- Bradford-Our number one team once again this year is none other than Bradford County. While other outlets were slow to the party last year, we had the Tornadoes atop our rankings at the beginning. They return a stout defense with linebacker Jeremiah McKenzie, defensive end Duke Lewis. They also add a quarterback in Zach Paulkis a transfer from Columbia. They have a big test against rival Baker County, but the defending state runners-up should take care of business.
2. Mandarin-The most talented team in Northeast Florida is Mandarin. They have two 5-star players on their roster in wide receiver Jaime Ffrench and safety Drake Stubbs. The first the area has seen in almost a decade. They are defending state runners-up. They have a 4-star quarterback Tramell Jones Jr who is committed to Florida State. They have a tough schedule but they are a tough team. They get a chance to finally get revenge on Creekside tonight!
3. St. Augustine- The defending state runners-up return the #1 receiver in Carl Jenkins Jr (UCF commit), their #2 receiver Trenton Jones, and 4-star wide out S𝐨𝐦𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐧 W𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐨 J𝐫. They’ll catch passes from 4-star quarterback Locklan Hewlett. They’ll be without Jones for a while with an injury. However, dont look for the Jackets to get stung. Last year they won all their regular season games and did so without their starting quarterback for the toughest stretch.
4. Bolles- Bolles has a lot of returning starters Linebacker Simeon Caldwell, quarterback Ethan Drumm, running back Emmett Grzebin, and wide receiver Naeem Burroughs, just to name a few. This young team is extremely experienced, and extremely well coached and prepared. They havea tough one against Raines, but should take care of business at home.
5. Raines-Raines will bring with them a revamped roster complete with several playmakers that have come over from several rivals. Quarterback Timothy Cole (QB, C/o 2026) a dynamic dual-threat quarterback who came over from Ribault. Couple that with being the largest team in the area with Jyon Simon, and Solomon Thomas Raines should dominate this year.
6. Bartram Trail-Quietly, the Bears have been handling business in the spring and kickoff classic. Quarterback Jaden Weatherly returns better than ever. He showed flashes of his greatness last year in limited action behind senior Riley Trujillo. Now he has the opportunity to show what he can do with his arm but with his legs as well. A dangerous weapon behind big Zach Marshall and the line.
7. Ponte Vedra- The Sharks looked polished and poised in their spring game. Their kickoff classic they gave up lots of passing yards, albeit to arguably the top passing combos in the state with St. Augustine. Still, they are well coached and disciplined nad proved they can go toe to toe with anyone. Brian Case may have a big day rushing versus Nease tonight.
8. Riverside- Quarterback Glenn Forman III is one of the most experienced starting quarterbacks in Northeast Florida. He’ll be throwing to 6 foot 4, 4-star senior tight end Tae’Shaun Gelsey who just recently committed to Florida. Myles Kendrick, another senior, who is a 3-star rated wide receiver, and Zavier “Zay” Hilliard (2026, 6’3, 200lbs), a 2 Sport Athlete in football and baseball, who received his first D-1 offer from USC. They should be higher on the list, but they must prove it on the field.
9. Ed White- Ed White still has incredible playmakers including senior Josh Patterson( Iowa State commit), King Boylston (transfer from Trinity) and Josh Holt (DB). They handled business against Jackson in the KOC. Now the true test comes with Trinity coming over from Hammond Blvd. Expect Ed White to upset the Conquerors tonight.
10. Baker County- This team returns some absolute dogs on the field. Seth Chestnut, Phillip Jackson, and Davion Dean. It’s been a couple of years, but the Wildcats will be back on top in 2024. They have their toughest test of the season today game 1 versu Bradford.
Honorable Mention:
Nease, Creekside, University Christian, Fletcher, Trinity Christian
