Northeast Florida- 2018 has revealed a sea change in the waters of High School football. Yes, some of the usual teams are having their accustomed successes, but then there are new additions to the fleet of the unbeaten, that are attempting to sail toward district titles and beyond. Only the teams built to handle the rough waters of different opponents each week will remain afloat. And this week we saw one team remain undefeated, while the other team was put under by a rouge wave.
Ridgeview coming into the field!!!@DuvalSports pic.twitter.com/3EllEnPfca
— Samantha (@samg423) September 14, 2018
Baldwin vs Stanton
A team that remained undefeated was Baldwin who defeated Stanton 54-14 last week. Baldwin was led by Amos Porter who scored two touchdowns early on for the Indians. It was evident after just one quarter, that the route was on. Baldwin’s 4-0 season has been powered by quarterback Gavin Screws. Against Stanton, Screws passed for 309 yards and 4 touchdowns lighting up the Stanton field. Wide receivers benefited from the effectiveness of Screws and back up Ethan Krouse. Scores by Richie Coffey, Montrell Brodham, Christian Sanderson, and Xavier McGriff galvanized the passing game. On defense, Baldwin’s Dale Walker secured two sacks in the game, and led the team in tackles with eight. Aaren Smith nabbed an interception as the unit only gave up 14 points.
Stanton Blue Devils vs Baldwin Indians @ Stanton College Preparatory School @DuvalSports pic.twitter.com/RBmoE6pPaO
— Ariana Zackery (@ZackeryAriana) September 15, 2018
With a big win over Dixie County by one point 50-49, and Bradford 38-14, a team that made it to the Class 4A State Semifinals last year, the Indians are riding high. Their toughest test of the year will be come in the form of Union County this week, which will show a lot about the team and their true potential this year.
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Palatka vs Ridgeview
Over at Ridgeview, the Panthers hosted the Palatka Pirates in hopes of staying undefeated on the season. Ridgeview came into the game 3-0 with wins over Nature Coast, Creekside, and Westside. Palatka came into the contest 2-1 with wins over Yulee and Belleview, with their only loss to Ponte Vedra. So both teams looked to begin their district play with a win.
— Samantha (@samg423) September 14, 2018
The game was played with high intensity and a sense of urgency by both teams and it showed on both sides of the ball. In the first quarter both offenses would score when in the points category. Ridgeview would score first in the contest, yet Palatka responded quickly as the score read 7-6 Ridgeview after the first quarter. In the second quarter, the defenses stood tall giving up 0 points. Terrenza Wiggins led Palatka with 2.5 tackles for loss in the game. He also led the team with 9 tackles. Wes Morris would lead Ridgeview with 10 tackles as the score remained 7-6 at halftime
Jackson with the Ridgeview TD @DuvalSports pic.twitter.com/iyHf39cbR9
— Samantha (@samg423) September 15, 2018
McKinnon TD for P. Panthers @DuvalSports pic.twitter.com/ISECzIlQrA
— Samantha (@samg423) September 15, 2018
The second half would see an offensive explosion as both teams look to one up the other in the district 5A battle. The teams would go back and forth trading scores, yet it would be Palatka that stayed one step ahead in the points department. One of the reasons for this was quarterback Mitchell McKinnon who threw for 222 yards and 2 passing touchdowns, and rushed for another. Treyvon Williams (135 yds rec) and Abrie Williams (60 yds rec) were the recipients of the touchdown passes. They were joined by running-back Jaylyn Session who rushed 27 times for 176 yards and a touchdown for the Pirates.
Sessions for a TD @DuvalSports pic.twitter.com/Iq0hdFroaM
— Samantha (@samg423) September 15, 2018
Ridgeview’s offensive performance was led by quarterback Tyler Huff who passed for 174 yards and 3 touchdowns. Rolando Grey punched one in on the ground, and Brian Jackson ( 70 yds) caught two through the air for the Panthers. Yet it wasn’t enough to prevent the Panthers from suffering their first loss of the season.
P. Panthers won 39-25 @DuvalSports pic.twitter.com/Qd5fBfTEjO
— Samantha (@samg423) September 15, 2018
Palatka must keep the winning spirit as they face Flagler Palm Coast this week. Ridgeview. Ridgeview must recover quickly as Fleming Island comes up next for the Panthers.
