DAVID PENLAND III

Orel Gray wasn’t quite sure what to think of the changes, let alone if they would all work. When his coaches at University Christian came to the team before the season and mapped out a plan, the message was confusingly clear.

University Christian must move past the upset of the two-time defending state champions Trinity Christian and focus on Friday's Final Four matchup with Clearwater Central Catholic.

The night started with a dozen area teams in the state playoffs and only six of those remain.

The Border Classic presented by Baker’s Sports puts high school football in the spotlight this week, with seven games over three days.

Spring football is in full swing and the News4Jax sports team is making stops at high schools across the area in its annual Spring Swing tour. One of Friday's stops: University Christian.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Three high school football teams from the area reached this week’s state championship games, Bolles, Trinity Christian and University Christian. Class 2A state championship glanceUniversity Christian (8-4) vs. Hialeah Champagnat Catholic (10-2)When: Wednesday, 1 p.m.Where: Doak Campbell Stadium, Tallahassee. The playoff roadUniversity Christian d. Quincy Munroe, 42-0; d. Aucilla Christian, 41-16; d. St. John Paul II, 41-7; d. Tallahassee North Florida Christian, 35-20; d. Foundation Academy, 28-14; Champagnat d. 65-7; d. First Baptist Academy, 42-0; d. Moore Haven, 49-18; d. Community School of Naples, 67-7; d. Seffner Christian, 56-14. It’s the third meeting in the state championship game between these two teams since 2016. And it always takes a little bit of luck.” — UC coach David Penland III.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. High school football season begins Friday, and our News4Jax Super 10 poll leads the way into the regular season. Bartram Trail, Class 8ALast year: 11-1, district winner, lost in regional semifinals to Apopka. They finished with their first unbeaten regular season in the programs 20-year history. Columbia wont start its regular season until later this month. The Mustangs won a state title in 2018 and then finished strong in the regular season to reach the playoffs.

University Christian coach David Penland III (left) has three state titles and an 88-27 record in nine seasons. That must mean high school football season, pandemic style, is right around the corner. The Bakers Sports high school football media day typically serves as the launching point of the season. Basically, were just trying to find out are we going to play, are we not going to play, said Trinity Christian coach Verlon Dorminey. A lot of questions that no one can answer.St. Augustine High School football coach Brian Braddock said that pandemic has forced a hard reset of priorities across the board.

JACKSONVILLE, FLA - Week 1 of high school football is in the books and Ill throw out a few thoughts on the week in a Snaps notebook following games. The fact that the Tigers put up yards without much resistance (519, according to the Florida Times-Union) is telling. The Christians have been a state power for probably as long as anyone currently involved with high school football can remember. And Bolles is Bolles, owner of a state-record 11 championships. The Bolles icon won 466 career games, sixth-most in high school history, and he was honored with a special plaza during the game.

Some University Christian players along with the head coach, David Penland III and athletic director, Justin Sirmon stop by the Morning Show before the big game.