Seven is the biblical number of completion. So every Sunday, we’ve highlighted our 7 Takes from a particular game that we covered during the week. These “7 Takes” make up a complete game summary, highlighting key factors that led to the outcome. These takes are mostly positive, but some critical yet constructive. This week our ninth edition is not of a game, but of a team. We provide 7 Takes of Beachside’s 7-1 season.
Take 1
Quarterback Edward Jordan has put Beachside on the map, and certainly in the headlines. The 2026 quarterback is one of the leading passers in the state. He currently ranks 18th in the state of Florida in passing yards. That ranking is sure to go up, as Jordan’s numbers have increased passing for 2,115 yards, 25 TDs and 8 interceptions on the season. He’s the #2 passer in Northeast Florida in yards, and #1 in passing touchdowns. He’s already been listed as one of the top 10 quarterbacks in Northeast Florida, and is a major reason Beachside has enjoyed success on offense.
Take 2
Another reason Beachside has had success on offense is their dynamic wide receiving core. They’ve been able to keep defenses guessing through the air, by spreading the football around to different receivers. Amazingly, five different receivers have scored this year for Beachside. Just check out these numbers by receivers, Cohen Beebe (671yds receiving 5 TDs), Drew Watson (469yds receiving 4 TDs) ,Bryce Gee (366yds receiving 5 TDs), Marco Lanza (285yds 3 TDs), and Cade Gines (177yds receiving 2 TDs) who’ve all scored multiple times for the Barracudas.
Take 3
Protecting the prize is paramount, and the Beachside offensive line has done that this year. Starting quarterback Edward Jordan has only tossed 8 interceptions on the year, and that is in large part due to the offensive line’s protection. Also, the offensive line has allowed Jordan to drop back over 200 times in 8 games. That is nearly 50 more drop backs than the area’s leading passer. Their play has also been instrumental in Beachside’s point output. Even in their one loss to a good Tocoi Creek team, they put up 35 points. Beachside’s offense has scored 26 or more points in every game. Great work big fellas.
Take 4
When called upon, the offensive line has also opened holes in the run game. The rushing attack has been led by junior Cede Gines who has rushed for 366yards and 5 touchdowns on just 48 carries. There are many teams in the area that have 48 carries in one game let alone eight. If you’ve followed our 7-takes series this year, you know it’s not always positive takes. And yup you guessed this one isn’t either. Although it is impressive that Gines averages 7.6 yards per carry, he doesn’t get enough carries to make good defenses honest. Beachside will have to run the ball more to be more competitive team against some of the best teams in our area and the state.
Take 5
Takeaways are a defenses best friend, and Beachside has several players with picks on the season. Seniors Tyler Lawton and Alex Kinchen both have two interceptions on the year. Joining them in that department are seniors Will Dudley, and Eddie Craig who both have one interception under their belt. Craig leads the team with 74 tackles and 3 sacks. Right behind him is Dudley with 68 tackles and 2 sacks on the season. The defensive line has also played an important part to their success, as the unit has shown growth and improvement with every game.
Take 6
The defense for Beachside has some impressive accolades under their belt this year. The Barracudas have secured three shutouts on the season. Their first, a 50-0 blanking of Ridgeview. Next they held Hollis Christian out of the end-zone enroute to a 57-0 victory. Last week, they denied Crescent City a score defeating the then 3-4 team 42-0. As with any new program, depth is a problem and Beachside as them. Many of Beachside’s playmakers go both ways, and it is one of the main reasons why the Barracudas are not considered a top 10 team in our weekly power rankings even with such an impressive record. With time they will become more stout across the board, and be able to play a more difficult schedule to prove themselves.
Take 7
Head Coach Pete Duffy has done an amazing job since being hired by Beachside in 2022. Duffy came to the areas newest high school after an accomplished coaching career at Rancho Verde in Moreno Valley, California. In 20 seasons as a coach, Duffy accumulated 198 wins in his stops in California. This year he and his staff are 7-1, and building a very good program in St. John’s County. They’ve created an environment where the athletes buy into the program. It’s shown in their hard work, competitiveness, and enthusiasm. Duffy is the father of Florida State quarterback AJ Duffy. So it’s no coincidence, why his team has the most prolific passing attack in Northeast, Florida.
Photos courtesy of Beachside Twitter
