St. Johns County high school football continues Week 9 on Friday. Key games to watch
St. Johns County's high school football season moves into Week 9 with five Friday night games. Here's a look at each matchup.
St. Augustine (6-0, 2-0) at Gainesville (1-7, 0-3), District 4-3S, 7 p.m.
After a week off, the Yellow Jackets can clinch the district with a win against a Hurricanes team that has lost 18 of its last 19. St. Augustine averages more than 480 yards per game, and receivers Carl Jenkins Jr., Trenton Jones, Myles Simmons and Somourian Wingo have combined for 1,858. Devonte Lyons rushed for four touchdowns last year in a 58-0 St. Augustine triumph.
Fleming Island (2-5, 0-2) at Creekside (3-4, 1-2), District 3-4S, 7 p.m.
A likely must-win for the Knights to retain playoff hopes, particularly since Ponte Vedra still looms on Nov. 3. Pre-snap penalties derailed the offense last week against Bartram Trail, in spite of a 200-yard rushing night for junior Harrison Garrido. Fleming Island has hit a five-game slump, allowing 35 points per game, but quarterback Cibastian Broughton leads a dangerous offense. Creekside won 38-35 last year despite 508 yards from Fleming Island.
Ponte Vedra (6-1) at Orange Park (3-4), 7 p.m.
The feeding frenzy continues for the Sharks, who chomped past Tocoi Creek last week. They've won six in a row, solid in the trenches and superb on special teams, including three field goal blocks from cornerback Joe Mahoney. Sophomore quarterback Gabe Taylor keeps the football flying for the Raiders, who beat Ridgeview 36-12 last week with help from two Timothy Barfield interceptions.
Beachside (6-1) at Crescent City (3-4), 7 p.m.
The winning streak has reached a program-high six for the Barracudas, who again showed they're more than just a passing attack. Eddie Craig forced two of Beachside's four takeaways and Cade Gines ran for three touchdowns to defeat Paxon. For Crescent City, Lentavious Keenon is a downfield threat who averages nearly 100 yards receiving per game.
Gainesville Eastside (4-3) at St. Joseph (2-5), 7 p.m.
Despite their record, the Flashes have had some success stories in 2023: Jeremiah Kes stars on both sides of the ball, above 600 all-purpose yards on the year, while Jack Fox has seven sacks. They'll face a significant challenge from Eastside, which owns three shutout victories. Rams quarterback Adrian Curtis has thrown for more than 1,100 yards.
THURSDAY GAME: Bartram Trail (4-3)
OFF: Menendez (3-5), Nease (5-3), Tocoi Creek (4-4)
This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: High school football 2023: Week 9 St. Johns County preview
