Football previews, 2M: Balanced Bolles hungry to end 12-year wait for 12th championship
Matt Toblin recognized the pattern when he arrived at Bolles four and a half years ago.
Good habits mean good football.
"Winning begets more winning," Toblin said. "You understand how to practice, you understand how to do all those things, and it becomes kind of a thing where this is what we do here. So you're not spending as much time trying to get kids to practice the right way or to fix things."
The winning hasn't slowed down for the 11-time Florida High School Athletic Association champions, fresh off a fourth consecutive football final four visit and aiming for another one in District 2-2M in 2023.
Many a team, regardless of level or sport, slips backward in a hurry after the departure of a coaching giant. In Bolles' case, that giant was the legendary Corky Rogers, winner of 465 FHSAA-recognized games and 10 state trophies before his retirement in March 2017.
But former Clay and Ponte Vedra head coach Toblin has kept Bolles' winning ways going: Since taking over at Skinner-Barco Stadium in 2019, the Bulldogs have reached the final four every time, including state final visits in 2019 and 2020.
Under the lights: In-depth guide to Northeast Florida high school football for 2023 season
Last year displayed Bolles' resilience. Overcoming several key injuries and a midyear stumble that included the Bulldogs' first loss to Bishop Kenny since 1977, Bolles hit peak form in November to storm through regionals and throw a scare into Plantation American Heritage in the Class 2S semifinal.
Still, Toblin knows there's still one very important piece that Bolles hasn't brought home for a while, 12 years now: the FHSAA championship trophy. His team has the winning habits in place. Starting Friday against St. Augustine, it's time to go for the victories.
"You really don't know what it's going to look like until you start playing games," Toblin said. "But I love the camaraderie, I love the teamwork and I love how some of our guys are encouraging others and pushing each other."
YOUNG BUT DANGEROUS
Those winning habits especially help get a young team up to speed, and this Bolles squad on offense is one of the program's youngest apart from senior quarterback D.J. Moore.
That's unusual for Bolles. The offseason has brought a crash course in the Bulldog way for offensive line that graduated much of its muscle last year, including four-year starter and Louisiana signee Cooper Fordham. Sophomores abound, some of them already with significant experience, like heavily-recruited JJ Sparks.
"I think that a lot of people are expecting that group to kind of take a step back," Toblin said. "But I think we've got a lot of young kids there that, as they year goes on, are going to get better and better."
Sparks is far from the only young Bulldog to watch. Receiver Naeem Burroughs reeled in 36 passes for 659 yards and seven touchdowns in a highlight-reel freshman season, running back Ty Neal raced for 1,263 yards rushing in a breakthrough sophomore campaign and tight end Corbyn Fordham is growing into a coveted prospect.
Moore is the constant. Committed to Coastal Carolina, he's taken the snaps for most of the past two seasons, throwing for 1,101 yards last season despite missing four games because of an injury.
For Bolles defenders who work out against this year's squad, the young Bulldogs appear to be clicking quickly, and that's lifting the whole team.
"This year, I've seen a big difference with their chemistry, just knowing where each other's at," linebacker Trent Carter said. "Definitely, you can tell all of the chemistry with this team. The more we play together, the better we look."
A TAKEAWAY MACHINE
Bolles' defense fared well enough on the scoreboard (16 points allowed per game in 2022), but they made their most punishing impact in the turnover department. The Bulldogs gobbled up 19 interceptions and 18 fumble recoveries, more than two and a half takeaways per game.
Six of those forced fumbles came through the wrecking-ball tackles from Carter, a Super 11 recruit committed to Louisville. Carter also scooped up three of those fumbles and picked off a pass to cement his status as a top Jacksonville ball hawk.
Combined with the technique and strength of Cincinnati-committed defensive tackle Garrison Butler, also a member of the Super 11, Bolles brings back two cornerstones of the defense. Butler finished his junior year with 17 tackles for loss.
While Butler and Carter return, most of last year's defensive starters are gone, particularly in the secondary. How quickly the Bulldogs find the right combination could make the difference in clearing those last playoff hurdles this year.
"It's about finishing the game out," Butler said. "We were close in the fourth quarter for the past two years. I'd say just finish the game out and finish strong through the end."
SCOUTING THE SCHEDULE
For plenty of Bolles fans, the Oct. 26 game against Bishop Kenny is the game circled on the calendar after last year's 14-13 upset at the hands of the rival Crusaders.
But in a Region 1-2M that consists entirely of Duval County schools with the exceptions of Bishop Moore and Lake Buena Vista, Bishop Kenny is just one of the teams on the Bulldogs' radar.
Jackson and White also won their districts last year, Riverside rode a formidable defense to the regional semifinal and the always-powerful Raines looms in what could be yet another thriller in the Bolles-Raines series.
Last year, Bolles fought hard to hold off Raines 21-14 in the regional final, a revival of a series that lit up Jacksonville in the early 2010s.
To prepare for November, the Bulldogs have drawn up a particularly formidable schedule, including a slate of potential state contenders: St. Augustine on Aug. 25, Mandarin on Sept. 1, Trinity Christian on Sept. 15 and Columbia on Oct. 6.
"That's the Bolles goal, always to make sure you're peaking come playoff time," Toblin said. "If we can continue that and peak at the right time, we'll have an opportunity."
DISTRICT 1-2M
JACKSON
Head coach: Darryl Bartley, first year.
Last year: 8-3; lost 20-13 to Riverside in Region 1-2M quarterfinal.
Key returners: Acie Brown (DL, Sr., 6-1, 270); Austin Candley (OL, Jr., 6-4, 280); Brandon Dew (ATH, Sr., 6-3, 205); Willie Hill (DB, Sr., 5-11, 169); Reggie Houston (OL, Jr., 6-4, 310); King Johnson (QB, Sr., 6-0, 175); Malici Pierce (WR, Sr., 6-2, 175); Latavion Thomas (LB, Sr., 5-11, 185).
Key newcomers: Anthony Jones (WR, So., 5-9, 160).
Outlook: How will the Tigers follow up their best season for more than a decade? Even though stars like South Carolina signee Grayson Howard have moved on, they return a giant line and some seasoned defensive players like Thomas (80 tackles, two interceptions in 2022). The offense will ride the arm and legs of Johnson, who passed for 1,667 yards in Jackson's district title season.
RAINES
Head coach: Donovan Masline, fourth year (21-13).
Last year: 9-3; lost 21-14 to Bolles in Region 1-2M final.
Key returners: Shareef Jackson (ATH, So., 5-9, 150); Nicholas Kilpatrick (CB, Sr., 6-0, 165); Mark Miller (RB, Sr., 5-6, 160); Jyon Simon (DT, Jr., 6-3, 282); Solomon Thomas (OT, Jr., 6-3, 278); Greg Townsend (OL, Sr., 6-0, 260).
Key newcomers: Ty'ren Randolph (QB, Sr., 6-0, 165).
Outlook: Is another deep postseason run in store for the Vikings? The muscle in the trenches alone, including two of Florida's leading junior line prospects in Thomas and Simon, gives Raines a real chance to improve on last year's regional final finish. Randolph moves from receiver and gets a chance at the quarterback job, and Raines adds a game-breaker in the open field with Miller's return from injury.
RIBAULT
Head coach: Aaron (Ram) Pinckney, second year (3-7).
Last year: 3-7.
Key returners: Fred Barnes (LB, Sr., 6-0, 220); Kamie Campbell (OL/DL, Jr., 5-10, 255); T.J. Cole (QB, So., 6-0, 145); Jaylen Houston (WR, Sr., 5-8, 155); Jordan Matthews (OL, Sr., 6-1, 268); Jahrod Shaw (WR, Sr., 6-0, 165).
Outlook: The Trojans have waited through five consecutive sub-.500 seasons, but the foundation is taking shape for a revival. Quarterback Cole stepped into the starting role during his freshman year and showed off breakaway speed (462 yards, nearly 15 per carry) to go with promise as a passer. It's still a young group, but Pinckney is pleased with the team's developing leadership.
DISTRICT 2-2M
BISHOP KENNY
Head coach: Tim Krause, fifth year (17-21); 10th year overall (37-51).
Last year: 8-3; lost 28-7 to Bishop Moore in Region 1-2M quarterfinal.
Key returners: Nash Beenen (LB, Sr., 6-1, 200); Patton Burnett (WR/DB, Jr., 6-0, 190); J.P. Donovan (WR, Jr., 6-0, 185); Derek Heideman (QB/DB, Jr., 5-11, 175); Nate Politano (OL, Sr., 6-1, 265); James Resar (QB, Sr., 6-4, 200); Kolbe Sexton (LB, Sr., 6-0, 210).
Key newcomers: Kaleb Lampkins (WR, Jr., 5-10, 185); Ethan Proffitt (OL, Sr., 6-5, 315).
Outlook: The James Resar Show is back for one more year on the St. Johns River, and as long as the Iowa-committed quarterback is taking the snaps, the Crusaders are in almost any contest. Bishop Kenny adds major muscle up front in FAU-committed lineman Proffitt, a Fletcher transfer, while Navy-bound Beenen and Sexton lead an underrated defense. Expect another playoff run.
BOLLES
Head coach: Matt Toblin, fifth year (38-13); 12th year overall (94-38).
Last year: 9-5; lost 21-14 to Plantation American Heritage in Class 2M state semifinal.
Key returners: Naeem Burroughs (WR, So., 6-0, 170); Garrison Butler (DT, Sr., 6-2, 270); Trent Carter (LB, Sr., 6-3, 217); Chase Collier (WR, Jr., 6-1, 167); William Green (TE, Sr., 6-0, 190); J.D. Matson (LB, Sr., 6-1, 195); D.J. Moore (QB, Sr., 6-2, 175); Tyrone Neal (RB, Jr., 5-11, 170).
Key newcomers: Reid Koelbel (OL, So., 6-4, 280).
Outlook: When it comes to consistency, it's tough to match Bolles, which has qualified for at least the FHSAA semifinal in each year under Toblin. What they haven't done for 12 years is lift the state trophy at season's end. If a largely-revamped line finds a rhythm, this could be the season. The Bulldogs return starters at quarterback, running back and multiple pass-catching positions, while Butler and Carter lead a fierce front seven.
EPISCOPAL
Head coach: Marcus Wells, third year (14-8).
Last year: 8-3; lost 38-6 to Bolles in Region 1-2M quarterfinal.
Key returners: Nate Blair (QB, Sr., 6-4, 185); Wil Holland (WR/LB, Sr., 6-1, 205); MJ Jenkins (TE/LB, Jr., 6-1, 215); Jake Melograna (WR, Sr., 6-1, 170); Danzell Simpkins (G, Sr., 6-1, 320); Carter Trobaugh (OL, Jr., 6-4, 235).
Key newcomers: Jack Ottesen (WR, Sr., 5-11, 170)
Outlook: Can the Eagles extend a program-best playoff streak that's now up to four years? While they introduce newcomers at several key positions and begin with a committee approach at running back, athletic quarterback Blair returns to lead the offense. Linebacker and offensive line are the team's most experienced sectors, and the Eagles are counting on those units to lead the way toward a potential postseason return.
WOLFSON
Head coach: Jermaine Wilson, first year.
Last year: 5-5.
Key returners: Luke Campbell (LB, Sr., 6-0, 180); Nicholas Damone (LB, Sr., 6-2, 213); Aaron Edwards (LB, Jr., 5-10, 160); Richard Grooms (DB, Sr., 6-0, 155); Colin Maxwell (DB, Sr., 5-10, 165); Brady Nelson (QB, Sr., 5-9, 165).
Key newcomers: Darius Turner (DB, So., 5-7, 135).
Outlook: With one above-.500 season (2019) since 2005, Wolfson is used to a difficult road to the win column. Still, coming off last year's 5-5 campaign, Wilson sees plenty of positives to build on, noting the cohesion of the defense and the development of the passing game with quarterback Nelson. But they'll need to stay consistent and avoid injuries, particularly with several two-way players, in order to improve on their near-miss in the playoff chase.
DISTRICT 3-2M
RIVERSIDE
Head coach: Antwan Nicholas, second year (5-7).
Last year: 5-7; lost 18-0 to Raines in Region 1-2M semifinal.
Key returners: Tae'shaun Gelsey (WR, Jr., 6-4, 210); Jamal Harvey-Jackson (DE, Sr., 6-3, 200); Kennvontae Sharrow (RB, Sr., 5-6, 170).
Key newcomers: Glenn Foreman III (QB, Jr., 6-0, 150).
Outlook: At Riverside, the star of the show is the defense. Leading that unit is Harvey-Jackson, an edge rusher with speed and the technique to down quarterbacks (12 sacks last year). Riverside averaged only 11.7 points on offense, but if they can get the ball into the hands of Gelsey, watch out: The tall, quick receiver gained 503 yards receiving in the run to the regional semis.
WESTSIDE
Head coach: Randy Randall, second year (1-9).
Last year: 1-9.
Key returners: Chrishaun Ashley (WR/DB, Jr., 6-0, 160); Brenden Dean (LB, Sr., 5-8, 185); Kendi Demps (LB, Sr., 5-10, 205); Robert Lewis (LB, Sr., 6-3, 245); Rasean Randall (DB, Jr., 5-10, 170); Heyward Smith (QB, Jr., 5-11, 175); Tristian Thompson-Wells (WR, Jr., 5-10, 165).
Key newcomers: Melvin Jones Jr. (RB, Sr., 5-8, 150).
Outlook: It's been a rocky road for the Wolverines with only three wins in the last two seasons, but Randall is embracing the underdog mentality and planning to spring some upsets in 2023. To stop an offensive slump that included only 76 points all year, Westside's key will be develop additional playmakers on offense to support Smith, who passed for 1,210 yards as a sophomore.
WHITE
Head coach: Lawrence Johnson, fifth year (20-20).
Last year: 7-3; lost 34-22 to Raines in Region 1-2M quarterfinal.
Key returners: Anthony Duncan (DL, Sr., 6-0, 215); Julian Holt (DB, So., 6-1, 180); Darien Hookfin (RB, Sr., 5-8, 180); Ulysess Johnson (ATH, Jr., 5-11, 175); Joshua Patterson (DB, Jr., 6-0, 180); Paul Ruffin (OL, Sr., 5-11, 170); Tony Williams (LB, So., 6-0, 210).
Key newcomers: Jaylen Pettway (QB, Sr., 6-3, 220); Dereous Williams (OL, Fr., 6-0, 275).
Outlook: For head coach Johnson, two words describe the defense: "lights out." White shut out four opponents on the road to a district title last fall. The latest from his family to excel in Commanders green and gold, Patterson grabbed three interceptions last year and ranks among Northeast Florida's top 2025 defensive recruits. The offense is less tested, but Pettway completed 66 percent of his throws last year at Parker.
This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: High school football 2023: Raines, Ribault, Bolles, BK, White previews
