After a grueling hot summer it’s hard to believe Week 1 is already here. We have just the antidote to kick off the season with a solid lineup of games. The 2017 season kicks off with a bang with several top notch games including Raines at Lee, Ribault at Sandalwood, Baker County at St. Augustine, Cocoa at Trinity, Ridgeview at Jackson and Harvest Community at Bishop Snyder.
Top Games
Ridgeview (0-0) at Jackson (0-0)
When: Friday, 7 p.m., Jackie Simmons Stadium
Key Players: Ridgeview -Tyler Duff (Jr., QB), Kairan Turner (Sr., WR), Jaidan Turner (Jr., RB), Jackson – Artis Maddox (So., WR), Ju’-Juan Turner (So., ATH)
Outlook: The good news is somebody is going to end the second longest current losing streak at 18 consecutive losses, the bad news is somebody is going to extend the streak to 19 straight losses. You can expect an all out war in this one as both want to badly end the streak.
Ribault (0-0) at Sandalwood (0-0)
When: Friday, 7 p.m., Dennis Bartley Stadium
Key Players: Ribault – Jhaamal Marsh (Sr., QB), Kenneth Chanelle (Sr., WR), Mike McCray (Sr., WR); Sandalwood – Antonio Clary (Jr., QB), RZ McCorker (Sr., WR), Edwin Carter (Sr., WR)
Outlook: Good test for the young Sandalwood defense, which had to reload after losing nearly everyone. How will the young defense fair against the potent trio of Marsh, Chanelle and McCray. On the flip side, how will an offense which had to replace Logan Wright fare against a solid defense.
Cocoa (0-0) at Trinity (0-0)
When: Friday, 7:30, Conquerors Stadium
Key Players: Cocoa – Javian Hawkins (Sr., ATH), Howard Stewart (Sr., RB), Josh Padrick (Sr., OL); Trinity – Chamarri Conner (Sr., DB), Marcus Crowley (Jr., RB/LB), Eriq Gilyard (Sr., LB)
2016: Cocoa 26, Trinity 23 (OT)
Outlook: A matchup of two of the top programs in the state, will be a good indication of where Trinity stands again. Defensively, the Conquerors are stacked led by Tyreke Johnson, Conner and Gilyard but can they stop the potent Tigers rushing attack. Likewide how will get a young but very athletic offense led by Crowley fare against a solid Tigers defense ?
Baker County (0-0) at St. Augustine (0-0)
When: Friday, 7 p.m., Foots Brumley Stadium
Key Players: Baker County – Seth Paige (Sr., RB), Josh Haygood (Sr., RB), Noah Carter (Jr., QB); St. Augustine – Austin Reed (Sr., QB), Brandon Johnson (Jr., RB), Karim Brown (Sr., WR)
2016: Baker County 23, St. Augustine 21
2015: St. Augustine 29, Baker County 7
2014: St. Augustine 20, Baker County 6
Outlook: For the fourth straight year, these two area powers meet up in the opener, this time in St. Augustine. Baker County surprised many last year getting the win can they do it again. With the new playoff system, this game will be huge for both come playoff time. If you have never seen Paige or Brown play it’s worth price of admission to see both play as well.
Harvest Community (0-0) at Bishop Snyder (0-0)
When: Friday, 7:30 p.m., Cardinals Stadium
Key Players: Harvest – Gavin Marts (Sr., ATH), Jacob Mathis (Sr., QB/DB), Jon Mathis (Sr., RB/LB); Bishop Snyder – Christian Mayhew (Sr., RB/DB), Malik Fordham (Jr., LB/RB), Hunter Chaney (Sr., LB/TE)
Outlook: I know what you’re thinking, what is this game doing on this list. It’s rare to start the season with one of the most important games of your season but thats what both face in this one. The winner not only starts the season with a win but also 1-0 in the First Coast Division of the Sunshine State Athletic Conference. With the top two teams making the playoffs in each division, this one is a must win for both.
Bartram Trail (0-0) at Cartersville, GA (1-0)
When: Saturday, 7:30 p.m., ESPN2
Key Players: Bartram Trail – Riley Smith (Sr., QB), Joey Gatewood (Sr., QB/WR), Devin Ellison (Jr., RB); Cartersville – Trevor Lawrence (Sr., QB), Rico Frye (Sr., RB), TJ Horton (Sr., WR), EJ Turner (Sr., WR)
Outlook: Tough task for Bartram Trail going on the road to Georgia and playing Cartersville who has won 31 in a row and is the two time defending state champions. Cartersville opened its season last week winning at Allatoona 35-14, behind one of the top quarterbacks in the country Thomas, who finished 12 of 20 for 230 yards. Frye accounted for only 85 total yards but combined for four touchdowns, three on the ground to lead the Hurricanes.
GAME OF THE WEEK
Raines (0-0) at Lee (0-0)
Key Players: Raines – Ivory Durham (Sr., QB), George Webb (Sr., WR), Brandon Marshall (Jr., RB), Raynell Killian (Sr., RB/DB), Matt Drayton (Sr., WR/DB), Diop Kee (Sr., DB); Lee – Derrick Jones (Sr., QB), Jurial Caldwell (Jr., WR), Teddy Ingram (Sr., WR), Tahveon Nicholson (Sr., ATH), Vincent Davis (Sr., DB), Dequan Jackson (Sr., LB)
2016: Raines 34, Lee 28
2015: Raines 37, Lee 0
2012: Raines 51, Lee 6
2011: Raines 34, Lee 14
2010: Raines 42, Lee 20
2009: Raines 38, Lee 6
2008: Lee 37, Raines 26
2007: Lee 14, Raines 13
1999-2006: Did not play
1998: Raines won
1997: Raines 47, Lee 6
1996: Lee 20, Raines 13 (OT)
1995: Lee 34, Raines 20
1990: Raines 21, Lee 0
1987: Raines 29, Lee 20
1986: Lee 27, Raines 0
1985: Lee 17, Raines 16
1984: Lee 21, Raines 13
1983: Lee 31, Raines 6
1982: Raines 20, Lee 14
1981: Raines 30, Lee 27
1980: Lee 17, Raines 0
1978: Lee 7, Raines 6
1975: Raines 21, Lee 0
1974: Tie 7-7
1973: Raines 42, Lee 7
1972: Raines 52, Lee 6
1971: Raines 42, Lee 0
Outlook: It’s been exactly a year since an off the field distraction in the stadium allowed Raines to catch their breath and come from behind late in the game and knock off Lee. You can bet Lee has been waiting all year for this moment and should be well prepared. While offensively Lee can match up well with anybody in the area, can the defense stop likely the most potent offense in the area. As they saying goes be careful what you wish for, you just might get it.
