Jacksonville Schools Gear Up for Spring Football Season

Football players practicing during Jacksonville's spring season

News Summary

Jacksonville’s spring football season is about to begin, featuring several key matchups that highlight local talent. Teams like Ribault, Raines, and Trinity Christian are ready to showcase their skills in preparation for the competitive regular season. New coaching appointments and the selection of local athletes for the Florida Athletic Coaches Association All-Star Classic reflect the thriving sports community in the area. The excitement builds as spring unfolds, promising a thrilling atmosphere for athletes and fans alike.

Jacksonville is set to kick off its spring football season on May 14 with Ribault traveling to Ridgeview for a 6 p.m. matchup. This year’s season opener marks a change from the previously planned jamboree, which would have included Stanton. The spring games serve as an exciting prelude to the competitive season, offering teams a chance to prepare without impacting the standings ahead of August’s regular season.

The schedule features several notable matchups that showcase emerging talent and returning stars. On May 15, Providence will face Raines at Jackson, with kickoff also slated for 6 p.m. Raines is coming off an impressive championship game run last season, and fans are eager to see if they can maintain that momentum. Simultaneously, Suwannee visits Bradford, with an emphasis on standout prospect Jordan Cason.

On May 16, Trinity Christian will take on Atlantic Coast at 6:30 p.m., highlighting prospects from the 2027 recruiting class. Following this, Fort White will challenge Columbia on May 17 at 7 p.m., featuring players such as Jayden Jackson and Vondarius Lane. Baker County will visit Creekside on May 20 at 6 p.m., introducing new head coach Brock Canaday to the local football scene. The action continues on May 21 with Fleming Island at Fletcher at 6:30 p.m., promising standout performances from players on both teams. That same day, St. Augustine will face Bishop Kenny at 6 p.m., with both teams adjusting to changes in key positions.

The excitement of the season culminates on May 22 with three significant matchups. Mandarin will compete against Bolles at 7 p.m., which is highly anticipated for its competitive players. Menendez will also challenge Nease at 7 p.m., featuring returning stars from both squads, while Ponte Vedra visits Riverside at 7 p.m., showcasing Northeast Florida’s talent in the trenches.

In addition to the spring football season, five local flag football players have been selected for the Florida Athletic Coaches Association All-Star Classic on May 17 at Mulberry High School. This recognition highlights the growing talent in the area.

In coaching news, Old Plank Christian has named Frank Andrea as their new head coach, while Riverside has hired Toby Frazier to lead their boys basketball program. Meanwhile, after dedicating six seasons to the team, Bishop Snyder’s head coach Russell Powell has announced his resignation.

The local beach volleyball scene has also made headlines, as Fletcher finished as the Class 3A runner-up, marking a historic achievement for the program. Additionally, several athletes across various sports have made college commitments recently, shining a spotlight on Jacksonville’s talent pool. Notably, Trinity Christian athlete Walker Ashley has signed with Erskine football, and Bishop Kenny’s Juan Pablo Castillo-Zima committed to Elon for track and field.

Other signings include Jordan Davis (St. Thomas), Landon Francis (LaGrange), and Madelyn Brown (Valdosta State). The St. Augustine community also celebrated local athletes committing to numerous college programs, further emphasizing the rich sporting talent in the area.

Amidst these developments, notable achievements have been reported in other sports. TJ Sunderhaus set a new record for hits at St. Johns Country Day, while Aidan King has been honored as the SEC freshman of the week at the University of Florida, highlighting the diverse athletic prowess emerging from the region.

As the spring football season unfolds, Jacksonville’s sports community eagerly anticipates the excitement and talent that athletes will bring to the field, setting the stage for an exhilarating upcoming fall season.