JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – It was a big night of redemption for quite a few area football teams.
Bolles, First Coast and Raines settled the score in district championship wins on Thursday night, atoning for losses in 2022 and punching their postseason tickets.
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The Bulldogs felt like they overlooked Bishop Kenny last year in a 14-13 loss to their rivals, their first in the series since 1977. On Thursday night, Bolles (5-4) pounded the Crusaders 51-18 to wrap up the District 2-2M title. Bolles started the day as the No. 5 seed in Region 1-2M but will leapfrog a slumping Kenny (5-4) in next week’s playoff rankings.
Raines also exacted a measure of revenge, pummeling host Jackson 40-8 to atone for a loss to the Tigers last year to win the District 1-2M title. The Vikings (8-1) used four rushing touchdowns from Mark Miller to build a 40-0 lead in the third quarter by the time Jackson (3-6) managed a score. The Vikings are ranked No. 1 in Region 1-2M in the playoff points standings.
And First Coast held on for a win over Fletcher, a 28-27 overtime victory to win the District 1-3M title. The Buccaneers led 21-0 and held off a furious Senators rally. Fletcher scored first in overtime, but missed its point after. The Buccaneers hit the end zone and then the extra point to clinch it. Fletcher (6-3) had won six straight. It beat First Coast 30-18 for the district title last year. The Buccaneers, who started the week No. 10 in Region 1-3M, needed to win the district title to ensure a playoff spot.
Also wrapping up a district title was Mandarin, which clobbered Sandalwood 43-0 in a running clock blowout to win the District 1-4M crown. The Mustangs could potentially climb to a No. 4 seed in the playoff rankings. Sandalwood (0-9) is poised for its worst season in decades. It needs to beat Parker next week to avoid a winless season. The Braves stunned Englewood 24-14 on Thursday night for their first win of the season and prevent the Rams (5-4) from a seven-win season.
☀️ Florida schedule, Week 10 ☀️
- Thursday’s results
- Bolles 52, Bishop Kenny 18
- Creekside 26, Atlantic Coast 0
- Episcopal 24, Wolfson 12
- First Coast 28, Fletcher 27, OT
- Mandarin 43, Sandalwood 0
- Parker 24, Englewood 14
- Raines 49, Jackson 8
- Ribault 18, Baldwin 7
- Union County 42, Dixie County 8
SSAA playoffs
- Class 4A bracket
- Eagle’s View 42, Cornerstone Charter 26
- Class 2A bracket
- Harvest Community 41, Duval Charter 7