Week Nine

Friday, Oct. 16

Keystone Heights (2-6) at Paxon (6-2). Paxon was a playoff team last year with a surge in the SSAA, and the Golden Eagles want to keep that going. Keystone Heights suffered a big loss last week, 50-14 to Dixie County. Paxon beat Englewood 37-6, a week after it beat Ridgeview, 31-0.

Ridgeview (1-6) at Clay (4-2). This may be a game of unorthodox plays and tactics with an opportunity to gain the bragging rights with a "W." Ridgeview was roughed up by St. Augustine, 55-0, while Clay got to third quarter before rain and lightning led to a postponement. The Blue Devils were up 11-6 against Fleming Island behind a strong run game (See Mike Zima's story).

Matanzas (1-6) at Oakleaf (3-4). Matanzas, which was 7-4 in 2025, will come to Oakleaf for what shapes up to be a District 3-5A mismatch. Buchholz beat Matanzas 48-0 on Thursday, Oct. 8. Oakleaf too big, though. Oakleaf lost a Monday night district game, 21-7, at Ocala Forest. Their game originally was scheduled for Oct. 9, but it was postponed by inclement weather created by Hurricane Isaias. 

Orange Park at St. Augustine. Rugged power and might could give the Raiders a bit of an edge. Orange Park played Middleburg tough until halftime, but the Raiders trailed, 15-13, at the break. The game will be resumed on Nov. 4. (See Chapman Sellars' story). St. Augustine is a juggernaut. The 7-0 Jackets beat Ridgeview, 55-0, last Friday. St. Augustine is ranked ninth in Class 4A, and a member of Region 1-4A, which has five of the Top 15-ranked teams.

Game of the Week

Middleburg at Fleming Island. Both teams only played a half last week until their games were postponed by weather. Both teams will resume their games with Middleburg up 15-13 against Orange Park and the Eagles Eagles trailing 11-6. The winner of this game should be a coin flip.

Week 10

Thursday, Oct. 22

Ridgeview at Orange Park. The final game could have playoff implications and an opportunity for Orange Park to finish with a winning season.

Friday, Oct. 23

Middleburg at Clay. Clay coach Jeff Gierke can earn some massive street cred with a victory.

West Nassau at Keystone Heights. Senior Night for the Indians will be against a state championship contender.

Fleming Island at St. Augustine. Tom MacPherson's team has knocked off some powerhouses in the past, and this could be one of the biggest. 

Week 11

Friday, Oct. 30

Terry Parker at Middleburg. The Broncos may earn a fifth straight playoff spot, but they don't know how the 48-6 St. Augustine loss factors in.

Clay at Andrew Jackson: Clay could be in an upset mode again with all the seniors coming together. A win could lead to a run in the playoffs. and make a run in the playoffs with all the seniors coming together.

Ridgeview at Englewood. If Ridgeview coach Jason Smith's team goes 5-5, that's good, although I think he wanted to be 8-2.

Orange Park at Flagler Palm Coast. Big finale game for both teams. The Raiders also had Clay and Fleming Island to end season in the past, and those were solid season-enders.

Fleming Island at Bishop Kenny. These are two teams that historically qualify for the playoffs. Maybe again?

Game of Week

Oakleaf at Buchholz. Oakleaf has had success against the best teams in area, like Mandarin, Bolles, Madison County and Ed White. This could be another one. Oakleaf almost knocked Buchholz out of the region final two years ago.

Wednesday, Nov. 4

Clay at Fleming Island: The game will resume in the third quarter with Clay leading 11-6.

Orange Park at Middleburg.  Middleburg will resume the game, leading 15-13.