JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – One of Florida’s most storied high school football rivalries is set for its latest chapter, as the undefeated Raines Vikings prepare to face their neighborhood rivals, the Ribault Trojans.
The game marks the first Northwest Classic to be played at the new Ribault High School stadium, adding another layer of significance to a rivalry that ranks among Florida’s most intense. Despite being separated by just one mile, these two Jacksonville schools have forged a rivalry that transcends the gridiron.
“It is insane,” says Ribault Head Coach Mike Hunter, describing the atmosphere surrounding the annual clash. “It’s like Florida-Georgia. The kids get up for this game. The coaches get up for this game.”
Its a matchup that includes a week-long celebration of tradition and shared history. Its a buildup to the game that includes Sunday church services, alumni basketball games and cheer competitions.
“Ultimately, it’s a great week to just have the kids see what it means see what it feels like to have that Raines Viking spirit and the Trojans spirit,” Raines head coach Donovan Masline said.
“Community.” Hunter said. ”At the end of the day it’s community. It’s just like you’re in a house fighting with your younger brother.”
The proximity of the schools means the connections run deep, with many players and coaches having ties to both schools.
“A lot of my family went to Ribault,” Hunter said. “I went here for a short period of time. A lot of my family came through Raines. It’s a lot of going back-and-forth, but it’s all in love.”
However, when the whistle blows Saturday afternoon, those family bonds temporarily dissolve into fierce competition.
“After the game we brothers, but while we’re on that field, it’s war,” Ribault linebacker Ke’Wan Smith said.
“We got to go out there whether it’s our brother or cousin, our friend, our best friend,” Raines quarterback TJ Cole, who started his high school career at Ribault said. “We still got to go out there and play, compete, put on for the City of Jacksonville in the community.”
Each and every year the stakes are high. Bragging rights are on the line. Who gets to hold the trophy for the next 365 days? But there are also playoff implications. Its a district game. Raines enters the game undefeated, while Ribault sees an opportunity to make history.
“I’m hoping to walk away with a victory,” Ribault offensive lineman Antjuan Thornton said. “It’s gonna feel good going into history that we beat Raines when they were undefeated.”
The magnitude of the matchup can be seen in the turnout. Previous Northwest Classics have drawn upwards of 20,000 fans, creating an electric atmosphere that rivals college football environments. This year’s edition at Ribault’s new facility adds another historic element to the storied rivalry.
“We haven’t had a home game in a long time since my freshman year at the old school,” Thornton noted. “It feels good to play Raines on our field my senior year.”
Cole and the Vikings said the focus remains on the big picture while acknowledging the game’s significance: “Just another opponent that’s in the way of our goal of being a state champion. We want to take this game serious and do what we can to come out with a victory.”
The Northwest Classic kicks off at 2 p.m. on Saturday.