GREEN COVE SPRINGS - After a less than stellar first quarter, Clay High took control in the second quarter with a 23-point blitz behind a riveting 68-yard run from running back Kamari Davis to beat Ridgeview, 40-0, in a key District 4-4A clash.

The win puts Clay High coach Jeff Gierke, in his second season after a 2-8 finish last year, at 6-2 with a district matchup with Middleburg on Friday and a makeup half of football against Fleming Island that could determine the Blue Devils' playoff berth. Clay leads Fleming Island, 11-6, with 7:33 remaining in the third quarter before rain on Oct. 9 pushed the finish back to Nov. 3.

"All we can do is win out," said Gierke, about the region playoff possibilities. "All we can control is us."

Three out of five of Clay’s first-half drives began inside Ridgeview territory, and another one began at midfield. Thanks to the Blue Devils' defense, the offense often started with favorable field position.

Both teams struggled early offensively, but Clay eventually found a rhythm and scored a whopping 23 points in the second quarter. Kamari Davis scored the first touchdown on a 10-yard run. That was followed by a 30-yard punt return by Wyatt Rapoza.

Running back Connor Beck scored a rushing touchdown on the next drive using the same formation and playcall as the previous score. The dagger came just before the half when Ridgeview was backed up deep in its own territory and was forced to punt.

Starting at midfield, Clay, with just 24 seconds remaining in the half, quarterback Landon Martin connected with wide receiver Daylen Brown on a perfectly-placed 29-yard touchdown pass down the far sideline. Clay ended the half with a 26-0 lead.

On the defensive line, Reimey Johnson, Jay’Shawn McCloud and the rest of the Blue Devils’ defensive line were constantly in Ridgeview’s backfield. They were able to come up with 10 tackles behind the line, with four of those being sacks. That benefited the Clay offense, as they were able to out-gain Ridgeview by nearly 225 yards to put the game away early.

The game ended with an 8-yard rushing touchdown by Rapoza and a 15-yard receiving touchdown by Brock Elliot.

Week 10

Friday, Oct. 23

Ridgeview at Orange Park: These are final games with winning records and playoff berths not in play. My optimism got smashed here, but both teams are capable of winning this one. Orange Park has had explosiveness all season. The 52-8 loss to St. Augustine last week was a tough one. Ridgeview lost 40-0 to Clay, and both were district games. Look for both coaches to try and salvage a win before ending their seasons.

Middleburg at Clay: Clay coach Jeff Gierke can win massive street cred here. Middleburg took a thump by Fleming Island (See Chapman Sellars story). All three - CHS, MHS, FIHS - need a win and maybe some help to get into the playoffs with a chance to get two Clay County teams in. Who knows?

West Nassau at Keystone Heights: This is Senior Night for the Indians. It's a big game against state contender. The Indians took out unbeaten Bell earlier in the season, but spotted Paxon a 50-0 lead by halftime in what became a 50-0 final. West Nassau has had a solid 6-2-1 season.

Fleming Island at St. Augustine: Tom MacPherson has knocked off some big powerhouses in the past, and this could be one of the biggest. Fleming Island sees the region light with win against Middleburg and a possible positive finish on Nov. 3 against Clay. Macpherson knows how to win the right games to get in.

Oakleaf at Buchholz: Oakleaf has had past success with the best teams in area like Mandarin, Bolles, Madison County and Ed White. This is yet another. Almost knocked out Buchholz in region finals two years ago. Knights seem like a solid choice to make regions, but confidence against the bigger programs will be tested. Knights had 28-0 win over 1-8 Matanzas, and got out-played in all aspects with field goals, run touchdowns and a safety. All three will be needed against Buchholz, which has put 281 points on the board. Oakleaf has scored 223. The Knights have the manpower to score quickly with Michael Conner and Syncere Murphy on the edges, and Jordan Battles finding his footing  with 128 yards rushing and one touchdown against Matanzas. Penalties have stopped the Knights more than the other team, but Oakleaf showed improvement against Matanzas. If quarterback Jaidan Delaune can avoid sacks and has time for quick releases, it's Katie-bar-the-door. If so, it could be an upset of epic proportions.

Week 11

Friday, Oct. 30

Terry Parker at Middleburg: Broncos may be in the fifth straight playoff spot, but they don't know how the St. Augustine/Columbia situation factors in. Clay and Middleburg have been big games to determine rest of both teams' season. Either one could be in playoffs at this point. Terry Parker is 1-7.

Clay at Andrew Jackson: Clay comes in with tough games at Fleming Island and Middleburg. This could be the upset of the season ahead a possible playoff run with the seniors coming together. Andrew Jackson, coached by iconic coach Bobby Ramsey, is 7-1 and dangerous.

Ridgeview at Englewood: If Jason Smith's team had finished 5-5, then good, although I think he wanted to be 8-2. Instead, it was a tough season with just one win.

Orange Park at Flagler Palm Coast: This is a big final game. The Raiders have Clay and Fleming Island to end season.

Fleming Island at Bishop Kenny: Historically these are two playoff teams. Maybe again?

Game of Week

Oakleaf at First Coast: Depending on the Buchholz outcome, Oakleaf may get a breather with First Coast (1-7). If Oakleaf was to get to the region playoffs, this could be a pivotal game for momentum in playoffs.