JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The sharp crack of shoulder pads colliding pierces the afternoon air. The sounds of the band playing and whistles being blown echo across the field known as “The Graveyard.” Coaches are barking out directions and commands to the Raines High School football team.
For the senior football players, these familiar sounds of their final practice in Jacksonville carry extra weight – each hit, each drill, each moment bringing them closer to Friday’s 3A State Championship showdown with Miami Northwestern.
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“It hit me last night when I took my banner down,” quarterback TJ Cole said. “Having my last practice in Jacksonville in high school, it’s just crazy. It went by fast. I didn’t believe it was going to go by this fast, but it definitely went by fast and it was definitely four years to remember.”
For this group of Vikings seniors, Friday’s championship game represents more than just a chance at a title – it’s an opportunity for redemption. Its a chance to face the same team that defeated them in last year’s championship game.
“Revenge tour — last year we let the whole city down but this year we’re coming for it all. We’re going to definitely put up a fight,” senior linebacker Tony Williams said.
And that fight starts on the practice field. Now, the preparations are as focused and high-energy as they have been all season.
“It’s been intense,” head coach Donovan Masline said. “Film study has been intense. Game planning and practice has been intense. The kids have been practicing at a high level with a lot of energy, a lot of excitement, and the execution has been phenomenal.”
For senior defensive back Shareef Jackson, the championship represents a chance to add his own chapter to a storied family legacy.
“In my household, it’s bragging rights. My brother still holds that ring in front of my face,” Jackson said. “To finish out that chapter, leave my legacy here where I started as a little boy, 6 years old running around the sidelines... that’s the perfect ending to a movie.”
After making the state championship game for the second year in a row, Masline said this senior class has brought a “winning sense of pride.” back to Raines. He said that change required commitment and dedication and said he wants to see them bring the trophy back to Duval.
“Play all four quarters,” Masline said. “Win in the trenches. We have to win on the front line of scrimmage on both sides of the football and win the turnover battle, and then ultimately you got to make a big play on special teams.”
But the seniors understand that their legacy will be defined not just by reaching this stage, but by how they perform in their final high school game.
“I feel great,” Williams said. “A lot of emotions. I’m happy at the same time but I’m not too happy because I feel like my goal is not complete yet. My goal is to win so until I win then I can pretty much look back on it.”
The Vikings will face Miami Northwestern at 7:30 p.m. Friday at Pitbull Stadium in Miami.