The Mandarin Mustangs faced the St. Augustine Yellow Jackets in one of the most highly anticipated games of the season, drawing a large crowd to witness the star studded clash. It’s a game that featured the most highly recruited athletes in Northeast Florida on the same field.
In fact, before the game 5-star wide receiver Jaime Ffrench and 5-star safety Drake Stubbs were honored as Navy All Americans. Ffrench (2025) is committed to Texas, and Stubbs (2025) is committed to Miami. Mandarin also has 4-star defensive back Brody Jennings, and quarterback Tramell Jones Jr who was injured earlier this season and did not play.
Mandarin’s @jaimeffrenchjr & @Drakestubbs1 being presented the ball and jersey for the Navy All Americans before game time @DuvalSports pic.twitter.com/wSJKfWg2T9
— Asia 📸✨ (@amaye_) October 31, 2024
The game also featured St. Augustine’s 3-star quarterback Locklan Hewlett (USF commit), 4- star wide receiver Somourian Wingo (uncommitted), and 3-star wide receiver Carl Jenkins Jr who recently decommitted from UCF. They all were eager to showcase their talents and make a case that they are deserving of higher ratings themselves.
St. Augustine wins the toss, Mandarin will receive @DuvalSports pic.twitter.com/0CUdNIpQ7w
— Asia 📸✨ (@amaye_) October 31, 2024
From the start, St. Augustine established control, with Jayquan Lee bulldozing through the Mustang defense at the goal line to give the Yellow Jackets an early 7-0 lead. The team continued its momentum when quarterback Locklan Hewlett connected with Durrell Preston, capping off the first quarter with a commanding 14-0 advantage.
St. Augustine gets on the board first as Jayquan Lee runs it in @DuvalSports pic.twitter.com/GWoGoAbbLi
— Asia 📸✨ (@amaye_) October 31, 2024
Mandarin’s offense showed signs of life in the second quarter, putting together a successful drive that allowed Shaunqueze Foster to break through the Yellow Jacket defense and reach the end zone, narrowing the lead to 14-6. The Mustangs kept pushing back, and with four minutes left in the quarter, Josiah Watkins provided a spark, running back an impressive 86-yard kickoff return.
Mandarin Shaunqueze Foster celebrates as they finally get some momentum on offense. 2 point conversion is no good. st. Augustine still leads 14-6 with 7 mins left in the 2nd @DuvalSports pic.twitter.com/eKPLmIufZX
— Asia 📸✨ (@amaye_) October 31, 2024
Despite still trailing 17-12, Mandarin’s energy and determination were evident. However, just before halftime, the Yellow Jackets’ defense struck back as Marquell Elmore intercepted a pass, halting Mandarin’s momentum and keeping St. Augustine in control.
The third quarter saw St. Augustine’s offense ignite once more. Running back Trendell Anderson found a gap in the Mustang defense and tore downfield for a 58-yard touchdown run, which increased the Yellow Jackets’ lead to 24-12.
Despite facing this two-score deficit, Mandarin continued to fight, showing the heart of a team committed to every down. Young quarterback Knox Ennis launched a 64-yard pass to wide receiver Jaime Ffrench, delivering one of the game’s most exciting plays and narrowing the score to 24-18.
Not to be outdone, St. Augustine quickly responded with another big play. Trent Jones made a remarkable catch in the end zone, his first of two touchdowns on the night, which extended the Yellow Jackets’ lead to 31-18.
Undeterred, the Mustangs exhibited resilience in the fourth quarter. Deion Winstead broke through St. Augustine’s defense for yet another Mandarin touchdown, bringing the score to 31-26 and keeping the Mustangs within striking distance.
As the game clock ticked down, St. Augustine sealed their victory in the final minutes. Hewlett connected once again with his top target, Trent Jones, who scored his second touchdown of the night, solidifying the final score at 38-26.
St. Augustine answers right back!! Trent Jones with a great catch up top! @DuvalSports Score: 31-18 pic.twitter.com/qbYSJ0IaB6
— Asia 📸✨ (@amaye_) November 1, 2024
With both teams having already secured their district championships and playoff spots, this matchup served as a competitive test of endurance and skill. St. Augustine’s powerful start and relentless defense ultimately gave them the edge, while Mandarin’s spirited comeback efforts highlighted their determination and promise as they head into the postseason.
Now, both teams look ahead to the playoffs, each aiming to sharpen their strategies and carry the lessons from this high-stakes matchup into the next round of play. Mandarin ends the regular season 7-3, while St. Augustine ends their season (9-1).
Photo Gallery by Asia Maye (Legendary Visuals)
