JULINGTON CREEK-When respective head coaches Brian Braddock and Darrell Sutherland give their final words of wisdom before running out of the locker rooms, their shouldn’t be any motivation needed.
Minutes following both of their victories Friday night, it didn’t take long for either St. Augustine (3-1) or Bartram Trail (3-1) to figure out who was next.
Breaking up into their position groups, Bear players were overheard yelling St. Augustine repeatedly.
They know the significance of the annual rivalry that has gone the St. Augustine Yellow Jackets way.
When the two meet today at Bartram Trail in the 18th meeting, the Yellow Jackets will be seeking their 18th straight win in the series.
The rivalry annually brings tears to both teams players eyes whether in jubilation or down right frustration.
A rivalry that has just about brought us every way possible to lose a game, brings us another exciting chapter again.
St. Augustine seniors quarterback Cole Northrup and tailback Jahq Russell have been on the end of three straight wins in the series, including hooking up for the game winner their freshman season.
Russell scored the lone touchdown for the Jackets in the 10-7 win two years ago; while Northrup had a game to forget throwing three interceptions.
The two would like nothing more than to close out their high school career a perfect 4-0 against rival Bartram Trail.
Anyone who has followed the series knows it’s been anything but lopsided despite the domination.
Just look at the last four years, to see how close the Bears have come to ending the streak. Ten of the 17 previous meetings have been by a touchdown or less.
2015: St. Augustine 24, Bartram Trail 17 (OT)
For the third time in the last four meetings, Bears missed a crucial field goal in closing minutes of game. Austin Galbraith missed a 41 yard field goal in the closing second which would have won game for the Bears.
2014: St. Augustine 10, Bartram Trail 7
Trailing 10-7, the Bears lined up for a 43-yard field goal attempt by Tyler Gallitz that would have tied it up but the kick came up short keeping the streak alive.
2013: St. Augustine 28, Bartram Trail 27
Jackets led 21-0 at one point only to see the Bears rally to tie it. Cole Northrup 7-yard touchdown pass to Jahq Russell with less than 90 seconds remaining helped the Jackets pull it out.
2012: St. Augustine 27, Bartram Trail 26
Cody McCullough knifed his way through the Bears line and blocked a 43-yard field goal attempt from Thomas Gallitz with 1:19 left helping the Jackets steal another one in the classic after being down 19-0 early on.
The St. Johns Showdown Series
Series: St. Augustine leads 17-0
2015: St. Augustine 24, Bartram Trail 17 (OT)
2014: St. Augustine 10, Bartram Trail 7
2013: St. Augustine 28, Bartram Trail 27
2012: St. Augustine 27, Bartram Trail 26
2011: St. Augustine 26, Bartram Trail 10
2010: St. Augustine 16, Bartram Trail 15 (playoffs)
2010: St. Augustine 27, Bartram Trail 10
2009: St. Augustine 31, Bartram Trail 7 (playoffs)
2009: St. Augustine 49, Bartram Trail 7
2008: St. Augustine 22, Bartram Trail 19
2007: St. Augustine 17, Bartram Trail 10
2006: St. Augustine 10, Bartram Trail 7
2005: St. Augustine 26, Bartram Trail 0
2004: St. Augustine 27, Bartram Trail 20
2003: St. Augustine 34, Bartram Trail 0
2002: St. Augustine 14, Bartram Trail 9
2001: St. Augustine 30, Bartram Trail 0
