JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – In a storybook ending that was a year in the making, the Raines Vikings fulfilled their season-long promise of redemption, capturing the state championship in Miami and completing what they dubbed their “Revenge Tour.”
The Vikings’ path to glory began with adversity – a Week 1 cancellation that only strengthened their “state or bust” mentality. But from that initial setback, News4JAX chronicled every step of this remarkable journey, watching a team transform their championship dreams into reality.
“Last year they felt like failures, but failure had taught us a lot and shaped us for who we were this year,” Raines Head Football Coach Donovan Masline said. “That’s a true testament of how they’re built – strong determination, will not be denied.”
The seeds of victory were planted in those early weeks, as the team prepared like champions for their delayed season opener. What followed was an undefeated campaign (14-0) that wasn’t just about winning – it was about proving something deeper.
Each week revealed a new chapter in the Vikings’ story. There was Ziyon Butler’s rise to a record-breaking receiver, and the development of a defense that refused to be satisfied with just shutting teams out, driven by their championship aspirations.
Personal stories of motivation emerged, like one defensive lineman inspired by the memory of his mother and the thought of her smiling down on him, and quarterback TJ Cole’s dedication to film study that shaped the team’s winning strategy.
The season hit a historic note with the Northwest Classic, as undefeated Raines faced rival Ribault in their new stadium. The team’s diversity shone through in stories like kicker Dan Duong’s journey from Vietnam, while newcomer Ethan Sherman made his impact on offense.
As the regular season wound down, the Vikings’ determination only grew stronger. From their running back’s push for a district title on Senior Night to the making of “The Sheriff,” a defensive back driven by family legacy, each week featured stories of the team on a crash course with championship aspirations.
The playoffs brought new intensity. Pain and purpose defined their preparation, while stories like “Agent Zero,” the scholar and defensive force, showed the team’s abilities beyond the field. By the time they shared their Thanksgiving tributes, the Vikings were three rounds deep into a playoff run that seemed unstoppable.
The title game itself proved to be a test of everything the Vikings had built over their 365-day journey.
Just a season prior, the Vikings lost to the Miami Northwestern Bulls 41-0. With 10 seconds left in their 2025 matchup, it was a different story.
“Everything the whole drive felt like in slow motion,” defensive lineman Geterius Brown described. “Really knowing the time is running down, nerves everywhere, emotions everywhere. It just felt so slow.”
The decisive moment came when quarterback TJ Cole rolled out and made what Brown called a “crazy” throw back across the field. The Vikings scored on a 10-yard touchdown pass from Cole to Tadarius Washington as Raines won 23-22. A win that brought home the fourth state title in school history.
For Raines, this championship represents more than just avenging a loss. It’s about establishing a standard of excellence that extends beyond the football field and what it means to be a Raines Viking.
“It means Ichiban — it means being number one in everything that we do,” Masline said. “Whether it’s in sports, whether it’s in academics, whether it’s in the professional world, we always attack being Ichiban. When you have that never-say-die mentality, nothing can be taken away from you.”
The victory resonated far beyond the team itself, touching the Jacksonville community. After the game, the team’s journey home became a celebration of community pride with thousands turning up to the high school to welcome the team home.
“It just felt amazing knowing that we put on for the city,” Brown said. “From when we was down Moncrief all the way back, we had people waving at us, saying good job, cheering us on. Once we got inside the gate, it was more people. I just felt amazing seeing our support system, how many people in Duval was behind us.”
While this chapter of Raines football history has closed triumphantly, the foundation has been laid for future success. The Vikings’ “Revenge Tour” may have reached its destination, but the standard of being Ichiban – continues for future generations of Vikings.
“The proof is in the pudding,” Masline said. “They left a strong impact on what we wanna do as a program, who we are as a culture and what we stand for. I’m just excited that they can go out and be happy to say ‘I’m a Raines Viking.’”
Editor’s Note: Throughout the season, News4JAX brought you weekly features on the Raines Vikings’ journey to redemption. Click the links throughout the story to relive every moment of their historic season, from practice to state championship glory.
Week 1: ‘State or bust’: Raines regroups after Week 1 game cancellation, eye return to State Championship
Week 2: ‘Preparing like a champion’: Raines Vikings gear up for delayed season opener
Week 3: Tracking Raines: Hard work has pushed receiver Ziyon Butler to excellence
Week 4: ‘Never satisfied’: Raines defense motivated by championship drive
Week 5: ‘Looking down at me smiling’: Memories of his mother drives Raines’ star’s push for football glory
Week 6: Inside the mind of TJ Cole: How film study shapes Raines High School’s winning football strategy
Week 7: Historic Northwest Classic Returns: Undefeated Raines, rival Ribault set for showdown at new stadium
Week 9: Varsity 4: Raines newcomer Ethan Sherman making an impact on offense
Week 12: Varsity 4: Raines Vikings cruise into postseason with second consecutive undefeated regular season
Playoffs Round 1: Pain and Purpose: Vikings’ playoff preparation takes new intensity
Playoffs Round 2: The double life of ‘Agent Zero’: Scholar and Raines defensive force
Playoffs Round 3: Undefeated Raines Vikings share Thanksgiving tributes of family, faith and football as Round 3 approaches
Final Four: ‘Our revenge tour’: Vikings’ Cole, Butler make history before State Championship push
State Championship: Raines Vikings seek redemption in State Championship rematch against Miami Northwestern | ‘The perfect ending’: Raines seniors gear up for final championship battle | Varsity 4 Sports: Championship week for Bolles and Raines