They have been playing for nearly 100 years, actually 85 years but the Battle for the Old Oaken Bucket Trophy is still hot as ever despite being one sided.
Neighboring towns of Lake City and Live Oak meet every year with the hopes of having the annual bragging rights each year, although fans in Lake City have been doing all the talking the last decade.
The two towns go to church together and play youth and junior high football together, some even go to school together.
RIVALRY GAME OF THE WEEK
Suwannee (1-0) at Columbia (1-0)
Trophy: Old Oaken Bucket
Series: 84 meetings, Columbia leads 58-23-3
1927: Columbia 19, Suwannee 6 (1-0) 1
1928: Suwannee 33, Columbia 6 (1-1) 2
1929: Columbia 19, Suwannee 18 (2-1) 3
1930: Columbia 0, Suwannee 0 (2-1-1) 4
1931: Columbia 31, Suwannee 0 (3-1-1) 5
1932: Columbia 26, Suwannee 6 (4-1-1) 6
1933: Columbia 26, Suwannee 13 (5-1-1) 7
1934: Columbia 13, Suwannee 0 (6-1-1) 8
1936: Suwannee 24, Columbia 0 (6-2-1) 9
1937: Suwannee 33, Columbia 0 (6-3-1) 10
1938: Columbia 7, Suwannee 6 (7-3-1) 11
1939: Suwannee 33, Columbia 0 (7-4-1) 12
1940: Suwannee 39, Columbia 2 (7-5-1) 13
1941: Suwannee 9, Columbia 7 (7-6-1) 14
1942: Columbia 0, Suwannee 0 (7-6-2) 15
1943: Suwannee 6, Columbia 0 (7-7-2) 16
1944: Columbia 27, Suwannee 6 (8-7-2) 17
1945: Columbia 13, Suwannee 7 (9-7-2) 18
1946: Columbia 14, Suwannee 0 (10-7-2) 19
1947: Suwannee 13, Columbia 12 (10-8-2) 20
1948: Suwannee 26, Columbia 7 (10-9-2) 21
1949: Columbia 33, Suwannee 0 (11-9-2) 22
1950: Suwannee 7, Columbia 0 (11-10-2) 23
1951: Columbia 33, Suwannee 0 (12-10-2) 24
1952: Columbia 19, Suwannee 12 (13-10-2) 25
1953: Suwannee 28, Columbia 7 (13-11-2) 26
1954: Columbia 14, Suwannee 0 (14-11-2) 27
1955: Suwannee 7, Columbia 6 (14-12-2) 28
1956: Suwannee 7, Columbia 7 (14-12-3) 29
1957: Columbia 27, Suwannee 3 (15-12-3) 30
1958: Columbia 27, Suwannee 3 (16-12-3) 31
1959: Columbia 9, Suwannee 7 (17-12-3) 32
1960: Columbia 19, Suwannee 6 (18-12-3) 33
1961: Suwannee 20, Columbia 12 (18-13-3) 34
1962: Suwannee 42, Columbia 10 (18-14-3) 35
1963: Suwannee 20, Columbia 7 (18-15-3) 36
1964: Columbia 14, Suwannee 0 (19-15-3) 37
1965: Columbia 9, Suwannee 0 (20-15-3) 38
1966: Columbia 18, Suwannee 0 (21-15-3) 39
1967: Columbia 40, Suwannee 13 (22-15-3) 40
1968: Columbia 41, Suwannee 0 (23-15-3) 41
1969: Columbia 56, Suwannee 0 (24-15-3) 42
1970: Columbia 21, Suwannee 7 (25-15-3) 43
1971: Suwannee 14, Columbia 6 (25-16-3) 44
1972-1977 no games
1978: Columbia 34, Suwannee 0 (26-16-3) 45
1979: Columbia 41, Suwannee 6 (27-16-3) 46
1980: Columbia 23, Suwannee 0 (28-16-3) 47
1981: Columbia 9, Suwannee 2 (29-16-3) 48
1982: Columbia 41, Suwannee 20 (30-16-3) 49
1983: Columbia 23, Suwannee 0 (31-16-3) 50
1984: Columbia 17, Suwannee 0 (32-16-3) 51
1985: Suwannee 13, Columbia 4 (32-17-3) 52
1986: Suwannee 14, Columbia 7 (32-18-3) 53
1987: Columbia 31, Suwannee 23 (33-18-3) 54
1988: Suwannee 42, Columbia 22 (33-19-3) 55
1989: Columbia 31, Suwannee 0 (34-19-3) 56
1990: Columbia 13, Suwannee 7 (35-19-3) 57
1991: Columbia 34, Suwannee 14 (36-19-3) 58
1992: Columbia 17, Suwannee 10 (37-19-3) 59
1993: Columbia 21, Suwannee 20 (OT) (38-19-3) 60
1994: Columbia 24, Suwannee 14 (39-19-3) 61
1995: Suwannee 21, Columbia 0 (39-20-3) 62
1996: Columbia 21, Suwannee 7 (40-20-3) 63
1997: Columbia 20, Suwannee 7 (41-20-3) 64
1998: Columbia 40, Suwannee 32 (42-20-3) 65
1999: Columbia 26, Suwannee 23 (OT) (43-20-3) 66
2000: Columbia 47, Suwannee 14 (44-20-3) 67
2001: Suwannee 10, Columbia 7 (44-21-3) 68
2002: Columbia 54, Suwannee 20 (45-21-3) 69
2003: Columbia 34, Suwannee 20 (46-21-3) 70
2004: Suwannee 14, Columbia 6 (46-22-3) 71
2005: Columbia 13, Suwannee 3 (47-22-3) 72
2006: Columbia 34, Suwannee 0 (48-22-3) 73
2007: Suwannee 14, Columbia 7 (48-23-3) 74
2008: Columbia 47, Suwannee 0 (49-23-3) 75
2009: Columbia 45, Suwannee 0 (50-23-3) 76
2010: Columbia 46, Suwannee 13 (51-23-3) 77
2011: Columbia 24, Suwannee 3 (52-23-3) 78
2012: Columbia 40, Suwannee 0 (53-23-3) 79
2013: Columbia 35, Suwannee 7 (54-23-3) 80
2014: Columbia 48, Suwannee 14 (55-23-3) 81
2015: Columbia 45, Suwannee 7 (56-23-3) 82
2016: Columbia 31, Suwannee 7 (57-23-3) 83
2017: Columbia 48, Suwannee 0 (58-23-3) 84
Outlook: A rivalry that dates back to 1927 is one of the oldest in the state and has seen its fair share of good and bad times. The two small towns are separated by 25 miles and nearly spitting images of each other. The rivalry began with an old oaken bucket as the trophy but as time progressed the bucket wore out and was replaced by a trophy with all the scores. Depending on which side you talk to, the older generation still considers this the ‘The Game of the Year’ but it has become anything but that, as Columbia has won 10 in a row in the series. The seniors on this years team were 7 or 8 years old the last time Suwannee won. Columbia now leads the all-time series 58-23-3 and has outscored its rival 409-51 during the ten year stretch, including earning its forth shutout in the recent streak.
Suwannee Bulldogs
Coach: Kyler Hall
Record: 1-0
Key Players: Carlton Hall (Sr., RB), Josh Braun (Jr., OL), L;ance Gamble (Sr., LB), Isaac Henry (Sr., WR), Keandre McKay (Sr., DE), Jaquez Moore (So., QB), Tyree Taylor (Jr., QB), Jay Williams (Sr., DE), Billy Duchaj (Sr., DE), Dustin Konvalinko (Sr., NG)
Newcomers: Reagan Berry (Jr., OL), Dawson Chitwood (So., OL), Antonio White (Jr., DE)
Outlook: Hall said for his team to be successful they must be able to throw the ball and get defenses out of the box. Defensively eliminate the big plays and win the fourth quarter in close games. The Bulldogs look to rebound after a tough season, which ended with a win over Mosley in a bowl game at home. Braun (6-7, 300) and Berry (6-4, 260) will open up holes for playmaker Hall. Coach Hall hadn’t decided on a quarterback as of the first day of practice between Moore and Taylor, both saw playing time last season. Duchaj and Williams man the defensive line and should have a field day on opposing offenses. Despite a lot of uncertainties, Suwannee has a realistic shot at taking the wide open district and automatic playoff berth.
Columbia Tigers
Coach: Brian Allen
Record: 7-4
Key Players: TJ Jones (Sr., WR), Jordan Smith (Jr., QB), Marquez Bell (Jr., WR), Ethan Ulmstead (Sr., LB), Kylen Callum (Jr., RB), Sir Rollins Talbott (Sr., DB), Jaylen Brown (Sr., LB), Damien Lewis (Sr., OL), Ahmad Williams (Sr., DB), Zachary Bedenbaugh (Sr., OL), Brandon Scott (Sr., DB), Derek Johnson (Jr., CB), Devin Johnson (Jr., CB), Gilshard Newkirk (Sr., DL), Marlon Pollock (Jr., LB), Garrett Fennell (Jr., K/P), Aidan Jolliffe (So., K), Willie Jernigan (Sr., DL)
Newcomers: Levontae Camiel (So., SS/LB), Jaden Williams (So., WR), Bobby Fulton (Sr., WR), Caleb Dixon (So., RB)
Outlook: As if they needed an even bigger target on their back, traveling to No. 1 nationally ranked IMG last week and pulling off the upset, has made the whole state and nation aware of the Tigers. How will they handle the pressure now and high expectations the rest of the season. The Tigers are loaded on both sides of the ball with five starters back on offense and eight on defense. Smith (43 of 94 for 650 yards, 8 TD, 5 INT), who shared time with Dylan Blair last season, is back and will be the No. 1 guy after Blair transferred to nearby Fort White. Smith will have both Jones (31 catches for 738 yards, 23.8 y.p.c., 6 TD) and Bell (32 catches for 762 yards, 23.8 y.p.c., 7 TD) back along with newcomers Williams and Fulton, who both played sparingly last year. Callum (335 yards, 5 TD on 60 carries) is back and will lead the running game along with Cray, to form a dynamic speed duo. The Tigers are blessed to have two special team weapons in Fennell (19/19 PAT, 1/2 FG) and Jelliffe (26/26 PAT, 3/3 FG), both give the Tigers a leg up on the competition. The defense, which surrendered just 282 points, returns Ulmstead (114 tackles, 2 sacks), Talbott (44 tackles, 3 INT), Scott (34 tackles) and Pollock (34 tackles) and will be a force for opposing offenses. A first round loss to nemesis Lincoln last season has fueled the Tigers all off season and has them focused on a long playoff run this season one that could possibly end up in Orlando.
OTHER RIVALRY GAMES
Fernandina Beach (0-1) at Hilliard (0-0)
Outlook: Since the resumption of the rivalry in 2009, Fernandina Beach has won 7 of the last 9 meetings including a 35-0 win last year in Fernandina Beach. Adding to fuel to an already lit fire is the fact after two years in Fernandina, John Pate moves from the Pirates sideline to the Flashes sideline now after taking over the Hilliard job.
2017: Fernandina Beach 35, Hilliard 0
2016: Hilliard 27, Fernandina Beach 14
2015: Hilliard 27, Fernandina Beach 6
2014: Fernandina Beach 7, Hilliard 6
2013: Fernandina Beach 40, Hilliard 0
2012: Fernandina Beach 37, Hilliard 26
2011: Fernandina Beach 7, Hilliard 6
2010: Fernandina Beach 27, Hilliard 6
2009: Fernandina Beach 12, Hilliard 6
Fernandina Beach Pirates
Coach: Jude Swearingen
Record: 0-1
Key Players: Chase Boyd (Jr., RB/DB), John Powell (Sr., RB/LB), Latrell Whitehurst (So., RB/DB), Uriah Giedras (Sr., FB/LB), Devin Jennings (Sr., RB/CB), Toraino Nelms (Jr., RB/CB), Robert Johnson (Sr., QB), Charlie Dubose (Sr., WR/LS), Havey Knight (Sr., TE/LB), Kelly Lockett (Jr., DL/OL), Jonathan Beckett (Sr., OL/DL)
Newcomers: Jackson Mock (So., QB/SS/LB), Cam Miller (Fr., WR/DB), Josiah Rauls (Fr., RB/LB)
Outlook: It’s been nearly 20 years since Fernandina Beach has been relevant in the area, new coach Swearigen is trying to change that philosophy and mentality. If anybody can do it, it’s Swearigen who has been apart of the program for 17 years. The Pirates came up just short of making their first playoff appearance since 2007, finishing .500 and short of the six teen bracket. The addition of two more wild card spots in each region should give the Pirates of confidence and motivation for this season after coming up short last season. Swearingen is counting on his veterans and several young guys to get the job done and put Fernandina Beach back on the radar and consistently in the playoffs. The transition to being a model program starts with keeping their guys at home, after four players transferred to rival Yulee in the off season. Powell is the guy who looks to be the leader on both sides of the ball after racking up 100 plus tackles last season from his linebacker position.
Hilliard Flashes
Coach: John Pate
Record: 0-0
Key Players: Chas Bryant (Sr., WR/DB), Cade Johns (Sr., DB/WR), Reece Wade (Sr., QB/DB), Tyler Browning (Sr., LB), Cole Johns (Sr., WR/DB), Tywuan Lee (So., RB), Braden Whittenburg (So., QB/LS), Vanzant Brand (Sr., OL/DL), Jacob Sheffield (So., MLB), Hunter Revill (Sr., OL/DL), Cameron Jordan (Jr., OL/DL)
Newcomers: None
Outlook: For the last few years the Hilliard Flashes have been teeter-tottering at .500 or below every season, will the pendulum finally swing their way for a chance. Stability would go along way towards turning the program in the right direction as well as Drew Sauls who took over in the spring parted ways and former Fernandina Beach coach John Pate took over. Four starters are back on offense while three starters return on defense not giving Pate much experience to work with. However, brothers Cade and Cole Johns are both back as well as Bryant and starting quarterback Wade. Underclassmen Lee and Whittenburg could also play key roles in the offense as well. The addition of two more wild card spots in each region gives the Flashes a lot of hope and aspirations for making the playoffs for the first time in four years, keep an eye on the Flashes.
Menendez (1-0) at St. Augustine (1-0)
Outlook: Is it a rivalry if the other team has never won ? That’s probably how folks in St. Johns County feel every year. St. Augustine leads the all-time series 17-0 and its never been really close outside of 2013 when it was a ten point margin. Is this the year the Falcons finally pull it off ?
2001: St. Augustine 53, Menendez 0
2002: St. Augustine 37, Menendez 0
2003: St. Augustine 35, Menendez 3
2004: St. Augustine 45, Menendez 0
2005: St. Augustine 48, Menendez 6
2006: St. Augustine 50, Menendez 0
2007: St. Augustine 63, Menendez 0
2008: St. Augustine 41, Menendez 0
2009: St. Augustine 49, Menendez 7
2010: St. Augustine 56, Menendez 0
2011: St. Augustine 27, Menendez 10
2012: St. Augustine 27, Menendez 0
2013: St. Augustine 30, Menendez 20
2014: St. Augustine 37, Menendez 7
2015: St. Augustine 38, Menendez 7
2016: St. Augustine 38, Menendez 0
2017: St. Augustine 65, Menendez 14
Pedro Menendez Falcons
Coach: Kyle Skipper
Record: 1-0
Key Players: Kenny Logan (Sr., ATH), Tre Edwards (Sr., RB/LB), Tre Evans (Jr., DB/WR), Izez Hayward (Sr., LB/RB), Ryan Schiavone (Jr., TE/DE), Max Davis (Sr., FS)
Newcomers: Duane Graham (So., WR/QB), Aaron Wynn (Fr., RB/WR), King Benford (Fr., QB), Moses King (Sr., DL), Terrell Newsome (Fr., DB)
Outlook: Menendez made huge strides winning their first ever playoff game and advancing to the second round for the first time in school history. Now comes the task of keep that momentum going from here on out and establishing the high expectations of practicing on Thanksgiving Day every year. Skipper, the former offensive coordinator, takes over the program heading in the right direction. Nothing changes as the expectations have become playoffs or bust. Two way standouts Logan (637 rushing, 478 receiving, 1391 all-purpose yards, 12 touchdowns) and Edwards (767 rushing, 10 touchdowns, 52 tackles, 6 sacks) are back to lead both sides of the ball. The Laurel and Hardy comedy act hopes to catch opposing defenses guessing and opposing offenses frustrated. King takes over the quarterback role after having played sparingly last season. Skipper was excited about several young guys fighting for time include the explosive Wynn as well as shut down corner Evans.
St. Augustine Yellow Jackets
Coach: Brian Braddock
Record: 1-0
Key Players: Elijah Ryan (Sr., K/P), Brandon Johnson (Sr., RB/DB), Jarien Ramos (Sr., DB/WR), Jaden McDowell (Jr., WR/DB), Thomas Marrero (Sr., OL), Rylan Shugart (Sr., LB/TE), Nicholas Barlow (Sr., LB), Robert Zuzu (Sr., DL/FB), Darius Stanley (Sr., DL/FB)
Newcomers: Michael Early (Sr., QB/WR/SS), Wiliam Bothers (Jr., QB), Sammy Edwards (So., QB)
Outlook: Seems like every year, people look at St. Augustine and think oh they lost so and so they can’t be that good this year. Yet every year the Yellow Jackets keep proving the doubters wrong including a state semifinal appearance last season, four quarters away from playing for a state title. The same ones probably think the Jackets will be down again this season after losing 9 starters on offense including quarterback Austin Reed (159 of 248 for 2,925 yards, 34 TD, 7 INT), tailback Dexter Brown (1699 yards, 15 TD on 172 carries), tailback Frequan Sparrow (707 yards, 11 TD on 100 carries), and receivers Karim Brown (59 catches for 1385 yards, 17TD) and Cedrin Daniel (49 catches for 1699 yards, 9 TD). While those losses were substantial, the Jackets next man up philosophy has prepared all spring for finding replacements. As of day one of fall practice, Braddock had not named a starter at quarterback between the three man battle of Early, Bothers and Edwards. Whomever wins the job will have Johnson, who primarily played defensive back and was moved back to tailback in the spring, along with wideouts Ramos, McDowell and Stanley, a two way standout as weapons. Defensively, the Jackets are much better shape returning five starters including Shugart (75 tackles, 3 sacks), Zuzu (87 tackles, 9.5 sacks, 14 tackles for loss), Barlow (51 tackles, 2 sacks) and McDowell (77 tackles, 4 INT). Ryan is the weapon most teams don’t have after converting 62 of 66 point after attempts and 6 of 9 field goals last season.
Middleburg Broncos
Coach: Karl Smeltzer
Record: 0-1
Key Players: Tyler Bryant (Sr., RB/SS), Joe Justino (Jr., QB/K/P), Jacob Hensen (Jr., TE), Calvin Suggs (Jr., CB), Laron Bryant (Jr., SE), Richard Cole Leclair (Jr., OL), Colby Walker (Jr., OL), Carson Faulkner (Jr., OL), Jesse Saunders (Sr., OL), Dylan Keller (Sr., DE/LB), Noah Janda (Sr., DE/LB)
Newcomers: Anthony Havens (Sr., RB/DB), Jay Lane (So., SE/RB), Trevor Todd (So., DE), Brody Senn (Jr., LB/FB), Nate Ranie (So., OL)
Outlook: Two years ago, Middleburg came out of no where to sneak up on its district opponents to earn a playoff bid as a district runner-up, this team could do the same thing. Normally coming off a 1-9 season wouldn’t bring a lot of expectations to a program but after a season which saw as many as 31 players injured and young guys step up and fill their roles, the Broncos are confident in a breakout year. Injuries no doubt took a toll on them last year as 31 out of the 40 guys on the roster missed at least one game, staying healthy would be a start towards that breakout year. If their is such a thing as a silver lining, its that several young guys got to play and get valuable experience. Technically only three starters return on offense including Justino but Justino will have a bevy of weapons to choose from including wideouts Loan Bryant, Jay Lane, Trevor Todd and Jake Hansen. In the backfield, the Broncos will feature a combination of speed and power with Tyler Brant, Todd and Havens, a transfer from Fort Lauderdale. With so many injuries especially on the line of scrimmage, several guys played and the Broncos will expect big things from Leclair, Warner, Saunders, Faulkner and Ranie. With just two starters back on defense, Smeltzer will look to Bryant, Senn, Keller and Janda for help along with several young guys to try to stop high powered offenses like St. Augustine and Ed White.
Clay Blue Devils
Coach: Josh Hoekstra
Record: 0-1
Key Players: Cedric Brown (Sr., RB), Spencer Lesage (Sr., ATH), Christian Sweat (Sr., WR), Jordon Collins (Sr., OL), Cody Devore (Sr., LB), Turner Erstad (Sr., QB/SS), Ricky Bernabeu (Sr., FB), Mike Carns (Sr., OL), Kenny Johnson (Sr., DE), Mason Adams (Sr., LB), Derek Holt (Jr., WR/DB), Mason Dixon (Sr., DB)
Newcomers: TK Kocak (So., QB), William Kendrick (So., RB), Dylan Taylor (Sr., DB), Tucker Reape (Jr., K/P), Dallano Brown (Jr., RB), Ty Summerford (Jr., DL), Al’querious Ray (Fr., RB)
Outlook: Like all great programs, Clay doesn’t dwell on those that have moved on but focuses on the next man up philosophy. Which is important because the Blue Devils are having to replace a ton of graduated seniors from last years deep playoff run. Hoesktra knows for another deep run someone else must step up and assume the vacant roles for them to be successful. As of the first day of practice, the quarterback race was still a three man battle between Lesage, Erstad and Kocak. Whomever wins the job will have a mix of veterans and young guys to jell with. Cedric Brown (550 yards, 4 touchdowns) and Lesage (667 yards, 8 touchdowns) both return as leaders of the offense at tailback and receiver and will benefit from the return of lineman Carns and Collins. Concerns are not usually with the offense which has been known to put up 40 points per game at times, its the defense which couldn’t stop opponents and forced the offense into track meets with its opponents just to keep up. Devore, Adams and two way standout Holt return on a defense that is also relying on several unproven players and newcomers to the season. Hoekstra had guided the Blue Devils to five straight playoff appearances and there is no reason to believe the streak shouldn’t extend to six straight. A lengthy run will be determined by the young guys on offense and if the defense can stop anybody.
Parker (0-1) at Fletcher (1-0)
Outlook: Before Sandalwood opened in the early 1970s, this was the premier rivalry on the Southside for years. Fletcher has won 7 in a row and 15 of the last 16 meetings, look for that to continue while Parker rebuilds.
2017 Fletcher 56, Parker 12
2016 Fletcher 35, Parker 28
2015 Fletcher 29, Parker 19
2011-2014 No game
2010 Fletcher 35, Parker 6
2009 Fletcher 30, Parker 12
2008 Fletcher 21, Parker 13
2007 Fletcher 14, Parker 7
2006 Parker 35, Fletcher 30
2005 Fletcher 27, Parker 7
2004 Fletcher 62, Parker 6
2003 Fletcher 63, Parker 0
2002 Fletcher 51, Parker 14
2001 Fletcher 28, Parker 2
2000 Fletcher 21, Parker 14
1999 Fletcher 31, Parker 7
1998 Fletcher 17, Parker 6
1997 Parker 21, Fletcher 14
1996
1995 N/A
1994 N/A
1993 Parker 35, Fletcher 0
1992 N/A
1991 N/A
1990 N/A
Terry Parker Braves
Coach: Char-ron Dorsey
Record: 0-1
Key Players: Tyrone Williams (Jr., ATH), Will Wyche (Jr., QB), Joe Brown (Sr., DB), Ahmad Moody (Sr., ATH), Jose Candelario (Sr., RB), Dante Lawrence (Sr., OL/DL),
Newcomers: DJ Thompson (Jr., RB), Josh Jones (Sr., ATH), Larry Smith (So., DB), Chris’tal Smith (So., FB/LB)
Outlook: Charon Dorsey and defensive coordinator Mike Holloway take over a program in shambles, that hasn’t been relevant in over 20 years. Taking over a program and turning it around into an instant success is nothing new for the duo, who quickly turned Matthew Gilbert Middle into a city power winning multiple city titles to go along with a 71 game winning streak. Both can do the same thing at Parker if given the time. That starts with molding the talent they inherited along with their former Gilbert players coming over. Among those are newcomers Josh Jones, Larry Smith, Tyrone Williams and Chris’tal Smith, who hope to bring that winning attitude and swagger back to Arlington. The Braves return four offensive starters and five defensive starters are looking for big things from Wyche, Moody and newcomer DJ Thompson, a transfer from Suwannee.
Fletcher Senators
Coach: Kevin Brown
Record: 1-0
Key Players: Jeremiah Payton (Sr., WR/DB), Hunter May (Sr., DE), James Schaefer (Sr., K/P/WR), Jalen Mitchell (Sr., DB), Devon Lingle (Jr., QB), Levi Centeno (Sr., OL), DJ Bennett (Sr., DE/FB), Brad Ashmore (Jr., OL), Bruce Benard (Sr., OL), Isaac Dunivant (Sr., OL), Nick Lavender (Sr., LB/DE), Caymen Webb (Sr., LB)
Newcomers: Matt Wilson (Sr., DB), Jayson Nelson (Sr., DB), Chandler Kirton (So., OL), Mike Bartilucci (So., OL), Aaron Hester (Fr., RB)
Outlook: There is no one else with a lot more to prove than Fletcher, after back-to-back 7-3 seasons with no playoff appearances. In response the schedule was beefed up a bit with the addition of Raines which could be the difference in making or missing the playoffs. Seven starters return on defense including Payton, Mitchell, May (74 tackles, 18 sacks), Bennett, Lavender and Webb. Lingle returns as the starter again and will have go-to-guy Payton back to lead the offense. Brown says his team has plenty of speed to go along with a solid offensive line featuring Centeno, Ashmore, Benard and Dunivant. The goal is to make another run at the playoffs and that starts with winning the games they should and pulling off an upset or two against Raines, Lee and Columbia.
Lee (1-0) at Westside (0-1)
1962: Lee 20, Forrest 17
1963: Lee 25, Forrest 0
1964: Lee 32, Forrest 0
1965: Lee 14, Forrest 7
1966: N/A
1967: N/A
1968: Forrest 14, Lee 12
1969: Forrest 7, Lee 6
1970: N/A
1971: Forrest 20, Lee 6
1972: Forrest 28, Lee 14
1973: Forrest 35, Lee ??
1974: No game
1975: No game
1976: No game
1977: Forrest 7, Lee 6
1978: Lee 14, Forrest 0
1979: N/A
1980: N/A
1981: N/A
1982: N/A
1983: No game
1984: No game
1985: Lee 34, Forrest 10
1986: Lee 43, Forrest 0
1987: Lee 21, Forrest 0
1988: Lee XX, Forrest XX
1989: No game
1990: No game
1991: N/A
1992: Lee 34, Forrest 6
1993: Lee 31, Forrest 0
1994: Lee 14, Forrest 0
1995: Lee 36, Forrest 15
1996: Lee 18, Forrest 5
1997: Lee 26, Forrest 5
1998: Lee XX, Forrest XX
1999: Forrest 28, Lee 7
2000: Lee 30, Forrest 2
2001: Lee 26, Forrest 10
2002: Lee 18, Forrest 12
2003: Forrest 20, Lee 6
2004: Lee 17, Forrest 14
2005: Lee 35, Forrest 0
2006: Forrest 36, Lee 0
2007: Forrest 32, Lee 21
2008: Lee 40, Lee 13
2009: Forrest 28, Lee 8
2010: Forrest 14, Lee 6
2011: No game
2012: No game
2013: Lee 21, Forrest 20 (OT)
2014: Lee 7, Forrest 0
2015: Lee 48, Forrest 20
2016: Hurricane
2017: Lee 49, Forrest 7
Outlook: These two longtime Westside rivals have been meeting off and on since 1962, although lately its been very one sided with the Generals winning four in a row in the series, look for that to extend to five.
Lee Generals
Coach: OJ Small
Record: 1-0
Key Players: Jurial Caldwell (Sr., WR), Taz Nicholson (Sr., ATH), Kevonte Doles (So., RB), Allan Bass Jr., (Jr., RB/DB), Trevor James (Sr., LB), Terrance James (Sr., LB), Lamont Simmons (Sr., WR/DB), Robert Simmons (So., DB)
Newcomers: Cameron Sapp (Sr., QB), Malik Brown (Sr., RB), Deshaun Davis (Sr., WR/DB)
Outlook: Two years ago, Lee took everyone by surprise by advancing all the way to the state semifinals in a stunning loss to Plant. With several starters back, the Generals were expected to make another serious run but surprisingly were bounced out of the playoffs in the first round last season. Do the Generals have another run in them this season ? Six starters are back on offense including speedy playmakers Caldwell, Nicholson, Doles, Bass and Simmons along with transfers Sapp (Parker), Bates (Raines), Brown (UC) and Davis (Mandarin). Five starters are back on defense including the James brothers, Simmons, Nicholson and Bass.
Westside Wolverines
Coach: Rodney Dubose
Record: 0-1
Key Players: Javon Gannt (Sr., WR), Jalil Jackson (Sr., QB), Kenneth Davis (Sr., WR), Jared Ealy (Jr., RB), Dalton Wilson (Sr., RB), Clarence Conyers (Sr., DB), Angelo Philpot (Jr., DB)
Newcomers: Ditannon Otis (So., QB), Kalhoun Walker (Fr., RB)
Outlook: Twenty six seniors graduated from last years team fortunately for Dubose not everyone of those was starters as the Wolverines return six guys on offense and four on defense. Speaking of the defense, that unit needs a face lift badly after giving up 363 points last season, for the Wolverines to have any kind of success they must figure out how to stop all the high powered offenses as the season will come down to how well they play. Offensively, the Wolverines return Jackson, Davis, Wilson and towering Gannt, a Central Michigan commit. The Wolverines have an abundance of skill players with blazing speed but that wont mean anything if the offensive line doesn’t do their job. The talent is there, its time to take that next step and become a winning program. At the start of the fall practice, Dubose hadn’t decided on whether Jackson or Otis would be starting. At 6-4 Gannt towers over the majority of defensive backs look for him to have a coming out year statistically.
Raines (0-1) at First Coast (1-0)
Outlook: Raines leads the all-time series 16-7 according to football historian Richard Burton. The two schools first met in 1991 and have met off and on ever since, with the Vikings in control. Since winning 4 out of 5 from 2010-2014, the Bucs program has gone south not only against Raines but in general.
1991 Raines 21, First Coast 9
1992 N/A
1993 Raines 19, First Coast 10
1994 N/A
1995 N/A
1996 N/A
1997 Raines 27, First Coast 11
1998 N/A
1999 N/A
2000 Raines 35, First Coast 28
2001 Raines 21, First Coast 20
2002 Raines 25, First Coast 8
2003 Raines 20, First Coast 17
2004 Raines 22, First Coast 17
2005 Raines 21, First Coast 7
2006 First Coast 20, Raines 13
2007 Raines 13, First Coast 13
2008 First Coast 21, Raines 12
2009 Raines 31, First Coast 23
2010 First Coast 21, Raines 18
2011 First Coast 36, Raines 7
2012 First Coast 27, Raines 7
2013 Raines 18, First Coast 10 (OT)
2014 First Coast 62, Raines 7
2015 Raines 26, First Coast 15
2016 Hurricane Did Not Play
2017 Raines 44, First Coast 0
Raines Vikings
Coach: Deran Wiley
Record: 0-1
Key Players: Matt Drayton (Sr., WR/DB), Brandon Marshall (Sr., RB), Javon Bonsell (Sr., LB), Aric Horne (Sr., LB), Jamond Handy (Sr., WR), Keto Burke (Sr., WR/TE), Janoris Robertson (Sr., DE), Howard Ford (Sr., OL), Bryant Maddox (Sr., OL)
Newcomers: James Tarver (Sr., ATH), Uriah Ratliff (Sr., DB), Daivarus Thomas (Sr., WR), Jaquez Griffin (Sr., DB/WR), Barron Coates (Sr., QB)
Outlook: It took them another 20 years, but Raines finally got the area and themselves a second state title, so what do you do for an encore. A repeat isn’t out of the question, it won’t be easy though. Playmakers Ivory Durham (165 of 243 for 3,002 yards, 35 TDs), George Webb (30 catches for 730 yards, 10 TDs) and Kemare Noble (43 catches for 645 yards, 9 TDs) are all gone on the offense. However, Marshall (1,719 yards and 22 touchdowns on 180 carries) is back as is Drayton, Burke and Handy who all saw significant playing time. The line featuring Ford and Maddox will pave the way for Marshall, who looks to put up similar numbers this year. Coates, a transfer from First Coast, ran the offense in the spring and summer and looks to put his new team back in Orlando competing for its third state title. Ten starters are back including a stingy defense led by Bonsell (72 tackles, 11 sacks, 1 INT), Robertston and Horne. The team took on the motto, “The Clock Boys” and will look to not only continue that style of play putting running clocks on their opponents but keep its 13 game winning streak in tack. No area team outside of Bolles, Trinity or U.C. has ever gone back-to-back, something that should serve as high motivation for this group.
First Coast Buccaneers
Coach: Marty Lee
Record: 1-0
Key Players: Jamal Gelsey (Jr., LB), Cole Beckham (Sr., LB/TE), Davon Davis (Jr., DB/WR), Maaki Marshall (Sr., LB), Tyree Saunders (Jr., WR/DB), Christon Johnson (Jr., LB), Darius Kelp (Sr., WR/DB), Alfred Chea (Jr., DB), Ronnie Blakely (Sr., DB), Shamar Rush (Sr., RB), Jacolby Evans (Sr., OL), Darius Lewis (Sr., RB/WR/KR), Jalen Leroy (Sr., K/P), Jordan Harmon (Jr., OL), Jordan Gray (Jr., OL), Isaac Sletton (Sr., OL), Mike Smith (Jr., DB)
Newcomers: Larry Edwards (Fr., QB), Jaylen Fowler (Jr., WR/DB), William Guyton (Sr., RB), Jaylen Gaines (Sr., DB), Jalen Evans (Jr., WR/QB), Gelique Williams (Sr., CB/KR), Chris Freeman (So., RB), Antonio Bell (Jr., DE), Arden Luster (So., RB/LB)
Outlook: One First Coast coach told me during Media Day, that the Bucs could be finally back. Seeing is believing though. There is no denying the Bucs have the talent to compete with anyone, but do they have the cohesiveness to compete. That will take time and depend on several things, including the defense which was terrible giving up 356 points, an average of 35 points per game. Coach said the defense should be much improved and is back and if they are able to stop people they will be successful. The Bucs return seven starters on defense and will rely heavily on Marshall, Gelsey, Beckham, Saunders, Johnson, Blakely and Smith along with transfers Williams (Yulee), Fowler (Trinity), Gaines (Ribault), Davis (Mandarin) and Bell (Trinity). Offensively, the Bucs return 7 starters, but will rely on a freshman at quarterback in Edwards, along with transfers Guyton (Lee), Evans (Lee) and Fowler (Trinity). Saunders and Lewis are all two-way players that will also play factors in the offense as well. The entire offensive line is back and with a year of experience should help pave the way for a potential explosive offense.
