With the 2022 season upon us, let’s take a look at ten coaches who guided their teams to the playoffs last year, but lost key contributors on both sides of the ball. We examine their success, and also some players they have returning, in hopes of guiding their teams to the playoffs once again.
1. Bolles
Coach Matt Toblin and his staff have been to two state championships in three years. A truly remarkable feat. At the head of his ground attack was running-back Kade Frew (Airforce) who rushed for 3,925 rushing yards and 55 total touchdowns on his career. On Defense, Bolles lost several starters including Florida signee Jack Pyburn who registered 109 tackles and 14 sacks. Players like Bradley Mann (Vanderbilt), Hayden Scwartz ( Minnesotta ), and Reed Collins (Lafayette College) are very hard to replace. However, Toblin has lots of players like seniors Brendan Black ( OL-Iowa St commit), Kavon Miller (DB), Spencer Surface (DB), and Connor Cox ( TE-South Carolina commit) coming back. Junior quarterback DJ Moore, and sophomore running back Emmett Grzebin are two young players that Toblin will use in attempt to fill the void in the running game.
2. Ed White
After a seven year hiatus, Ed White qualified for the playoff last year thanks to the leadership of Head Coach Lawrence Johnson. Under Johnson, Ed White and their staff have been able to develop talent like defensive backs Matthew Pierre-Val, and Sherman McClain. Tight End Deven Robinson ( Webber), linebacker Caison Davis (Knox College), and All-Conference D-Tackle Jaquan Stepherson played key roles last year for the Commanders. Johnson is also been able to attract top ranked talent, like 3-star runningback Christian Ellis (Unv of New Mexico) who came over from Trinity Christian in 2021. The move paid off as Ellis was used on both sides of the ball to the tune of 1,457 rushing yards, 12 TD’s, 50 tackles, 3 sacks, and 7 total turnovers. Johnson will have these starters to replace, but has recieved a resurgence in talent. Corner Tavales Thomas, and lineback Jamari Allen come over from Riverside HS and will make big impacts. Returning starters Gabriel Garmon (WR) and Isiah Teal (QB) will be household names by season’s end. And of course there’s Wake Forest commit safety Davaughn Patterson, arguably the best all around athlete in the city. In all, Johnson will be tasked to replace 12 starters, in hopes of retruning to the playoffs.
3. Trinity Christian
Coach Dorminey won his 9th state title in remarkable fashion. He was sidelined himself with an illness during the season, but his team rallied around their legendary coach to hoist the trophy. This year, they’ll have to repeat that effort, as the Conquerors lost valuable pieces to their team. Corner Cam Miller ( Penn State), safety Keaton Thomas ( West Virginia), Fred Highsmith (WR), Shuan Davis (OT), Michael Trimble (OT), Caden Morrell (LB), Johnathan Goddard( DT), Deon Briggs (DT), LB Tito Butler, and Xander Ross (WR) were all valuable starters for Dorminey. He’s got some great key pieces returing though in 4-star athletes 2025 QB Colin Hurley, and Florida commit Treyaun Webb (2023RB). Running back Darnell Rogers (2024) returns as well, as does linebacker Cam Anderson. New addition Bryze Kazmierczak (2024 LB) will also be a big addition this year. With several new starters slated for both sides of the ball, Dorminey’s challenge will be to mesh the peices together in time for another run at another title.
4. Raines
Donovan Masline
Coach Masline has quietly taken the Raines Vikings to the playoffs two years in a row since taking over for future Hall of Fame Coach Deran Wiley. It’s no easy feat to replace a living legend and win. Yet, coach Masline has won, and doesn’t get the proper credit he deserves for what he’s had to overcome. Raines has played in a tougher classification the last few years. After a second round playoff loss in 2021, Masline found himself without seniors Quincy Burroughs ( Cincinnati), Kareem Burke (Famu), Reshawn Latimer (Famu), Kyree Hammond( Tuskegee). and quarterback Carleton Butler Jr. Replacing senior leadership is a task, but Raines has FSU commit Kenton Kirkland coming back at defensive back. Jamari Whitehead (2023) at linebacker, and wide receivers Marcel Bowes and Tadarius Devoe. Masline will need to ensure his seniors step up this year as they did in 2021, to high step into the playoffs once again.
5. Creekside
The Creekside Knights qualified for the playoffs for the first time since going 0-9 in 2016. A remarkable turn around since Coach Sean McIntyre took over. McIntyre has taken a different approach to coaching, than many of his fellow collegues in the county. He’s not only developed talent from the middle school ranks, but he’s welcomed new players who have come to the school. It’s been a recipie for success the last few years. Newcomer quarterback Jacob Dennie was a big factor in the offense’s success in 2021. Another big factor was big Matthew McCoy (Unv. of Miami) who led the offensive line. Maxwell Robinson (WR), Christian Yousefzadeh (S-Army) , Vincent Approbato (DE), and Ian Calhoun ( Gardner-Webb) were all pivitol players in Creekside’s success. Yet the player that put them on his back during games was running back Preston Strope who rushed for 3,417 yards and 47 total touchdowns for his career. Big shoes to fill by Coach McIntyre. He looks to do so with a combined effort of players like quarterback Wilson Edwards, wide receiver Hampton Riedl, defensive end Ashton Anderson, Daniel Approbato (RB), Brendon McMillan (OL), and defensive tackle Tyler Jenkins.
6. Fletcher
What head coach Ciatick Fason did last year was nothing short of amazing. After getting the call and accepting the job as head coach of his alma mater in July of 2021, Fason guided his team to a district title and playoff birth with no off-season preperation or evaluation. His reward was losing key Fletcher figures this year to graduation, that will make it hard for him to replace. Defensive End Aaron Hester ( Florida State) was a main component that is irreplacable with his size, and athleticisim. Team Captain Merrit Reynolds, wide receiver Trey Rose, Tyriq Riley(ATH), and running back Jabarri Wilson were staples at the beach. So Fason is tasked with showing his 2022 team what Fletcher Football is all about. Something he was unable to do last year before the season. He’ll have talent to do so in seniors Ronald Bullard (DB- Campbell commit), Matteo Davis (DE),and Christian Childers (TE) . Look for a breakout season by 2024 running back Noah Taylor.
7. Bartram Trail
It was another playoff run for the Bears in 2021 as Head Coach Darrell Sutherland commanded a unit of big time D-1 talent. However, even one of the best coaches in the area has to retool, and he’ll be charged with replacing some big Bartram figures on the football field. The most electrifying player in Northeast Florida (Eric Weatherly ) went to Duke University this year. Fellow seniors like Micah Pollard (LB-Michigan), Bryce Johnson (LB-Pitt State), Elo Modozie (WR- Army), Hayden White (OT-FIU), Dylan Chiedo (LB-Furman), Segree Graham (DT-Pitt State), and Eli Sutherland (TE- Concord) all departed, leaving Coach Sutherland the ardous task to find replacements. Fortunately, 4-star defensive back Sharif Denson returns to the fold to lead the defense. 2024 runing-back Willie Bryant is a tough, hard runner who has a year at Bartram under his belt. 2024 quarterback Riley Trujillo has blown up in the recruiting arena. Arion Stith on the defensive line and the best kicker in Northeast Florida Liam Padron all look to take their games to the next level. Sutherland and his staff will need to show them how to get there.
8. Riverside
The head man at Riverside this year is former Riverside offenive coordinator Antwon Nichols. Nichols is a graduate of Lee High school ( name of Riverside HS before 2021), and a former collegiate player and coach. His experience in X’s and O’s with the team will make for a smooth transition to head coach, but the 2021 addition of the Generals left gaping holes everywhere. At quarterback both, Daniel Plummer III (Allen Unv), and Cale Zarah departed. Playmakers like running back Alvin Gibson ( Airforce), and wide receiver Freddie Manning III ( Famu) leave Nichols and company in need of playmakers. On defense, Jaheim Singletary (Georgia) is an irreplacable talent at defensive back. So is a linebacking core of Gregory Washington, Devin Smith ( Famu) and Bryce Capers ( Florida). Masiah Wells departed on the defensive line for Tuskegee leaving the city’s #1 defense looking for answers. One answer is the retun of defensive tackle De’avery Weeks. Riverside’s Tae’shaun Gelsey is an upcoming talent at wide receiver as well. Look for returning seniors Charles Jones (RB), Patrick Cooper (WR), Ethan Tookes (DB), and Devin Herring (ATH) to give Coach Nichols the much needed return of senior leadership.
9. Nease
The most successful season for Nease since the Tim Tebow days is courtesy of another college quarterback head coach Collin Drafts. Drafts lead the Panthers to the regional final last year with a loaded roster. Nease had the top receiver in the state in Dom Henry (1,590 yards) (BYU) and the top tackling linebacker in the state in Ben Bogle (202 tackles). Couple that with 4-star quarterback Marcus Stokes (Florida commit) and you see why Drafts enjoyed coaching up the most spirited team in the area last year. This year Stokes is back to pound the rock, but his talented tight end Grant Stevens departed for UCF. On defense, second leading tackler Zach Harmon ( 150 tackles) also departed. So players like Da’von Patterson (ATH), Cam Smith (RB), and safety Sterling Grimes will have to step up in order for the Panthers to get any semblance of production that they received last year. Drafts will have to draft up the plays for their success.
10. Baker County
Kevin Mays
Baker County Head Coach Kevin Mays did an incredible job last year guiding his team to a state semifinal appearance. The Wildcat’s season ended to the eventual Class 5A state champion Miami Central Rockets, but what his team of predominately returning starting seniors achieved was memorable. Lead by quarterback Noah Ray (Warner Unv), athlete Jaymodd Ruise (Savannah St) running back Jamarian Baker, linebacker Camilo Rollins, safety Ronnie Ellis (Jacksonville St) , and offensive lineman Chase Crews (Gannon), Baker County had senior leadership and playmakers on virtually every unit. Yet, this year all of them went to the next level, leaving many positions vacant to fill by young and upcoming talent in Baker County. Fortunately for Mays, he does have returning starters like running back Cam Smith, defensive end Orlando Holland, Hunter Nordstrom (OL), and Avery Spurlock (LB). It will be the job of Coach Mays and staff to devolp young talent during the season in the new metro classification.
