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IN THE GAME PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017

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PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017 IN THE GAME

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PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017 IN THE GAME

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Jacksonville Orthopaedic Institute and Baptist Health are pleased to offer area athletes and weekend warriors unmatched sports medicine expertise and complete orthopaedic care.

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In This Issue 8A

14. Sandalwood Mighty Saints The Saints Go Marching In

15. Mandarin Mustangs

Mustangs Stampede Into Another Playoff Worthy Season 7A

16. Atlantic Coast Stingrays

Welcoming a Coaching Change From the North

18. Columbia Tigers

Tigers Looking for Another Strong Start

21. First Coast Buccaneers

Buccaneers Staying Focused During Games

22. Duncan U. Fletcher Senators Senators Push for Playoff Rebirth

23. Robert E. Lee Generals

Generals Looking for Another Chance at the Playoffs

25. Bartram Trail Bears

57. Palatka Panthers

Warriors Are Young but Promising

84. University Christian Christians

64. Terry Parker Braves

85. Union County Tigers

Bishop Kenny Continues Their Crusade

Going for the Three-peat Home Field Advantage

Braves Seek to Improve on Last Season

65. Ponte Vedra Sharks

1A

Feeding Frenzy

86. Hilliard Red Flashes

66. Westside Wolverines

Red Flashes Wanting a Win in Thier DIstrict

Returning With a Strong Defense

87. Baldwin Indians

67. Samuel W. Wolfson Wolfpack

Continuing the Improvements

Wolfson Tries to Adopt the Pack Mentality

88. Old Plank Christian Academy Defenders

68. Baker County Wildcats

Working Harder for the Win

Wildcats Have No Plans to Fall Short

69. Clay Devils

The Blue Devils Are Coming Back Just as Strong

71. Ridgeview Panthers

28. Oakleaf Knights

83. Eagle’s View Warriors

62. Bishop Kenny Crusaders

The Knights Just Want a Win Eagles Believe Brotherhood Will Soar

Saints Playing on the Road

New Head Coach Tries to Keep the Ball Rolling for Yulee

70. Orange Park Raiders

27. Fleming Island Eagles

82. Cedar Creek Saints

61. Yulee Hornets

Bears Trying to Live Up to Their Motto

26. Creekside Knights

2A

Panthers Plan to Pounce the Competition

Raiders Look to Build Upon a Solid Foundation

6A

The Expectation Is Playoffs

32. St. Augustine Yellow Jackets

Yellow Jackets Buzzing With Excitement

33. Englewood Rams

Englewood Has Hope in New Head Coach

34. Allen D. Nease Panthers

Nease Looks to Prove Last Year Was a Fluke

35. Edward H. White Commanders Returning to a Past Mindset

40. Matanzas Pirates

Pirates Looking to Make History

36. Trinity Christian Academy Conquerors Will Conquerors Continue to Dominate in 5A?

37. Paxon Eagles

The Spartans Are Young, But Quick

92. St. Joseph Academy Flashes

Sunshine State Athletic Conference

72. Pedro Menendez Falcons

Falcons Are Coming with Their A-Game

93. Bishop Snyder Cardinals

A New Season Means a Fresh Slate

94. Christ’s Church Academy Eagles The Eagles Will Continue to Soar

4A

40. Bradford Tornadoes

Southeast Georgia

Tornadoes That Make Their Own Paths

95. charlton county indians

Indians Working Their Way Back to the Playoffs

57. Interlachen Rams

95. camden county wildcats

Rams Plan for a Winning Record

Wildcats Get New Coach, New Offense

73. William M. Raines Vikings

Vikings Looking to Dominate Once Again

74. Bolles Bulldogs

Bolles to Prove They can Hold Their Own

Plus:

75. Fernandina Beach Pirates

Pirates Are Looking for Their Own Treasure This Season

76. West Nassau Warriors

42. Player Profiles

Warriors Look to Make Noise at the Playoffs

77. Keystone Heights Indians

Can 2 Stars Help Create a Winning Team?

5A

91. St. Johns Country Day Spartans Flashes Look to Continue Their Dominance

Making Every Game Count

The Knights Look to Win the Little Battles

29. Middleburg Broncos

North Florida Conference

78. Andrew Jackson Tigers Rebuilding for the Community

3A

58. NCAA Football Previews 63. Playing for a Powerhouse Fred Davis, Trinity Christian Academy

79. Game Changer: Rule Modifications

80. Episcopal Eagles

79. National Championship Contenders:

38. Jean Ribault Trojans

81. Providence Stallions

89. Jacksonville Jaguars Preview

39. Stanton Blue Devils

82. Fort White Indians

The Eagles Are Just Trying to Tread Water Ribault Looks to Go Farther This Year in Playoffs Blue Devils to Continue Record Shattering Pace

The Eagles Seek a Playoff Redemption Stallions Are Set for a Breakout Season Winning Isn't Easy

Top 5 National Spotlight

IN THE GAME PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017

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PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017 IN THE GAME

FROM THE PUBLISHER We hope that all of our In the Game readers had a great Fourth of July and a wonderful, safe summer. School is back in session, and you know what that means…football season is finally back!

In saying this, we would like to officially welcome you to our favorite issue, the Football Preseason Issue!

Inside this cover, you’ll find a preview of every Northeast Florida team: the large schools, the small schools, the independents, and as far north as Fernandina Beach and as far south as Pedro Menendez.

Included in the previews are a combination of coach interviews, stats, schedules, and expert analysis on the upcoming 2017-18 season.

With the official new playoff structure set and changes made within the districts, it’s safe to say it is going to be an exciting season.

Trinity Christian Academy will be going for their fifth con-

secutive title, and Bishop Kenny High School has now been moved over into their division.

The Bolles School will be coaching this season without the nostalgic Corky Rogers, the winningest high school football coach in state history. Atlantic Coast has a new head coach starting as well.

As always, if you have an idea for a story, or a player you’d like to nominate for a special feature, please let us know at northflorida@itgsportsnetwork.com. We also love feedback, so tell us your thoughts through Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram @InTheGameNation.

Our mission it to inform, inspire, and connect you with our content and your community. We relentlessly strive to discover, document, and display captivating sports-inspired stories in a way that accurately represents and honors those involved, while actively engaging those not involved.

We at In The Game Sports Network seek to embed ourselves into strong communities that recognize the value of sports tradition by providing extensive coverage and recognition for local student-athletes, coaches, and fans.

We look for people who understand what is means to passionately persevere, inspire, and strive for greatness in all areas of life. In short, we are looking for people who understand what it means to be In The Game.

So, the question is: Are you in?

Contributors Publisher Mark Dykes Editors Cole Parker Graphics Mandy Douthit Brittany K. Wyche LaDarius Dennison Cover Photography Aaron Musgrove Aaron David Designs Feature Photography Aaron Musgrove Feature Writers Courtney Wagner Dylan Hutchinson Ryan Hennessy Maria Nixon Raymond Bureau Brent Beaird Lambert Bales Copy Editor Alex Dunn Anna Limoges Advertising/Marketing Mark Dykes

mark@itgsportsnetwork.com

Digital Manager Cole Parker

Have questions or comments?

Give us a call at 888.715.4263 or email us at info@itgsportsnetworkcom

If you’re in search of great stories, we have the answer. inthegamesportsnetwork.com features stories from the magazine, trending topics, your high school teams, and much more all at your finger tips. There is even a spot to submit your ideas to us.

Tell us what you thought about the June/July issue of In the Game! info@itgsportsnetwork.com

In the Game is published bi-monthly. The contents of this publication may not be reproduced in part or in full without written consent from the publisher. M&S makes no representation or warranty of any kind for accuracy of content.

All advertisements are assumed by the publisher to be correct. Copyright 2017 M&S. All rights reserved.

ISSN 1945-1458

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At Farah & Farah, the name of the game is never stop fighting for our clients. We are proud to provide you and your family with the expertise and dedication that your case deserves. Based right here in Jacksonville, we are perfectly positioned to faithfully serve Northeast Florida with care and determination.

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PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017 IN THE GAME

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Contributors

BE IN THE GAME

Mark Dykes

Cole Parker

Brittany k. Wyche

Chief Executive Officer

Chief Operations Officer

Accounts Executive

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 unrivalled 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 Sports Network, despite his annual prediction that UGA will win the national championship.

Combining his degree in marketing and entrepreneurship from Cornell University with his extensive sports background, Cole has embraced the mission of further establishing and expanding ITG. With a diverse skill set that ranges from marketing and management to journalism and hosting events, Cole sits at the center of the expansive reach of ITG operations. However, his judgment is in question due to his belief that Tim Tebow is the greatest thing to ever happen to sports.

Whether it’s creating relationships with clients or designing the cover of a magazine, Brittany’s multiple talents bring value, and personality, to the In the Game team. Upon recognizing her natural ability to sell, combined with her insatiable drive to succeed, her original role as a graphic designer evolved into primarily client relations. Yet unfortunately, her and her husband, who looks like Shaun Livingston, are big Golden State Warrior (bandwagon) fans.

Mandy Douthit

Alexis Myers

Garrison Muelhausen

Graphic Designer

videographer

Videographer/Photographer

As a Pine Mountain, GA 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 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 championship game.

As the demands of our video department have escalated, Alexis has risen to the occasion. As a graduate of Lowndes High and the College of Southern Nevada, this award-winning filmmaker has raised the bar for ITG video productions through her creative eye and blossoming skill set. When she isn’t creating videos, Alexis handles the constant disappointment of being an Atlanta Braves fan by traveling, singing and songwriting with her ukulele, and hanging out with her dog, Abi.

Moving from Atlanta, Garrison is now a member of our growing video department in Jacksonville. As a graduate of Thomas County Central and Valdosta State University, this filmmaker has been filming and working in a variety of sports since high school all the way up to working for CBS Sports. He always strives to add creative pizzazz in all of his work and in his own personal hobbies such as drawing graphic novels.

Aaron Musgrove

LaDarius Dennison

Alex Dunn

Contributing Photographer

Graphic Design Intern

Copy Editing Intern

Originally from Live Oak, Florida, Aaron found his home as a multitalented photographer and graphic designer after moving to Valdosta in 2007. As the lead graphic designer at Colquitt Regional Medical Center since 2010, Aaron has found his passion in corporate graphic design and commercial photography, but he also loves capturing the unique dynamics of sports with ITG. Fortunately, his notable lack of any sports career that lasted more than a single day does not impact his sports photography.

LaDarius grew up as a Lowndes Viking but graduated as a Valdosta Wildcat.

Since teaching himself the fundamentals of graphic design, he has developed his raw talents into real-world application and adapted to the workload while here at ITG. The Valdosta State Mass Media major will graduate this spring with aspirations of going to graduate school for design, as long as he doesn’t embrace the mediocrity that his favorite team, the Georgia Bulldogs, has modeled for him.

Alex is a senior English-Journalism major at Valdosta State University. She recently started working for In The Game the summer of 2017 to lend her editorial eye to the many articles that filter through her before heading on to print. Although her main job is devoted to copy editing, she does a little bit of everything from creating closed captioning for a video to writing the occasional article or two for the magazine.

IN THE GAME PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017

13

THE SAINTS GO MARCHING IN

sandalwood mighty saints

Written by: Dylan Hutchinson Photos courtesy of jacksonville.com/sports

Get In the Game

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Highlights

Y

2801 Saint Johns Bluff Rd S Ste 3 Jacksonville, FL 32246-3743 Phone: 904-646-0107 Office Hours: Mon-Thur 9am-6pm Fri 9am-5pm and Sat 9am-1pm PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017 IN THE GAME

Adam Geis

Points Allowed: 143

3-1

Points Scored: 337

Head Coach:

Wellington Hawkins

14

7-2

2016 District Record

Stadium Name: Dennis Bartley Field Mascot: Saints

2016 Overall Record

ou can’t begin to talk about football in Jacksonville without talking about Sandalwood High School. The Saints have been synonymous with winning for decades.

Head coach Adam Geis has created a solid football program at Sandalwood. They have been a constant playoff contender since he took the helm in 2010. Since then, they have boasted a plethora of Division 1 recruits as well as a second-round NFL draftee in Demarcus Walker.

Last season, Sandalwood lost only one game in the regular season before losing in the first round of the playoffs to Seminole, who almost went all the way.

With the talent that Sandalwood consistently produces, this season should shape up to be yet another success for them. They have plenty of winnable games on their schedule and should find it easy to make another playoff berth.

We hope that the Saints can make it into the playoffs again and this time produce the type of results that their talented team is capable of.

2017 SCHEDULE 8/17 - First Coast 8/25 - Ribault 9/1 - Fleming Island 9/8 @ Leon 9/15 - Spruce Creek 9/29 - Flagler Palm Coast 10/6 @ Raines 10/13 - Mandarin 10/20 - Wolfson 10/27 @ DeLand 11/3 @ Atlantic Coast

8A DISTRICT 1

MUSTANGS STAMPEDE INTO ANOTHER PLAYOFF WORTHY SEASON

Mandarin mustangs

Written by: Dylan Hutchinson Photos courtesy of Jacksonville.com

Highlights

165.5 117.8

51.1

37

254

T

he Mandarin Mustangs have had backto-back incredible seasons. Under head coach Quinn Gray, the Mustangs have only lost three games in the last two seasons.

However, this offseason Gray stepped down from his coaching position due to family reasons. Taking over the helm in the 2017 season is Bobby Ramsay. Ramsay knows what it takes to lead a winning program. In his tenure at Yulee, he never had a season below .500.

Although the Mustangs barely missed out on the playoffs last season, they certainly weren’t short on talent. This could be exactly the motivation they need to make it back to the playoffs.

The future is bright for the Mustangs as they now have the talent and the coaching skill to finally break through that barrier into the playoffs. They do still have a tough schedule ahead of them in the 2017 season, not to mention the Sandalwood powerhouse that stands in their way in the 8A district.

We wouldn’t be shocked if the Mustangs end up surprising a few people this season. They are certainly a team to keep an eye on in 2017.

16.0

Ints

Sacks

Tackles P/G

14 Total TDs

Who To Watch position Stephen Butler WR Kasimir Absolu WR Chris Sanders WR Dominick Santiago FS Tyler Digregorio LB

vs national averages

Rush Yds P/G

3-1

Team Averages 2016 STATS

Rec Yds P/G

6-2

2016 District Record

2016 Overall Record

Stadium Name: The Corral Mascot: Mustangs

Points Scored

119

Points Allowed

Head Coach: Bobby Ramsay

904-519-0505

2017 SCHEDULE 8/25 - Atlantic Coast 9/1 @ Godby 9/8 @ Lee 9/15 - DeLand 9/22 @ Raines 10/6 - Apopka 10/13 @ Sandalwood 10/20 - Spruce Creek 10/27 @ Flagler Palm Coast 11/3 - Fletcher

8A DISTRICT 1

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9980 Southside Blvd www.facebook.com/ChickfilaSJacksonville, FL 32256 outhsideBlvd IN THE GAME PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017

15

WELCOMING A COACHING CHANGE FROM THE NORTH

atlantic coast stingrays

Written by: Ryan Hennessy Photos courtesy of www.hudl.com

Jimmy Hill

Head Coach

3-7

2016 District Record

Stadium Name: Stingray Stadium Mascot: Stingrays

2016 Overall Record

Highlights

0-4 tlantic Coast has hired Jimmy Hill as their new head coach. As a new school it was hard for them to attract athletes without an established program. Atlantic Coast struggled because of this and went 3-7 last season under Matt Elliott.

The Stingrays found Hill from a high school in Detroit where he coached before coming to Atlantic Coast.

“The team has some talent,” Hill said. “The goal is to have some of these kids who came in last year to stay and not transfer.”

Hill explained that last year over 10 kids transferred to play football elsewhere. Luckily, not one has left this year.

Baby steps like this are important to Hill and the Stingray program he is trying to build. The question is how much time Hill will have to rebuild this program before they start to expect wins. Time will tell.

A

2017 SCHEDULE 8/25 @ Mandarin 9/1 - Bishop Kenny 9/8 @ Fletcher 9/15 - Orange Park 9/22 - Englewood 9/29 - Lee 10/13 @ Columbia

10/20 - First Coast 10/27 @ Providence School 11/3 - Sandalwood

Team Leaders Jamari Broussard Tannor Watson Travon Wallace Zion Washington

7A DISTRICT 2

Jonathan Ealey

2016 STATS leading rusher

Carries/Yards: 33/176 leading passer Attempts/Yards: 75/357 leading receiver Receptions/Yards:5 /83 leading TD scorer Total Touchdowns: 2 leading tackler Total Tackles: 22

Points Scored: 129 Points Allowed: 264

@InTheGameNation #StayInTheGame and #JoinTheNation by following us on each of our social media platforms!

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PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017 IN THE GAME

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TIGERS LOOKING FOR ANOTHER STRONG START

COLUMBIA tigers

Written by: Maria Nixon Photos courtesy of

7-4

2016 District Record

2016 Overall Record

Highlights Team Averages 2016 STATS

3-1

vs national averages

99.5 85.8

39.2 30.0

278

T

he Columbia Tigers had an impressive 2016 season, starting out strong with two wins. After suffering a three-game losing streak, the Tigers showed their resilience by defeating Escambia, beginning their winning streak. Columbia High School is in the 7A District 2 zone, and went 3-1 in their district in 2016. The Tigers came out victorious in their rivalry game versus the Suwannee Bulldogs, sweeping the competition 31-7 at home. This victory put the Tigers in the 2016 Florida High School Playoffs, where they beat Lincoln High School in the regional quarterfinals, qualifying Columbia for the regional semifinals, where the Tigers suffered a disappointing loss to Lee High School.

Varsity coach Brian Allen will be returning for the 2017 fall season, where the team will be facing 7A teams from past seasons such as Lee and Fletcher High School. The team has an opportunity to push past last year’s loss in the regional semifinals and take their resilience a step towards the 7A championship.

WATCH 18

Ints

Sacks

Tackles P/G

Total TDs

11

Points Scored

211

Points Allowed

Head Coach: Brian Allen

Get In the Game

inthegamesportsnetwork.com/apparel

2017 SCHEDULE 8/18 - Raines 8/25 - Gainesville 9/1 @ Suwannee 9/8 - Buchholz 9/15 @ Lee 9/22 @ Madison Co. 9/29 - Trinity Christian Academy 10/13 - Atlantic Coast 10/20 @ Fletcher 10/27 - First Coast 11/3 @ Chilles

7A DISTRICT 2

SATURDAY | 3:30 P.M. | WJXT

PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017 IN THE GAME

Rush Yds P/G

23 Rec Yds P/G

Who To Watch position Dylan Blair QB Teon Dollard RB Taurean Hill WR Ethan Umstead LB Jaylen Brown LB

BROUGHT TO YOU BY

Nominate Male and Female Athlete of the Year Submit your nominations to northflorida@itgsportsnetwork.com

IN THE GAME PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017

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20

PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017 IN THE GAME

BUCCANEERS STAYING FOCUSED DURING GAMES

first coast buccaneers

Written by: Ryan Hennessy Photos courtesy of www.duvalsports.com

Highlights

4-5

2016 District Record

2016 Overall Record

Stadium Name: Buccaneers Stadium Mascot: Buccaneers

1-3

216 he First Coast Buccaneers went 4-5 last season under head coach Marty Lee. This was a better year than the 2-7 that they went the year before. The team seems to be in a slump since their 12-1 record in 2014. The problem that the Buccaneers faced was consistency versus teams. They have either won or lost by big margins against the teams they played.

Looking into this upcoming season, the goal is to stay in games that they are losing. If they stay in games, they will have closer games that can turn into wins. Last season they lost four games by a margin of 20 points or more. If they can return to dominance in 2016, they can show the school that this two-year run is just a fluke. In 2011 the Bucs were playing for a state title game, so expectations at First Coast are always high.

T

Points Scored

228

Points Allowed

Head Coach: Marty Lee

2017 SCHEDULE 8/17 @ Sandalwood 8/25 @ Parker 9/1 @ Raines 9/8 - Bolles 9/22 - Ribault 9/29 - Fletcher 10/6 @ Baker County 10/13 - Lee 10/20 @ Atlantic Coast 10/27 @ Columbia 11/3 - Jackson

7A DISTRICT 2 Ray Moore 109 New Berlin Road Jacksonville, FL 32218-3821 Phone: 904-751-6643

IN THE GAME PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017

21

SENATORS PUSH FOR PLAYOFF REBIRTH

duncan u. fletcher senators

Photos courtesy of Bob Self, Jacksonville.com, and David Rosenblu Photography

Highlights

7-2

2016 District Record

2016 Overall Record

Stadium Name: Jack Taylor Stadium Mascot: Senators

904-992-2232

13672 Beach Blvd Jacksonville, FL 32224

2-2

i

Head Coach:

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 22

PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017 IN THE GAME

Josh Corey

Points Allowed: 157

2017 SCHEDULE Points Scored: 230

t is difficult to be around Jacksonville Beach and not notice the enormous amount of pride the town has for its football team.

Almost everywhere you look you can see the familiar purple and white. Friday nights around the beaches are truly a spectacle. The whole community comes together to watch its football team. It’s a place where everyone knows one another.

Head coach Kevin Brown looks to reestablish the team to the powerhouse they once were. Under his first year at the helm, Brown led the team to an 8-2 season.

Their two losses were to Lee and Colombia, who were among the top finishers in the district.

However, Fletcher didn’t stop at a winning season.

They have been working since January in both the film and weight room to come back stronger than ever.

Brown’s multi-headed offense is pivotal for the goals he plans to accomplish this season. Brown has a triple running back set up. Calvin Lewis, Anthony Evelyn, and Travon Williams are all key to the success of the offense.

“With the new FHSAA rules, all games are important,” Brown said. “The district games are a priority.”

Brown has his work cut out for him facing Lee and Colombia again for the 2017 season.

Leading the team is college prospect Anthony Evelyn. Evelyn is among their leaders in rushing, touchdowns, receptions, and interceptions. Fellow prospects include offensive lineman Dalton Hamm, wide receiver Jerimiah Payton, corner back CJ Smith, and wide receiver Jai Williams.

With a team philosophy of “one heartbeat, one unit,” the Senators will need to come together if they want to reestablish their dominance in the district.

8/18 @ Ponte Vedra 8/25 @ Bishop Kenny 9/1 - Parker 9/8 - Englewood 9/15 - Atlantic Coast 9/22 @ White 9/29 @ First Coast 10/13 - Jackson 10/20 - Columbia 11/3 @ Mandarin

7A DISTRICT 2 Who To Watch position Mackie Bell QB Anthony Evelyn WR Trevon Williams RB Jeremiah Payton WR Joseph Harris Jr. LB

GENERALS LOOKING FOR ANOTHER CHANCE AT THE PLAYOFFS Written by: Ryan Hennessy Photos courtesy of Firstcoastvarsity.com and Jacksonville.com

Robert e. lee generals College Prospects

O. J. Small

Head Coach

10-2

2016 District Record

Stadium Name: The Backyard Stadium Mascot: Generals

2016 Overall Record

Highlights

4-0

position

Derrick Jones

QB

Jurial Caldwell

WR

L

ee had another successful year under head football coach O.J. Small. The Generals went 10-2 last season and were undefeated in their district play. The only regular season game loss was against Raines week one with the final score 34-28.

They made the playoffs and lost in the Final Four to Plant with a final score of 27-19.

Going on to this season, Lee has a tough road back to the Final Four. The first game of the season is against another football powerhouse, Bolles. If they get past Bolles they still have another challenge in Rains week two. Raines was the only team last season to beat Lee in the regular season, so this game means a little more to Small and the generals.

The challenge for Lee now is getting past the Final Four. The powerhouse in states is St. Thomas Aquinas, who has a lot of top 100 players in the state on the defensive side of the ball. The Generals will likely go back to the playoffs, but the question is how far they will go.

Team Leaders

2017 SCHEDULE 8/18 @ Bolles 8/25 - Raines 9/8 - Mandarin 9/15 - Columbia 9/29 @ Atlantic Coast

10/6 @ Ribault 10/13 @ First Coast 10/20 @ Jackson 10/27 @ Ribault 11/3 @ White

7A DISTRICT 2

Derrick Jones Derrick Jones Jurial Caldwell Derrick Jones

2016 STATS leading rusher

Carries/Yards: 168/1080 leading passer Attempts/Yards: 274/2296 leading receiver Receptions/Yards: 22/456 leading TD scorer

Deqaun Jackson

Total Touchdowns: 43 leading tackler Total Tackles: 74

Points Scored: 497 Points Allowed: 205

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

IN THE GAME PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017

23

Football Helmet Fitting

Written by: Taylor Carson, ATC | Photography by: Micheal Brinson

The general guideline for helmet fitting is as follows:

As football season approaches, one of the most important pieces of protective equipment a player can wear is a helmet. For a football helmet to ensure protection of an athlete’s head it must be fitted properly before being used actively by the athlete.

All football helmets must meet NOCSAE standards and pass all testing procedures before being used. Once that is done a large sticker is placed on the helmet stating that the helmet had passed all tests which allows the clinician to then continue fitting the helmet. When working with football athletes most helmet fitting will be done by either the coaching staff or the sports medicine staff.

1. Athlete should be standing with hair down and wet (to simulate perspiration).

2. Determine helmet size by measuring the circumference of the head and then refer to the manufacturer’s helmet sizing chart.

3. Deflate all air bags and remove all pads.

4. Have the athlete place the helmet on their head and then inspect the jaw area to determine what size jaw pads are necessary.

5. Then inflate crown air bladders so that the helmet fits properly and is sitting two to three finger widths above the athlete’s eyebrows.

6. Center the chin strap and then fit the chin strap.

Be sure that the 4 to 6 straps are adjusted evenly on both sides so that there is equal tension.

7. If there are both side and back air bladders, inflate them to comfort and snugness.

8. Check for proper fit of the helmet: • The helmet should cover the base of the skull but the athlete should still have full range of motion.

• The ear holes on the helmet should align with the athlete’s ear holes.

• The face guard should sit two to three finger widths away from the nose and forehead.

9. Then continue to check for proper fit by having the athlete stay still and in a ridged position. The examiner will: • Apply downward pressure on the top of the athlete’s head, and the helmet should not move.

• Grasp the face mask and then pull down.

There should be no movement of the helmet.

• Place hands on both sides of the helmet and attempt to rotate the helmet. There should be no movement.

10. Have the athlete then put on all protective equipment, including the helmet, and perform some sport specific exercises. The helmet should not move, and the athlete should feel comfortable wearing the helmet.

While wearing a helmet does not guarantee that a player will have no head injuries, a properly fitted football helmet provides the best possible protection and prevention of concussion and brain injuries.

24

PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017 IN THE GAME

BEARS TRYING TO LIVE UP TO THEIR MOTTO

Bartram trail bears

Photos courtesy of Bartram Trail

Highlights

2016 District Record

2016 Overall Record

Stadium Name: Bear Stadium Mascot: Bears

8-5

3-2

Team Averages 2016 STATS 195.9

vs national averages

68.8 19.0

Ints

Sacks

Total TDs

Tackles P/G

13

Rush Yds P/G

Rec Yds P/G

63

Head Coach: Darrell Sutherland Points Scored

290 475

Points Allowed

Team Leaders Devon Ellison Riley Smith Gunnar

2016 STATS leading rusher

Carries/Yards: 124/904 leading passer

Attempts/Yards: 132/1122 leading receiver Hitzeman

Devon Ellison Johnny Amell

he Bartram Trail Bears have what seems to be a monumental season ahead of them. With 40 returning seniors, they may have the firepower to make it all the way in 2017.

That’s not to say that the Bears didn’t have a great season in 2016. They made it to the third round of the 7A division playoffs, losing to Lee who would go on to lose to Plant. The bears also struggled with their divisional games against Ponte Vedra and Buchholz.

“Our motto is ‘Always excellent,’” Darrell Sutherland, head coach, said.“We strive to get better every week.” The Bears had a few bumps in the road early on in the season but seemed to come together come playoff time.

With so many returning players, the Bears have a chance to do something great this season. They now have the experience and leadership needed for a team to win it all.

“Biggest strength physicality, multiple year starters, fearless fast football because they know what they are doing and they have gained the confidence because of their preparation,” Sutherland said. “I think the teamwork, this is a group that really enjoys working together.”

With the 17 years of coaching experience that Sutherland brings to the table and the playoff experience that the returning players have, the Bears might be a team people should watch out for.

T

201.2

Receptions/Yards: 32/525 leading TD scorer Total Touchdowns: 16 leading tackler

2017 SCHEDULE 8/26 @ Cartersville 9/1 @ Mainland 9/8 - Clay 9/15 - Oakleaf

9/22 @ St. Augustine 9/29 - Creekside 10/13 @ Fleming Island 10/20 - Cocoa

Total Tackles: 101

904-519-0505

10/27 @ Buchholz 11/3 - Nease

7A DISTRICT 3

www.chick-fil-a.com/southside

9980 Southside Blvd www.facebook.com/ChickfilaSJacksonville, FL 32256 outhsideBlvd IN THE GAME PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017

25

THE KNIGHTS JUST WANT A WIN

Creekside knights

Written by: Dylan Hutchinson Photos courtesy of staugustine.com/sports and floridahsfootball.com

Highlights

Get In the Game

2016 District Record

2016 Overall Record

Stadium Name: Creekside Stadium Mascot: Knights

0-9 0-5

C

reekside High School is well known for its excellence in academia. In 2017, Creekside ranked in the top 5 percent of all high schools in Florida.

When it comes to athletics however, Creekside leaves something to be desired.

The Knights haven’t had an easy go at it the past few years. In fact, Creekside hasn’t won a game since 2014.

Unfortunately, their schedule isn’t doing them any favors. They constantly have matchups like Bartram Trail, Ponte Vedra, and Nease almost every year. This caliber of opponents would be difficult for anyone to handle, much less a school with a smaller than average student body.

That being said, every dog has his day.

With the new season comes a fresh start and a chance for the Creekside Knights to prove to everyone that they can handle their own.

We are hopeful that Creekside will be able to shake off this funk and bring home a couple of wins in the upcoming season.

2017 SCHEDULE Points Allowed: 399

Points Scored: 94

inthegamesportsnetwork.com/apparel

Head Coach: Sean McIntyre

8/18 - Menendez 8/25 - Winter Spriings 9/1 @ Ridgeview 9/8 @ Paxon 9/15 - Episcopal School of Jacksonville 9/22 @ Nease 9/29 @ Bartram Trail 10/13 @ Buchholz 10/20 - Fleming Island 10/27 - Oakleaf 11/3 - Ponte Vedra

7A DISTRICT 3 Who To Watch position Jake Forcier QB Connor Cline RB J.T. Wood WR Brandon Dickman LB Dustin Owens SS

Magazine Visit our website to Stay In the Game! www.inthegamesportsnetwork.com 26

PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017 IN THE GAME

NEWSLETTER

fleming island eagles

EAGLES BELIEVE BROTHERHOOD WILL SOAR Written by: Dylan Hutchinson Photos courtesy of fihsathletics.com

Highlights

6-3

2016 District Record

2016 Overall Record

Stadium Name: Fleming Island Stadium Mascot: Eagles

1-3

203

F

leming Island has gone through a bit of a rough patch over the last few seasons. With multiple starters transferring to other schools and a tough district lineup, the going has been anything but easy for the Eagles.

Needless to say, head coach Damenyum Springs had his work cut out for him.

Last season they had to rebuild after losing key starters on both sides of the ball.

“Last season no one gave us a chance last season,” Springs said. “Kids transferred out, and people predicted we go 2-8 because studs left, but that just brought us close together.”

His team did just that. Last season they finished 6-3, an impressive feat when you consider the hardships the team faced coupled with their youth on the roster.

“Coming into this year we know that hard work pays off, playing as a team pays off, brotherhood pays off,” Springs said.

They will need more than just brotherhood if they want to succeed, however, as the 7A district is tough to say the least.

The Eagles face consistent threats in Oakleaf and Bartram Trail, who always seem to be just out of reach.

We believe that the dedication and comradery that the Eagles possess will take them back to their days of glory.

Points Scored

166

Points Allowed

Head Coach: Damenyum Springs

2017 SCHEDULE 8/25 @ Clay 9/1 - Sandalwood 9/8 - Middleburg 9/15 - Buchholz 9/22 @ Ridgeview 9/29 @ Oakleaf 10/13 - Bartram Trail 10/20 @ Creekside 10/26 @ White 11/3 - Orange Park

7A DISTRICT 3

IN THE GAME PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017

27

THE KNIGHTS LOOK TO WIN THE LITTLE BATTLES

oakleaf knights

Written by: Ryan Hennessy Photos courtesy of jacksonville.com/sports, and Bob Self Photography

Highlights

7-3

2016 District Record

2016 Overall Record

Stadium Name: The Dungeon Mascot: Knights

2-3

Who To Watch position Keshawn King RB Jakari Williams WR Dexter Moore LB Tristan Brown DB Chantz Williams DE Points Scored: 354

T

2017 SCHEDULE 8/18 @ Camden Co. 8/25 @ Orange Park 9/1 - Glades Central 9/15 @ Bartram Trail 9/22 @ Clay 9/29 - Fleming Island 10/13 - Raines 10/20 - Buchholz 10/27 @ Creekside 11/3 - Vanguard

Team Averages 2016 STATS vs national averages

192.0

62.7

7A DISTRICT 3

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

20.0

Ints

Sacks

Tackles P/G

18 Total TDs

Rush Yds P/G

50

Passing Yards: 1,852

PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017 IN THE GAME

Head Coach: Steve Reynolds

185.2

Rushing Yards: 1,920

28

Points Allowed: 198

Rec Yds P/G

he Oakleaf Knights went 7-3 last season under head football coach Steve Reynolds. The Knights had some tough losses last season from Ponte Vedra, who topped them 41-24. The Knights should hold their heads up high because Ponte Verda went to the state championship last season. Another loss that was a little closer was against Buchholz in Gainesville. The Knights lost 10-7 in a nail biter.

Looking on to this upcoming season, the key to Oakleaf’s success is to win the close games.

Head coach Reynolds has built a prominent program; they just need to win the little battles to make more noise in the season. With the new playoff schedule, these few games will influence the Knights' success next season if they want to make it to the playoffs.

THE EXPECTATION IS PLAYOFFS

middleburg broncos

Written by: Ryan Hennessy Photos courtesy of Jacksonville.com and claytodayonline.com

Highlights

4-6 167

235

2016 District Record

2016 Overall Record

Stadium Name: Powers Field Mascot: Broncos

3-1

Points Scored Points Allowed

Head Coach: Karl Smeltzer

L

ast season was a big improvement for head coach Karl Smeltzer and the Middleburg Broncos. The Broncos went 4-6 last season and qualified for the playoffs for the first time in 13 seasons. This year was much better than last year’s winless season.

Middleburg’s offense has a bit of a relook now that they lost their star running back Rob Lowder, who had just under 1,000 yards rushing last year. Taking his place is junior Andrew Thomas. Thomas will be making the position change from free safety to running back this season. The only returning offensive player for the Broncos is senior quarterback Garrett Blanchett. Another key returner is linebacker Kodi Carrington, who had 107 total tackles last season.

“We are excited for the upcoming season, and we know the expectation is playoffs now,” Smeltzer said.

The head coach expands on their team and how they run a pro-style offense, which differs from most teams they face that have spread offense. With the seven schools in Clay County, Smeltzer said all the games are important every season.

2017 SCHEDULE 8/25 - Menendez 9/1 - Clay 9/8 @ Fleming Island 9/15 @ Englewood 9/22 @ Orange Park 9/29 - White 10/6 - Ridgeview 10/13 - Nease 10/27 @ St. Augustine 11/3 - Bradford

6A DISTRICT 4 NFL ALL-TIME INTERCEPTION LEADERS Paul Krause: 81 Emlen Tunnell: 79 Rod Woodson: 71 Dick Lane: 68

Ken Riley: 65 Charles Woodson: 65 Ed Reed: 64 Ronnie Lott: 63

Darren Sharper: 63 Dave Brown : 62 Dick LeBeau: 62

IN THE GAME PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017

29

HERE TO HELP Gene Coleman 10900 Lem Turner Road Jacksonville, FL 32218 904-764-4139

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

Randy Taylor 3041-1 Monument Road Jacksonville, FL 32225 904-642-2400

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

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

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

LIFE GO RIGHT Ray Moore 109 New Berlin Road Jacksonville, FL 32218 904-751-6643

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

Margie Harner 4540 Southside Blvd Suite 1102 Jacksonville, FL 32216 904-296-2500

Jim Register 12058 San Jose Blvd Suite 302 Jacksonville,FL 32223 904-268-5522

Janet Tilman 56 Grove Avenue St Augustine, FL 32084-3256 904-824-8111

Diane Banks 1627 Idlewild Ave SR-16 W Green Cove Springs, FL 32043 904-272-1136

YELLOW JACKETS BUZZING WITH EXCITEMENT

st. augustine yellow jackets

Written by: Ryan Hennessy Photos courtesy of Tim Yocum

Highlights

2016 District Record

2016 Overall Record

Stadium Name: H.L. “Foots” Brumley Stadium Mascot: Yellow Jackets

11-2

Who To Watch Brandon Johnson Karim Brown Josh Peterson Tyrek Russ Gerald Rowe

4-0 position RB WR LB DB LB

Head Coach: Brian Braddock

317

Points Scored

487

Points Allowed

Team Averages 2016 STATS vs national averages

172.9 158.6

B

rian Braddock’s first year as head coach of St. Augustine was a good one. The new coach replaced Joey Wiles, who coached for 20 years at St. Augustine. Wiles had 20 consecutive playoff appearances and a state championship during his time with the Yellow Jackets.

The team is now handed over to Braddock, who played for St. Augustine and was an assistant coach there as well. In his first season as head coach of the Yellow Jackets, he picked up right where Wiles left it, finishing 11-2 and making it to the 6A Regional 1 Final.

“Last year was very successful,” Braddock said.

Some changes that will be coming this season with the play calls due to offensive coordinator Sean McIntyre, who is leaving to take the head coaching position at Creekside. The offensive play calls will now be taken over

by Braddock this season.

Braddock is excited for this upcoming season and especially their opening game versus Baker County, who beat them last year.

“It’s a great opportunity to measure ourselves against one of the best teams in North Florida,” Braddock said.

56

2017 SCHEDULE 8 Ints

9.0 Sacks

Tackles P/G

Total TDs

Rush Yds P/G

Rec Yds P/G

15.0 8/25 - Baker County 9/1 @ Menendez 9/8 @ Ponte Vedra 9/15 @ Flagler Palm Coast

Janet Tillman 56 Grove Avenue St Augustine, FL 32084-3256 Phone: 904-824-8111 Office Hours: Mon-Fri 9:00am to 5:00pm Evenings & Saturday by Appt.

32

PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017 IN THE GAME

9/22 - Bartram Trail 9/29 @ Englewood 10/13 @ White 10/20 @ Nease

10/27 - Middleburg 11/3 - Palatka

6A DISTRICT 4

ENGLEWOOD HAS HOPE IN NEW HEAD COACH

Englewood rams

Written by: Dylan Hutchinson Photos courtesy of Jacksonville.com

Barry Stewart

Head Coach

1-10

2016 District Record

Stadium Name: Don Jarrett Stadium Mascot: Rams

2016 Overall Record

Highlights

0-4

Points Scored: 119 Points Allowed: 374

he offseason was a busy one for the Englewood Rams. After the mutual separation between the school and previous head coach Marcus Miller the school found a new coach in Barry Stewart.

Stewart certainly has his work cut out for him with the Rams program. In the last two seasons, the Rams have only accumulated two wins. That being said, Stewart and the Rams can only go up from here.

Stewart has spent time with the team before. In 2015 Barry Stewart was the receivers coach for the Rams. This may make the transition easier for both Stewart and the program itself.

A successful season for the Rams would be to at least win more than one game. There are only a few games on their schedule that could be considered as less than challenging for the Rams.

However, with a new coach comes a new mentality and that could be exactly what the Rams need to win more than one game in 2017.

T

2017 SCHEDULE 8/25 @ Paxon 9/1 - Jackson 9/8 @ Fletcher 9/15 - Middleburg 9/22 @ Atlantic Coast

9/29 - St. Augustine 10/13 @ Baldwin 10/19 - White 10/27 @ Nease 11/3 - Wolfson

6A DISTRICT 4

Magazine Visit our website to Stay In the Game! www.inthegamesportsnetwork.com

NEWSLETTER IN THE GAME PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017

33

allen d. nease panthers

NEASE LOOKS TO PROVE LAST YEAR WAS A FLUKE

Written by: Dylan Hutchinson Photos courtesy of staugustine.com/sports and Rick Wilson Photography

Tim Krause

Head Coach

2-7

2016 District Record

Stadium Name: Panthers Field Mascot: Panthers

2016 Overall Record

Highlights

1-4

Points Scored: 175 Points Allowed: 236

he Nease Panthers have always been a solid football program. However, last season that reputation took a tumble.

In 2015, the Panthers went 7-4 and were undefeated in their district, something that is difficult to do regardless of your division.

However, last season didn’t yield similar results. The Panthers finished last season with an abysmal record of 2-7 and went 1-4 in their district. This is out of the norm for a football program that has produced prolific NFL players like Time Tebow and Mario Butler.

The Panthers have to step up if they want to dominate their district once again. They may have the talent needed in seniors Zach Sheffer and Ashton Wood. The loss of senior quarterback Leighton Alley could cause trouble again for the Panthers.

Nease faces the ever difficult Ponte Vedra Sharks again this season, which will prove to be one of their toughest games. They also have a difficult game against the Bartram Trail Bears.

We are hopeful that Nease can return to its days of glory in the 2017 season.

T

Team Averages 2016 STATS vs national averages

2017 SCHEDULE 10/13 @ Middleburg 10/20 - St. Augustine 10/27 - Englewood 11/3 @ Bartram Trail

100.8

56.1

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.

34

PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017 IN THE GAME

8 Ints

4.0 Sacks

Tackles P/G

Total TDs

6A DISTRICT 4

Rush Yds P/G

24 Rec Yds P/G

8/18 @ Yulee 8/25 - Ponte Vedra 9/1 - Orange Park 9/8 - Bishop Kenny 9/15 @ White 9/22 - Creekside 9/29 @ Matanzas

197.9

RETURNING TO A PAST MINDSET

edward h.white commanders

Written by: Maria Nixon Photos courtesy of Jacksonville.com

Highlights

2016 District Record

2016 Overall Record

Stadium Name: Commanders Stadium Mascot: Commanders

3-6

2-2

Team Averages 2016 STATS vs national averages

2017 SCHEDULE 8/17 - Matanzas 8/25 @ Westside 9/1 @ Baker County 9/8 @ Raines 9/15 - Nease 9/22 - Fletcher 9/29 @ Middleburg 10/13 - St. Augustine 10/19 @ Englewood 10/26 - Fleming Island 11/3 - Lee

6A DISTRICT 4

NFL MOST CAREER SACKS

124.9

119.4

Points Allowed: 287

Head Coach:

Points Scored: 195

5.1

5 Ints

1.0 Sacks

Tackles P/G

Total TDs

Rush Yds P/G

27 Rec Yds P/G

T

he White High School Commanders are striving for excellence this next season.

The Commanders, coached by Kevin Sullivan, are looking forward to the 2017 season to improve on their strategies to close out and win games.

The Commanders had six losses and three wins this past season, rising up from a disappointing first loss against Lakeland High School. The team is hoping to return to their 2014 mindset, where they had an 11-3 winning record.

Kevin Sullivan

Passing Yards: 1124 Rushing Yards: 1075

Bruce Smith: 200 Reggie White: 198 Kevin Greene: 160 Chris Doleman: 150 1/2 Julius Peppers: 143 1/2

IN THE GAME PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017

35

Trinity Christian Academy Conquerors

WILL CONQUERORS CONTINUE TO DOMINATE IN 5A?

Written by: Ryan Hennessy Photos courtesy of Trinity Christian Academy

2-0

Points Allowed: 232

2016 District Record

2016 Overall Record

11-3

Points Scored: 419

Highlights

Stadium Name: Conquerors Stadium Mascot: Conquerors

Who to Watch position Austin Thomas QB Isaiah Washington WR Jahlon Wilson DB, RB Tyreke Johnson DB, RB Dylan Pate WR, DB Chamarri Conner DB Eriq Gilyard LB

36

PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017 IN THE GAME

2017 SCHEDULE 8/25 - Cocoa 9/1 @ Ribault 9/8 @ Parker 9/15 - Bolles 9/22 - Palm Beach Lakes 9/29 @ Columbia 10/6 @ Lincoln 10/13 @ Westside 10/20 - Ponte Vedra 10/27 - Bishop Kenny

Head Coach: Verlon Dorminey

Team Leaders

2013 2016

2003 2014

2010 2015

Passing Yards: 2,246

2002

Jahlon Wilson Tyreke Johnson

State Championships

QB

Isaiah Washington

5A DISTRICT 2

7

2016 STATS

Austin Thomas

Rushing Yards: 2,921

T

his season Trinity Christian won another state championship, making that four in a row as 3A state champions. The big headliner this season is the new playoff rule which resulted in Trinity Christian moving from 3A to 5A now.

Head coach Verlon Dorminey talked with In the Game on why they made this move to 5A. After going 7-3 last season in the regular season, they made the playoffs. With the rule change this year, the state champions would not be in the playoffs because of their record over other schools. The move now has them with five district games and five games they can pick at the 5A level. New schools that Trinity Christian will play are schools like Ponte Vedra and Bolles.

The district change will be something to watch for a team that has dominated 3A football for so long. The school is adapting with the changes around it. The question is, will it work? With their quarterback and running back gone, new faces are at the helm for the 5A newcomers. Austin Thomas, a backup the last two years, is the new quarterback. Marcus Crowley is the new running back this season. The receiving core is back as well as strong recruits on the defensive side.

Will Trinity Christian Academy be 5A State Champions now that they dominated 3A for so long? We will all just have to wait and see.

Chamarri Conner

Marcus Crowley

Catches/Yards: 14/264 DB, RB

Receptions/Yards: 9/175 DB, RB

Dylan Pate

Eriq Gilyard

Passes/Yards: 5/240 WR

Receptions/Yards: 2/68 WR, DB Catches/Yards: 9/251 DB Total Tackles: 70 LB Total Tackles: 178 RB Carries/Yards: 84/561

THE EAGLES ARE JUST TRYING TO TREAD WATER

paxon eagles

Written by: Dylan Hutchinson Photos courtesy of berecruited.com

Highlights NFL QB’s TO THROW 7 TDs IN A GAME

3-7

2016 District Record

2016 Overall Record

Stadium Name: Eagle’s Field Mascot: Eagles

122 265

1-3

Points Scored Points Allowed

Head Coach: Steve Brown

Sid Luckman

Chicago Bears

Adrian Burk

Philadelphia Eagles

George Blanda

Houston Oilers

Y.A. Tittle

New York Gaints

Joe Kappa

Minnesota Vikings

Peyton Manning

Denver Broncos

Nick Foles

Philadelphia Eagles

Drew Brees

New Orleans Saints

2017 SCHEDULE

P

axon School for Advanced Studies is a school renowned for their academic achievements. However, they seem to lack something when it comes to their football team.

Last season the Golden Eagles finished with a record of 3-7 without winning a single away game. However, when you look at the caliber of their opponents, their record shouldn’t come as a surprise.

Paxon played teams like Bishop Kenny, Ribault, Suwanee, and Yulee. All of these teams finished last season with a win percentage of .500 or better. When it comes to games that Paxon should have won, they did just that, beating Stanton, Wolfson, and Englewood.

This is a big delivery for a school that is much more renowned for its academic achievements than its athletic ones.

Next season the Golden Eagles may be able to get off to a great start and keep the momentum going. They face Englewood, Wolfson, and Creekside in the first three games, which are all winnable games for Paxon. The difficult part of the season comes in the second half when they play Suwanee, Ribault, and Yulee.

Hopefully the three winnable games in the beginning of the season will be enough to carry the Golden Eagles through.

WATCH

8/25 - Paxon 9/1 @ Wolfson 9/8 - Creekside 9/15 - Yulee 9/29 @ Ribault 10/6 @ Fernandina 10/13 - Suwannee 10/20 - West Nassau 10/26 @ Stanton 11/3 - Baldwin

5A DISTRICT 3 COLLEGES WITH MOST PLAYERS IN THE NFL LSU: 61 Alabama: 58 Florida: 58

Ohio State: 54 FSU: 52 Clemson: 48

Georgia: 45 Auburn: 44 Utah: 42

SATURDAY | 3:30 P.M. | WJXT BROUGHT TO YOU BY

IN THE GAME PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017

37

Jean Ribault Trojans

RIBAULT LOOKS TO GO FARTHER THIS YEAR IN PLAYOFFS

Written by: Ryan Hennessy Photos courtesy of jacksonville.com

3-1

Who to Watch position Kenneth Channelle WR, SR Devon Matthews FS, SS Mike McCray WR Jhamaal Marsh QB, WR Joshua Whitehead OLB

A

fter his first season, Jean Ribault’s head coach Kelvin Smith took the Trojans to great heights going into the third round of the playoffs last season. Smith was a defensive coordinator for the school before taking over as head coach last season. Before coming to Ribault, Smith was a linebacker at Florida State University.

Smith told In the Game how his defense was the strong suit of his team last year.

“We need to put up more points on offense to help our defense out,” Smith said.

As a defensive player himself, that is his strong suit of knowledge. He believes if they get better on offense they will become a school that is a lot harder to beat in the long run.

This season the Trojans lost 20 players to graduation, but have another bulk of upcoming seniors to lead the way. Smith also talked about how it is important to win the district this year like they did last year. Now there is 3A state champion Trinity Christian and football powerhouse Bolles joining their region this year, which will make it more challenging. The two games marked on the calendar this season are Yulee and Suwanee, who always give them a great challenge.

Points Allowed: 165

7-4

2016 District Record

2016 Overall Record

Stadium Name: Trojan Stadium Mascot: Trojans

Points Scored: 238

Highlights

2017 SCHEDULE 8/25 @ Sandalwood 9/1 - Trinity Christian Academy 9/8 @ Baker Co 9/15 @ Suwannee 9/22 @ First Coast 9/29 - Paxon 10/13 - Stanton 10/20 - Lee 10/27 @ Yulee 11/3 - Raines

5A DISTRICT 3

Head Coach: Kelvin Smith NFL MOST CAREER RECEIVING YARDS Jerry Rice: 22,895 Terrell Owens: 15,934 Randy Moss: 15,292 Isaac Bruce: 15,208 Tony Gonzalez: 15,127 Tim Brown:14,934 Steve Smith: 14,731 Marvin Harrison: 14,580 Larry Fitzgerald: 14,389 Reggie Wayne: 14,345

@InTheGameNation #StayInTheGame and #JoinTheNation by following us on each of our social media platforms!

38

PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017 IN THE GAME

Stanton Blue Devils

BLUE DEVILS TO CONTINUE RECORD SHATTERING PACE Written by: Dylan Hutchinson

Highlights

Head Coach Michael Healy

2017 SCHEDULE 9/1 @ Cedar Creek Christian 9/8 - Jackson 9/15 @ Baldwin 9/22 - Westside 9/29 - Suwannee 10/13 @ Yulee 10/13 @ Ribault 10/26 - Paxon 11/3 - Eagle’s View

5A DISTRICT 3

3-8

2016 District Record

Stadium Name: Blue Devils Stadium Mascot: Blue Devils

2016 Overall Record

Who to Watch

0-4

Dyllon Rhodes

position

RB, SR

Andrew Snelson QB, SR

S

tanton is a nationally acclaimed college preparatory school. Being among the top ranked schools in the nation, Stanton is usually more focused on their academia.

However, under coach Michael Healy, the Blue Devils have a new athletic prowess. Last year, Stanton broke multiple school records, including their first ever rusher to achieve a 1,000-yard season, as well as the most wins in a single season at five.

Before coach Healy came to Stanton, the school had not won a game in five years. Healey aimed to change that with his football mindset.

“When I first came here I was going to run the ball between the tackles no matter what it took,” Healey said.

That is exactly what they did.

While the offense was able to come into its own, the team lacked its defense, which Healey worked on this offseason.

“The problems are on defense being able to match up in space with good athletes,” he said. “We need to firm up that aspect on defense, and we should be able to play with everyone on our schedule.”

The Blue Devils aren’t only showing promise on the field but in their academics as well, boasting many Merit Scholars.

We are excited to see how far the Blue Devils can go this coming season.

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39

PIRATES LOOKING TO MAKE HISTORY

matanzas pirates

Written by: Dylan Hutchinson

M

Highlights

Head Coach:

Points Allowed:133

Points Scored: 189

Robert Ripley

8/17 @ White 8/25 @ Flagler Palm Coast 9/8 @ Spruce Creek 9/15 - Seabreeze 9/22 - Treasure Coast 9/29 - Nease 10/6 - New Smyrna Beach 10/13 @ Mainland 10/20 - Pine Ridge 10/27 @ Deltona 11/3 @ Menendez

6A DISTRICT 13

TORNADOES THAT MAKE THEIR OWN PATHS Written by: Ryan Hennessy

B

40

3-2

Who To Watch position Trenton Steward RB Devin Matthews LB

Bradford tornadoes

Highlights

PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017 IN THE GAME

Head Coach:

Corey Green

Who To Watch position Zion Barber QB Chris Cummings WR Dallen Woods LB

Points Allowed: 143

4-0

Points Scored: 364

7-2

2017 SCHEDULE 2016 District Record

2016 Overall Record

radford had a successful season last year going 7-2. They hope to keep their rally going into next season.

The positive for Bradford is the key returning players coming back.

Quarterback and leader Zion Barber is coming back to spark the offense. Another offensive star coming back is wide receiver Chris Cummings. On the defensive side of the ball, linebacker Dallen Woods is returning along with two defensive linemen in Jacques Mosley and Gerald Smith. They hope to have those players lead the way next season for another successful one.

7-3

2017 SCHEDULE 2016 District Record

2016 Overall Record

atanzas had a successful season in 2017 and was one of their best seasons to date.

Under Head Coach Robert Ripley, the Pirates are improving. In his first three seasons, Matanzas has been showing some real promise. In 2016, they finished 8-2. Last season however, they finished 7-3, but they made the playoffs for the first time in school history.

The Matanzas Pirates could be set up to make school history again this season. With plenty of returning starters and a solid coaching staff the 2017 season could shape up very nicely for Matanzas.

8/25 - Taylor 9/1 @ Baldwin 9/8 - Keystone Heights 9/15 @ Santa Fe 9/22 - Fort White 9/29 @ Kingdom Prep 10/6 - West Nassau 10/20 @ Crescent City 10/27 - Hamilton County 11/3 @ Middleburrg

4A DISTRICT 3

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IN THE GAME PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017

41

Caleb Steward Edward White Running Back What has been your favorite memory from your high school career?

First ACC scholarship offer from Virginia Tech.

What athlete do you try and model your game after?

Adrian Peterson.

What makes you different from everyone else?

I am a leader and disciplined.

Favorite food?

Fried Chicken.

Dream Car? Hummer.

42

PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017 IN THE GAME

Dequan Jackson Lee High School Linebacker What has been your favorite memory from your high school career?

My favorite memory was beating Bartram trail in the third round of the playoffs.

What athlete do you try and model your game after?

I try to play like Ray Lewis and Ruben Foster.

What makes you different from everyone else?

My leadership qualities. I am a strong leader for my team.

Any shout outs?

I just want to say rest in peace to my big bro Jarvis “5.”

Favorite movie?

“Gridiron Gang.”

IN THE GAME PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017

43

Zach Sheffer Nease High School TE, DE, & Punter What has been your favorite memory from your high school career?

Beating St. Augustine for district championship game.

What athlete do you try and model your game after?

Jordan Reed.

What makes you different from everyone else?

Versatility, block and catching TE, and can punt.

College plans?

LSU. Favorite food?

Seafood.

Sport you wish you could play but you can’t?

Hockey.

44

PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017 IN THE GAME

Eriq Gilyard Trinity Christian Inside Line Backer What has been your favorite memory from your high school career?

Winning the State Championship.

What athlete do you try and model your game after?

Ray Lewis. I have my own dance and everything.

After sports what do you see yourself doing?

I want to be a computer engineer.

What sport do you wish you could play but can’t?

I wish I could play basketball, but I can’t because of a shoulder injury.

IN THE GAME PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017

45

Eugene Bowman IV Lee High School Cornerback What has been your favorite memory from your high school career?

My favorite memory was making it to the fourth round of the playoffs last season.

What makes you different from everyone else on and off the field?

Being humble. My humility and being true to myself.

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

I want to do something that would let me give back to my community.

What is your favorite holiday and why?

I really like Halloween. I like scaring the kids and and all the candy.

Sport you wish you could play but you can't?

I wish I could play baseball.

46

PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017 IN THE GAME

Nick Lewis Bolles Left Tackle What has been your favorite memory from your high school career?

Beating Rains.

What athlete do you try and model your game after?

Joe Thomas.

What makes you different then everyone else?

I am 6’9”.

Favorite food?

Mac and Cheese.

Sport you wish you could play but you can't?

Track and field.

IN THE GAME PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017

47

48

PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017 IN THE GAME

With Over a Century of Service,

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Salutes Our Local High School Athletes

IN THE GAME PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017

49

Orlando Heggs II Bolles Right Tackle What has been your favorite memory from your high school career?

Beating Rains. That was a great win for us.

What makes you different on and off the field?

My flexibility. I am able to play a lot of positions.

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

I want to be an orthodontist.

What is your favorite holiday and why?

I love Thanksgiving. Gotta love all the food.

Sport you wish you could play but you can't?

I would love to be able to play soccer.

50

PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017 IN THE GAME

Vincent Davis Jr. Robert E Lee Defensive Back What has been your favorite memory from your high school career?

Beating Bartram Trail late in the forth quarter.

What athlete do you try and model your game after?

Ed Reed and Sean Taylor.

What makes you different from everyone else?

I have a winners mentality and a good attitude.

College Plans?

Memphis or USF.

IN THE GAME PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017

51

Ivory Durham IV Raines QuarterBack What has been your favorite memory from your high school career?

The Lee game. I scored three touchdowns and 405 yards.

Who do you try to model your game after?

I try to play like Drew Brees.

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

I have always wanted to work in information technology or digital construction.

What is your favorite holiday and why?

Mother’s day. Got to show your mom the love.

Anything you would like to add?

I keep G.O.M.S on my mind.

God on my side.

52

PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017 IN THE GAME

Kenneth Channelle Ribault Wide receiver, safety What has been your favorite memory from your high school career?

When I made the transition from nineth grade JV to varsity football.

Who is your biggest inspiration in the world?

My brother Dequan who passed away. I play for him.

What makes you different both on and off the field?

I want to be an orthodontist.

Any college plans?

I plan on going to either Central Michigan or Cincinnati to play football.

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would it be?

I have always wanted to go to Dubai.

IN THE GAME PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017

53

Mesih Powell Sandalwood Defensive Back What has been your favorite memory from your high school career?

My first game back after breaking my collar bone.

What makes you different from everyone else on the field?

My man-to-man coverage. Also, my leadership both on and off the field.

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

I want to work in physical therapy.

Anything sports related.

What is your favorite holiday and why?

I always like New Years.

I like the new beginnings.

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?

African because it is the motherland.

54

PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017 IN THE GAME

Matthew Brust Bishop Kenny Kicker What has been your favorite memory from your high school career?

A 47-yarder down 2 to win against Atlantic Coast.

What athlete do you try and model your game after?

My older brother Zach (kicked for UF).

What makes you different from everyone else?

They can’t shake me under pressure. I actually do better when they try to get in my head before a kick.

College Plans?

Goal is to try and walk on at Florida.

Sport you wish you could play but you can't?

Baseball.

IN THE GAME PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017

55

Myjai Sanders Raines Defensive End What has been your favorite memory from your high school career?

Sacking Mac Jones from Bolles.

Who do you try to model your game after?

J.J. Watt.

What makes you different from everyone else?

When I am on the field, my eyes are yellow.

College plans?

Mississippi State, Maryland, UCF, and Georgia.

What sport do you wish you could play but you can’t?

Soccer.

56

PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017 IN THE GAME

PATHERS PLAN TO POUNCE THE COMPETITION

palatka panthers

Written by: Dylan Hutchinson

T

Points Allowed: 243

2-3

Points Scored: 237

4-5

2016 District Record

Highlights 2016 Overall Record

he Palatka Panthers could have a very good season in store for them in 2017. They have many returning starters on both sides of the ball and a schedule that could easily produce a winning season.

However, they do have a test of mettle in the third week of the season against the ever-dominant Ponte Vedra Sharks.

Head Coach Robert Humphries is confident that his team can be more productive than they were last year. In the 2016 season, the Panthers finished with a record of 4-5 and 2-3 in the district.

With the returning starters and the strength of their schedule, we believe that the Panthers are poised for an excellent season.

Head Coach: Bobby Humphries

Who To Watch position Austin Keel OL Jacob Burney OL Markel Rasher RB Treyvon Williams WR

interlachen rams

Written by: Ryan Hennessy

Highlights

Head Coach:

Joe Szymanski

Who To Watch position Uveekie Fields RB Corey Atkins LB

Points Allowed: 231

2-2

Points Scored: 220

4-5

2017 SCHEDULE 2016 District Record

2016 Overall Record

I

8/18 - Liberty 8/25 @ Yulee 9/1 - Ponte Vedra 9/8 @ Belleview 9/15 - Ridgeview 9/22 @ Flagler Palm Coast 9/29 @ Baker County 10/13 - Menendez 10/20 - Orange Park 10/27 @ Clay 11/3 @ St. Augustine

5A DISTRICT 5

RAMS PLAN FOR A WINNING RECORD nterlachen had a decent year, ending the season at 4-5. They also went 2-2 in district play. Head coach Joe Szymanshi hopes to do better with a good group of players returning next season. Some key players retuning is running back Uveekie Fields and defensive star Corey Atkins at linebacker.

Their season will be a challenge just like last year, with key games at home on September 8th against Union City and on the road against Taylor on October 6th. The Rams hope to win some more close games to turn their record into a winning one this upcoming fall.

2017 SCHEDULE

8/18 @ Bronson 8/25 @ Hawthorne 9/1 - Avant Garde Academy 9/8 - Union County 9/22 - Crescent City 9/29 - Umatilla 10/6 @ Taylor 10/13 @ The Villages Charter 10/20 - Wildwood 10/27 @ Keystone Heights 11/3 @ P.K. Yonge

4A DISTRICT 2

IN THE GAME PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017

57

Deondre Franciois - QB JR - 6’2” 205

2016 RECORD

10-3

acc

TEAM STATISTICS

Written by: Courtney Wagner As a Florida State University alumnus, there is nothing I love more than my school and our football team. Having attended the university during the 2014 National Championship is enough to make you bleed garnet and have a heart of gold, not to mention that beating Miami and Florida the past four seasons in a row has just been the cherry on top.

Now what I am most looking forward to is the upcoming 2017-18 season with the home opener against the Alabama Crimson Tide and breaking in the new Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Georgia.

“I think they can play with anybody right now, to be honest with you,” Bobby Bowden, legendary FSU coach, said via AL.com regarding the matchup with Alabama. “I think he’ll have a real good football team. Jimbo coached with Nick Saban for a long time. He knows him like a book. Saban knows him like a book.

They’re both from West Virginia. I’ll be shocked if it’s not a great game.”

It is the first time since 2014 the Noles will have a clear answer on who the starting quarterback will be – Deondre Francois. Last season after passing 3,350 yards and adding 20 touchdowns, Francois will have even bigger aspirations to fill this season. Serving as a dual-threat quarterback and getting seasoned as a redshirt freshman has allowed him to come back confident and composed. The key to his success will revolve around a dependable offensive line.

While replacing Dalvin Cook is impossible, the Noles did the next best thing and will give

Jacques Patrick a crack as the starting running back with an average of 5.7 yards per carry last season. But, five-star RB recruit Cam Akers is a high-profile force to be reckoned with as well and is looking to make his impact with this Noles offense.

Florida State’s defense is what helped win them a national title and will serve as the backbone to their success this season. With eight out of nine experienced, leading tacklers returning this season, the team will be more confident than ever and lead by linebacker, Matthew Thomas, and defensive back, Tarvarus McFadden. After overcoming a knee injury, the Noles defense will again be rejoined by their All-American safety, Derwin James. Not to mention the 6-ft-1, 312 lb beauty of a nose guard, Derrick Nnadi, adding to the depth.

The strength of the Noles defense, combined with the skill and composure of Francois, while being coached under Jumbo Fisher is not a team to be taken lightly. Yes, you can bet I am predicting them to be the 2018 National Champions.

264.1 Pass YDs P/G

202.3 RUSH YDs P/G

PASS COMP.

ACC RECORD

58%

5-3

SEPT

SEPT

9

16

SEPT

SEPT

SEPT

OCT

OCT

OCT

NOV

NOV

NOV

NOV

2

27

21

College Football Preseason Rankings

'17

58

2016 Averages

PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017 IN THE GAME

1 ALABAMA

4

OHIO STATE

2

23

11

30

18

3 FLORIDA STATE

14

25

USC

4

Jordan Scarlett - RB SO - 5’10” 213

2016 RECORD

9-4

sec

TEAM STATISTICS 2016 Averages

215.7 Pass YDs P/G

128.2 Rush YDs P/G

PASS COMP.

58%

SEC RECORD

6-2

311

Points Scored

218

Points Allowed

5 OKLAHOMA STATE

CLEMSON

6

7 LSU

This season is a big one for the Florida Gators and head coach Jim McElwain. McElwain, a former Nick Sabin Alabama offensive coordinator, has had trouble the past couple of years when running into his old boss in the SEC championship game.

Winning the East and going to the SEC championship is an accomplishment alone. The issue with that is many believe it was with the Gators great defense that Will Mushchamp, former Gator head coach, recruited.

With most of those players graduated now, it is time for McElwain to show the gators his offensive expertise. Every season the Gators have had a new quarterback from Treon Harris to Luke Del Rio to now the transfer from Notre Dame Malik Zaire.

Jim has not shown the gator fans his recruits yet, and it has his fan base questioning him as the head guy. With Zaire most likely winning the starting job over redshirt freshman Filipe Franks, this marks the third first-year quarterback in a row for the gators.

Their savior on offense, Antonio Callaway, is potentially the best wide receiver this year. If he and the quarterback can get on the same page early in the season, the Gators will be back in Atlanta.

The defense seems a bit young with players such as Duke Dawson and Chauncy Gardner, who have to fill the shoes of Teez Tabor and Quincy Wilson, who left for the NFL. The defense hopes to still be a force to be reckoned with in the SEC because the last three years was their team’s identity.

Starting the season against Michigan will be an early test for the Gators. Other key games that the Gators have to deal with are Georgia and here in Jacksonville with young quarterback Jacob Eason and running back Nick Chubb returning to the Bulldog roster. You also can never count out the big rival at the end of the season, Florida State, who has had the Gators' number the last couple of years. The Seminoles have star quarterback Deondre Francois leading them into the swamp this season on November 25. Every game is a big one for the 2016-17 Gators, and it all starts on September 2.

OKLAHOMA

8

9 WASHINGTON

SEPT

2

SEPT

SEPT

9

SEPT

16

23

SEPT

OCT

OCT

OCT

NOV

NOV

NOV

NOV

30

14

4

18

7

28

11

25

AUBURN

10

IN THE GAME PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017

59

60

PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017 IN THE GAME

NEW HEAD COACH TRIES TO KEEP THE BALL ROLLING FOR YULEE

Yulee Hornets

Written by: Ryan Hennessy Photos courtesy of jacksonville.com

Highlights

7-4

2016 District Record

2016 Overall Record

Stadium Name: Hornets Stadium Mascot: Hornets

3-1

T

Points Scored: 305

Points Allowed:209

2017 SCHEDULE

he Yulee Hornets have a new but familiar face at the helm this year as head coach.

Josh Burch takes over this year, replacing Bobby Ramsey, who took the head coaching job at Mandarin High School. Burch was the defensive coordinator last season and offensive line coach the year before that.

Last season was a good one for the Hornets, going 6-4 and making the playoffs for the first time since 2012 during their Derrick Henry era. The Hornets' playoff run was cut short due to a loss to state championship runner-up Ponte Vedre. “The difference in the game was maturity; our guys just seemed younger,� Burch said.

The Hornets are losing their workhorse running back Jamari Peacock, who is now playing at Virginia.

Looking at this upcoming season, the team has a lot of returning players, which is something they are excited about due to their lack of experience in the playoffs last year. Brannon Beverly, senior inside linebacker, returns as one of the stars of their defense along with Jordan Richo, a junior linebacker. The teams they are marking on their schedule are rivals Fernandina Beach and West Nassau.

The Hornets hope to make noise in the playoffs and go past more than the first round like last year. Can a first-year head coach bring them to that?

8/18 - Nease 8/25 - Palatka 9/1 @ Rockledge 9/8 - Menendez 9/15 @ Paxon 9/22 - West Nassau 10/6 @ Bishop Kenny 10/13 - Stanton 10/20 @ Suwannee 10/27 - Ribault 11/3 @ Fernandina Beach

5A DISTRICT 3

Head Coach:

Josh Burch

Who to Watch Brandon Kline Maucece Moore Jordan Richo Anotone Rawls Brannon Beverly

position QB, SR CB, WR OLB OL, DL ILB

@InTheGameNation #StayInTheGame and #JoinTheNation by following us on each of our social media platforms!

IN THE GAME PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017

61

BISHOP KENNY CONTINUES THEIR CRUSADE

Bishop Kenny Crusaders

Written by: Dylan Hutchinson Photos courtesy of Jacksonville.com

Head Coach Bobby Raulerson

6-5

2016 District Record

Stadium Name: William Johnston Stadium Mascot: Crusaders

2016 Overall Record

Highlights

3-1 B

Academic Athletes

GPA

Evan Loadholtz

4.0

Michael Munder

4.0

Zack Costner

3.7

obby Raulerson took the reins of the Crusaders last year after succeeding the productive Mark Thornson.

In his first season as head coach, Raulerson took the Crusaders to the first round of the district playoffs, a game that he and his team believe they should have won. Losing the game by one point on a fourth and one play left a sour taste in their mouths for the end the season.

“I think we felt like while it was great to make the playoffs, we did not finish, felt like we left some games on the table,” Raulerson said.

He has instilled in his team that they must be tougher so that next time they are fourth and one they will come out on top. His team is working hard both in the weight room and on the field to show just how tough they can be.

That shouldn’t be too hard of a goal for his team. With every one of the coaches returning this season, the level of consistency will be key in integrating his values into the team.

Although every game is important with the new district changes, the Crusaders will have tough match-ups against Ponte Vedra, Bolles, and the powerhouse that is Trinity Christian.

2017 SCHEDULE 8/18 - Orange Park 8/25 - Fletcher 9/1 @ Atlantic Coast 9/8 @ Nease 9/15 - Parker 9/29 @ Ponte Vedra

10/6 - Yulee 10/13 - Bolles 10/20 @ Westside 10/27 @ Trinity Christian Academy 11/3 - Episcopal

Who to Watch position Aaron Fudge WR, DB Matthew Brust K Zack Costner TE Michael Munder ILB Evan Loadholtz OL Jack Ranney OL, DL Points Scored: 271

5A DISTRICT 4

62

PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017 IN THE GAME

Points Allowed: 176

Playing for a Powerhouse School: Trinity Christian Academy Sport: Football Grade: 10 in 2017-18

Fred Davis

Age: 15 Parents: Fred and Lisa Davis

What is your main position, and what other positions do you play?

Main: Cornerback Others: Quarterback

Describe the 2016 Trinity season (forth consecutive 3A state championship).

It felt great for me -- as a freshman -- to play on the team that won four straight championships.

We had our difficulties throughout the season, but we came together at the end. I was mostly on JV this past year, but I moved up to varsity at the end of the season.

When did you start playing football?

I started in POP Warner football when I was seven years old.

Why do you attend Trinity, and in what grade did you begin?

I attend Trinity for the education and rigorous academics and the competitive sports programs. I transferred in as a freshman in 2016.

Where else have you played football?

I played in the NJSA and FVAA POP Warner football leagues before playing middle school and high school football.

What other sports do you play?

I am an outfielder and a pitcher for Trinity baseball. I played JV this past season, but I have a very good chance of moving up to varsity in 2018.

Describe your academic success and personal fulfillment at Trinity.

My academic success is very good. Every day at Trinity, I learn some new life and academic skills.

My personal fulfillment goal is to get into a good college and play sports. My backup plan is working toward becoming a sports physician.

Where do you plan to play college football?

At this point, I plan to play for the University of Alabama.

What college teams have shown interest in you?

So far, Alabama and UCLA have shown interest and have made contact with me about potentially playing for them.

How much have your parents helped you in your football pursuit?

My parents help me a lot by paying for training and taking time out of their days to help me get to practice, training, and games. I will start driving soon, and that will help relieve some of the burden on them. They have never missed a game -- even when it meant taking time off work to see me play. I am very thankful for the sacrifices they make for me.

Whom else would you like to thank for your success?

I would like to thank coach Verlon Dorminey, the entire Trinity coaching staff, and all the college coaches and scouts who have seen me play and have confidence in my potential.

IN THE GAME PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017

63

Terry Parker Braves

BRAVES SEEK TO IMPROVE ON LAST SEASON

Photos courtesy of jacksonville.com

0-4

2017 SCHEDULE

Points Allowed: 279

4-7

2016 District Record

2016 Overall Record

Stadium Name: Joe Hodge Stadium Mascot: Braves

Points Scored: 233

Highlights

8/18 @ West Nassau 8/25 - First Coast 9/1 @ Fletcher 9/8 - Trinity Christian Academy 9/15 @ Bishop Kenny 9/29 @ Wolfson 10/6 @ Jackson 10/13 @ Ponte Verda 10/20 - Bolles 10/26 - Westside 11/3 - Fort White

Who to Watch position Cameron Sapp QB, JR Robert Reynolds LB, SR

5A DISTRICT 4

T

erry Parker hasn’t had much productivity on the football field for the past few years. They haven’t had a season above .500 since 2008.

That being said, a new era could be just around the corner for Terry Parker football. This offseason, Terry Parker hired Marcus Miller to fill their head coach position. When asked about his move from Englewood, Miller had good things to say.

“It just kind of hit home,” he said. “It was a good spot.

I felt like it’s a good fit for me. There’s a ton of athletes in this area. I can’t wait to get over there and get started.”

In his time at Englewood, he brought the program to their best record in over a decade. This could be exactly what the Braves need to get back to the days of winning.

Although the Braves have lost a good portion of their talented starters, a new coach and a new mentality could bring them at least a few wins in the 2017 season.

Hopefully Miller can do what he did at Englewood and at least turn the program at Terry Parker in the right direction. The Braves certainly aren’t short on athletic talent, so although this season will be a rebuilding year, we can expect a lot from this program.

Head Coach: Marcus Miller

Last 5 Heisman Trophy Winners 2016: Lamar Jackson

Louisville, Quarterback, Sophomore

2015: Derrick Henry

www.sportingnews.com

Alabama, Running Back, Junior

2014: Marcus Mariota Oregon, Quarterback, Junior

3041-1 Monument Road Jacksonville, FL 32225-5711 Phone: 904-642-2400 Office Hours: Mon-Fri 9:00am to 5:00pm Evenings & Saturday by Appt 64

PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017 IN THE GAME

sportsagentblog.com

2013: Jameis Winston

usatoday.com

Florida State, Quarterback, Freshman

2012: Johnny Manziel

Texas A&M, Quarterback, Freshman

Randy Taylor

www.orlandosentinel.com

johnny-manziel.com/

Ponte Vedra Sharks

FEEDING FRENZY

Written by: Dylan Hutchinson Photos courtesy of floridahsfootball.com

Team Averages 2016 STATS

Highlights

Stadium Name: Shark Tank Mascot: Sharks

vs national averages

Tackles P/G

Total TDs

Rush Yds P/G

Points Allowed: 319

Head Coach: Matt Toblin

Rec Yds P/G

Who to Watch position Rob Wortelboer C Christian Herring CB, SR Gibson Pardue MLB, OLB Tyreke Johnson WR, CB

53

24

Sacks

9-0

76

21

Ints

171.1

Points Scored: 572

F

ew schools in St. Johns county can dominate quite like the Ponte Vedra Sharks.

The Sharks almost went all the way last season, but lost in a nail biter to American Heritage.

The Sharks went undefeated for almost the entire season, including the playoffs. Their only loss was in the division title game against Heritage, a team with many of the top recruits in the nation.

When you look at the statistics for the team, their winning percentage doesn’t seem out of the ordinary. The Sharks boast an average of 41 points per game. Regardless of what level you are playing at, that is a difficult challenge for any team to overcome.

However, this year they face the powerhouse that is Trinity Christian Academy. This will be the biggest hurdle the Sharks will have to jump in their regular season. All of the other games are winnable for the Sharks.

Leading the Sharks is center Rob Wortelboer, who is their 6’3”, 280 pound senior. Behind him plays one of the most productive offenses in the state.

Although last season may have been a letdown for the Sharks as they lost the state title game by just 2 points, we have no doubt that they will come back as strong as ever. Who knows? This year they just might take it all.

13-1

2016 District Record

2016 Overall Record

242.9

2017 SCHEDULE 8/18 - Fletcher 8/25 @ Nease 9/1 @ Palatka 9/8 - St. Augustine 9/15 @ Westside 9/22 @ Menendez 9/29 - Bishop Kenny 10/13 - Parker 10/20 @ Trinity Christian Academy 10/27 @ Bolles 11/3 @ Creekside

5A DISTRICT 4 Rushing Touchdowns: 38 Receiving Touchdowns: 34 Rushing Yards: 2,355 Passing Yards: 3,340

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.

IN THE GAME PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017

65

RETURNING WITH A STRONG DEFENSE

Westside Wolverines

Written by: Ryan Hennessy Photos courtesy of Bob Mack Photography

Who to Watch

Head Coach Rodney DuBose

4-4

2017 SCHEDULE 8/25 - White 9/8 @ Ridgeview 9/15 - Ponte Vedra 9/22 @ Stanton 9/29 @ Bolles

10/6 - Baldwin 10/13 - Trinity Christian Academy 10/20 Bishop Kenny 10/26 @ Parker

5A DISTRICT 4

2016 District Record

Stadium Name: Jerry Disch Stadium Mascot: Wolverines

2016 Overall Record

Highlights

2-2

position

JoJo Collins

LB

Calvin Altman

MLB

Markel Grant

OLB

he Wolverines under head coach Rodney DuBose are looking for more wins this upcoming season.

They have been a middle of the pack team for the last two seasons. The bright side for Westside High school is their defense. Returning and going into their senior season are all three linebackers: JoJo Collins, Markel Grant, and Calvin Altman.

The goal is to win the district this season for the Wolverines.

If they win their district, with the new playoff system they are automatically in the playoffs. The key to the Wolverines' success is to be physical and to take advantage of the opportunities to win the game.

This season the Wolverines have a tough schedule with every game being a challenge. Some of the key games are week three versus Ponte Vedra, who went to the state championship last year. Bolles are on September 29 and Bishop Kenny are on October 20.

T

Points Scored: 201 Points Allowed: 194

66

PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017 IN THE GAME

WOLFSON TRIES TO ADOPT THE PACK MENTALITY

Samuel W. Wolfson Wolfpack

Written by: Dylan Hutchinson Photos courtesy of jacksonville.com

Highlights

1-9

2016 District Record

2016 Overall Record

Stadium Name: Wolfson Field Mascot: Wolves

1-3

Team Leaders David Vaughns

Drew Lambert

T

Carries/Yards:90/680 OLB Total Tackles: 7 RB, LB Carries/Yards: 71/252

Rushing Yards: 1,035 Passing Yards: 618

93 he 2016 season was not kind to the Wolfson Wolf Pack. The only game they won last season was against Parker.

It doesn’t help that four of their games came down to shut outs. Coming into the 2017 season, we hope that the wolf pack has decided to focus on their defense.

However, that losing streak may be snapped. This offseason, Wolfson was hard at work making moves to change the team mentality at the school. Wolfson hired Bartram Trail assistant coach Chad Parker.

This could be just what Wolfson needs to turn their program around. Parker comes from one of the most productive and consistent programs in the area. After his tenure under some remarkable coaches, he may now be prepared to renovate this team and turn it into a winning program.

We wish the best for new coach Chad Parker and his wolf pack in the upcoming season and that this new leadership is just what the program needs for a rebirth.

WR

Mark Harrington

Who to Watch position Kevon Bryant QB, DB David Vaughns WR Mark Harrington OLB Drew Lambert RB, LB

2016 STATS

350

Points Scored Points Allowed

Head Coach: Chad Parker

2017 SCHEDULE 9/1 - Paxon 9/8 @ Fernandina Beach 9/8 - North Florida Educational Institute 9/22 @ Jackson 9/29 - Parker 10/6 - Providence 10/20 @ Sandalwood 11/3 @ Englewood

5A DISTRICT 4

Magazine Visit our website to Stay In the Game! www.inthegamesportsnetwork.com

NEWSLETTER IN THE GAME PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017

67

baker county wildcats

WILDCATS HAVE NO PLANS TO FALL SHORT

Written by: Maria Nixon Photos courtesy of d1recruiting.com and www.duvalsports.com

Head Coach

Jamie Rodgers

9-2

2016 District Record

Stadium Name: Memorial Stadium Mascot: Wildcats

2016 Overall Record

Highlights

5-0 he 5A Baker County Wildcats are no strangers to winning. The team has had an overwhelmingly successful 2016 season, with nine wins and two losses. The 2015 season brought in new head coach Jamie Rodgers. The Wildcats made it to the 2016 Florida High School Football Playoffs, falling short in the regional semi-finals with a loss to Clay High School. Baker County will be losing senior running back Seth Paige this upcoming 2017 season; Paige accepted an offer from the East Carolina Pirates.

The Wildcats have had a winning record over their rival, the Bradford Tornadoes, since their 2016 season and have no plans of falling short this upcoming 2017 season. Coach Rodgers will be returning this upcoming season, and the team plays at Clay High School for a chance at redemption for the 2016 regional semifinals.

T

2017 SCHEDULE 8/25 @ St. Augustine 9/1 - White 9/8 - Ribault 9/15 @ Menendez 9/29 - Palatka

10/6 - Frist Coast 10/13 @ Orange Park 10/20 @ Clay 10/27 - Ridgeview 11/3 @ Dunnellon

5A DISTRICT 5

Points Scored: 384 Points Allowed: 184

68

PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017 IN THE GAME

clay blue devils

THE BLUE DEVILS ARE COMING BACK JUST AS STRONG Photos courtesy of Jacksonville.com

Highlights

10-4

2016 District Record

2016 Overall Record

Team Averages 2016 STATS

4-1

vs national averages 234.3

141.9

73.7

463

T

he Devils had another great season that just came up short of playing for a state title again. For the last two years, Clay High School lost in the final four of the playoffs against Ponte Verde. The school went 10-4 again this year.

Head coach John Hoekstra explains that the team is just as strong this year. The players returning for Clay is their strength next season.

Players like left tackle Jason Brooks and quarterback Kaleb Eason will play huge roles. Also, the team has their running and kicker back as well.

Coach Hoekstra also points out his secondary is a strength for his football team next season.

This offseason the Devils have worked on a lot of game type situations like red zone and two minute offense. Clay needs to be ready for anything coming their way because of the new playoff structure. The two big games for clay this season is Bartram Trail week three and defending state champion University Christian week 11.

11

Ints

Sacks

Tackles P/G

15.0 Total TDs

Rush Yds P/G

65 Rec Yds P/G

Who To Watch position Caleb Eason QB Cedric Brown RB Ajay Belanger WR Raequan Williams DB Christian Swilley DB

Points Scored

328

Points Allowed

Head Coach: Josh Hoekstra

2017 SCHEDULE 8/25 - Fleming Island 9/1 @ Middleburg 9/8 @ Bartram Trail 9/15 @ Orange Park 9/22 - Oakleaf 9/29 - Menendez 10/13 @ Ridgeview 10/20 - Baker County 10/27 - Palatka 11/3 @ University Christian

5A DISTRICT 5

Diane Banks 1627 Idlewild Ave SR-16 W Green Cove Springs, FL 32043 Phone: 904-272-1136 Office Hours: Monday-Friday 8:30am-5:00pm Wednesday 8:30am-4:00pm After Hours by Appointment

IN THE GAME PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017

69

orange park raiders

RAIDERS LOOK TO BUILD UPON A SOLID FOUNDATION

Written by: Dylan Hutchinson Photos courtesy of jacksonville.com

Highlights

4-5

2016 District Record

2016 Overall Record

Stadium Name: Hoyt B. Cotney Stadium Mascot: Raiders

1-4

Head Coach: Tom MacPherson

Points Scored Points Allowed

199 247

I

n his first year, head coach Tom MacPherson led Orange Park to a 4-5 season. However, finishing 1-4 in the district left something to be desired.

It is always difficult for a new coach to come into a football program, especially one that is as ingrained and established as Orange Park. Being one of the oldest schools, built in 1961, Orange Park is a renowned program. So, MacPherson had his work cut out for him.

“The first season is always a feeling out process,” he said. “Who do you have on the team, get the schemes installed, and build a foundation. Get a good start by figuring out right away that they need a cultural change in the weight room and classroom. Do some things in the offseason and facilitate a change.”

A foundation may be exactly what is in the works next season for the Raiders.

They will be starting around 10 sophomores next season, which could lead to a formidable opponent in the upcoming years.

This season could be more promising than last, with the offense being led

by Marquise Brown, who scored three touchdowns in this year’s spring game alone, and brothers Josh and James Rhodes, all of whom are college prospects for the Raiders.

The Raiders don’t have an easy road ahead of them. They face difficult opponents in Oakleaf, Clay, and Fleming Island. However, they have a few winnable games in their schedule as well. It seems that it is only a matter of time until the Raiders will return to playoff contention.

2017 SCHEDULE 8/18 @ Bishop Kenny 8/25 - Oakleaf 9/1 @ Nease 9/15 @ Atlantic Coast

70

PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017 IN THE GAME

9/15 - Clay 9/22 - Middleburg 9/29 @ Ridgeview 10/13 - Baker County

10/20 @ Palatka 10/27 - Menendez 11/3 @ Fleming Island

5A DISTRICT 5

MAKING EVERY GAME COUNT

Ridgeview Panthers

Written by: Ryan Hennessy Photos courtesy of Jacksonville.com and JC Photography

Points Scored: 210

2016 District Record

2016 Overall Record

1-10

1-4

Points Allowed: 374

Highlights

Stadium Name: Panther Stadium Mascot: Panther

Team Leaders position Jaiden Turner RB, SS Tyler Huff QB Kairan Turner WR

A

2017 SCHEDULE

5A DISTRICT 5

Who to Watch Jaiden Turner Tyler Huff Passing Yards: 1,654

8/18 - Sumter 8/25 @ Blythewood 9/1 @ Ninety Six 9/8 @ Fairfield Central 9/15 - Union County 9/29 - South Pointe 10/6 @ York 10/13 @ Richland Northeast 10/20 - Westwood 10/27 - Lancaster

Head Coach: Cameron Porh

Rushing Yards: 1,307

fter longtime coach Tom MacPherson left Ridgeview a few years back, the teams have struggled. This is now Cameron Porch’s team, and last season was a rebuilding one after losing 22 seniors. The team went winless, but Coach Porch is looking ahead to next season to see the progress they can make as a school.

This upcoming season talent is not what the Panthers lack. Big names that had great numbers last year like quarterback Tyler Huff and receiver Kairan Turner will lead the offense for Ridgeview.

Their area of concern is on the defensive side of the ball, where they lost a lot of players to graduation. All the linebackers however are returning and hope to be Porch’s bright side of the defense.

Porch stressed to In the Game that every game is important this season. His players need to work hard and stay focused. This season will be Porch’s first full season, so he is ready to show what his team can do when they take the field in the fall.

Kairan Turner Steven Boyd

2016 STATS RB, SS Carries/Yards: 71/358 QB Passes/Yards: 218/1654 WR Catches/Yards: 32/509 OLB

Jake Libretto

IN THE GAME PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017

Total Tackles: 39 DE Total Tackles: 37

71

Pedro menendez Falcons

FALCONS ARE COMING WITH THEIR A-GAME Written by: Dylan Hutchinson Photography by: staugustine.com

P

Highlights

Head Coach:

56 Grove Avenue St Augustine, FL 32084-3256 Phone: 904-824-8111 Office Hours: Mon-Fri 9:00am to 5:00pm Evenings & Saturday by Appt.

PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017 IN THE GAME

Patrick Turner

Who To Watch position Darian Oxendine QB Kenny Logan WR

Janet Tillman

72

Points Allowed: 320

3-3

Points Scored: 226

5-5

2017 SCHEDULE 2016 District Record

2016 Overall Record

edro Menendez finished last season with a perfectly balanced record.

Finishing 5-5 overall with a district record of 3-3 isn’t exactly a dream for any team. However, considering the Falcons were outscored by their opponents by nearly 100 points, it certainly could have been worse.

Next season won’t be any easier. They have a tough district schedule with games against Clay, Baker County and Orange Park. Not to mention regular season games against Ponte Vedra and Yulee.

What is certain is that the Falcons are going to need to bring their A-game if they want to make an improvement on last season.

8/18 @ Creekside 8/25 @ Middleburg 9/1 - St. Augustine 9/8 @ Yulee 9/15 - Baker County 9/22 - Ponte Vedra 9/29 @ Clay 10/13 @ Palatka 10/20 - Ridgeview 10/27 @ Orange Park 11/3 - Matanzas

5A DISTRICT 5

William M. Raines Vikings

VIKINGS LOOKING TO DOMINATE ONCE AGAIN

Written by: Ryan Hennessy Photos courtesy of Bob Self Photography and amoya.smugmug.com

Highlights

2016 District Record

2-1

Who to Watch Ivory Durham IV Myjai Sanders Raynell Killian Jakaree Gadsden Janorris Robertson

position QB DE, TE RB, CB QB DE

Head Coach: Deran Wiley

346

Points Scored

A

fter losing in the state championship two years ago, Raines had a lot of holes on their team last season. They lost stars like Augie DeBiase and twins JaQuan and Joshua Baily, who took them to the state championship, where they lost to Miami Booker T. Washington.

Last season the Vikings went 7-4 under head coach Deran Wiley and lost in the second round of the playoffs to Bolles with a score of 60-20. Not only did they beat them in the playoffs last season, but they took them out in the regular season with a score of 24-23.

This year Raines hopes to get back to their dominance that they had two years ago. Some key games for the Vikings in 2017 are against Ribault on November 3 and against Lincoln on October 26.

Team Averages 2016 STATS

237

vs national averages

4A District 2 Team Leaders

Passing Yards: 2,159

Rushing Yards: 1,738

Ivory Durham IV Myjai Sanders

2016 STATS QB

Passes/Yards: 111/1840 DE, TE

Raynell Killian Jakaree Gadsden Janorris Robertson

19

60.9

Total Tackles: 40 RB, CB

5

4 Ints

10/6 - Sandalwood 10/20 @ Rickards 10/27 - Lincoln 11/3 @ Ribault

Rec Yds P/G

9/1 - First Coast 9/8 - White 9/22 - Mandarin 9/29 - Jackson

80

162.1

Sacks

2017 SCHEDULE

Tackles P/G

Points Allowed

Total TDs

7-4

Rush Yds P/G

2016 Overall Record

Stadium Name: Earl S. Kitchings Stadium Mascot:Vikings

Highest Endorsed Football Players (ALL IN THE TOP 100 OF THE HIGHEST PAID ATHLETE ENDORSERS OF 2016)

Peyton Manning: $15,000,000

Tom Brady: $8,000,000

Carries/Yards: 11/119 QB

Drew Brees: $12,000,000

Eli Manning: $8,000,000

Passes/Yards: 16/319 DE

Cam Newton: $12,000,000

Julio Jones: $1,200,000

Russell Wilson: $10,000,000

Luke Kuechly: $1,000,000

Total Tackles: 40

IN THE GAME PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017

73

BOLLES TO PROVE THEY CAN HOLD THEIR OWN

Bolles School Bulldogs

Written by: Dylan Hutchinson Photos courtesy of www.iseworld.org and jacksonville.com/sports

Highlights

12-1

2016 District Record

2016 Overall Record

Stadium Name: Skinner-Barco Mascot: Bulldogs

4-0

Team Averages 2016 STATS vs national averages

back field.

This year, they are a very young team. They are playing with many sophomores in key positions on the field.

“This year we are starting anew with 10th-graders; we are a very young in the backfield,” sMatthew Morris, head coach, said.

Morris faces a rather unique challenge with his players. The Bolles school is widely recognized for its academic tenacity.

“They get challenged more in the classroom, and the Bolles kids will respond when it gets tough,” Morris said. “If they can’t do it academically, they don’t stay here long. The standards are tougher than what the state requires.”

This year the coaching staff has remained mostly the same, which should help groom the young team to be a force to be reckoned with in the coming seasons.

One staff change that has occurred is in Waylon Cox. Cox played for Bolles in 2008 under coach Corky Rodgers. He now returns to his alma mater as the special teams and receivers coach.

Bolles faces a new challenge in their new district.

Having moved from 4A to 5A, they now face tough teams like Trinity Christian, Bishop Kenny, and Ponte Vedra.

We hope that the young Bolles team can hold their own in the extremely competitive 5A division.

Mason Yost Rushton Orlando

Height/Weight: 6’8/345lb TE

Height/Weight: 6’4/230lb OLB Roberts Height/Weight: 6’5/220lb OLB Heggs

Isaiah Morris

Height/Weight: 6’3/295lb CB Height/Weight: 6’0/165lb

Head Coach: Wayne Belger

Jim Register 12058 San Jose Blvd Suite 302 Jacksonville, FL 32223-8669 Phone: 904-268-5522 Office Hours: Monday-Friday 8:30-5:00 Evenings and weekends by apt 74

Height/Weight: 6’0/225lb OL

PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017 IN THE GAME

Points Allowed: 198

L

ast year, Bolles was staked on both sides of the ball. They had 23 returning seniors with a lot of experience, particularly in the

Nick Lewis

OLB

Points Scored: 620

Evan McGhee

2017 SCHEDULE 8/18 - Lee 9/1 - Deltona 9/8 @ First Coast 9/15 @ Trinity Christian Academy 9/22 - Holy Trinity Episcopal 9/29 - Westside 10/13 @ Bishop Kenny 10/20 @ Parker 10/27 - Ponte Vedra

4A DISTRICT 2 Academic Athletes Rushton Roberts Isaiah Morris Mason Yost

GPA 3.5 3.5 3.0

PIRATES ARE LOOKING FOR THEIR OWN TREASURE THIS SEASON

Fernandina Beach Pirates

Written by: Ryan Hennessy Photos courtesy of staugustine.com/sports

Highlights

3-6

2016 District Record

2016 Overall Record

Stadium Name: Pirate Field Mascot: Pirate

1-3

16

2016 STATS RB, CB

Carries/Yards: 25/194 QB, WR

Joe Lupone

Carries/Yards: 41/290 DE, LS

Walker Bean

Catches/Yards: 7/243 FB, OLB Total Touchdowns: 26

Solo Tackles:69 Assisted Tackles: 253

124

W

Jordan Parker

Connor Davey

Starting Seniors

ith head coach John Pate coming into his second season of the Pirates also comes higher expectations this upcoming season. Pate told In the Game that there isn’t one team this year on their schedule he feels his team cannot beat.

Pate also talks about his strong group of upperclassmen this season. Walker Bean is a two way star at tight end and defensive end. The 6’4”, 240-pound star had 360 yards receiving and 58 tackles and eight sacks last season. Fernandina Beach also has a lot of good ninth grade players, which makes Pate excited about the future of his team as well.

Some key games the Pirates are marking on their calendar this year are Yulee, who is their big rival, and West Nassau. Yulee is their neighboring school, and they lose some of the good players to them because of zoning. Pate, like all coaches, is excited about the new playoff rule. He believes it will give his team a chance to get their feet wet in the playoffs now.

Pate, after his second year, is making strides to put Fernandina Beach on the map again as a football program and not just a school with a beach mentality.

Who to Watch

264

Points Scored Points Allowed

Head Coach: John Pate

2017 SCHEDULE 8/25 @ Keystone Heights 9/1 @ Hillard 9/8 - Wolfson 9/29 - Cedar Creek Christian 10/6 - Paxon 10/13 @ West Nassau 10/20 @ Satellite 10/27 - North Florida Educational Institute 11/3 - Yulee

4A DISTRICT 2

IN THE GAME PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017

75

West Nassau Warriors

WARRIORS LOOK TO MAKE NOISE AT THE PLAYOFFS

Written by: Ryan Hennessy Photos courtesy of www.westsideathletics.org

Highlights

Who to Watch position Kyler Crosby RB, FB Walker Wright QB Wyatt Johnson WR Jeremy Gunter WR, SB Levi Mumford MLB

Points Allowed: 329

2-2

Points Scored: 225

4-7

2016 District Record

2016 Overall Record

Stadium Name: Warrior Field Mascot: Warriors

Team Averages 2016 STATS vs national averages 246.1

59.8

32

23

8/18 - Parker 8/25 @ Jordan Christian Prep 9/1 - Episcopal 9/8 - Providence 9/15 - Hillard 9/22 @ Yulee 9/29 @ Baldwin 10/6 @ Bradford 10/13 - Fernandina Beach 10/20 @ Paxon 10/27 - Jackson

4A DISTRICT 2

Ints

Sacks

Tackles P/G

Total TDs

5

Head Coach: Rickey Armstrong

Team Leaders Kyler Crosby Walker Wright Wyatt Johnson Rushing Yards: 2707

PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017 IN THE GAME

2017 SCHEDULE

Passing Yards: 721

76

Rec Yds P/G

T

he Warriors are excited for a bounce back season after going 4-7 last year under head coach Rickey Armstrong. The strength for this upcoming season is their returning leaders on their team.

West Nassau has their quarterback Walker Wright and running back Kyler Crosby returning for their senior year. With the Warriors running the read option, these two plan on having a big season after last year rushing for almost 2,000 yards combined. 6’3” tight end Wyatt Johnson is making a position change to wide receiver after last season, making second team all-state. Johnson, with a 3.9 GPA, has looks from colleges such as Davidson and Furman.

The struggle last year West Nassau faced was turnovers and small mistakes here and there to decide games. Coach Armstrong explained to In the Game that their defense has gotten even stronger this year with returning leader middle linebacker Levi Mumford.

Mumford had 76 total tackles and six sacks last season.

“We love our support and have a great booster club with top of the line stuff,” Armstrong said.

With the change of the district rules, Armstrong believes his team will have a better chance making noise in the playoffs.

Rush Yds P/G

65.5

Jeremy Gunter Levi Mumford

2016 STATS RB, FB Carries/Yards: 217/1176 QB Passes/Yards: 126/721 WR Catches/Yards: 19/291 WR, SB Carries/Yards: 44/271 MLB Total Tackles: 68

CAN 2 STARS HELP CREATE A WINNING TEAM?

Keystone Heights Indians

Written by: Ryan Hennessy Photos courtesy of Hudl.com

Highlights

Get In the Game

2-7

2016 District Record

2016 Overall Record

Stadium Name: Indians Stadium Mascot: Indians

1-3

Team Averages 2016 STATS vs national averages

4 Ints

Sacks

Tackles P/G

Total TDs

Rush Yds P/G

5

Points Allowed: 222

19

60.9

Points Scored: 138

80

162.1

Rec Yds P/G

K

eystone Heights had a disappointing year after a great season the year before. Two years ago, the Indians went 7-3 under longtime head coach Chuck Dickinson. This past season, however, they went 2-7 and 1-3 in district play. They lost close games at Fernandina Beach 14-12 and at home versus Hawthorne 22-15.

Dickerson has had his teams with streaky winning and losing seasons the past couple of years. Looking into this season, it is a question of what team will take the field in 2017. They have a lot of players that have graduated, like three offensive linemen Matt White, Noah Dickinson, and Nolan Robertson.

The stars for this season are running back and defensive back Fletcher Teague and tight end Rian Prieto, who will both be seniors. Can these two starts lead the Indians to a winning season?

inthegamesportsnetwork.com/apparel

Head Coach: Chuck Dickinson

2017 SCHEDULE 8/25 - Fernandina Beach 9/1 - P.K. Yonge 9/8 @ Bradford 9/15 @ Umatilla 9/29 @ Hawthorne 10/6 @ Crescent City 10/13 @ Wildwood 10/20 - The Villages Charter 10/27 - Interlachen 11/3 - Taylor

4A DISTRICT 3 Who to Watch Team Leaders 2016 STATS Fletcher Teague Rian Prieto

RB, DB Total Tackles: 59 TE Catches/Yards: 5/73

Magazine Visit our website to Stay In the Game! www.inthegamesportsnetwork.com

NEWSLETTER IN THE GAME PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017

77

REBUILDING FOR THE COMMUNITY

Andrew Jackson Tigers

Written by: Ryan Hennessy Photos courtesy of Hudl.com

Head Coach: Antwon Atwater

0-8

2016 District Record

Stadium Name: Tiger Stadium Mascot: Tigers

2016 Overall Record

Highlights

0-3

ast year with the future of the football program up in the air, Andrew Jackson again went winless last season. Jackson is one of two programs in the city of Jacksonville to be around since 1927, so everyone hopes they can get back to be a respectable football team.

There was only one game this season that Andrew Jackson High school scored over 10 points.

Although they are an independent school and are not eligible for the playoffs, it is important for them to get their program back on its feet. A lack of players on the team is a big issue for Andrew Jackson High. They hope they can build their team back to something they can be proud to talk about again. There is a long road ahead, but all that matters is the first kickoff in the first game.

L

2017 SCHEDULE 8/18 - Eagle’s View 8/25 - Ridgeview 9/1 @ Englewood 9/8 @ Stanton 9/22 - Wolfson 9/29 @ Raines

10/6 - Parker 10/13 @ Fletcher 10/20 - Lee 10/27 @ West Nassau 11/3 @ First Coast

4A DISTRICT 1 Gene Coleman 10900 Lem Turner Road Jacksonville, FL 32218 Phone: 904-764-4139 Office Hours: M-F 9am to 5pm Saturday, By Appointment

78

PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017 IN THE GAME

NFL Most Career RUSHING YARDS Emmitt Smith: 18,355

Walter Payton: 16,726 Barry Sanders: 15,269 Curtis Martin: 14,101 LaDainian Tomlinson: 13,684

Game Changer

FAST BREAK

Written by: Courtney Wagner | Photography by: Aaron Musgroves

If you haven’t already heard, the high school football playoff point season in Florida is changing. Don’t worry about all of the nitty-gritty details. We broke it down for you.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • •

For a Category 1 loss, teams will now only receive 30 points instead of 35.

For a Category 2 loss, teams will now only receive 25 points instead of 30.

For a Category 3 loss, teams will now only receive 20 points, instead of 25.

For a Category 4 loss, teams will now only receive 15 points, instead of 20.

For a Category 1 win, teams will now receive 50 points.

For a Category 2 win, teams will now receive 45 points.

For a Category 3 win, teams will now receive 40 points.

For a Category 4 win, teams will now receive 35 points.

Teams will be awarded 3 bonus points for each team they scheduled for this season that reached the playoffs in 2015 or 2016.

Bonus points will be awarded for teams that play outside their state against a team that was in their state’s prior playoffs.

Total number of games will be divided by the total number of points earned.

To qualify, each school must play a minimum of eight regular season games.

If a school plays an opponent more than once during the regular season, only the first game will count in the total calculation of points.

The final score of a game does not affect the number of points a team receives. So whether you win by 7 or 50, it is the same number of points earned.

Good luck to all the football teams, and may the odds (and points) be ever in your favor.

National Championship Contenders: Top 5 National Spotlight

Written by: Lambert Bales | Photo courtesy of IMG Academy TV

BISHOP GORMAN

IMG ACADEMY

AMERICAN HERITAGE

CARTERSVILLE

LONG BEACH POLY

Not many teams can lose a blue-chip quarterback and replace him with another; but Bishop Gorman isn’t your normal program. With Tate Martell graduated and heading to Ohio State, the next in line is Dorian Thompson-Robinson (UCLA). Top ranked tight end Brevin Jordan (Miami) leads a talented group of receivers and 5-star linebacker Palaie Gaoteote (USC) anchors the defense.

Well-known for gathering top talent from all over the nation to start adapting to life after high school, it’s no secret the program has success. According to 247Sports, six of the top 20 prospects in the state of Florida play at IMG. Led by the number two prospect Xavier Thomas (Clemson), the Ascenders will strive for perfection against a schedule including three separate state champions.

American Heritage is no stranger to playing top competition. They began their 2016 season with a victorious trip to Moultrie en route to an undefeated season. On paper, they have one of the top defenses in the country littered with talent. Leading the way are senior corners Pat Surtain Jr. (uncommitted) and Tyson Campbell (uncommitted) with Andrew Chatfield (Ohio St.) and Nesta Silvera (Miami) solidifying the defensive line.

Trevor Lawrence (Clemson), consensus number one prospect for the class of 2018, is the reason Cartersville appear on this list. Not having lost a game since the state championship in 2014 to Buford, Lawrence has been the catalyst for their 30 straight wins and two straight titles.

Looking to leave as one of the best high school quarterbacks in state history, Lawrence knows there is more to accomplish in his final year.

Why is a team that finished 7-4 on this list? One reason, Matt Corral (uncommitted).

The five-star signal caller transferred into the former big time program following an altercation at his previous school. Throwing to fellow 5-star receiver Jalen Hall (uncommitted) could provide for a special season for this West Coast team to return to national prominence.

Las Vegas, NV 2016 Record: 15-0

Bradenton, FL 2016 Record: 11-0

Ft. Lauderdale, FL 2016 Record: 14-0

Cartersville, GA 2016 Record: 15-0

Long Beach, CA 2016 Record: 7-4

IN THE GAME PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017

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THE EAGLES SEEK A PLAYOFF REDEMPTION

Episcopal Eagles

Written by: Dylan Hutchinson Photos courtesy of www.esj.org and Jacksonville.com

Mark Brunell

Head Coach

8-1

2016 District Record

Stadium Name: Pajcic-Hunt Field Mascot: Eagles

2016 Overall Record

Highlights

1-1 T

2017 SCHEDULE 8/25 @ Christ Chuch Academy 9/1 @ West Nassau 9/8 @ Trinity Prep 9/15 @ Creekside 9/22 - Eagle’s View 9/29 - Hillard

10/6 - Arlington Country Day 10/13 @ Providience 10/20 - Cedar Creek Christain 11/3 @ Bishop Kenny

3A DISTRICT 2

80

PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017 IN THE GAME

Points Scored: 327 Points Allowed: 133

he Episcopal Eagles had a great season in 2016. They went 8-1 in the regular season. However, they lost in the first round of the playoffs.

This shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone considering the caliber of their coaching staff. With former Jaguar players Mark Brunell and Tony Boseli, it shouldn’t be difficult to cultivate a winning mentality.

The only issue that the Eagles face in the upcoming season is carrying on that tradition of winning into the playoffs.

One young man who could lead that push for the Eagles is Curtis Pajcic. He is their returning offensive tackle coming in at 6’5” and 250 pounds and is one of their top recruits for the class of 2018.

The Eagles are poised for another winning season that begins in just a few short months. They certainly have the talent as well as the coaching experience to get them far into the playoffs.

Hopefully, this year they will make it farther than before.

Who to Watch Curtis Pajcic Bryce Wehde Cameron Rawls Robbie Pritchard Josh Pina Zack Blair Maguire Kelly

position OT MLB RB QB QB QB CB, WB

STALLIONS ARE SET FOR A BREAKOUT SEASON

Providence Stallions

Written by: Dylan Hutchinson Photos courtesy of jacksonville.com/sports and prepsportsscouting.com

Highlights

904-992-2232

13672 Beach Blvd Jacksonville, FL 32224

Points Allowed: 250

0-2

2017 SCHEDULE Points Scored: 222

3-6

2016 District Record

2016 Overall Record

Stadium Name: Providence Field Mascot: Stallions

8/18 - Union County 8/25 @ University Christian 9/1 - Fort White 9/8 @ West Nassau 9/15 - Arlington Country Day 9/22 @ North Florida Christian 9/29 - Lake Highland Prep 10/6 @ Wolfson 10/13 - Episcopal 10/20 - Trinity Catholic 10/27 @ Atlantic Coast

3A DISTRICT 2

T

he Providence Stallions are coming off an unfulfilled season. Finishing with a record of just 3-6 overall while going 0-2 in the district, Providence was left desiring something more.

However, that may be just what they get in the 2017 season. With former Jaguar Jeff Kopp in his fourth season with the team, the chemistry might start to click.

The team is also being led by University of Miami commit Will Mallory, who is a top 200 nationally ranked recruit, as well as Carter Bradley, who is a Pittsburg commit.

Providence will need to bring all of these weapons to the table if they want to have a more productive season than they had in 2016. They could easily break .500 if they can keep their eyes on the prize. With winnable games and a strong coaching staff, the Stallions could be poised for an excellent season.

Head Coach: Jeff Kopp

Who to Watch Saverio Loiacono Josh Blizzard Charles Hurst Bryce Hunter Carter Bradley Wesley Davis Nathan Yee

position CB, WR CB, WR, RB SB, WR TE QB OLB K, P

Total Touch Down Points: 66 Total Kicking Points: 17

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 IN THE GAME PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017

81

fort white indians

WINNING ISN'T EASY Written by: Ryan Hennessy

Highlights

2017 SCHEDULE 8/18 @ Trenton 8/25 - Suwannee 9/1 @ Providence School 9/8 - Santa Fe 9/15 @ Taylor County 9/22 @ Bradford 9/29 @ Williston 10/13 - Union County 10/20 @ Dixie County 10/27- Newberry 11/3 @ Parker

2016 District Record

2016 Overall Record

T

he Indians had a successful season under head coach Demetric Johnson, going 9-3 and undefeated in their district games. There key players to watch are Jacquez Pelham and Corey Dryden.

This upcoming season will not be an easy one for the Indians, with key games away against Bradford on September 22nd and at home against Union County on October 13th.

9-3 4-0

Head Coach: Demetric Jackson Points Scored: 389 Points Allowed: 177

Who To Watch position Corey Dryden LB Jacquez Pelham RB

cedar creek saints

SAINTS PLAYING ON THE ROAD

Written by: Ryan Hennessy

Points Scored: 68 Points Allowed: 387

Highlights

2-9

Head Coach:

2017 SCHEDULE 2016 District Record

2016 Overall Record

T

his season was a tough one for Cedar Creek with the record of 2-9 under head coach Jamie Gamel.

The positive for the Saints is the return of their star players quarterback John Thomas and linebacker Tray Ferguson.

The upcoming schedule is going to be a tough one for the Saints. Their key games are both away games on September 29th against Fernandina Beach and October 20th against Episcopal. Hopefully coach Gamel can turn the Saints around in 2017.

2-1

Jamie Gamel

Who To Watch position John Thomas Tray Ferguson

2A DISTRICT 2 82

3A DISTRICT 1

PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017 IN THE GAME

QB LB

8/18 @ Stanton 8/25 - Rocky Bayou Christian 9/1 @ University Christian 9/8 - Duval Charter 9/15 - Seven Rivers Christian 9/22 @ Hilliard 9/29 @ Fernandina Beach 10/13 @ Ocala Christian 10/20 @ Episcopal School of Jax 10/27 @ Eagle’s View 11/3 @ Warner Christian Academy

WARRIORS ARE YOUNG BUT PROMISING

Eagle’s View Warriors

Written by: Ryan Hennessy Photos courtesy of jacksonville.com/sports

Highlights

1-9

2016 District Record

2016 Overall Record

Stadium Name: Memorial Stadium Mascot: Warriors

0-3

Who to Watch KJ Joyner Justin Yarborough Jakobe Lavoile Austin Mobley Justin Jones Tahari Harris

position RB, CB QB WR TE, DE DE, DT De, OT

Head Coach: Frank Andrea 3rd Year Head Coach

College Prospect KJ Joyner

position

RB, CB

Points Scored 54 Points Allowed

325

105

Solo Tackles

104

Assisted Tackles

Rushing Yards Passing Yards 101

606

ast season Frank Andrea and the Eagle’s View Warriors went through a rebuilding year going 1-9. But the future is looking extremely promising after a lot of good players are returning for next season. Another positive was the spring game win versus Jackson on a last-second touchdown by two-way star Austin Mobley. Mobley also had a great spring game on defense with three sacks at defensive end. Andrea explains that they sent Mobley to speed school this offseason and that his 40 time has dropped from a 5.3 to a 4.7.

Another promising star returning is running back/defensive back K.J. Joyner. Joyner had a big spring game as well with two touchdowns and one interception. The 4.5 second speedster has looks from Division 1 schools this year mostly for defensive back.

Some strengths for the Warriors are their defense with new secondary coach and former Louisville player Craig James. Their defensive line is also a strong suit with Mobley on one side at 6’6” and Thari Harris at 6’3” on the other side.

The struggle, Andrea explained is his team’s lack of experience. Coaching a school with around 130 kids total means eighth-graders are able to play.

He had an eighth-grader start in the spring game at quarterback.

L

2017 SCHEDULE 8/18 @ Jackson 8/25 - Warner Christian Academy 9/1 @ Bell 9/8 - St. Joseph Academy 9/15 - Cornerstone Charter Academy

9/22 @ Episcopal 9/29 @ Halifax Academy 10/13 @ Merritt Island Christian 10/20 @ Hillard

10/27 - Cedar Creek Christain 11/3 - Stanton

2A DISTRICT 2

IN THE GAME PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017

83

University Christian Christians

GOING FOR THE THREE-PEAT Written by: Dylan Hutchinson Photos courtesy of floridahsfootball.com

Highlights

Team Averages 2016 STATS

Dyrell Stuggs T.J. Ciresi

Total Tacles: 6 WR Carries/Yards: 17/283

Head Coach: David Penland III

9 State Championships 1973

1991

2012

1987

1992

2015

1989

1994

2016

U

niversity Christian is coming off two of the best seasons a team could hope for. After winning back to back state titles, there is only one question on everyone’s mind. Can they do it again?

David Penland III leads the University Christians into another season where nothing but the best will be accepted.

“Last season, winning the state title back to back is a big goal for us,” he said. “Didn’t know we could pull it off from the beginning. Things shaped out, and guys just came together and worked together. Our defense stood tall, and we really set the standard on how we want our [defense] to look. Offense will always be there. We wanted to set a standard for how our defense wanted to be.”

The powerhouse Christian offense will be led by returning players Oak Stipe, a 6’ 5”, 280 pound offensive tackle, and 6’, 170 pound quarterback Clay Boyde.

This winning tradition isn’t something that is new for Penland and his family. His father, David Penland II, has been a part of every title the school has won with the exception of one.

The potential threepeat isn’t going to come without a fight. Providence is always a game that the Christians look forward to, as well as going to South Carolina to play their 2A champion.

“There is a lot of UC blood on this field,” Penland said.

“We are a family.”

The family will need to come together and muster all the grit that they have if they want to win a third title in a row. We believe that the University Christians have what it takes.

Margie Harner 4540 Southside Blvd Suite 1102 Jacksonville, FL 32216 Phone: 904-296-2500 Office Hours: Mon-Fri 9:00am to 5:00pm Saturdays by Appointment 84

PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017 IN THE GAME

Ints

Sacks

Tackles P/G

Total TDs

Passes/Yards: 58/818 RB

Rush Yds P/G

2016 STATS

Carries/Yards: 19/98 DB

10

18.3

QB

Jalen Dunnigan

16

37

84.4

Points Allowed: 175

Clay Boyde

3-0

133.8

Rec Yds P/G

Team Leaders

vs national averages

Points Scored: 487

10-2

2016 District Record

2016 Overall Record

Stadium Name: University Christian Stadium Mascot: Christians

2017 SCHEDULE 8/18 @ Ben Lippen 8/25 - Providence 9/1 - Cedar Christain 9/8 - Crescent City 9/15 @ Coffee 9/22 @ Superior Collegaite 9/29 - Arlington Country Day 10/13 @ Triumph Christian Academy 10/20 @ Madison County 11/3 - Clay

2A DISTRICT 2 Acedemic Athletes Oak Stipe T.J. Ciresi Clay Boyde

GPA 3.97 3.89 3.4

UNION COUNTY TIGERS

HOME FIELD ADVANTAGE Written by: Maria Nixon Photos courtesy of www.duvalsports.com and www.theprepzone.com

Highlights

5-5

2016 District Record

2016 Overall Record

Stadium Name: Tiger Stadium Mascot: Tigers

2-2

Team Averages 2016 STATS vs national averages

add us @InTheGameNation

176.4 164.8

2017 SCHEDULE

WATCH

Head Coach:

Ints

7

Ronny Pruitt

Points Allowed: 267

22.0 Tackles P/G

Total TDs

Rush Yds P/G

Rec Yds P/G

38

Sacks

O

n their home soil, Union County Varsity football is in the zone.

Winning four home games out of the seven played, Union County has shown that they are comfortable on their home turf.

The team had a roller coaster season, filled with wins and losses. Starting the season with a strong win against Hamilton County on their home field, Union County preceded to suffer a loss to Newberry High School.

Union County’s determination, no matter the wins or losses, has helped the team stay determined throughout the season. Hopefully this determination will carry the team to defeat rival Newberry in the upcoming 2017 season. Union County suffered a 22-40 loss to their rival this past season, but if the fire the team shows on their home field is there, then the team has a chance to get revenge.

Points Scored: 260

67.3

9/1 - NF Ed. Institute 9/8 @ Interlachen 9/15 - Dixie County 9/22 - Baldwin 9/29 @ Newberry 10/6 - Hawethorne 10/13 @ Fort Wayne 10/20 @ Williston 10/27 - Taylor County

1A DISTRICT 3 Who To Watch position Charles Strong RB Phillip Harris WR Shamar Highland DB Dawson Johns LB Tyler Alexander DE

SATURDAY | 3:30 P.M. | WJXT BROUGHT TO YOU BY

IN THE GAME PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017

85

RED FLASHES WANTING A WIN IN THIER DISTRICT

Hilliard Red Flashes

Written by: Ryan Hennessy Photos courtesy of tape.preps.com

Head Coach

Zach Whittenburg

2017 SCHEDULE 8/25 - Duval Charter 9/1- Fernandina Beach 9/8 @ Harvest Community 9/15 @ West Nassau 9/22 - Cedar Creek Christian

9/29 @ Episcopal 10/6 - Chiefland 10/20 - Eagle’s View 10/27 @ Hawthorne 11/3 - North Florida Educational Institute

1A DISTRICT 6

5-6

2016 District Record

Stadium Name: Flashes Field Mascot: Red Flashes

2016 Overall Record

Highlights

Returning Seniors Parker Smith Jacob Wesson

0-4 position

WR RB, CB

Christian Labombarbe T, DT Holden McMillen

Clayton Ricketson Ian Mcbride Jakob Hinson

T, G, C NG, DT G, MLB DT, NG

T

he Red Flashes had a 5-6 season last year, not winning a game in their district. They won their last two games of the season against Eagle’s View and Cedar Creek Christian. The problem this season is the three key players that have left due to graduation.

Armani Scott, who was the leader of the offense at running back, left as well as two key offensive linemen Matt Hollard and Brandon Wilkes.

Losing those players will be tough, especially because of how valuable a running game is at the high school level. The Red Flashes have to win the closer games if they want to make it to the playoffs this year. The games last season that slipped away were against Hawthorne with the score of 16-14 and against Baldwin, which was a hyped up game. Baldwin got the better of Hilliard with the final score 35-15.

86

PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017 IN THE GAME

CONTINUING THE IMPROVEMENTS

Baldwin Indians

Written by: Ryan Hennessy Photos courtesy of jacksonville.com

Highlights

7-4

2016 District Record

2016 Overall Record

Stadium Name: Earl Fouraker Field Mascot: Indains

3-1 position OLB, TE WR, CB

Who to Watch Kolby Burns Frederick Curry

Team Leaders Kolby Burns

OLB, TE

Frederick Curry Garrett Mitchell

Total Tackles: 100 WR, CB Catches/Yards: 31/487 RB, CB

Kenneth Bacon II Raymond Hill

302

2016 STATS

Carries/Yards: 60/128 FS Total Tackles: 33 RB Carries/Yards: 23/133

Points Scored

194

Points Allowed

Head Coach: Steve Shields

Team Averages 2016 STATS

T

vs national averages

169.0

159.5

43

64 41

Ints

Sacks

Tackles P/G

Total TDs

Rush Yds P/G

13 Rec Yds P/G

he Baldwin Indians had an improved season last year. They went 7-4 last season and made the playoffs, which was a huge step from their 3-7 record last season.

The Indians played Madison County and lost by a decent margin, 42-7. Madison County made it all the way to the semifinals of the playoffs. Although the Indians lost early in the playoffs, they are proud of the improvements, according to head coach Steve Shields.

Looking into this season, Baldwin is going to have a challenge with some key players leaving, like running back Isaiah Miller and defensive end Torri Singletary. They are now looking to their leadership of incoming senior Kolby Burns on the defensive line and wide receiver/free safety Frederick Curry.

With an improving team under coach Shields, the small town of Baldwin hopes to make a name for themselves with their football program. Besides the West Nassau game last season that they lost 37-35, all of Baldwin’s games were either won or lost by a big margin. The key this season is to shorten the gap of losses by a big margin and stay in it late in the games.

2017 SCHEDULE 8/25 @ Hamilton Co. 9/1 - Bradford 9/8 - Dixie Co. 9/15 - Stanton 9/22 @ Union Co. 9/29 - West Nassau 10/6 @ Westside 10/13 - Englewood 10/20 - Santa Fe 11/3 @ Paxon

1A DISTRICT 6 Returning Seniors

Rushing Yards: 1754 Passing Yards: 1859 Rushing Touchdowns : 20 Receiving Touchdowns : 19

12

IN THE GAME PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017

87

old plank christian academy defenders

WORKING HARDER FOR THE WIN

Written by: Dylan Hutchinson

Points Scored: 310 Points Allowed: 296

2017 SCHEDULE

7-3

2016 District Record

Highlights 2016 Overall Record

O

ld Plank Christian Academy could have another playoff season in store for them in 2017. Last season, they made it to the third round of the playoffs where they lost to Donahue, who ended up winning in the championship game.

Head Coach Dwight Wilkins is going to try and push his team just a little harder this season so they can make it all the way.

If they can continue their district dominance like they did last year, it could be a hard task for his team.

Old Plank Christian Academy has their work cut out for them, but we will be keeping an eye on this team in 2017.

5-1

Who To Watch position Austin Trout RB Zachary Crawford WR

1A DISTRICT 1

8/26 - First Coast Christian 9/3 - Academy at the Lakes 9/9 @ City of Life Christian Academy 9/16 - Master’s Academy 9/23 - Seacoast Christian Academy 9/30 - Cornerstone Christian 10/14 - Temple Christian Academy 10/21 @ Beacon of Hope Christian 11/18 - Eastland Christian 12/2 - Donahue Catholic

January

2018

4th Annual Fall

Sports Banquet Presented by: 88

PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017 IN THE GAME

Telvin Smith - LB 6’2” 205

2016 RECORD

3-13

afc

TEAM STATISTICS 2016 Averages

Written by: Ryan Hennessy

PASS COMP.

245.3

SEPT

SEPT

SEPT

OCT

OCT

OCT

10

17

Pass YDs P/G

101.9 Rush YDs P/G

60%

AFC RECORD

2-10

318

Points Scored

24

8

OCT

400

1

15

NOV

22

5

NOV

NOV

NOV

DEC

DEC

DEC

DEC

DEC

Points Allowed

Tom Coughlin is back in the 904 as the vice president of the Jacksonville Jaguars. That was just one of the changes the Jaguars made this offseason. With the Jaguars firing head coach Gus Bradley last season, they stuck with offensive line coach Doug Marrone as their new head. Marrone was the head coach of the Bills where he took them to a 9-7 record before coming to Jacksonville. Both the offensive and defensive side also got a face lift this offseason as well.

Offense

On the offensive side of the ball, the Jaguars drafted running back Leonard Fournette with the fourth pick in the NFL draft out of LSU. The Jaguars hope this pick will help Blake Bortles, who has never had a 1,000 yard rusher on his team. The offensive line has improved on the left side with the trade to get pro bowl caliber left tackle Brandon Albert. They drafted another left tackle in the second round of the draft in Cam Robinson. Robinson and Albert will battle it out, and I believe the loser of the battle will play left guard or right tackle. The weakness on the offense is at tight end. The Jaguars traded Julius Thomas to the Dolphins, who they signed to a big contract a few years back. At the end of the day it all comes down to No. 5 quarterback Blake Bortles, who is coming back from a down year in Jacksonville.

12

26

19

3

Defense

On the defensive side, the Jaguars spent a good amount on free agency to help build their team. They signed veteran defensive lineman Calais Campbell from the Cardinals. Campbell will be playing alongside former third overall pick Donte Fowler Jr., super bowl champion Malik Jackson, and last year’s rookie pass rusher, who had 8.5 sacks, Yannick Ngakoue. They also signed free agent defensive back A.J. Bouye to play alongside Jalen Ramsey. This pair will be a great young force for years to come. The last addition and possibly the most underrated move was the signing of strong safety Barry Church from the Cowboys. The reason why this addition is key is because Church was a captain of Dallas defense and his leadership will help a young secondary.

10

24

IN THE GAME PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017

17

31

89

Coach of the Year 90

PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017 IN THE GAME

THE SPARTANS ARE YOUNG, BUT QUICK

St. Johns Country Day Spartans

Written by: Ryan Hennessy Photos courtesy of jacksonville.com

Highlights

Head Coach Bill Sellinger

1-6

2016 District Record

Stadium Name: Spartan Field Mascot: Spartans

2016 Overall Record

position

1-5

Points Scored: 129

Points Allowed: 246

S

t. Johns Country Day School is a smaller school, which makes it harder to get as many players out to play football each year.

According to head coach Bill Sellinger, the school has around 100 boys at the high school.

“Getting 25 of them to play football is a challenge,” Sellinger said.

The Spartans lost their 6’5” quarterback last year, which means that incoming freshman Max Monroe will be the teams quarterback for the future. The team will also have Monroe as the kicker, where Sellinger believes he will be going to college for. Another returning star for the Spartans is senior outside linebacker Cade Walden.

The Spartans run a fast offense because of their lack of size on the offensive line and young quarterback.

Sellinger said the quarterback needs to get the ball out of his hand quickly. The key to the Spartans' success is high energy and working hard whenever they practice.

Education is the number one thing at St. Johns Country Day School, so he gives his players time for homework. The less time practicing means that they have to make every second count on the field.

2017 SCHEDULE 8/18 @ Branford 8/25 - St. Fransis Catholic 9/8 - Bishop Snyder 9/21 - Florida School for the Deaf

9/29 - Maclay School 10/6 @ St. Joseph Academy 10/13 @ Oak Hall 10/20 - Halifax Academy

North Florida Conference

@InTheGameNation #StayInTheGame and #JoinTheNation by following us on each of our social media platforms!

IN THE GAME PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017

91

St. Joseph Academy Flashes

FLASHES LOOK TO CONTINUE THEIR DOMINANCE Written by: Dylan Hutchinson Photos courtesy of St. Augustine Record

Highlights

Dylan Thibault Fre’quan Sparrow James Drysdale

92

PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017 IN THE GAME

QB Passes/Yards: 6/68 RB Carries/Yards: 26/326 OLB, RB Total Tackles: 111

2017 SCHEDULE

Team Averages 2016 STATS vs national averages

170.1

166.7

45

61.8

13

Rushing Yards: 1500 Passing Yards: 1348

Ints

Sacks

10 Tackles P/G

North Florida Conference

Head Coach: Matthew Olesnevich

Total TDs

8/18 @ Taylor 9/1 @ St. Francis Catholic 9/8 @ Eagle’s View 9/15 @ Oak Hill 9/22 - St. John Lutheran 10/6 - St. Johns Country Day 10/13 - St. John Paul II 10/20 @ Christ’s Church Academy 10/26 - Florida School for the Deaf

Rush Yds P/G

W

Rec Yds P/G

ith the formation of the North Florida Conference in 2011, many smaller schools had a chance to play for a title on a more level playing field. One of these teams is St. Joseph Academy. Before the formation of the North Florida Conference, the Flashes had to play against monumental teams in the likes of University Christian, Trinity Christian, and North Florida Christian.

The Flashes laid relatively dormant in the first few years but stunned everyone when they brought home their first undefeated season in school history in 2015. This brought them into last season on a high note.

The 2016 season wasn’t as good to them as the year before, but they still finished with a record of 7-2. One of the losses came in overtime to Christ’s Church Academy.

The St. Joseph Academy Flashes are still considered a favorite in the North Florida Conference in the upcoming season. The title is still up for grabs.

2016 STATS

Points Allowed: 95

Team Leaders

5-1

Points Scored: 301

7-2

2016 District Record

2016 Overall Record

Stadium Name: St. Joseph Academy Stadium Mascot: Flashes

Bishop Snyder Cardinals

A NEW SEASON MEANS A FRESH SLATE Written by: Ryan Hennessy Photos courtesy of www.bishopsnyder.org and Kathryn Abbruzzese Photography

Highlights

2-8

2016 District Record

Head Coach Travis Markoski

2016 Overall Record

Stadium Name: Bishop Snyder Stadium Mascot: Cardinals

Returning Players

0-3

Tyler Townsend OLB, WR Darius Abrams

QB

T

he Cardinals enter the upcoming season with a clear mind after a 2-8 season last year under head coach Travis Markoski. The team lost the first eight games of the season and finished strong with wins in their final two against Merritt Island Christian and their biggest win margin of 35-6 against a Central Florida school in Lake Mary Prep.

The team looks to start faster and get early wins this upcoming season. Their first three games are keys to the pace of their team’s success the rest of the season. They start off the season home against Christ’s Church Academy on September 15. They then have two road games on September 22 and September 29 against Brandford and St. Edward’s.

The team looks to change their losing seasons into winning ones as they have a fresh slate like everyone else in 2017.

2017 SCHEDULE 9/15 - Christ’s Church Academy 9/22 @ Branford 9/29 @ St. Edward’s

Sunshine State Athletic Conference

IN THE GAME PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017

93

Christ’s Church Academy Eagles

THE EAGLES WILL CONTINUE TO SOAR

Written by: Dylan Hutchinson Photos courtesy of www.ccajax.org

Highlights

Sunshine State Athletic Conference

Who to Watch DJ Lampp Josh Dennie Jacob Reeves Matthew Stone Anderson Tucker

4-0

2016 STATS Running Back

Carries/Yards: 157/1022 Wide Receiver

Points Allowed: 130

8-2

Head Coach: Jim Stomps Points Scored: 281

2016District Record

J

im Stomps and his Eagles look to make it just a little farther in the playoffs this season. In 2015 the team began with a breakout start at 5-0 before losing the following five games to cut their season short.

Last year however, the team went into the second round of the playoffs before being knocked out by Seven Rivers Christian. The Eagles had a remarkable season, finishing with three shut-outs and two more games with seven points or less scored on them.

With defense like that your team would be a worthy opponent for anyone. The Eagles didn’t stop there.

They also had an explosive offense that averaged almost 30 points a game. The Eagles also managed to score 65 points in one of their regular season games against Ocala Christian.

Although the Eagles may have lost a good portion of their starters, the work ethic and the winning mentality haven’t gone anywhere.

The 2017 season is bright for the Eagles. We hope to see Jim Stomps and his team back in the playoffs again this year.

2016 Overall Record

Stadium Name: CCA Field of Dreams Mascot: Eagles

2017 SCHEDULE 8/25 - Episcopal 9/1 @ Orlando Christian Prep 9/8 - Wewahitchka 9/15 @ Bishop Snyder 9/29 - Duval Charter 10/6 @ Master’s Academy 8/13 - Harvest Community 8/20 - St. Joseph Academy

Catches/Yards: 16/202 Outside Linebacker Total Tackles: 43 Defensive Tackle Total Tackles: 34 Kicker/Punter Total Kickoff Yards: 240

Team Averages 2016 STATS vs national averages 200.8

35

58.2

54

94

PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017 IN THE GAME

Ints

Sacks

Tackles P/G

12 Total TDs

Rush Yds P/G

Rec Yds P/G

86.1

INDIANS WORKING THEIR WAY BACK TO THE PLAYOFFS

charlton county indians

Written by: Rob Asbell

Highlights Points Allowed: 271

3-4

2017 SCHEDULE Points Scored: 216

3-6

2016 region Record

Stadium Name: Indian Field/ The Swamp Mascot: Indians

2016 Overall Record

I

t was an anomaly. One of those rare occurrences you see only once in every great while.

Charlton County missed the playoffs in 2016.

The Indians had their worst record since 1988, going 3-6 in a storm-shortened season. The Indians did not make the playoffs for the first time in coach Rich McWhorter’s 27-year tenure at the school. Indications started at the beginning of the season when Charlton fell to Brantley County in their season opener at home. The Indians showed flashes of offensive brilliance in their three wins but not the rest of the season.

“We hope and expect to be better than last year," McWhorter said. "We had very good winter workouts, and spring went well.”

A total of 13 starters return from last year’s team.

Charlton County has always had great athletes, and that continues this year. Raykwon Anderson has already committed to the University of Florida and hopes to have a strong junior campaign for the Indians as they work their way back to playoff form. Several seniors dot the lineup as well as some young players who will take some important snaps.

Head Coach: Rich McWhorter

Who To Watch position A.J Bell QB Eric Daniels RB

1A region 2

camden county wildcats

WILDCATS GET NEW COACH, NEW OFFENSE

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Head Coach:

2016 Region Record

Stadium Name: Chris Gilman Stadium Mascot: Wildcats

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Bob Sphire

Who To Watch position Mikey Packard RB Jeremiah Compton DB

2017 SCHEDULE Points Allowed: 326

Highlights

2016 Overall Record

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Points Scored:141

Written by: Rob Asbell

t was the second downward season in three years for the Wildcats. They managed only two wins in 2016 and lost their region games by a combined 143-27. After falling to two Florida teams, Game 3 was cancelled due to Tropical Storm Hermine. The Wildcats got wins over Brunswick and Forest Park, but the rest of the season did not go so well. Loses to Glynn Academy and McEachern preceded their three region loses.

The result was the search for a new football coach as Welton Coffey was moved upstairs to be the school’s Athletic Director. Coach Bob Sphire was brought in from North Gwinnett High School to take over the reins at Camden.

“This is a new season under a new offensive and defensive system," Sphire said. "I'm looking forward to the kids learning and growing throughout the year.”

It will be a season of adjustment for Camden County this season as they change coaches and schemes.

Expect to see more passing from the Wildcats in 2017.

8/25 @ Brantley 9/1 - Appling County 9/8 - Savannah Chris- trian 9/15 @ Atkinson Co. 9/22 - Turner County 9/29 - Irwin County 10/13 @ Wilcox Co. 10/20 - Telfair County 10/20 @ Clinch Co. 10/27 @ Clinch Co. 11/3 - Lanier County

8/18 - Oakleaf 8/25 - Venice 9/1 - Fitzgerald 9/8 @ Glynn Academy 9/15 - Brunswick 9/22 @ McEachern 9/29 - Forest Park 10/13 - Colquitt Co. 10/20 - Lowndes 11/3 @ TIft County

7A Region 1

IN THE GAME PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017

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