October 3, 2025

Local High School Football Teams Show Strong Improvement

News Summary

High school football teams in Jacksonville and Northeast Florida are impressively improving this season. The Columbia Tigers and Episcopal School of Jacksonville are among the notable teams, showing better records than last year. Key players have emerged, and coaches are guiding their teams into potential playoff positions. With numerous games scheduled this weekend, the enthusiasm for high school football is palpable. The success of teams like the Yulee Hornets, who are still undefeated, highlights the competitive spirit of the season and the skill of young athletes in the area.

Jacksonville, FL – The high school football season in Jacksonville and Northeast Florida reached the midpoint in October 2025, with several local teams demonstrating remarkable improvement compared to the previous year. A total of 35 high school football games are set to take place this weekend, showcasing the enthusiasm and skill of young athletes.

Among the standout teams, the Columbia Tigers have seen a significant turnaround, boasting a record of 5-1 this season compared to a 5-6 record last year. Led by junior quarterback Xavier Collins and key players like sophomore running back Jerome Horne and junior wide receiver Kyren Caldwell, the team’s dynamics have shifted positively. The defensive lineup, featuring seniors Von Lane and Terry Henry, has also played a crucial role in the team’s success. Coach Brian Allen recently celebrated his 100th career win, adding to the team’s achievements this season.

Another local team witnessing improvement is the Episcopal School of Jacksonville, which is currently sitting at 5-1 after finishing last season at 4-6. Their success is attributed to the on-field prowess of eighth-grade quarterback Justice Turpin and sophomore running back Levi Ritter, who has amassed 662 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns. Wide receiver Brayden Wessinger has also made his mark with 465 receiving yards. Under the guidance of Coach Marcus Wells, the team is poised to make a strong return to the playoffs.

The Bradford Pirates have improved their record to 5-2 from last year’s 5-7 finish. Junior players Aydin Poe and Beck Rohe have emerged as key contributors, making significant impacts on both offense and defense. Quarterback Ian Miller stands out with a remarkable 1,512 passing yards, while defensive player Kalani Tucker has been effective with seven sacks this season.

Meanwhile, the Stanton Blue Devils have equaled their previous year’s win total of four early in the season with a 4-3 record. Players like David Honore, with 607 rushing yards, and Andrew Simmons, with 275 rushing yards, have helped solidify the team’s performance. A potential additional two wins could mark the team’s second winning season since the program’s revival in 1998.

Perhaps the most impressive feat this season comes from the Yulee Hornets, who have gained a perfect 6-0 record after finishing last season with 2-8. Their undefeated status has placed them in contention for a playoff spot in Class 2A. Strong defensive performances, particularly from Turtle Ricks, who has made 25 tackles for loss, and a high-performing offense spearheaded by freshman Jayden Timmon, who has rushed for 529 yards, indicate a successful season ahead.

The excitement of the Jacksonville high school football scene is reflected in the numerous games scheduled this weekend. Key matchups include the No. 24 ranked Mandarin at Rockledge as well as local showdowns such as Bishop Kenny against Tallahassee Rickards and Fletcher at Flagler Palm Coast. Notable games are spread across several days, including Florida University Christian’s matchup against Miami True North on Thursday, October 2, and the anticipated Northwest Classic featuring Raines versus Ribault on Saturday, October 4.

With the district action intensifying and many teams jockeying for playoff positions, standout individual performances have also been highlighted this season. Athletes are being recognized for their contributions on offense, defense, and as two-way players, fueling the competitive spirit as the season progresses.

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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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