeps the Trojans headed in the right direction.

ITG Next | 151

SSAC - 8 MAN

OLD PLANK CHRISTIAN

2

10

SEPT

Florida School for the Deaf & Blind

17

SEPT

SEPT

@ Calvary Chapel Academy

@ Duval Charter

Written by: Phil Jones Photography courtesy of duvalsports.com

overall record 8

Losses

171

Points Scored 347

@ St. Johns Country Day

8

OCT

Shorecrest Prep

15

OCT

Riverside Christian

22

OCT

@ All Saints’ Academy

WHAT TO EXPECT

2020 STATS 1 Wins

1

OCT

Points Allowed

Head Coach: Dwight Wilkins

KEY LOSSES The news is great for head coach Dwight Wilkins and his main assistant coach Mike Trout heading into the 2021-2022 season in terms of losses.

“We didn’t lose a single senior from last season, so we have every player coming back, plus a couple of new players in Rhys Craven and Elijah Jones who were home schooled last year,” said Trout.

The Defenders will return to eight-man football after spending last season playing in the six-man league, and Trout says that is a welcome opportunity for his and Wilkins group.

“We were prepared to play eight-man last year, and then had to change to six-man, which forced us to really start over with our approach,” Trout said. “It’s totally different. But this suits us better with the players we have.”

Speaking of the players who make up the Defenders roster this season, Trout says it is a talented team.

“We have some really good athletes.”

The Defenders are hoping for a return to the state championship game, where they faced Academy at the Lakes four short seasons ago.

WHO’S BACK

Collin Caron will be the team leader returning this season. The senior is listed as a running back/linebacker, but Trout says the team may look to use him at quarterback, as well. That’s because of a bit of uncertainty with the returning starter at QB from last year in Evan Walker and whether he will play this season.

“We hope to have Evan back, but if he decides not to play, we must have someone prepared to step in,” said Trout.

Newcomer Elijah Jones could see some time at the signal caller position, in addition to Caron taking a few snaps from under center. Craven is a senior who will play defensive back and receiver.

Lineman Thomas Browning will be back for his junior season, while another junior, Kevin Neuman will be back. He will play defensive back, receiver, and will once again serve as the team’s kicker and punter.

Will the return to the eight-man format bring more success to Old Plank?

I say yes. Look for a winning season from the Defenders this season.

152 | itgnext.com

ST. JOHNS COUNTRY DAY

SSAC - 8 MAN 27

AUG

@ First Baptist Christian Academy

3

SEPT

16

10

Duval Charter

SEPT

@ Academy at the Lakes

SEPT

@ Florida School for the Deaf & Blind

24

1

SEPT

@ Riverside Christian

WHAT TO EXPECT Last season was an unusual one for the St. Johns Country Day Spartans. After just one game, the rest of the Spartans’ season was called off due to issues surrounding the start of the season along with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a September 2020 statement released by athletic director Traci Livingston.

But just a few weeks later, the school relaunched its football season, joining the Sunshine State Athletic Conference’s 8-Man football league. The Spartans went on to finish the 2020 season with a 1-5 record and are still trying to build and identify the type of squad they want to be moving forward, according to head coach Rocky Bantag.

He said the expectations for 2021 are for the players to come out and play hard, never quit, and focus more on getting better rather than the outcome on the scoreboard.

WHO’S BACK St. Johns Country Day will be relying on some guys up front along with some added talent to play big roles come the start of the season. One up-and-coming player is sophomore Thomas Pounds. He will play on both the offensive and defensive line this year, according to Bantag.

Sophomore Jack Mooneyham is another player the Spartans will be relying on up front, as well. He was named line MVP last season.

Lastly, Owen Johnson, who transferred over from Ponte Vedra High School in January, is someone else Bantag hopes can step up and play a big role for St. Johns Country Day. “He has very good promise to be a good player for St. Johns,” Bantag said.

Losing Tilson Branch and Deuce Williams will be big holes to try and fill for St. Johns Country Day. But I think having a good foundation up front will help the Spartans in 2021. I see a few more wins for St. Johns Country Day this season than last year.

15

OCT

OCT

Old Plank Christian

@ Four Corners

22

OCT

Warner Christian Academy

Written by: Nicholas Anschultz Photography by: ITG Next

2020 STATS overall record 1 Wins

5

Losses

74

Points Scored Points Allowed

157

Head Coach: Rocky Bantag

KEY LOSSES Heading into the 2021 season, the Spartans will be replacing two key senior players from last year’s squad. The first is linebacker/fullback and leading tackler Tilson Branch. Branch will be attending the University of Alabama, but not on a football scholarship, according to head coach Rocky Bantag.

The second is running back/safety Deuce Williams. He was named team MVP last season.

“Right now, I can tell you we will not be able to replace them (Branch and Williams) with the kids currently on our roster,” Bantag said.

ITG Next | 153

FHSAA MIDDLE SCHOOL

DARNELL COOKMAN MIDDLE

14

21

SEPT

SEPT

@ Westside

Fort Caroline

5

28

SEPT

@ Twin Lakes Academy

OCT

@ Mandarin

19

OCT

@ Alfred I. DuPont

Written by: Phil Jones Photography courtesy of DUVAL CITY FOOTBALL via Youtube

2020 STATS overall record 6

37

Losses Points Scored

146

Points Allowed

2

Julia Landon College Prep

9

NOV

NOV

Southside

Springfield

WHAT TO EXPECT The Vikings are in search of a replacement for the departed Bassett, who served in her job as head coach for only one season. Returning to assist Aiken will be fellow assistant coach Stephen Magwood.

The Vikings are hoping that they can put last season behind them, as the team battled through issues associated with the pandemic, according to former athletic director Bradley Winkler.

“We don’t have a large roster to begin with, so our depth took a big hit with players missing practice and games last season,” said Winkler.

If the Vikings can get some new students out for the football team, perhaps we can expect improvement this year.

Assistant Coaches:

Kelvin Aiken and Stephen Magwood

26

OCT

WHO’S BACK

Returning to the team this year will be Brandon Johnson, a seventh-grader who will play wide receiver and running back.

Two sixth-grade players who will be counted on to contribute heavily this season are Ardemn Langerman and Andrew Simmons, according to Aiken. Langerman will play linebacker and wide receiver, while Simmons will play linebacker.

KEY LOSSES The Darnell Cookman middle school team will miss head coach Monique Bassett, who was one of the few female football coaches in the state of Florida athigh school or middle school level.

As far as the players are concerned, the Vikings will miss several players from last year’s team who have moved on to ninth grade. That includes cornerback and wideout Nathan “eggroll” Pedro and quarterback and kicker Owen Peters. Joining them are RB Deshon Speights.

All of the players were multi-sport athletes and will be missed, according to assistant coach Kelvin Aiken.

Ramey El-Abu 14333 Beach Blvd Suite 1 Jacksonville, FL 32250 Phone: 904-309-9077 Office Hours: Mon-Fri 9:00am to 5:00pm After Hours by Appointment

154 | itgnext.com

REGION 1 - 7A

20

27

AUG

AUG

@ Glynn Academy

Columbia

10

3

SEPT

SEPT

Beacon Hill (VA)

@ Marietta

Written by: Phil Jones Photography by: Eric Vinson

overall record Wins

Oakleaf (FL)

24

SEPT

@ Coffee

1

OCT

Warner Robins

15

OCT

Colquitt County

22

NOV

@ Tift County

29

OCT Lowndes

WHO’S BACK

2020 STATS 5

17

SEPT

CAMDEN COUNTY

6

232

Losses Points Scored

281

Points Allowed

Head Coach: Jeff Herron

WHAT TO EXPECT The question everyone seems to be asking is whether Herron will bring the triple option offense back to Camden. The former Wildcat coach enjoyed a lot of success with the run heavy offense, but Sphire spent his four years at Camden moving the Wildcats toward a more pass-happy, wide open offense.

My bet is that Herron will go back to what he knows best, but that doesn’t necessarily mean a rebuild or reset for the Wildcats this season. They will have enough talent to be effective with whatever offense Herron decides to run, but there still could be a transition season, just as with any coaching and philosophy change.

Herron returns to lead the Camden High football team after the departure of Sphire. He will have a few notable weapons to work with on the offensive side of the ball, where Herron figures to be very involved.

Senior running back Jamie Felix returns after missing most of last season with a hamstring injury. Camden is hoping Felix can return to his 2019 form when he rushed for over 1,100 yards and 15 TDs. Last year’s starter at QB, Josh Brown, has left the program. Herron says there is a 3-way battle between Gray Loden, Jake Lindsey, and Mason Robinson for the job. He figures to go to returning receiver Jadin Jones this year, although Jones will also play outside linebacker. Senior offensive lineman Noah DeMeritt returns and is mulling several Division I offers. Athlete Deonte Cole and kicker Adonis Coyle are returning.

KEY LOSSES For one, head coach Bob Sphire left to return to his home state of Kentucky, where he’ll continue to coach high school football. Fan favorite and longtime Wildcat coach Jeff Herron returns.

As far as the players go, Camden loses seven players whose value is underscored by the fact that they’re all college bound to continue their football careers. One of the best linemen to ever don the Camden blue, Micah Morris, is headed to the University of Georgia.

Defensive lineman Deterias Glover is headed to Austin Peay State while defensive end Hudson Tucker will head to Tennessee Tech. Defensive back Keith Giddens will play at Wingate, while linebacker/running back Daryl Williams will take his talents to Georgia Military College. Wide receiver Shawn Hardy will become a Nebraska Cornhusker, while punter Skyler “Colt” Courson will walk on at Wake Forest.

It’s hard to see a Jeff Herron team not having a winning season, and it doesn’t start now. Plus a couple of playoff wins.

ITG Next | 155

REGION 2 - 1A

COOK

20

3

AUG

SEPT

Ware County

@ Pelham

17

10

SEPT

SEPT

@ Brooks County

Randolph -Clay

Written by: Phil Jones Photography by: Dezmond Kimbrough

overall record 5

5

243 257

Losses Points Scored

Points Allowed

Head Coach: Jamie Rogers

WHAT TO EXPECT There are a few big “ifs” that Cook will try to overcome this season, and if they can do that, Jamie Rogers team could have its best year yet since his arrival from Baker County, Florida three years ago.

That starts with if Andre Jackson can regain his form as starting quarterback. He has all the tools: big arm, size, athletic, etc. But he’ll be starting over, and his success will go a long way in determining his team’s success.

The loss of Folsom could prove to be big. Can Cook find a kicker?

The good news is that the defense has a ton of experience returning, including the line-backers.

156 | itgnext.com

@ Brantley County

1

OCT

Worth County

8

OCT

@ Berrien

15

OCT Thomasville

22

OCT

@ Early County

29

OCT Fitzgerald

WHO’S BACK

2020 STATS

Wins

24

SEPT

As Cook seems to do year in and year out, they’ll have another stud running back returning to lead the offense with senior Jamarion Walker coming back. He will be a four year starter and will look to repeat the 1,000-yard rushing performance he enjoyed as a freshman.

Another returner looking to reclaim his past stellar performance will be spot quarterback Andre Jackson. He was the initial starter heading into last season before being moved to wide receiver and linebacker. Drew Folsom is the expected starting QB. Senior linebacker and team captain Joe Pezent gives Cook talent and leadership on defense.

KEY LOSSES The Hornets will say goodbye to a mix of skill position players, big bodies along both sides of the ball, and special teams’ standout performers. Starting with the specialty player, Cook will lose one of their most consistent weapons at kicker and punter with the departure of Grant Folsom.

The skill position players not returning include quarterback Tony Blanding, who took over the starting job at the beginning of last season. One of his top targets at receiver and a shutdown-type corner on defense graduated in Omar Pickett, who will play for Gordon State College. He also contributed on special teams, as well. Cook will miss a couple of big bodies as defensive lineman Kamerian Johnson will depart, as does four-year starter Walker Hazel.

Coach Jamie Rogers continues to mold Cook into a great program for this season and beyond.

GISA 3A

27

3

AUG

SEPT

@ Calvary Day

Valwood

17

10

SEPT

SEPT

Written by: Zach M. Edmondson Photography by: Brandon Pham

SEPT

@ Long County

10

OCT

Bulloch Academy

22

OCT

@ St. Andrew’s

29

OCT Pinewood

5

NOV

Trinity Christian

WHAT TO EXPECT

2020 STATS overall record 9

Wins

24

@ Brantley County

Tiftarea

FREDERICA ACADEMY

4

335

Losses

Points Scored

The Knights lost a lot of experience in the 16 seniors they had last season.

Thankfully, their offense was led mainly by younger players who will be returning in 2021.

The Knights will be able to put a lot of points on the board, but the problem is that they will be giving up a lot of points on defense. Losing the entire defensive line is going to hurt the Knights as they enter a rebuilding phase as a team.

Their record is going to suffer a little in 2021, but the offense, led by Triplett’s rushing abilities, is going to be able to pull out some wins in close games.

Points Allowed

193

Head Coach: Brandon Derrick

KEY LOSSES The Knights lost 16 seniors, including their entire defensive line, four offensive linemen, two defensive backs, and three linebackers.

Will Thompson was an anchor on the defensive line who will be missed. Besides him, the Knights are losing two All-State linebackers in Josh Meadows and Joshua Elliot. Clearly, the defense will have to be rebuilt and will be a sore spot for the Knights in 2021, unless some new starters show up in a big way.

WHO’S BACK Offensively, the Knights are returning some weapons who were key to their success in 2020. Leading the offense will be sophomore MaxPreps All-American running back Jordan Triplett. Triplett delivered an astounding performance in 2020 with 1,707 rushing yards and 21 touchdowns.

Joining Triplett in the backfield once again is quarterback Thomas Veal, and he will have wide receivers Bryce Reilly and Chase Schueneman coming back to throw to. Veal threw for nearly 1,000 yards and nine touchdowns last season.

Offensive lineman Sam Norris will be back in the trenches once again to help Triplett and Veal deliver on offense and put points on the board in 2021.

The Knights will lose a few more games in 2021 but will make it to the first round of playoffs, if not further because of a strong offense.

ITG Next | 157

158 | itgnext.com