News Summary
Week 8 of high school football in Northeast Florida featured thrilling matchups, including dramatic comebacks and dominant performances by several teams. Raines overcame a halftime deficit to defeat Madison County, while Bishop Kenny secured the District 3-4A championship with a four-touchdown game from Brenton James. Other notable victories included Oakleaf, Bolles, and Yulee, who remain undefeated. As teams clinch playoff spots and district titles, the competitive spirit of local football shines through.
Jacksonville, FL – Week 8 of high school football showcased a thrilling series of matchups across Northeast Florida, with several teams showcasing their offensive prowess, while others clinched important district titles and playoff spots.
In a dramatic comeback, Raines overcame a halftime deficit to win against Madison County. Tadarius Washington played a pivotal role, rushing for two touchdowns and contributing significantly to the victory. Tisean Haynes also added a rushing touchdown after a fumble recovery, securing the win for Raines. Despite the loss, Nasir Williams of Madison County kept his team competitive by returning two kickoffs for touchdowns.
Nease (5-2, 1-1 District 3-6A) delivered a strong performance against St. Johns County rival Bartram Trail (2-5, 1-1), shutting them out completely. The game saw Aiden Phifer score the opening touchdown, and Aric Davis-Baer contribute with a field goal to solidify the victory.
Oakleaf (6-1, 2-0) continued their successful season by defeating First Coast (4-3, 0-2). Jack McKissock scored two early touchdowns that set the tone for the match, while Fareed Coleman also contributed a touchdown to the win.
In another impressive display, Bolles (6-1, 1-0) maintained control of District 4-2A against Jackson (3-4, 1-1). Jaden Weatherly showcased his skills by throwing three touchdown passes, while Xander Edwards, the Northeast Florida rushing leader, ran for his 21st and 22nd touchdowns of the season.
Bishop Kenny (7-0, 2-0) also had a standout performance, with Brenton James passing for four touchdowns against Clay (1-6, 1-1). Julio Santiago emerged as a key player for the Jackets, catching two of those touchdown passes and helping secure the District 3-4A championship.
Bradford (7-1, 3-0) managed to avenge last year’s loss to Newberry (3-4, 3-1) while securing the District 5-2A title. The team scored three touchdowns in the second half, effectively sealing their victory.
Columbia (7-1, 1-1 District 3-4A) claimed victory over Ridgeview (2-5, 0-2) with Drew Simmons catching two touchdown passes from quarterback Xavier Collins. Meanwhile, Creekside (4-4, 2-0) clinched the District 1-7A title as Rozzi Sperry threw two touchdowns and ran for another against Atlantic Coast.
Riverside (2-6, 1-0) dominated in a match against Englewood (0-7, 0-2), with Demetrius Hugger catching three touchdown passes, in addition to a 65-yard punt return touchdown by Caleb Thomas boosting their score.
In another exciting game, Eliyjah Caldwell-Hardy, a Michigan State commit, rushed for a touchdown as the Lions (4-3) defeated Paxon (4-4). Additionally, freshman Derrell Monroe had a remarkable game, throwing four touchdown passes that led the Braves (1-5, 1-2 District 4-3A) to a victory over the Wolverines (0-7, 0-2).
Ponte Vedra (5-2, 2-1) handed Middleburg (6-1, 1-1) its first loss of the season, with Alex Winkles scoring an early touchdown to set the pace for the match. Jelani Dawkins turned in a strong performance for the Crusaders, rushing for three touchdowns in their victory over Menendez (3-4, 2-1).
Buchholz (7-1, 2-0) are edging closer to securing the District 3-6A title with their win over Tocoi Creek (3-4, 0-2). Meanwhile, Yulee remains undefeated at (7-0) after their victory against the Pirates (5-3), where key defensive plays, including a strip-sack by Turtle Ricks, proved critical.
Moreover, West Nassau (8-1) dealt Satellite its first loss (7-1), with Mo Green scoring two more touchdowns. Kelden Dupree’s interception in overtime helped the Wildcats (4-4, 1-1) secure a District 2-3A win over Suwannee (1-6, 0-3). Gavin Beck of Bishop Snyder (4-4) returned an interception 78 yards for a touchdown, contributing to a win over Orlando Faith Christian (1-7).
This action-packed week highlighted the competitive spirit of Northeast Florida high school football, with numerous teams clinching playoff spots and district titles, setting the stage for an exciting finish to the season.
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Additional Resources
- Jacksonville.com: FHSAA High School Football Week 8 Scores
- Wikipedia: High School Football in the United States
- SI.com: Northeast Florida High School Football Player of the Week – Sept 29, 2025
- Google Search: High School Football Northeast Florida
- Jacksonville.com: Florida High School Football Scores – Week 8 Update
- Encyclopedia Britannica: High School Football
- Jacksonville.com: FHSAA Football Schedule for Week 8
- Google News: Jacksonville High School Football
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