” Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind, for he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things,” Psalm 107:8-9 reads.
As we sit down to the table with our immediate family or our extended (football) family, let us give thanks for the many blessing that have been given to us and those that are yet to come.
For nine local teams, they continue to count their blessings each week as they get closer and closer to the ultimate goal of winning a state championship.
For teams like Clay, Bartram Trail, St. Augustine, Trinity and U.C. practicing on Thanksgiving Day has not become an annual tradition its become an expected tradition as well, while for other teams like Baker County and Bradford County this is new territory that hopes to become an annual tradition.
For Raines, Bradford County and University Christian one win separates them from playing for another state title in two weeks; while for Fleming Island, Bartram Trail, St. Augustine, Clay, Baker County and Trinity one win puts them into the state semi-finals one step closer to state.
Class 7A: #6 Fleming Island (10-2) at #1 Bartram Trail (9-3)
History: Bartram Trail leads 7-1
2005: Bartram Trail 42, Fleming Island 7
2006: Bartram Trail 49, Fleming Island 35
2007: Bartram Trail 28, Fleming Island 26 (third round)
2013: Fleming Island 38, Bartram Trail 14
2014: Bartram Trail 27, Fleming Island 14
2015: Bartram Trail 28, Fleming Island 21
2016: Bartram Trail 10, Fleming Island 0
2017: Bartram Trail 32, Fleming Island 16
Key players: Fleming Island-Ryan Smenda (Sr., LB/P/RB), Jack Surgeoner (Sr., LB), Jackson Bull (Sr., LB), Jalyn Robinson (Sr., DE), Jared Ashe (Jr., WR); Bartram Trail-Joey Gatewood (Sr., QB), Riley Smith (Sr., QB), Devin Ellison (Jr., RB), Xavier Hutchinson (Sr., WR), Griffin Helm (Jr., WR) Gunnar Hitzeman (Jr., WR)
Outlook: These two are quite familiar with each other over the years having been old district rivals for years. Don’t let the most recent score fool you, as Bartram Trail only led Fleming Island 20-16 heading into the fourth quarter. It’s no surprise what both teams are going to do as Fleming Island relies heavily on its defense, while Bartram Trail relies on its high powered offense. For Fleming Island to win Smenda, Surgeoner, Bull and Robinson must have a huge night and not allow either Gatewood or Smith to get out of the pocket. For Bartram Trail to win its quite simple pick apart that loaded defense and put pressure on the Fleming Island offense. Smenda could be the x-factor in the game having taken on a greater role on offense, while also affecting the field position with his dynamic punting. One thing is for sure, Bartram Trail won’t be intimated having been at home all three rounds of the playoffs while also having played in the third round seven times under coach Darrell Sutherland, including four of the last five years. After missing the playoffs the last three years, the Eagles are playing in the third round for the first time since 2010. The Eagles won’t be intimidated either going on the road and knocking off #2 Edgewater 23-7 and #3 Lee 31-26.
At stake: Winner moves on to the state semi-finals, Fleming Island would travel to Lakeland-Plant winner, while Bartram Trail would host Plant or travel to Lakeland.
Class 6A: #2 Crestview (10-0) at #1 St. Augustine (11-0)
History: Series tied 1-1
2002: Crestview 20, St. Augustine 10
2016: St. Augustine 41, Crestview 14
Key players: St. Augustine-Karim Brown (Sr., WR), Cedrin Daniel (Sr., WR), Austin Reed (Sr., QB), Dexter Brown (Sr., RB), Frequan Sparrow (Sr., RB), Jaeden McDowell (So., SS), Rylan Shugart (Jr., LB), Robert Zuzu (Jr., DL), Darius Stanley (Jr., DE), Elijah Ryan (Jr., K/P); Crestview-Rod Brouchard (Sr., QB), Jay Stanton (Jr., RB), Devin Voisin (Jr., WR/DB), Keon Voisin (Sr., WR/DB), Jaeden Voisin (Jr., WR/DB), D’marcus Purcell (Jr., DB), Cody Traywick (Sr., K)
Outlook: These two met in the second round of the playoffs last season, don’t think that hasn’t been in the back of the minds of Crestview players all week. This is one of only two matchups statewide featuring two undefeated teams the other being ironically the other North Region 6A game between Ocala Vanguard and Armwood. St. Augustine, which is seeking its first state semi-final appearance since 2010, must rely on what it does best mixing things up with both passing and running behind Reed, Brown, Daniel, Sparrow and Brown. The defense, which has played lights out all season, must keep up its intensity and figure out how to stop all three Voisin’s who have combined for 17 touchdowns each with nearly 500 yards receiving each while also combining for interceptions on defense. Tough test for both teams especially the Bulldogs defense trying to stop a Jackets offense that hasn’t been held under 31 points all season.
At stake: Winner moves on to the state semi-finals, St. Augustine would host Vanguard or travel to Armwood.
Class 5A: #6 Clay (9-3) at #1 Baker County (11-1)
History: According to football historian Richard Burton, Baker County leads the series 12-10 since 1973
2017: Baker County Clay 21, Clay 14
2016: Clay 42, Baker County 14 (2nd Rd)
2016: Baker County 28, Clay 14
2015: Clay 35, Baker County 6
2012: Baker County 34, Clay 19
2011: Clay 28, Baker County 27
2007: Baker County 44, Clay 14 (1st Rd)
2002: Clay 32, Baker County 12
2001: Clay 41, Baker County 21
2000: Baker won N/A
1999: Clay 24, Baker County 6
1994: Baker won N/A
1993: Baker County 48, Clay 7
1979: Clay 33, Baker County 21
1978: ?
1977: Baker County 55, Clay 7
1976: Baker County 42, Clay 21
1975: ?
1974: Baker County 21, Clay 14
1973: ?
1972: Clay 7, Baker County 2
1971: Clay 6, Baker County 6
1962: Clay 19, Baker County 13
1960: Clay 19, Baker County 0
1952: Baker County 25, Clay 0
1950: Baker County 13, Clay 12
Key players: Baker County-Seth Paige (Sr., RB), Josh Haygoood (Sr., RB), Lee Graham (Sr., ATH), John Green (Jr., ATH), Wesley Belford (Sr., WR), Tavion Reed (Sr., DL), Kelton Knabb (Jr., LB); Clay-Aundre Carter (Sr., RB), Caleb Eason (Sr., QB), Cedric Brown (Jr., RB), Spencer Lesage (Jr., WR), Ajay Belanger (Sr., WR), Raequan Williams (Sr., DB), Christian Swilley (Sr., DB)
Outlook: It’s safe to say this is a love hate relationship between these to, you hate them if you lose and you love them like a brother if you win. These two are very familiar with each other as this will be the fifth meeting in three years, with the series tied at 2-2 in that span, including the 41-14 win in the second round last season. The Wildcats have won 11 in a row since season their season opening loss to St. Augustine and look to continue to make history. Baker County was 0-6 in the second round but that streak ended with a win over Menendez last week and now the Cats find themselves in unfamiliar territory but also two wins from a possible state title. If anything the last two meetings have taught us is to expect the unexpected in this game as Clay mixed things up last year to pull the stunner on the road; while the regular season meeting came down to a third down play with the clock running inside the 5-yard line. Belanger caught a pass from Eason and was stopped short of the first down, with no measurement given, Eason spiked the ball on fourth down after getting the first down he thought instead it was the Cats ball and game over. Expect the same type of hard fought game with a few new wrinkles. Neither team was able to stop each others playmakers in Carter, Paige and Haygood, look for that trend to continue and the game to most likely be decided on a turnover or turnovers.
At stake: Winner moves on to the state semi-finals, Clay would travel to Trinity/West Fla winner, while Baker County would host Trinity or travel to West Florida.
Class 5A: #3 Trinity (9-3) at #1 West Florida (11-1)
History: First meeting
Key players: Trinity-Isaiah Washington (Jr., WR), Chamarri Conner (Sr., DB), Marcus Crowley (Jr., RB), Eriq Gilyard (Sr., LB), Tyreke Johnson (Sr., ATH), Miles Brooks (So., DB), West Florida-Trevor Jordan (Jr., QB), Devin Abrams (Sr., RB), Keyshawn Helton (Sr., WR)
Outlook: The six hour bus ride to Pensacola isn’t an easy one, especially when you throw in the Panhandle curse as well. Traditionally Jacksonville area teams have struggled in the Panhandle in the playoffs, with the majority of teams coming home empty handed. But this isn’t a typical Jacksonville team though as the Conquerors have endured trips to Tallahassee to play Lincoln and Godby as well as Cocoa last year. Nobody said the road to winning a state record five consecutive state titles would be easy. West Florida may have the home field advantage but they don’t have the experience of playing in big time playoff games like this one.
At stake: Winner moves on to the state semi-finals, Trinity would host Clay or travel to Baker County.
Class 4A: #1 Raines (11-1) at #1 Bradford (10-1)
History: Raines leads 2-0
2011: Raines 12, Bradford 7 (1st Rd)
2013: Raines 58, Bradford 6 (1st Rd)
Key players: Bradford-Zion Barber (Sr., QB), Jeremiah Vaughn (Jr., RB), Tally Chandler (Sr., RB), Chris Cummings (Sr., WR/DB), Taro Ward (Sr., LB), Nathaniel Davis (So., WR/DB), Gerald Smith (Sr.,DE ), Dallin Woods (Sr., LB), Jaquez Mosley (Jr., DL), Raines-Ivory Durham (Sr., QB), George Webb (Sr., WR), Brandon Marshall (Jr., RB), Raynell Killian (Sr., DB/RB), Diop Kee (Sr., DB), Javon Bonsell (Jr., LB), Kamaree Noble (Sr., WR), Aric Horne (Jr., LB)
Outlook: How big is this game, some are saying this is the biggest home game in 14 years for Bradford County. After two straight first round losses to Dunnellon, the Tornadoes finally got pay back by knocking off their nemesis. Home field advantage in a small town is huge as the entire community supports the team and everybody is excited about the possibility of playing for a state title. Unlike most of the teams in their bracket, Bradford matches up well with Raines athletically and this one could be a nail bitter. The three headed monster of Barber, Vaughn and Chandler will need another huge night to not only keep up with Raines, but to also try to keep them off the field. The Tornadoes defense will have their hands full trying to contain Durham, Webb and Marshall and the rest of the Vikings weapons. It’s been 13 years since the Tornadoes have been in this position after back-to-back semifinal losses to Madison County in 2003 and 2004. The Tornadoes two time state champs (1965 1966) haven’t been to state since 1985 losing to Bartow in the final and the players say its about time to put up another banner on the wall. After a blowout loss to Bolles in the second round last season, the Vikings are trying to make it to state since losing to Booker T Washington two years ago.
At stake: Winner moves on to the state finals in Orlando to play the winner of Cocoa-Fort Lauderdale University Dec 7 at Camping World Stadium.
Class 2A: #1 University Christian (9-2) at #1 Victory Christian (10-1)
History: U.C. leads 2-0
2016: U.C. 43, Victory 13
2015: U.C. 21, Victory 0
Key players: UC-Clayton Boyd (Sr., QB), Jaedon Stoshak (Jr., WR/FS), Jalen Dunnigan (Sr., RB/WR), Malik Brown (Jr., RB/DB), TJ Ciresi (Sr., WR), Dyrell Stubbs (Sr., DB), Uriah Ratliff (Jr., DB); Victory-Jeremiah Byrd (So, QB), Eddie Hopkins (Sr., RB), Semaj James (Sr., WR), Bradley Clark (Sr., WR), Ja’quaes Stone (Sr., DB), Kitchner Bastien (Jr., DB)
Outlook: For the third straight year, these two will meet with a spot in the Class 2A state championship game on the line. University Christian, which is attempting to win its 10th overall state title, has the upper hand in this one having won both meetings in dominating fashion. The Christians have had to spread the ball around a bit more than usual after having to replace so many seniors off the last two state championship teams. Two way threat Boyd has done a tremendous job running practically a new offense with so many new players. Playing Ben Lippen, SC and both Madison County and Clay down the stretch of the season has had this team ready for the playoffs and for this playoff run.
At stake: Winner moves on to the state finals to play the Cambridge Christian-Champagnat winner Dec 8 at 10 a.m. at Camping World Stadium.
