BALDWIN, Fla. – Our Football Friday Game of the Week for Week 7 is Yulee at Baldwin.
The excitement was brewing Friday morning when News4JAX stopped by Baldwin Middle-High School. The upperclassmen — including the football team, cheerleaders and band — filled up the school gym for a small pep rally. The students were pumped for the evening’s showdown, which has major district title implications.
The Indians (4-1, 2-0) are all but assured of the District 5-2S title if they win this game. They’ve already dusted district favorite Baker County, with their lone loss to unbeaten Bradford. Quarterback Jalen Hitchens has led a steady offense, with 349 rushing yards and four touchdowns. But it’s the defense that’s leading Baldwin. Linebacker Leon Kirkland has five of Baldwin’s 13 interceptions, followed by linebacker Octavius Barnes with three picks and 38 tackles.
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Baldwin Principal Mike Townsend had his head shaved by Hitchens two weeks ago after the school sold more than 1,000 tickets at their last game. This time, Townsend said the Indians are upping the ante with a new bet.
“We’re kind of west of the Westside, a little further out than most people know, but we’re Duval County. We have never won a district championship. If we win the district championship, which is what makes tonight so big because we’re in our district, the head coach, quarterback and several other players will shave our heads, as well,” Townsend said.
Hitchens had a message for the Hornets ahead of the game.
“They better be ready to go to battle because my team is,” he said.
The Hornets (3-1, 0-0) are tough on defense, too, giving up just 12 points per game. Linebacker Amauri Goff has a team-best 33 tackles and three sacks. Quarterback Chris Turner has 10 touchdown passes, four apiece to Zackary Drawdy and Josiah Evans.
Kickoff is at 6:30 p.m. when Baldwin hosts Yulee High School.
And you can watch Football Friday on 4 — a full half-hour of scores, highlights and features of area high school football games. It’s at 10:30 p.m. on Fridays through November.