August 1, 2025

High School Football Teams Prepare for Season in Jacksonville

News Summary

As the high school football season approaches in Jacksonville and Northeast Florida, teams gear up for practices and matchups. With a focus on new coaching staff and talented players, the excitement is palpable. Key questions about teams’ performances and player statistics emerge, alongside the inquiry into FHSAA recruiting practices. Coaches and athletes are readying for a competitive season filled with potential for new district champions and impressive individual achievements.

Jacksonville – The high school football season is set to kick off across Jacksonville and Northeast Florida, with practices beginning on Monday, July 28. The excitement builds as teams prepare for their first matchups, with the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) regular season starting on Friday, August 22, and the Sunshine State Athletic Association (SSAA) commencing a week earlier on August 15.

This season marks a pivotal moment for local high school teams, as new coaching staff and dynamic player talent come into play. In total, 50 key questions are posed for this upcoming season, including inquiries about team performances, player statistics, and the potential for new district champions. Some of the highlights include whether a Northeast Florida team will end the FHSAA championship drought that has persisted since 2021, along with questions surrounding standout athletes like Raines quarterback T.J. Cole, who is aiming to replicate his impressive 43 touchdown passes from last season.

New head coach Jarvis Parker is under the spotlight as First Coast seeks to improve in their district. Additionally, Nease is challenged to defend its district titles despite the departure of key players. The pressure intensifies for Sandalwood, with fans eagerly anticipating when they will finally break their 20-game losing streak.

The rising talent in the area cannot be overlooked, as athletes like Edward Jordan IV from Beachside aim to elevate their passing stats. The performance of new sophomore Asher Ghioto from Bolles is also under scrutiny, as he looks to garner college interest following a successful freshman year. Mandarin’s star wideout, Brysen Wright, continues to attract attention for his skills, while St. Augustine’s downfield duo seeks to challenge opposing defensive backs throughout Florida.

This season also raises important questions beyond player performance. The ongoing inquiry by the Florida Department of Education into FHSAA recruiting practices may have a lasting impact on the athletic landscape in Northeast Florida. Teams also face the challenge of adjusting to new strategies, with some teams like Atlantic Coast focusing heavily on their edge rushers for sacks, while Bolles has eyes on capturing its first championship since 2011.

Among the intriguing dynamics of the season, Bradford is determined to maintain its streak of allowing fewer than 100 points in a season. Furthermore, Ribault’s transition to their new school facility sparks hopes for improved performance. Baldwin looks to leverage recent roster changes to extend its playoff streak to seven years, while Middleburg aims for a deeper playoff run with a promising lineup. Fletcher presents a considerable challenge to opponents, backed by top college prospects.

Team strategies are also adapting as coaches face departures and new arrivals. Team representatives question how Ponte Vedra will fare after replacing significant positions, while University Christian’s younger roster could lead to a shift in their offensive approach. Notably, Bartram Trail’s Arthur Lewis IV is focused on repeating a phenomenal season that brought him close to 2,000 all-purpose yards, while Palatka’s Tommy Offord aims to exceed 1,000 rushing and passing yards.

Further intrigue unfolds as teams like Creekside aim to continue their success with a younger roster, and Riverside’s junior quarterback Jaidan Delaune looks to leave a significant mark this year. Schools must also contend with staff changes, as seen in Union County, which hopes to bounce back from a tumultuous offseason.

The number of high school football programs is on the rise, with FHSAA anticipating increased participation rates this season. As teams prioritize traditional playing styles, such as West Nassau’s run-first offense, the competition within the district is expected to be fierce.

As the opening games approach, local high school coaches are bracing for the season ahead, with kickoff times scheduled at 7 p.m. for most games. The anticipation for a thrilling season is palpable, setting the stage for high-stakes competitions and exhilarating athleticism across Jacksonville and Northeast Florida.

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Author: STAFF HERE JACKSONVILLE WRITER

The JACKSONVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREJacksonville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Jacksonville, Duval County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, Riverside Arts Market, and World of Nations Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce and JAXUSA Partnership, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and entertainment that power the local economy such as CSX Corporation, Baptist Health, and VyStar Credit Union. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.

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