Exciting High School Football Matchups to Watch in Jacksonville 2025!
Discover key matchups and top players in the Clay County high school football scene as the 2025 season kicks off.
Exciting High School Football Matchups to Watch in Jacksonville 2025!
As the Florida high school football season kicks off, excitement is palpable across the Jacksonville area. Practices have begun, and the regular season is set to start on August 21-22. This year promises to deliver some exhilarating matchups that football fans won’t want to miss. The Times-Union has compiled a list of 20 anticipated games, all within Jacksonville or nearby counties, that are sure to be highlights of the season.
Among the standout matchups in Week 1 is the much-anticipated Battle of the Bridge between Nease and Ponte Vedra, where Nease triumphed 24-7 last year. Raines has a challenging opener on August 23 against the formidable Miami Central, setting the stage for an intense season right off the bat.
Key Rivalries and Upcoming Matches
The second week features the historic rivalry of Trinity Christian at Bolles, a matchup that saw Bolles dominate with a 41-7 victory last year. This trend of historical significance continues in Week 3 with the Clay County showdown between Fleming Island and Oakleaf, alongside the competitive encounters between St. Augustine and Bolles. Expect these clashes to bring out all the competitive spirit both teams can muster!
Moving into Week 4, Bradford will face Mandarin in what is projected as a closely contested affair, considering Bradford’s 18-13 win last year. Creekside will take on Bartram Trail in what has been dubbed the Battle of Longleaf Pine Parkway, following Creekside’s nail-biting 49-42 victory in their previous encounter.
Week 5 features an intriguing matchup between IMG Academy and Mandarin, where Mandarin is positioned as the underdog against a powerhouse team. St. Augustine clashes with Nease in another historic rivalry, where the previous contest ended in a thrilling overtime victory for Nease, 35-34. This sets a high expectation for a potential rematch that is bound to captivate audiences.
Players to Watch This Season
As the teams gear up for the season, individual talents in the Jacksonville area are also making headlines. Edward Jordan, the quarterback from Beachside High School, recently displayed his prowess by accounting for six touchdowns in a spring win over Parker, including a touchdown pass to Drew Aldrich. This talent is reflective of the strong roster of players in the area, particularly at the wide receiver position, which is set to feature over 20 athletes likely headed to NCAA programs.
| Top Wide Receivers in Jacksonville | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Name | School | Height/Weight | Stats |
| Drew Watson | Beachside High School | 5-10, 175 | 53 receptions, 891 yards, 11 touchdowns |
| Vernon Stephens | Nease High School | 6-0, 205 | 19 receptions, 347 yards, 6 touchdowns |
| Nick Roberson | Ed White High School | 6-2, 190 | 40 receptions, 622 yards, 4 touchdowns |
| Kelvin Brown | Raines High School | 5-10, 165 | 42 receptions, 825 yards, 12 touchdowns |
| Julio Santiago | St. Augustine High School | 5-9, 160 | 35 receptions, 525 yards, 6 touchdowns |
| Trace Burney | Oakleaf High School | 5-9, 165 | 69 receptions, 1,158 yards, 17 touchdowns |
| Diondre Smith | Fletcher High School | 5-10, 150 | 39 receptions, 473 yards, 6 touchdowns |
| Brysen Wright | Mandarin High School | 6-4, 200 | 31 receptions, 646 yards, 8 touchdowns |
| Somourian Wingo | St. Augustine High School | 6-2, 180 | 62 receptions, 1,040 yards, 12 touchdowns |
| Naeem Burroughs | Bolles School | 6-0, 175 | 33 receptions, 829 yards |
Northeast Florida is striving to claim its first FHSAA championship since 2021, making this season particularly pivotal. As fans and families gather to support their teams, there’s no doubt that the thrill of competition and local pride will shine through the exciting games ahead. Are you ready for some Friday night lights?