October 19
This is it! Final week for area teams to make
definitive move to keep playing into the playoffs.

Clay in jeopardy
5-5A Clay (2-5, 1-2) at 5-5A Baker County (5-2, 3-0) (CHS 21, BCHS 20)
Clay won a big district 5-5A matchup against Ridgeview in typical Blue Devil fashion, but coach Joshua Hoekstra is in a precarious position with just two wins against five losses. A 5-5 season is possible, but most go through Baker County and Palatka. Clay is on the outside looking in. Baker County was not demonstratively overwhelming against Orange Park (won 28-7) and there seems some wiggle room for a Blue Devil upset. Hoekstra has been down the road of inching into the playoffs, then going deep. Don’t count out Clay here.

Ridgeview could be Menendez season killer
5-5A Menendez (6-1, 2-1) at 5-5A Ridgeview (3-5, 0-3) (RHS 32, Menendez 28)
Ridgeview’s season is in shambles with injuries to key personnel and a rugged schedule, but the Panthers are always capable of scoring a ton of points quickly if needed. Should Menendez be a bit cocky coming in having read the scores and record of Ridgeview, Tyler Huff could orchestrated a playoff-killing win over Menendez that helps Clay.

Raiders need short memory
5-5A Palatka (3-4, 1-2) at 5-5A OPHS (5-2, 2-1)
(OPHS 28, PHS 7)
If Orange Park catches, instead of drops, five passes, they beat Baker County decisively. The Raiders are real. Vinny Walker gets the offense downfield with T.J.; Kendy Charles inspires the defense with the Moores. Spencer Kirkham had great night against Wildcats. This is crucial for Raiders. Menendez and Palatka went to a 66-65 barnburner won by Menendez on a stopped two-pointer. Raider defense to be tested straight up the middle.

Oakleaf gauntlet schedule pays off
3-7A Oakleaf (4-3, 2-0) at 3-7A Buchholz
(5-2, 2-0) (OHS 42, BHS 17)
Knights are so close to a district title for Frank Garis in tough region 3-7A playoff lineup with two losses in last two weeks, but against top-tier teams. Coach Frank Garis got a toughened up schedule and the payoff should be in Gainesville. Bobcats are on four game win streak and at home. Bobcat losses to unbeaten 6A-Ocala Vanguard and once-beaten and region 1-7A top seed Columbia (loss to Trinity Christian, 31-30 thriller). Oakleaf has lost to two 4As including 4A champ Raines and one 5A, Trinity Christian, 51-22.

Golden Eagles offense is potent; defense?
3-7A Creekside (4-3, 0-2) at 3-7A Fleming Island (3-4, 0-3)
(FIHS 27, Creekside 10)
Both teams have offenses able to score a ton of points. Defense has been an area ghost with the scores of games this year. Word is Creekside quarterback Tai Lavatai may not suit (injured). Golden Eagles offense rolled against Bartram Trail, but Bears running backs got free too often for big runs.

Time running out for Indians
Region 2-4A Keystone Heights (3-3, 2-3) at Region 2-4A Villages Charter (7-0, 4-0)
(KHHS 17, Villages 10)
Keystone Heights rebounded from tough fourth quarter loss to Crescent City with big win over Wildwood. If there ever was a moment for an upset to make the Indians season, this would be the night. Villages is unbeaten and scoring a ton of points with just 74 points against. Keystone Heights’ effort against Crescent City two weeks ago (4th Quarter 20-13 bloss) may be the plan for Villages. Keep offense off field, grind behind Channell (38 carries, 236 yards, 2TDS against Wildwood) and Friedlin (24 carries, 107 yards, 2TDs against Wildwood). Villages gave up 47 points in win over Crescent City, 64-47.

SJCDS (2-5, 1-3) at Georgia Christian (1-6, 0-2)
(GCA 17, SJCDS 14)
St. Johns lost 49-18 against Oak Hall (4-3, 2-0) on Friday. Max Monroe hit eight of 17 passes for 172 yards with an 82 yard scoring bomb to end Matthew Kelley, but had two interceptions. Monroe also scored on a run and snagged an interception on defense. Spartans let 28 points on the board in the second quarter then just seven in the entire second half against Oak Hall. Matthew Kelley finished with four catches for 99 yards with a 78 yard TD plus an 82 yard run for a fourth quarter score. Brady Walden caught three passes for 69 yards. Eli Morton rushed eight times for 139 yards and an 82 yard touchdown.
On defense, Max Arnold led with 15 tackles; six solo with Max Monroe also getting 12 tackles; eight solos.

Middleburg lost to Nease 30-13 on Friday in a district 4-6A game. The Broncos have a bye week with the continuation of a lightning-delayed game at Ed White on Mon., Oct. 22 followed by St. Augustine on Fri., Oct. 26. Oakleaf stays in playoff contention with win over Buchholz. Ridgeview survives another Menendez scare; drives to playoff berth. Clay keeps playoff talks alive.

Game of the Week: Clay has to battle Baker County to keep shot at playoffs in mix. LeSage gets in groove; Devore speed over Wildcats O-Line size. Clay 21, Baker County 20.