JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – High school football season is back and so are our weekly predictions for local games. Each Thursday during the season, News4JAX sports editor Justin Barney will offer his picks on the games.
Last week: 4-3. Season: 378-75 (.834).
Recommended Videos
State semifinals
Friday’s games
Class 5A
Ponte Vedra (11-2) at Lakeland (11-2), 7:30 p.m.: Great season for the Sharks, but they’re running into a dynasty. Tempted to pick an upset, but I think the climb is too steep. N4J pick: Lakeland 38, Ponte Vedra 17.
Class 3A
Sarasota Booker (12-1) at Raines (12-0), 6:30 p.m.: This is no doubt Raines’ most difficult test for at least another week. This is going to be a slugfest. N4J pick: Raines 34, Booker 28.
Class 2A
Cardinal Gibbons (10-3) at Bolles (12-1), 7 p.m.: Rematch of the 2020 championship game, which was won by Gibbons. N4J pick: Bolles 44, Cardinal Gibbons 31.
Class 1A
Trinity Christian (9-4) at Chaminda-Madonna (10-2), 6:30 p.m.: This is a brutal assignment for the Conquerors. They lost in this one by 29 last year. N4J pick: Chaminade-Madonna 34, Trinity Christian 13.