#1. Beachside- Head Coach Pete Duffy went 9-1 last year with the Barracudas. In 2022, their first year they went 6-4. It’s a new program that has all the tools and resources to grow fast and they are proving it. It also doesn’t hurt to have one of the top passers in the state in Edward Jordan who passed for 2,537 yards and 35 TDs. They blanked Atlantic Coast 21-0 in the Kickoff Classic.
#2. Baldwin- Baldwin has qualified for FHSAA regionals for six consecutive years, the last five under former head coach Robert Shields. So their not exactly an upstart program. But they maybe turning into force to reckon with after some changes. The Indians now have former defensive coordinator Donald Velvet as their head man, and the program seems poised to make a big jump from the 5-6 finish in 2023. A talented coaching staff and roster including speedster Kelvin Brown Jr, a track star who runs 10.72 in the 100m
#3. Yulee– This is one team that should make the next step forward. After a 6-5 effort in 2022, and a 9-3 campaign in 2023, things tend to be trending upward for head coach Kyle Dougherty. TJ Williamson is just a freshman but already has offers FSU, BCU, Syracuse, UCF and South Carolina. Coach Dougherty knows that teams win games not offers, they looked good against Englewood defeating them 34-14 in the KOC.
#4. Providence- Head Coach Maurice Williams squad may have gotten better over the summer as wide receiver Noah Johnson came over from Ed White. Quarterback Mason Williams has another weapon. Increasing the weaponry just may increase the win total from 7-4 last year and a playoff birth.
#5. Impact Christian Academy- “Why Not Impact” has been the slogan for the Lions. A program known for boys basketball, it is now building a new football program and has made major steps going forward. New head coach Jerrand Nesmith and staff got a huge win over Sandalwood in the kickoff classic 19-7. They are headed in the right direction with one of the best all-around players in Northeast Florida Sophomore Eliyjah Caldwell-Hardy who rushed for 434 yds and 9 TDs, while catching 39 passes for 871 Yds and 9 TDs Caldwell-Hardy also had 2 punt return TDs, 39 tackles, 2 sacks and an interception.
#6. Englewood- Kevin Johnson Jr has turned the Rams into a tough play every week. That wasn’t always the case. Next, Johnson is attempting to turn the talent into consistent winners on and off the field. Last year was a great start going 6-4. However, they lost a lot of seniors going into 2024. Quarterback Ty Keister returns and has new weapons to throw to as such as Kamren Greene as Englewood looks to keep trending up.
#7. Tocoi Creek- Head Coach Zach Harbison went 5-5 in 2023 and looks to increase that win total this year. Of all the teams that looked promising last year, Tocoi seemed to be the one with the brightest upside. Young and up and coming head coach, a superstar talent at wide receiver, and a big strong quarterback. Lot’s of questions and uncertainty surround the program now, and their schedule isn’t ideal for that type of situation. Still 6’5 quarterback Ryan Killmer looked good in limited action.
#8. Christ’s Church- Coming off a 7-2 record in 2023, head coach Justin Sirmon goes into year 2 already with a win under his belt. Christ’s Church has always been a good program under great leadership. Yet Sirmon gets to attempt something those before him couldn’t do, and that ‘s win in the FHSAA. They are in the independent classification of the FHSAA now, coming over from the Sunshine State Freelance Football Conference. He’ll ride Kyree Wilson in every game, a talented running back who was one of the leading rushers in the area as a freshman.
#9. Terry Parker- It was a tragic off-season for the Braves, losing former head coach Charon Dorsey. Current head coach Michael Holloway was an assistant to Dorsey for several years at Parker, and before that Matthew Gilbert Middle where the two won the most games consecutively in Duval County history. Holloway and his staff will be coaching with pride, and the players will be playing with that same pride for their fallen coach. Yes Parker isn’t an upstart school, but it will experience a revival from it’s 2-8 season a year ago. Look out for Leonard Perry Jr.
#10. Ridgeview- A program that has been in the gutter for quite some time may finally have a chance to be lifted out of it. It may take some time, but they hired the right coach in Merlin Smith. After 16 years at Oakleaf Junior High School where he won 3 Clay County middle school championships in Football. Lucious Harris is hard nosed all around player that will help them improve from 1-9.
