Fletcher just kicked off their season with a *massive* statement, absolutely stomping Yulee 41-3! You remember how their defense was already a problem last fall, holding opponents to just 16.3 points per game even when they missed the state playoffs? Well, they picked up right where they left off, looking completely dominant against Yulee from the very first snap. Right now, safety Tony Brown II is the only Senator on defense with a commitment, but if they keep playing like *that*, trust me, more of those guys are gonna be getting calls. This could be one of the most interesting defenses in Duval County for 2026, no joke.
Early Season Statement Wins on D
Fletcher wasn’t the only team making a defensive declaration. St. Augustine came out swinging with Karon Robinson grabbing a pick-six to kick things off! They went on to pull off a first-half shutout, stifling 2025 state semifinalist Ponte Vedra in a decisive 40-7 victory. That’s how you set the tone for the year, right? These kickoff classics don’t officially count, but performances like these? They scream “watch out” to the whole league.
Offensive Explosions and Emerging Talent
It wasn’t all defense, though. The reigning champions, Raines, showed they’re still putting up points, dropping 56 points in a 56-14 win over First Coast. Sophomore quarterback Sa’Mon Ellison-Morgan is already taking command of that offense, which is huge for them. Trinity Christian absolutely rolled Manatee, 42-7. They had Micah Anderson punching it in for a touchdown and then Hicks Zarah hitting state high jump champion Ja’Khari Jackson for a wild 90-yard catch-and-run! And keep an eye on White’s sophomore running back Vedo Jones. This dude ripped off 135 yards on just 12 carries in *one half* before storms ended their game, a 30-23 win over Nease. He’s gonna be a problem for defenses all season.
Special Teams & The Shot Clock Buzz
Special teams made some noise too. University Christian’s Hudson Kwartler delivered a superb 47-yard kick, nailing it through the uprights in the driving rain at Ocala Trinity Catholic. Talk about clutch under pressure! And then there’s Bolles. Their return units with Jaiden Barnett are a lethal combo; Barnett displayed his open-field agility in their 34-10 victory against Camden County. Seriously, you gotta watch out for that.
And hey, totally separate vibe, but down in Florida, they’re already talking about shot clocks for high school lacrosse! The National Federation of State High School Associations’ board of directors just authorized states to add a 70-second clock for boys lacrosse starting in 2027, and they already voted in July to give states the option for a 90-second possession clock for girls lacrosse. These have been experimental in New York, and the NCAA already uses shot clocks of 80 seconds for men and 90 seconds for women in collegiate lacrosse. The Florida High School Athletic Association hasn’t officially weighed in, but this is a real thing. Gonna change how those games are played, for sure.
These kickoff classics are just tune-ups, sure, but what we saw last week? These teams are sending some *serious* early signals about who’s ready to make some noise this season. The energy is already sky-high, and it’s clear some squads are going to be must-watch.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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