Northeast Fl- As week 1 of the high school football season approaches in Northeast Florida, we take a look at ten teams that failed to make the playoffs last year, but have a great chance of making the playoffs this year. Their head coaches and some players returning that make them surprise picks for the playoffs.
- Yulee: Last Year’s Record- 4-6
The Yulee Hornets and coach Kyle Dougherty has had to put up with many players being enticed to leave for other programs in the past. But not recently, as Yulee has been able to benefit from other players coming to it’s program. And not only have players come, but players on the team have stayed to develop into some of the best in the area. The end result is a team that is ready to make a big step toward the playoffs. Led by UConn commit wide receiver Zack Drawdy, and FIU commit safety Landon Hale. Also returning is quarterback Chris Turner and running back LJ Jacobs. The Hornets are the right team and at the right time to shine.
2. Middleburg: Last Year’s Record- 5-5
Ryan Wolfe took over as head coach in the fall of 2020 after success as offensive coordinator at Fleming Island. His success as a high powered offensive coach proved to yield dividends for Middleburg last year as the team earned winning record (5-5) in his first season, and was one of the top offenses in the area. A big reason for this success was the running game. Senior RB- Michael Mitchell-2023 (Utah commit), RB- TJ Lane, 2023, QB –Jaydan Jenkins, 2024, OT Jaylen Booker , 2024, 6’4, 290lbs and linebacker Austin Cruce 2024, 6’0 , 195lbs. This is the year of the Bronco.
3. Englewood: Last Year’s Record- 5-5-1
A team to lookout for is Englewood and coach Zach Harbison. He’s had a couple of years to develop players and build a program, and last year was evident by the way the team played towards a winning 5-5 record. There’s big talent coming back and none bigger than 6’5, 240 pound J’Sean Scarver (DE, OT) and 6’3 , 188 pound Jalen Scarver. Big pieces to a big upcoming season for the Rams. Another player to watch is Julio Valcarcel (SS, CB • Sr. • 5′ 11″ 185 lbs).
4. Clay: Last Year’s Record- 7-3
The Blue Devils just missed the playoffs by points. With an impressive record, Coach Kyle Kenard has to put together another campaign but this time hoping that the playoff gods find favor in them. He’ll have to do it with a team lacking lots of seniors. The departure of defensive back Jarvis Lee to IMG, has left a gaping hole in athleticism. So several players will have to fill the void. Players like Junior wide receivers Devin Brown, and Payton Dykas. Senior Tight End Bowen Tashjian, Junior athlete Antonio Thomas, and big lineman Kendale Doctor will have to get it done for Kenard.
5. Oakleaf: Last Year’s Record -4-6
Oakleaf normally wouldn’t be on this list as they are usually a perennial playoff squad. However, last year, Oakleaf struggled due to an extremely tough schedule and injuries. However, a resurgence of young talent has matured to lead the team. Quarterback Drew Ammon is “Drew-dini” on the field making magic with his play. Top play maker Taylor Bradshaw looks to be the best wide receiver in the class of 2023 coming out of Northeast Florida. Devin Outlaw is a powerful running back that commands attention in the box. And on defense, young Hylton “Drake” Stubbs is the hot recruit right now. Just a sophomore, he has power 5 offers from Oklahoma, Va Tach, and Tennessee to name a few. New Head Coach Marcus Miller is excited to lead this group. He’ll have to navigate another tough schedule in order to get to the playoffs.
6. Orange Park: Last Year’s Record- 3-7
Coach Marcus Wimberly has three of the best athletes in the city on his team. A rarity for a high school coach. First there’s FSU commit 6’4 Roderick Kearney who will anchor both offensive and defensive lines. On offense JoJo Restall is a lightning quick running back that was one of the leading rushers in the city last year. Paired with him is senor wide receiver Nolan Chambers who was one of the leading receivers in yards last year in Northeast Florida. Elijah Craggette is the x factor at quarterback for them.
7. Ponte Vedra: Last Years’ Record- 4-6
Ponte Vedra will be a scary team to face, thanks to a roster of athletes that can do almost anything Coach Steve Price ask of them. Tops on that list is senior Nathan Bunkosky, a 2 sport athlete who is a Swiss army knife playing quarterback, wide receiver, and defensive back at times. 3-sport athlete Trooper Price at linebacker is a big impact player as well. Wyatt Rogers returns as the leader in all purpose yards for the Sharks. Jarrell Jimenez (Junior CB) seems to be ready to take it to another level. 2025 Landon Okla is a big target and young talent to look out for.
8. Menendez: Last Year’s Record-5-5
Coach Matt Potak did a masterful job last year in his first year at Menendez going .500. Before the season even began he lost his starting quarterback and team leader King Benford (Navy) to a season ending injury. But Potak and his staff rallied the team and narrowly missed the playoffs. This year, the Falcons return seniors athlete Noah Lawless on offense, and Tomas Jones (WR/DB) on defense. Plus there are several players who have played for Potak for a long time who will make impacts on games such as (QB) Cason Blanco, Jospeh Soto (ATH), and (QB) Brooks Cornelison. Zahki James is someone to lookout for. He has great size, something Menendez has been waiting for. That mixture of size and familiarity could be a playoff recipe for Menendez.
9. Mandarin: Last Year’s Record- 5-5
The Mustangs seem to be in a transitional period. A year ago, they had a championship head coach, an up and coming star a quarterback and four of the best wide receivers in the state. Now, the head coach is gone, one and quite possibly two of those wide receivers are gone, and there’s lots of questions surrounding the team. But senior linebacker Carmello Murphy is a seasoned leader on defense. He along with 4-star defensive back Jon Mitchell will look to lead a defense Wide receiver senior Kieren Jackson is a name you will hear a lot this year. And then there’s sophomore wide receiver Jaime Ffrench who already has offers from teams like Alabama, FSU, and Georgia. Mandarin still has lots of talent that coach Bullock can take to the play.
10. St. Augustine– Last Year’s Record- 6-4
Brian Braddock’s teams are normally a mainstay in the playoffs, however last year the Yellow Jackets missed the big dance. They will be looking to return to playoff prominence in St. Augustine with players like seniors Ivyn Collins (ATH), defensive end Michael Koliner and Marsaun Harris Jr (ATH) . Juniors (OLB) Drake Lusk and Devonte Lyons will make big impact on both sides of the ball. While sophomore Trenton Jones is someone to lookout for at wide receiver. QB Locklan Hewlett has lit it up this summer and looks to cook defenses this fall for the Yellow Jackets.
