OREL GRAY

A roundup of signings and notables from Wednesday's national signing day around the area.

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.

A UC desperation pass was picked off at the goal line with no time left, sending the Marauders (12-1) into the state championship game with a 34-29 victory over the Christians (11-2). So, Central Catholic will meet Chaminade-Madonna for the title, while UC’s season is finished.

High school football season is back. That means our football predictions are back, too. News4JAX sports editor Justin Barney will reveal his picks for the week each Thursday.

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.

It’s the final week of the high school football regular season in both Florida and Georgia. We take a look at the top four games of the week, followed by the next four and then the full schedule. All games are Friday night at 7 p.m. unless indicated.

It’s Week 8 of the high school football season. We take a look at the top four games, the next four options and the full schedule for teams in north Florida and south Georgia.

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

It’s Week 3 of the high school football season and quite a few teams look to stay unbeaten. Here’s a glance at our top four games of the week and the next four.

The drive for a 10th state championship will have to wait. University Christian led at halftime but couldn’t hold off Hialeah Champagnat after that in a 41-27 loss in the Class 2A state championship game at Doak Campbell Stadium in Tallahassee on Wednesday afternoon. The loss denied UC a shot to move into double figures in state championship trophies and gave Champagnat (11-2) consecutive state championships. The Christians (8-5) went down 14-0 quick but recovered in a hurry with touchdown runs by Joseph Carter and Orel Gray. Donovan Jones ripped off a 46-yard touchdown following a UC fumble and Benson Prosper had his third touchdown catch of the game three minutes later.

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.