Starke Fl- Friday the 13th lived up to its reputation for the undefeated Mandarin Mustangs as they ventured down Highway 301 for their matchup with the undefeated Bradford Tornados. Despite the 13 days of rain, the skies cleared, and the sun reared itself, but even that couldn’t help the Mustangs who were dealt their second huge blow of the season.
Five Star wide receiver Jamie Ffrench joined 4-star quarterback Tramell Jones on the sidelines late in the 2nd quarter with a severely broken finger, putting his season in jeopardy. Despite the loss of the number one playmaker in North Florida, the Mustangs still held a 7-6 halftime lead over the Tornados on the road.
Bradford takes a 6-0 lead vs the Mustangs. @DuvalSports 8:39 to go in the 2nd quarter. pic.twitter.com/o570dnNNpw
— Strikeout Photography (@PaulSim5198139) September 14, 2024
Bradford’s Branden Williams plunged into the end-zone to start the scoring for the game. The conversion was unsuccessful as Bradford led 6-0. The scoring drive took place with 8:39 to play in the second quarter, as both teams felt each other out in a scoreless first quarter.
However, Mandarin would respond with a score of their own. Junior running back Donte Perry took the hand-off and drove the pile for a 1-yard touchdown run. The score was the result of a beautiful drive by Mandarin. Jaime Ffrench broke ankles on a catch and run into Bradford territory. While Ethan Sherman caught a first down on 3rd & 7 which set up the touchdown run by Perry.
Mustangs take the lead with 31 seconds to go in the second quarter 7 to 6. @Donte_Perry1 with a 1 yd TD after a 18 yard reception on 3rd and 7 by @Ethansherman_1 @DuvalSports pic.twitter.com/3j4uHKYyLW
— Strikeout Photography (@PaulSim5198139) September 14, 2024
Both the Mandarin Mustangs and Bradford Tornadoes came into the contest looking to prove to the state who the best team in North Florida was. Mandarin was the Class 4M state runners-up in 2023, while Bradford was the Class 2S state runners-up in 2023. Bradford lost to Cocoa 31-21, and Mandarin fell to Columbus 38-19. Ironically, both opponents for Bradford and Mandarin were defending state champions.
In order to get back to the big game, both teams knew the match-up against one another would be an important test. So the second half was certain to be full of suspense and it was. The Mustangs were feeling good in the middle of the third quarter when the new dynamic freshman duo of quarterback Knox Annis and wide receiver Brysen Wright hooked up for a 50 -yard touchdown, giving the Mustangs a 13-6 lead.
The Tornados saw themselves down in a game for the first time this season. Head Coach Jamie Rodgers wanted to see how his team responded, and respond they did. The Tornadoes stuck to their game plan of running the football and playing defense. It worked as Bradford cut into the Mandarin lead when junior Jy’quez Cason scored on a short touchdown run.
Bradford scores 12-13 with 10:12 left in the 4th @DuvalSports extra point pending pic.twitter.com/JH8LPAv4ON
— Strikeout Photography (@PaulSim5198139) September 14, 2024
Next came the 2-point conversion, but a run was stuffed by 5-star safety Hylton Drake Stubbs as Mandarin kept a 1-point lead 13-12, with 10:12 to play in the fourth quarter. The play was a reminder that even though the Mustangs had suffered key injuries this year and in this game, they still were a very talented team with more college recruiting rated players than Bradford.
Bradford goes for two to take the lead. Mandarin defense led by @Drakestubbs1 and @KAMERONMILLS14_ hold! 13-12 Mustangs @DuvalSports pic.twitter.com/hNVPRuFiw3
— Strikeout Photography (@PaulSim5198139) September 14, 2024
After forcing Mandarin to punt, Bradford would drive down the field and Cason would score his second touchdown of the game rolling around the left side of the offensive line following the block of running-back Gino Addison. The conversion was no-good and Bradford led 18-13 with 5:04 to play.
5:04 left in the 4th Bradford takes the lead 18-13 over Mandarin @DuvalSports pic.twitter.com/frEWuiFicD
— Strikeout Photography (@PaulSim5198139) September 14, 2024
After the Tornado defense stepped up again to halt a much needed fourth quarter Mandarin drive, Bradford would do what they do best, pound the rock. Following the blocks of senior guard Cayden Carter and 6 foot 5 junior offensive tackle Kyren Green Williams would run off left tackle on 4th & 2, converting a first down with 1:40 to play. Bradford would run the clock out on rushing plays, and run Mandarin back to Duval County with their first loss of the season.
Two unanswered touchdowns was the difference in an 18-12 victory by Bradford to win the battle of North Florida heavyweights. Mandarin (3-1) have an an even bigger test this week when they travel to Bradenton to battle national powerhouse IMG. Bradford (4-0) has a bye week before taking on Keystone Heights (1-2).
Photo Gallery by Paul Simpson (Strikeout Photography)
