Class 1A in Northeast Florida looks a little different this year as Fort White comes down from 3A to join the pack. Hilliard and Union County will welcome them to the region, but as is the case for several years now, the road through 1A goes through Madison County. Since there is no district in 1A, Fort White, Hilliard and Union County will look to put up the points in victory against their opponents, yet ironically must cheer for them against other teams the rest of the way. Check out the Class 1A preview below as the season gets ready to kickoff.
Fort White Indians
Head Coach: Demetric Jackson
2018 Record: 8-3
Key Returning Players: Tyler Jefferson (Fr/ QB); Brayden Summers (JR/RB); Derrick Roberson (SR/WR, LB); Kameron Calhoun (Sr/LB); Terrance Jones (SR/ FS); Khalil Barr (SR, ATH) Leon Watkins ( SR, RB)
Schedule:
Aug 16 at Middleburg (Kickoff Classic)
Aug 23 Suwannee
Aug 30 at Hamilton County
Sept 6 Santa Fe
Sept 13 OPEN
Sept 20 NFEI
Sept 27 at Taylor County
Oct 4 Trinity Catholic
Oct 11 at Baldwin
Oct 18 PK Yonge
Oct 25 at Newberry
Nov 1 Bradford
Outlook: Fort White and Head Coach Demetric Jackson had an oustanding regular season last year. After stumbling out of the gate against Suwannnee, the Indians won seven of their next eight games of the regular season to cap off an 8-2 regular season. It was their best finish since 2016 when they also went 8-2. Unlike 2016 though, the 2018 Indians could not pull out a first round playoff victory, falling to Pensacola Catholic 49-34. Unfinished business is what the seniors of Fort White have, as 11 starters return charging into the 2019 season for battle. Instead of having Class 3A as their battle field, the Indians move down to Class 1A, but it doesn’t make an easier war. Matchups against Baldwin (9-2 in 2018), and PK Yonge(10-2 in 2018) highlight a schedule that should make for some good football down I-10. All eyes will be on the 6’2, 200lb freshman quarterback Tyler Jefferson. Sack and tackles leader from a year ago Derrick Roberson will lead the defense.
Prediction: 7-3
Union County Tigers
Head Coach : Ronny Pruitt
2018 Record: 5-6
Key Returning Players: Hosea Robinson ( SR, RB) ; JB Godwin (SR, C/ DE) BJ Harvey (JR, DB/ ATH) , Lance Thornton ( Sr, QB OLB); Allan McClellan SR, TE/ MLB), Alonzo Perry (SR,DB)
Schedule:
Aug 16 Crescent City (Kickoff Classic)
Aug 23 Lanier County, GA
Aug 30 at Williston
Sept 6 at Dixie County
Sept 13 Newberry
Sept 20 Tavares
Sept 27 Hamilton County
Oct 4 at Santa Fe
Oct 11 OPEN
Oct 18 Hawthorne
Oct 25 Jordan Christian Prep
Nov 1 at Keystone Heights
Outlook: A playoff appearance in 2018 was a defining moment for a .500 Union County team. Their 34-30 loss to Lafayette has them thinking playoffs once again in 2019. In order to get there, they’ll look to lean heavily on the running of Hosea Robinson who last year split carries with senior Keshawn Young. Robinson showed what he could do in the playoff game with big plays. With his running, the Tigers will look to open up the passing game for Quarterback Lance Thornton. They’ll hope to catch defenses napping and hit teams over the top with big plays. Sophomore Quarterback Martin Odom returns and may see increased time at the position as well. The 6’1, 200 pound Allan McClellan may get some targets in the passing game, but will definately be one of the focal points on defense. Alonzo Perry returns to the secondary, however the loss of a key defensive lineman leaves the unit with several questions coming into the 2019 season. With only twleve seniors on the roster, Coach Pruitt must count on young play makers to step up for the team if they look to return to the playoffs.
Prediction: 6-4
Hilliard Flashes
Head Coach: John Pate
2018 Record: 3-7
Key Returning Players: Tywuan Lee ( Soph, RB) ; Josh Yancey (Sr, DB); Nathan Dowie (Sr, QB) Tristan Moody (Sr, MLB/ WR) , DJ Coston ( Soph, HB)
Schedule:
Aug 15/16 Eagles View (Kickoff Classic)
Aug 23 Oak Hall
Aug 30 at Bishop Snyder
Sept 6 at Episcopal
Sept 13 OPEN
Sept 20 St. Joseph
Sept 27 Wolfson
Oct 4 Branford
Oct 11 Halifax
Oct 18 at Fernandina Beach
Oct 25 at Bronson
Nov 1 at NFEI
Outlook: The last time Hilliard boasted a winning record, their current seniors were entering middle school. That’s a long time for a team to be sub .500, but 2019 might be the year the Red Flahes get red hot. Head Coach John Pate looks to improve in the “W” column from a 3-7 record his first year, leading into his second year. Change is the forumla the Red Flashes look to implement. On defense they’ll run a 3-4 and focus on forcing turnovers.
On offense, they look to capitalize on their playmakers. An undersized offensive line may force the Red Flashes to run an up-tempo offense allowing them to capitalize on their quickness. Junior Tywuan Lee will switch in and out in the backfield at runningback and be a key player for them. On defense DJ Coston will look to make tackles all over the field at strong safety. Newcomers like DB Josh Yancey WR/MLB Tristan Moody come over from West Nassau to give them additional weapons to use. A favorable schedule also plays well for them as five of their regular season opponents were below .500 a year ago.
Prediction: 4-6
Feature Image courtesy of Christina Feagin Photography
