Northeats Florida- The preseason officially came and went as many teams in Northeast Florida kicked-off football in prep sports. Several teams matched up making for intriguing games. Games which outcomes weren’t important in terms of regular season records, but were valuable in assessing the early makeup of teams and their readiness for the fall. We take a look at some matchups from Kickoff Classic weekend as we prepare for Week #1 of the regular season.
Terry Parker 6 at Trinity 44
Trinity had something to prove after internally feeling that they didn’t have their best performance against Fletcher in their practice game. Unfortunately Terry Parker would suffer their wrath. After a scoreless first quarter of the game, Parker began a drive from the Trinity 40 yard line all the way to the Conquerors 6 yard line with strong running from Artis Maddox and passing by Darrell Bryant. Penalties by Trinity aided in the drive as Parker looked like they would score first in the contest. However, a fumble by Jajuan Turner was scooped up by defensive back Miles Brooks and returned 94 yards for a touchdown. And the route was on.
Next Kyjuan Herndon would score his first touchdown since returning to Trinity and dawning the number #3 jersey . A 15-yard touchdown run and a 16-yard touchdown run on the next drive gave the Conquerors a 21-0 lead. Herndon finished with two touchdowns on the day, showcasing why his addition will yield lots of points this year. The rushing attack as a whole featured several backs. Junior #1 Kaleb Killian, junior #10 Fernando Porter (52yds, 1 TD), and freshman Treyaun Webb (80yds, 1 TD). It’s going to be a running back by committee for Trinity which is a great luxury to have as these talented backs are all game breakers.
Quarterback JaCory Jordan of Trinity hooked up with wide receiver Marcus Burke for a 29 yard reception in the game. But other than that, it was a game Jordan would rather forget. He was picked off three times by Parker’s defense. #7 Tabari Rollins had two interceptions in the game, and #11 Tyrone Williams and one interception as well. Parker’s defensive backfield is one not to challenge this year, as they showed great athleticism and indistinctness for tracking the ball.
Trinity’s defense was lead by sophomore #33 Caden Morrell who made big hits at the linebacker position and on special teams. He finished with 5 tackles and 1.5 sacks. Newcomer senior Triston Herndon adjusted to his new position well with 1.5 sacks in the game. Their pressure will open up opportunities for one of the most talented secondaries in the area, consisting of Fred Davis, Miles Brooks, and Corey Coley. Prime reasons why Parker’s Will Wyche, Tabari Rollins, and Quail Brunson went a combined 3 of 9 for just 28 yards passing.
Parker must utilize their big offensive line better to open up holes for Maddox and Turner. The team rushed 38 times for just 9 yards on the day. Credit William Tippens and the Trinity defensive line for stuffing the holes.
Both teams get tough tests this week. Trinity travels to Columbia and Parker hosts Sandalwood. Parker and Coach Charon Dorsey must figure out answers quickly, while Trinity’s Verlon Dorminey may have the answer. Run the football.
FSU 20 at University Christian 28
The UC rushing attack was in full affect as young backs powered the Christians to a win over Florida State University High School. Running back Arthur Walker ran for two touchdowns, while senior Max McClendon scored on the ground twice for UC as well.
The sophomore Walker mixes size and power, while McClendon has speed and genetics to fuel him. McClendon is the son of famed University Christian running back Willie McClendon who went on to play for the University of Florida.
University Christian will utilize the run this year, including with their freshman quarterback Desirrio Riles. The passing game may develop during the season with more experience and repetition between Riles and his receivers.
University Christian’s defense will have to capitalize on turnovers, from some of their young play makers like freshman Orel Gray. FSU moved the ball effectively on Friday night, scoring three times.
Quarterback Willie Taggert Jr ran two touchdowns and tossed another one in the contest for FSU. Taggert is the son of Florida State University Head Coach Willie Taggert.
Finding a way to win is something Coach Penland III and his staff must show his young team. They did so Friday night, now they must do so against Bolles.
Ribault 6 at First Coast 12
It was a defensive struggle in the contest between these two teams. First Coast defensive back Davon Davis had two interceptions in the game, including a pick 6 as the hard hitting opportunistic secondary created problems for the Ribault offense.
Ribault sophomore Quarterback Chris Calhoun tossed a 40 yard touchdown pass to Freddie Manning Jr in the game, which highlighted their big play ability. The problem is consistency, and the inconsistent offense by the Trojans puts the defense in precarious positions. One reason is the pass rush, First Coast got pressure up the middle and off the edges forcing errant throws by Ribault.
The Trojans have power on the offensive line like tackle Winfred Jones, and rushing ability in running back Josh Jones. Yet there is a thin line between potential and actual play making. Ribault’s defense is aggressive and hard hitting and will need to rally around each other to give new head coach Lin J Shell a chance to adjust.
First Coast will have growing pains with sophomore Quarterback Larry Edwards. He has a big arm and is confident which is a great asset to have. He made minimal mistakes in the kickoff classic, allowing the defense to make plays. However top wide receiver Tyree Saunders didn’t play in the game. Which all indications point to the Bucs having some surprises in store in the passing game. Edwards could be in for a break out season.
Ribault’s Keonta Jenkins and their hard hitting secondary gets Creekside week #1 while First Coast’s opportunistic secondary gets Ed White.
Raines 47 Ed White 0
The defending Class 4A State champions are looking like they are ready to defend it. With a shutout of Ed White in their kickoff classic, The Vikings sent a statement to Northeast Florida about who the team to beat is in the area.
Sophomore defensive back Kyree Hammond was amazing in his fall varsity debut. Hammond recorded three interceptions including one for a touchdown to start the game. He set the tone for the defense as they pressured and picked off Ed White Quarterback Grant Travis .
Wide Receiver Reginald Harden was the recipient of a 90 yard touchdown pass from Quarterback Carleton Butler. The senior receiver is an unquestioned leader on the team and the sophomore Butler made lots of plays which is what impressed coaches to give him the nod to start the kickoff classic.
There were bright spots for Ed White. They moved the ball between the twenties versus the Vikings defense but were unable to finish drives. On defense, they hit hard and Cornelius Cooks grabbed an interception for the team. Still Coach Lawrence Johnson knows that points are paramount, so they’ll look to clean up the offense before facing First Coast.
Even with the big win, Coach Deran Wiley is focusing on the mistakes that the Vikings made against Ed White in order to correct them before Raines has Jones (Orlando) come to town. It’s the reason they’re back to back champions, because even a practice game means everything to the Raines Vikings.
Bartram 35 Menendez 0
It was short work for starting running back Aaron Jones who is poised to take over the starting rushing role for the Bears. Good thing too, because he might’ve gone for 200yds on the night as Bartram handled Menendez easily.
Jones rushed 10 times for 135yds as the junior looks to have a very special year. Senior Tight End Jackson Mayer caught two touchdowns from Senior Quarterback Chad Dodson early on as Bartram mixed the run with the pass. The offense looks balanced and bold as Dodson is not afraid to push the ball down field. Sophomore Eric Weatherly was used in the passing game and looks like an X factor on offense and special teams.
On defense, the Bears defensive line swarmed Menendez sophomore Quarterback King Benford and defensive backs Travez Johnson and Craig Sinclair made plays in the secondary. Menendez attmepted to run the ball with sophomore Aaron Wynn but was unable to sustain drives.
Menendez has lots of talent but is very young and will suffer the growing pains developing young talent. It’s a task that Head Coach Kyle Skipper will take on in hopes of bolstering the confidence of his talented but young team. Senior leadership in the right places has Head Coach Darrell Sutherland looking optimistic for the regular season. High hopes resonate from Bartram once again as it’s state playoffs or bust for the bears.
Northeast Florida Scores
Aug 15
Buchholz- 25 Bishop Kenny -0
Trenton-7 Christ’s Church-31
Oak Hall-0 Hawthorne-14
Eagle’s View -8 Hilliard- 12
Ribault-6 First Coast-12
Aug 16
Palm Coast 34 Atlantic Coast 6
Baldwin 14 Baker County 31
Newberry -14 Bradford -14
Colquitt County -21 Columbia -14
Raines -47 Ed White -0
Providence-7 Englewood-0
Episcopal-39 Fernandina Beach-7
Westside-28 Fleming Island-38
Bolles -7 Fletcher -13
Interlachen -18 Hamilton County -16
NFEI-18 Jackson-34
Armwood -28 Lee- 0
Bartram Trail -35 Menendez -0
Fort White -7 Middleburg- 7
Paxon -6 Nease -26
Ponte Vedra -7 Oakleaf -44
Palatka-31 at PK Yonge-20
Keystone Heights -0 Ridgeview -27
Joshua Christian -6 Stanton -36
Clay -0 St. Augustine -21
St. Johns- 16 St. Edwards -27
Satellite -14 St. Joseph -14
Yulee -0 Suwannee -27
Parker -6 Trinity -44
Crescent City-21 at Union County-30
FSU -20 University Christian -28
Bishop McLaughlin -8 Bishop Snyder -33
Orange Park -15 West Nassau -35
Matanzas -3 Wolfson -6
Trinity vs Parker photos courtesy: Steve Meadows
