News4JAX Varsity 4

Loss fueled Raines to make things right and it became one of the best teams in area history

Mon, 15 Dec 2025 23:27:00 -0000

A blowout loss in the 2024 state title game was a dose of humility for Raines. The Vikings could have easily let that loss define them. Instead, head coach Donovan Masline, the Raines staff and players, set out on a revenge tour and stamped it with a 23-22 win over the same Miami Northwestern team that it lost to a year earlier. In terms of redemption stories, they don't get much better than that. What a team. What a coach. What a season for the 14-0 Vikings.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bolles and Raines are still dancing. Why we think it will be a good week in Miami for the local teams

Mon, 08 Dec 2025 19:15:00 -0000

It's state championship game week and Bolles and Raines are the last area teams still standing. The Bulldogs face Cardinal Mooney on Wednesday night in Miami and Raines gets its rematch against Miami Northwestern. Do our local teams have a chance to bring home titles? Why Justin Barney and Sponge Franklin think it could be a great week in Miami for Bolles and Raines in this Varsity 4 podcast.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The importance of quality coaching in high school and our picks for state semifinal winners

Tue, 02 Dec 2025 18:13:00 -0000

We've got four teams still standing as the high school football season makes the turn into the state semifinals. Bolles, Ponte Vedra, Raines and Trinity Christian are in the final four. Plus, the importance of just how much quality coaching means in high school football. Justin Barney and Sponge Franklin look ahead and back in this week's Varsity 4 podcast.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Black Friday football: Some big-time matchups headline third round of playoffs

Mon, 24 Nov 2025 18:02:00 -0000

The third round of the playoffs are here and we've got some seriously strong matchups. Bradford-Cocoa. Mandarin-Buchholz. Trinity Christian-University Christian. St. Augustine-Choctaw. Talk about some good ones. How many teams will be left standing after Black Friday? Justin Barney and Sponge Franklin get you ready for the regional finals.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Playoffs reach second round. Is Bolles still our top pick for a championship?

Tue, 18 Nov 2025 19:31:00 -0000

It's the second round of the high school football playoffs and we've got some big games on the horizon. Beachside visits Ponte Vedra, Ed White travels to St. Augustine and Impact Christian visits University Christian. Plus, have our views changed on who will win a state title? And how about West Nassau headed to the Sunshine State Athletic Association championship game! Justin Barney and Sponge Franklin make the rounds in Varsity 4.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is Bolles the area's best pick for a football title and the ridiculousness of Orlando's First Academy

Mon, 10 Nov 2025 17:34:00 -0000

Breaking down the playoff brackets. ... How many teams we think will play for (and win) state championships. The ridiculousness of The First Academy's appeal to get into the playoffs and more from Justin Barney and Sponge Franklin in this episode of the Varsity 4 podcast.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Playoffs arrive. Super 10 moves. FHSAA tinkers with classifications. Who will play for titles?

Tue, 04 Nov 2025 16:17:00 -0000

It's the bye week before the playoffs begin and the Varsity 4 podcast has a lot of ground to cover. Our best picks for state title games. Plus, the FHSAA tinkers with its classification system again. Movement in our Super 10 and more from Justin Barney and Sponge Franklin.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Final week of the regular season is here and our best picks for state titles

Tue, 28 Oct 2025 16:22:00 -0000

With all but one district championship decided, the final week of the high school football regular season is here. It's headlined by a huge slate of games on Thursday night, including a Mandarin-St. Augustine showdown. Plus, what happened to Oakleaf in Week 10, a new No. 1 team and our best picks to play for state titles.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

District championship week arrives! Mandarin-Oakleaf clash headlines high stakes Week 10

Tue, 21 Oct 2025 16:24:00 -0000

There's only two more weeks left in the high school football regular season, and this happens to be the biggest one of the year. Week 10 will decide the fate of several area teams as playoff spots are on the line. Plus, an update on coaching situations at Nease and Bartram Trail and more from Justin Barney and Sponge Franklin.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Playoffs come into view and our thoughts on the new invitational football tournament

Tue, 14 Oct 2025 16:55:00 -0000

We've got five teams who have clinched district championships already as the state playoffs come into view. Plus, our thoughts on the new invitational tournament in high school football that will see the playoffs grow by 32 teams. And a look at Week 9 of the season. All of that and more in this episode of the Varsity 4 podcast.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Major district games headline Week 8 and the FHSAA has some decisions to make on local cases

Thu, 09 Oct 2025 18:47:00 -0000

Some huge district games headline the Week 8 high school football schedule. A handful of teams can wrap up district titles and playoff sports this week. Plus, the head coach at Bartram Trail will miss this week's game against Nease after the school self-reported a possible violation. What to make of that situation and more.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Xander Edwards' career game, a new No. 1 team and a light Week 7 of football

Tue, 30 Sep 2025 17:48:00 -0000

Bolles running back Xander Edwards had the best rushing performance in area history in Week 6, erupting for 522 yards and eight touchdowns in win over Baldwin. He'll go into the NFHS record books with that one. Also, St. Augustine knocks down another ranked team and a light Week 7 in the area. Justin Barney and Sponge Franklin break things down in the Varsity 4 podcast.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Our top players at midseason, and could a local all-star team beat IMG Academy?

Tue, 23 Sep 2025 17:17:00 -0000

St. Augustine-Nease lived up to the billing. Bolles-Oakleaf was a one-sided romp and did not. Plus, could we build a local team that could beat IMG Academy? And our top players at the halfway mark of the regular season include names like Brysen Wright, Somourian Wingo, Naeem Burroughs, Jacob Curry, Brody Jennings and more. Justin Barney and Sponge Franklin take a spin around the area on a number of topics in a Week 6 episode of the Varsity 4 podcast.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Raines sends a statement, huge games in Week 5 and results from players, coaches survey

Tue, 16 Sep 2025 17:36:00 -0000

Week 5 includes two massive showdowns in Bolles at Oakleaf and St. Augustine visiting Nease. Plus, Raines lays the hammer on Lake Mary to state its case as area's best team. Plus, results from our preseason survey among players and coaches from Justin Barney and Sponge Franklin.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

New No. 1 team, a surge in Nassau County and why teams should try and schedule better

Wed, 10 Sep 2025 16:23:00 -0000

We've got a new team at the top of our Super 10 and a surge in Nassau County football. Plus, we make the case for Gateway Conference teams to build stronger schedules by dropping some of their weaker opponents. And some thoughts on some big Week 4 games. Justin Barney and Sponge Franklin make the rounds in the Varsity 4 podcast.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

St. Augustine-Bolles collide and Brysen Wright has been a monster on defense, too

Tue, 02 Sep 2025 17:36:00 -0000

It's Week 3 of the high school football season and there's a major Super 10 collision on tap when St. Augustine visits Bolles. Plus, Brysen Wright is making a massive impact for Mandarin everywhere, but he has been elite in the secondary. How special is what we're seeing with him? Justin Barney and Sponge Franklin make the rounds in Varsity 4.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nease not ready to take a step back; Brysen Wright shines and tough week on national stage for state teams

Mon, 25 Aug 2025 18:57:00 -0000

A big win for Nease over Ponte Vedra. Brysen Wright's potential is off the charts. A new Super 10 rankings from area head coaches. And state teams fared poorly in their matchups on the national stage. Plus, Justin Barney and Sponge Franklin look back on Week 1 and look ahead to Week 2 in this episode of the Varsity 4 podcast.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We're talking top players, the ceiling for the best teams and more as high school football kicks off

Mon, 18 Aug 2025 18:05:00 -0000

The high school football season is here! Justin Barney and Sponge Franklin are talking the top players in the area, mega recruit Brysen Wright, the ceiling and the floor for the area's best teams and our top 10 teams in the area. Buckle up and let's go!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Unveiling our top 16 football players of the 2024 season and our players of the year

Thu, 16 Jan 2025 19:45:00 -0000

The 2024 high school football season is in the books and we're unveiling our top 16 players and our Varsity 4 All-News4JAX football teams. Justin Barney and Sponge Franklin break down our top 16 players and what those athletes did to turn heads in 2024.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ways to solve the area's playoff problem and a new idea for creating the FHSAA postseason bracket

Tue, 17 Dec 2024 18:48:00 -0000

It was a tough finish for the Raines football team in a 41-0 loss to Miami Northwestern in the Class 3A state championship game. The title games as a whole were dominated by South Florida teams. In this era of football, how can teams like Mandarin, Oakleaf, Raines and St. Augustine be better prepared for the state series-level games? Justin Barney and Sponge Franklin offer some suggestions.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Championship edition: Raines tackles a giant in Miami Northwestern for Class 3A state title

Thu, 12 Dec 2024 17:54:00 -0000

Three local teams played in the state football semifinals and only one made it through. The Raines Vikings head to Pitbull Stadium on Saturday night for a date with Miami Northwestern in the Class 3A state championship game. Justin Barney and Sponge Franklin break down the matchup in this episode of the Varsity 4 podcast.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Raines, St. Augustine and Trinity Christian are in the state semifinals. Who stands the best chance at moving on?

Tue, 03 Dec 2024 21:39:00 -0000

Only three local teams are still standing in the high school football state playoffs — Raines, St. Augustine and Trinity Christian. The Vikings are the lone area program to be playing at home. Which team or teams will be moving on to championship games? Plus, our best guesses at an early signing day flip as Justin Barney and Sponge Franklin break things down in this Varsity 4 podcast.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is Raines unstoppable this season? Plus, looking at the rest of the third round of the playoffs

Thu, 28 Nov 2024 02:20:00 -0000

Raines has been on a tear the likes of which we haven't seen in quite some time. The Vikings are 11-0 and walloping opponents in the playoffs. Can Bishop Kenny cool off the Vikings in the regional finals? Plus, looks at the other classifications and which teams we think will be playing on into December. Justin Barney and Sponge Franklin break the brackets down in a Thanksgiving edition of the Varsity 4 podcast.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

All-local matchups headline second round of the playoffs and an update on head coaching pay in Florida

Tue, 19 Nov 2024 18:21:00 -0000

After a very good opening week of the high school football playoffs, we're in the second round of the postseason with some excellent local showdowns on tap. Plus, an update from a state representative on how the low pay issue in Florida could be approached next year. All that and more in this episode of the Varsity 4 podcast with Justin Barney and Sponge Franklin.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Does FHSAA playoff system need to be more transparent and looking at our favorite first-round games

Tue, 12 Nov 2024 20:31:00 -0000

The high school football playoffs are here. There were some grumbles around the state after the brackets were announced, with some very valid points. Should the FHSAA be more transparent in how its formula with MaxPreps works or is it balanced already? What about going to a system like the one in Georgia? Plus, Justin Barney and Sponge Franklin break down our favorite first-round matchups and how many local teams will move on.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Pup Howard. Orel Gray. Drake Stubbs. Our top 12 players of the last five years and more as playoffs arrive

Tue, 05 Nov 2024 20:42:00 -0000

Who are our favorite and top high school football players of the last five seasons? Names like Grayson Howard, Orel Gray and Drake Stubbs come to mind. Justin Barney and Sponge Franklin talk about the final week of the regular season, our Super 10 teams, a questionable sideline forearm and then discuss our top players from 2020-2024 in this episode of the Varsity 4 podcast.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Teams button up district championships and why it makes sense for small schools to play as an independent

Wed, 30 Oct 2024 16:36:00 -0000

It's the final full week of the regular season in high school football and just about every district title has been decided. Plus, why teams like Christ's Church, Paxon, Stanton and West Nassau provide the blueprint on what smaller programs should consider doing. Justin Barney and Sponge Franklin cover all the bases in Week 11 of the Varsity 4 podcast.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Our high school football playoff contenders and pretenders and looking ahead to Week 10

Mon, 21 Oct 2024 17:12:00 -0000

It's Week 10 of the high school football season and the playoff picture is coming into focus as district races wind down. Plus, Justin Barney and Sponge Franklin discuss which of our Super 10 teams can make it at least two rounds deep into the postseason. Do Raines, Nease and St. Augustine shape up to be the area's best contenders?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

One team we think could end up playing for a title in Miami and recapping a hurricane-marred stretch

Tue, 15 Oct 2024 18:21:00 -0000

After weeks of hurricane and weather cancellations, postponements and delays, we should be back on track with a normal high school football schedule. Justin Barney and Sponge Franklin recap a wild Monday night of football in Week 8 and look ahead to Week 9. Plus, one team we think could wind up in Miami playing for a championship.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Another hurricane scrambles schedule and drafting our top players, coaches to start a team

Tue, 08 Oct 2024 17:34:00 -0000

Hurricane Milton is shaking up the high school football Week 8 schedule. Plus, Justin Barney and Sponge Franklin draft our top four players and three coaches to start their own high school football franchise. All that and our updated Super 10 rankings in this week's Varsity 4 podcast.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nease is surging, surprising small school teams and making the turn into Week 7

Tue, 01 Oct 2024 17:55:00 -0000

Nease has been on a tear and its 20-17 OT win over Buchholz on Monday night is further proof that the Panthers just may be the area's best team. Plus, small schools St. Joseph, Union County and Zarephath Academy are having excellent seasons and can the Raines defense turn up the pressure a little bit more. Justin Barney and Sponge Franklin cover the action from Week 6 and look ahead to Week 7.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Our most surprising teams of the first half and another big change in our Super 10

Thu, 26 Sep 2024 15:18:00 -0000

Hurricane Helene has shaken up Week 6 of the high school football season, but we do have some games of merit. Plus, how the surging Nease Panthers have rocketed up to state prominence under coach Collin Drafts. Plus, it's been tough to see the injuries stack up on the preseason No. 1 Mandarin Mustangs. Justin Barney and Sponge Franklin cover all the bases in this week's episode of the Varsity 4 podcast.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Do our preseason title contenders still stack up at the halfway point of the regular season?

Tue, 17 Sep 2024 18:37:08 -0000

We're almost at the midway point of the high school football regular season and the heavyweights are beginning to step forward. Bradford knocked off top-ranked Mandarin to trigger a big shakeup in the Super 10. Plus, we look at our preseason candidates for state championship seasons and if we still think they're positioned to make that run. Justin Barney and Sponge Franklin cover all the bases in a Week 5 edition of the Varsity 4 podcast.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is Mandarin still a championship contender and the dated way of placing teams by enrollment numbers

Mon, 09 Sep 2024 18:22:00 -0000

Weather has been uncooperative early in the high school football season, with a handful of games taken off the books in Week 3. Plus, how does an injury to Mandarin QB Tramell Jones change the championship forecast for the Mustangs? And does school size really mean what it used to on the field or are student enrollment numbers a dated way of putting schools in classes? Justin Barney and Sponge Franklin cover those topics and look ahead to Week 4.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bolles-St. Augustine headlines Week 3 and a tough injury for Mandarin star QB

Wed, 04 Sep 2024 17:33:00 -0000

The Varsity 4 podcast heads into Week 3 of the high school football season and we've got a headliner clash between No. 2 St. Augustine and No. 4 Bolles. Plus, a look back on some big performances, including a five-TD game for Tae'shaun Gelsey of Riverside and a tough injury to Mandarin quarterback Tramell Jones.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Raines looks better than advertised, a new Super 10 and rushing into Week 2

Tue, 27 Aug 2024 18:43:00 -0000

It was a blockbuster opening week of the high school football season, including a tense Raines win over Bolles in a classic that turned heated from things off the field. Justin Barney and Sponge Franklin recap a stellar 2024 opening week and look ahead to a big Week 2 in this episode of the Varsity 4 podcast.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Best games in Week 1 and games we'd love to see as the high school football season kicks off

Tue, 20 Aug 2024 18:15:00 -0000

The high school football regular season is here. Justin Barney and Sponge Franklin break down our top four games and list the four games that aren't scheduled this season that we'd love to see in this Varsity 4 podcast that kicks off the 2024 season.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mandarin, St. Augustine, Raines, Bolles and how many area teams have legit shot at title

Tue, 13 Aug 2024 18:08:00 -0000

The high school football regular season is just over a week away. Every team thinks it can win a championship but few have a realistic opportunity to win it. Justin Barney and Sponge Franklin break down the contenders and the pretenders in this episode of the Varsity 4 podcast.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

New season on the horizon: Our best teams, big changes and looking ahead to 2024 football

Thu, 01 Aug 2024 22:16:00 -0000

The high school football regular season is less than a month away. We kick off our new brand in Varsity 4, unveil our preseason Super 10, kick around name, image and likeness in Florida and what we're looking forward to this season. Justin Barney and Sponge Franklin kick off the march to the season in the Varsity 4 podcast.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Name, image and likeness won't ruin high school sports in Florida

Tue, 18 Jun 2024 20:48:00 -0000

The FHSAA voted to approve name, image and likeness in high school sports this summer, a seismic change for athletes here. What does it mean for Florida? And the addition of a championship division to start in 2026 will create a playoff bracket for blue chippers. Justin Barney and Sponge Franklin debate the good and the bad of both.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Our top 4 players of the football season and making sense of a new playoff system again

Tue, 19 Dec 2023 20:58:00 -0000

It was a special high school football season with a bunch of special players. Who did we think were among the best? Names like Laython Biddle, Tramell Jones, Locklan Hewlett, Jaime Ffrench and more in this edition of the V4RSITY podcast. Plus, the FHSAA is trying to find the balance for a new playoff system and it hasn't been easy or pretty.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Area teams blanked at state and a new playoff system on the horizon

Mon, 11 Dec 2023 18:10:47 -0000

It was a disappointing week in Tallahassee as Bradford, Mandarin and St. Augustine all came up short in championship games. Unpacking that challenging week, and looking ahead as a new postseason system is on the horizon.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

State championship week! Bradford, Mandarin, St. Augustine will play for titles

Mon, 04 Dec 2023 18:17:00 -0000

Bradford survived in overtime. Mandarin's offense turned in another gem on the road. And St. Augustine's defense and ground game looked excellent for another week. Now, it's title time. Will any area team bring home a championship this week in Tallahassee? Justin Barney and Sponge Franklin talk about the chances for area teams.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bolles, Bradford, Mandarin, St. Augustine and Trinity Christian head to the state semifinals

Mon, 27 Nov 2023 19:20:28 -0000

It's state semifinals time for high school football teams. Bolles, Bradford, Mandarin, St. Augustine and Trinity Christian are in the state final four. Can any of those teams clear the hurdle and reach the championship after the area was shut out of the finals last year for the first time since 2000? Justin Barney and Sponge Franklin recap a festive regional final week and look at the best options for title game appearances.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Thanksgiving practices on the horizon means it's been a great season for these teams

Mon, 20 Nov 2023 18:02:13 -0000

Any time a high school football team can make it to a Thanksgiving morning practice, that's a successful season. Baker County, Bartram Trail, Bradford, Bolles, Mandarin, St. Augustine, Trinity Christian and Union County are all still standing tall. Plus, fall season wraps up with cross country state championships.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Big week of football playoff showdowns, plus state champions galore in golf, swimming and volleyball

Tue, 14 Nov 2023 21:21:51 -0000

We're in the heart of the high school football playoffs and we've got some excellent rematches in the second round, including Bolles-Raines, Mandarin-Lake Mary and University Christian-Trinity Christian. Plus, it's a banner time of year for volleyball, golf and swimming teams from the area. Justin Barney and Sponge Franklin take you through a big week in the area in this week's episode of the V4RSITY podcast.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Playoffs are here! We break down the brackets and hand out our top teams and most disappointing ones

Mon, 06 Nov 2023 18:40:15 -0000

The playoff brackets are here! Creekside and Nease shine down the stretch. Plus, it's rematches galore. And, what we like and what we don't like about the playoff system. Justin Barney and Sponge Franklin cover a lot of ground in this week's edition of the V4RSITY podcast.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Redemption for Bolles, First Coast, Raines as playoff race firms up

Tue, 31 Oct 2023 17:45:01 -0000

Nease's upset over Ponte Vedra in Week 10 created a wild scenario for the final week of the regular season. Plus, Bolles, First Coast and Raines get a little bit of payback with district championships. Justin Barney and Sponge Franklin recap a wild Week 10 and look ahead to some postseason scenarios

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Has Bartram Trail's brutal schedule prepared it for the postseason or has it been too tough?

Mon, 23 Oct 2023 18:13:08 -0000

Has Bartram Trail's tough schedule been too tough for a long playoff trip? Plus, a big week of Thursday and Friday night games and a lot of district titles on the line in Week 10 of the high school football season. Justin Barney and Sponge Franklin break down the week that was and preview some major showdowns this week.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mandarin and Raines are the top tier of the Gateway Conference and district races come into focus

Tue, 17 Oct 2023 17:01:43 -0000

Mandarin, Raines stand alone in top tier of Gateway Conference. Sandalwood and Parker clash in final week could be a clash of winless teams. Plus, recapping a wild week of district showdowns and looking ahead to a more chill Week 9 as the regular season inches to the finish line. Justin Barney and Sponge Franklin cover all the bases in this episode of V4RSITY.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ponte Vedra riding a hot streak, Riverside cracks the Super 10 and the Northwest Classic arrives

Wed, 11 Oct 2023 02:32:48 -0000

We're hitting Week 8 of the high school football season. Ponte Vedra is surging. Riverside shocked Trinity Christian. Plus, another big installment of the Northwest Classic arrives on Saturday. Justin Barney and Sponge Franklin break down a wild Week 7 and look ahead to a big Week 8.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Name, image and likeness headed to Georgia high schools. Is that good or bad?

Tue, 03 Oct 2023 20:36:00 -0000

A big upset in Week 6 of the high school football season, plus, Georgia clears the way for high school athletes to earn money off their name, image and likeness. Could Florida follow suit soon? Justin Barney and Sponge Franklin weigh in on the NIL debate and look ahead to Week 7 in this edition of the VARSITY podcast.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Creekside, St. Augustine turn in some classics in St. Johns County thrillers as season hits midway point

Tue, 26 Sep 2023 17:06:00 -0000

We're officially past the halfway mark of the 2023 high school football regular season. Creekside and St. Augustine had massive Week 5 wins. And Riverside, led by coach Antwan Nicholas, became the first area team to earn a playoff trip with a district championship win over White. Justin Barney and Sponge Franklin recap Week 5 and look ahead to another district-filled Week 6.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bolles finally gets a win, Foy making a mark at Oakleaf and Bartram Trail-St. Augustine rivalry takes center stage in Week 5

Mon, 18 Sep 2023 19:46:00 -0000

Coach Christopher Foy is already making his presence felt at Oakleaf. Plus, Trinity Christian's offensive struggles come to the surface. Bolles gets a major win. Mandarin delivers a statement to Atlantic Coast. And the Bartram Trail and St. Augustine rivalry gets top billing in Week 5. Justin Barney and Sponge Franklin cover a lot of ground in this week's V4RSITY podcast.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are Mandarin, Raines, St. Augustine legitimate state championship contenders?

Wed, 13 Sep 2023 16:09:00 -0000

The area was surprisingly kept out of the championship games last football season. What local teams have the best chances to reach the final this year? Plus, we look back at four big games from Week 3, including Bolles' struggles in Georgia. And a big Week 4 looms. And we've got a new No. 1 team in the Super 10 for the third straight week.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mandarin not fazed by the pressure; Bolles figuring things out and our best games of Week 3

Wed, 06 Sep 2023 16:11:05 -0000

Mandarin coach Toby Bullock has done an excellent job of keeping the high-powered Mustangs focused and sharp. Plus, will Bolles get things corrected as its schedule intensity picks up. We look back at a Hurricane Idalia-marred Week 2, unveil our new top 10 rankings and look ahead to Week 3 in this episode of the News4JAX VARSITY podcast.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

St. Augustine surging, a wild week 1 of the season, Hurricane Idalia shakes things up in Week 2

Wed, 30 Aug 2023 18:26:38 -0000

St. Augustine High School has major expectations and major talent and it showed that with its first win over Bolles since 1978. Plus, Justin Barney and Sponge Franklin talk about our Super 10 rankings in this week's episode of News4JAX VARSITY.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Unveiling our top 10 high school football teams and breaking down a big Week 1

Wed, 23 Aug 2023 17:46:59 -0000

It's finally the high school football regular season We've got some major headlining games this week like Fletcher-Mandarin, Bolles-St. Augustine, Raines-University Christian and White-Trinity Christian. Plus, Justin Barney and Sponge Franklin break down our initial Super 10 rankings of the year on this week's edition of V4RSITY.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kicking off the 2023 high school football season by looking back and looking ahead

Wed, 16 Aug 2023 20:16:00 -0000

Justin Barney and Sponge Franklin kick off the 2023 high school football season with a look at four teams who have caught our attention, our biggest takeaways from last year's new playoff system and the challenges of that in a season debut of the V4RSITY podcast.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

V4RSITY: Picking our 12 best players of the high school football season

Thu, 15 Dec 2022 20:00:34 -0000

The high school football season is officially over but not our coverage. Justin Barney and Sponge Franklin pick our favorite players from the 2022 season. Names like Orel Gray and Grayson Howard are familiar ones, but who else made our cut?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

V4RSITY: Carnage for area teams in state semifinals; high school football coaching carousel spinning

Thu, 08 Dec 2022 19:09:16 -0000

The state semifinals proved to be the last stand for area high school football teams. Only Ware County managed to reach a state championship game. What went wrong for local programs in the final four? Plus, it's a busy season for coaching changes, with names like Darrell Sutherland and Christopher Foy moving on. Justin Barney and Sponge Franklin weigh in on a wild week.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

V4RSITY: After a week of upsets, it's state semifinals time for area football teams

Wed, 30 Nov 2022 23:52:11 -0000

University Christian turned in an upset decades in the making. Bartram Trail's unbeaten season came to an end. Bolles and Columbia hung on. Bradford got a battle. Union County rolled. Justin Barney and Sponge Franklin recap a wild regional finals week and look ahead to the biggest week of the football season in this edition of V4RSITY.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

V4RSITY: Epic regional final showdowns arrive and the Marcus Stokes situation at Florida

Wed, 23 Nov 2022 18:58:37 -0000

Bolles-Raines. Baker County-Bradford. Trinity Christian-University Christian. It's a blockbuster week in the high school football playoffs. Plus, the Gators pulled Nease QB Marcus Stokes' scholarship offer after a social media clip of him singing a song that included a racial slur. Recruiting can be a dirty business. Justin Barney and Sponge Franklin break down the week.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

V4RSITY: Playoff surprises in Round 1 and looking ahead to a massive second round

Wed, 16 Nov 2022 21:08:00 -0000

Upsets galore in the opening round in the state playoffs. Justin Barney and Sponge Franklin recap a wild first round and another major slate of games, including some big time rematches this week.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

V4RSITY: A wild Week 11 and a playoff week shuffled around by a November hurricane

Wed, 09 Nov 2022 20:52:56 -0000

Week 11 wrapped up the high school football regular season with a bang. We're following that with an oddity ... a November hurricane in Florida. Justin Barney and Sponge Franklin look ahead to an ever-shifting playoff schedule and our projections for winners as the postseason arrives.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

V4RSITY: Big stakes as final week of high school football regular season arrives

Wed, 02 Nov 2022 18:44:20 -0000

It's the final week of the regular season in high school football. Justin Barney and Sponge Franklin recap the biggest district week of the season and what's on the line for teams in Week 11 as the playoffs come into view.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

V4RSITY: Biggest week of the high school football season arrives

Wed, 26 Oct 2022 17:42:28 -0000

It's Week 10 of the high school football season and every district race will be decided this week. For teams who aren't after district championships, there's still plenty at stake, including at-large playoff berths. Justin Barney and Sponge Franklin look ahead to the most high stakes week of the season yet.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

V4RSITY: District champs locking up spots, a major test for Bartram, coaches dish on topics and more

Wed, 19 Oct 2022 18:11:42 -0000

High school football hits Week 9 and we've got a massive district showdown on Friday night between Bartram Trail and Buchholz. Plus, area coaches dish on a number of topics including what they'd be doing if they weren't coaching. Justin Barney looks back at last week, talks about the Super 10 and what lies ahead for district races.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

V4RSITY: Blockbuster district games await as Trinity-UC, Bartram-Creekside arrive in Week 8

Wed, 12 Oct 2022 18:08:49 -0000

It's a massive week of rivalry games in high school football as University Christian and Trinity Christian square off for the District 1-1M crown. Also, can Creekside end a 1-13 slump against rival Bartram Trail? Huge games are on the menu for Bradford, First Coast and Fletcher, too. Justin Barney and Sponge Franklin dive into a big slate in Week 8. Plus, the Ponte Vedra volleyball team gets a major test at the Geico Invitational.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

V4RSITY: District frontrunners emerge, players vote for the top players and what about NIL in high school?

Wed, 05 Oct 2022 17:26:53 -0000

It's Week 7 of the high school football season and we've got some clarity on a few of the area's biggest district battles. Also, Justin Barney and Sponge Franklin talk about the the potential of name, image and likeness in high school and discuss how area players voted in our preseason high school football survey.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

V4RSITY: Trinity evolving into big offense; district games ramp up stakes and hurricane scrambles Week 6

Wed, 28 Sep 2022 17:35:06 -0000

Hurricane Ian has wiped out much of Week 6 and pushed those games to next week. Justin Barney and Sponge Franklin take a look back at last week's games, including a shootout between Columbia and Trinity Christian, Creekside's staying power and why teams like Bolles and Nease aren't quite in the danger zone just yet even after tough starts.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

V4RSITY: Surprise teams, midseason honors, rankings and looking at Week 5

Wed, 21 Sep 2022 18:01:21 -0000

It's the halfway mark of the high school football season and that means it's time to dole out some midseason recognition. Who are our top offensive and defensive players so far? What about best and most disappointing teams? Plus, Justin Barney and Sponge Franklin look back at Week 4 and ahead to Week 5 in the V4RSITY podcast.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

V4RSITY: Florida teams get tested across the Border and a massive Week 4 on the horizon

Wed, 14 Sep 2022 18:23:00 -0000

It was a mixed bag of success for area teams as the traveled to Georgia for the Border Classic (thumbs up Baker County, Creekside and UC). And we learned a bit on a few other local teams (Jackson, take a bow; Fleming Island, take a bow) in Week 3. Plus, Justin Barney and Sponge Franklin rank our top 10 teams and break down our top 6 volleyball teams in this week's V4RSITY podcast.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

V4RSITY: Creekside lights up the scoreboard, Bolles grows up and Border Classic time

Wed, 07 Sep 2022 19:13:51 -0000

Justin Barney and Sponge Franklin look back at Week 2 of the high school football season and look ahead to a big Week 3 as the Border Classic pitting Florida and Georgia teams arrives.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

V4RSITY: A tough week for Nease, a big one for Jackson and a big test for Trinity Christian

Wed, 31 Aug 2022 20:04:51 -0000

Justin Barney and Sponge Franklin recap a wild Week 1 of the high school football season, including a 48-40 win by Trinity Christian over White and Jackson's 30-13 rout of Nease. And we look ahead to a big Week 2.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

V4RSITY: Football is back! Looking at the 2022 high school football season

Thu, 25 Aug 2022 19:19:40 -0000

Justin Barney and Sponge Franklin kick off the 2022 high school football season with a breakdown of their top 10 teams, preview our four best games of Week 1 and debate on whether teams like Nease and Jackson can keep their momentum going from last year.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Spring sports crank up practice, two big high school football coaching hires

Fri, 28 Jan 2022 23:16:00 -0000

Justin Barney takes a journey around the area this week as high school baseball, softball and lacrosse kick off practices. Hear from St. Johns Country Day's Jordan Taylor and Bradley Hodges, and Bartram trail baseball coach turned softball leader Tony Sowers.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Could big changes be ahead for high school football in the state?

Thu, 20 Jan 2022 23:11:15 -0000

Big changes are being discussed in high school football in Florida and they have the potential to be the biggest the state has ever seen. Justin Barney and Cole Pepper discuss the proposal and how it could shake up how things look for area teams.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There's nothing like a packed gym during high school basketball season

Fri, 14 Jan 2022 00:00:42 -0000

There's nothing like a good high school basketball rivalry. We don't have enough of those anymore. Justin Barney and Cole Pepper remember some of the big names of yesteryear, talk to Orange Park star Josiah Sabino and put Ponte Vedra volleyball coach Robin Mignerey's accomplishments in perspective as she calls it a career.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Picking our 22 best players of the high school football season

Tue, 21 Dec 2021 21:16:27 -0000

The high school football season is in the books, now, Justin Barney and Sponge Franklin pick out the best players that they saw this season.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Trinity Christian puts a bow on high school football season with 9th state title

Tue, 14 Dec 2021 22:20:44 -0000

It was the ninth state title in program history for Trinity Christian and longtime coach Verlon Dorminey. And it wasn't easy this season. The Conquerors were full of good storylines, especially for Dorminey and dominant running back Treyaun Webb. Justin Barney and Sponge Franklin look back on that 41-23 win over Champagnat Catholic.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

One team left standing. Can Trinity Christian bring home state championship No. 9?

Tue, 07 Dec 2021 19:22:37 -0000

The Trinity Christian football team is chasing title No. 9. Can the Conquerors bring home the championship this week. Plus, looking back at great seasons by Bolles and Baker County, and a feel-good photo from the Bolles-Cocoa game that went viral. Justin Barney and Sponge Franklin tackle the final week of the football season.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

High school football playoffs reach the state semifinals. What are Baker County, Bolles and Trinity's chances?

Wed, 01 Dec 2021 20:59:27 -0000

The area had three Florida survivors after the third round. How many, if any, local teams will advance to next week's state championship games? Justin Barney and Sponge Franklin look back and then look ahead to this week's showdowns.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Playoff football fever! Five area teams headed to the third round. How many can move on?

Tue, 23 Nov 2021 18:46:00 -0000

The second round of the high school football playoffs were unkind to area teams. Justin Barney and Sponge Franklin look at the playoff survivors, the feel-good story of the Nease Panthers and project how many teams will advance to the state semifinals next week.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Area swimming and cross country athletes shine and the football playoffs get cranked up

Wed, 17 Nov 2021 17:00:00 -0000

What a week for area high school teams and athletes. Three team state championships in cross country. Another team title in girls swimming. And how about eight individual state championships in those sports. Plus, the high school football playoffs are in full swing. An exceptional time of the year for area high school sports.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Playoffs and state champions galore as fall sports head toward the finish line

Thu, 11 Nov 2021 04:30:42 -0000

It's the busiest part of the fall sports season. High school football playoffs are here. We've got state champions galore in swimming. State cross country meet arrives. Justin Barney and Sponge Franklin cover a lot of ground in a busy week of V4RSITY.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Almost playoff time in high school football, and crunch time arrives in our other fall sports

Thu, 04 Nov 2021 18:01:21 -0000

The final week of the regular season has arrived in football. Justin Barney and Sponge Franklin look back at Week 10, look ahead to Week 11 and start talking playoffs. Plus, it's postseason time in cross country, golf, swimming and volleyball.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Closing stretch of high school football regular season arrives

Wed, 27 Oct 2021 18:21:00 -0000

It's flown by in a hurry. The high school football regular season reaches Week 10. Justin Barney and Sponge Franklin recap a big stakes Week 9, look ahead to two nights of football in Week 10, and discuss just how much the stakes are raised when public school teams battle private school powers like Bolles, Trinity Christian and University Christian.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

More crunchtime football games in Week 9 and basketball season is on the way

Wed, 20 Oct 2021 21:10:53 -0000

Justin Barney and Sponge Franklin recap a hectic and high stakes Week 8, preview the top games in Week 9 and take a peek at the upcoming high school basketball season, with one very big transfer on the girls basketball side.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

High school football playoff talk heats up, and, do streaks really matter?

Wed, 13 Oct 2021 19:25:56 -0000

How much does history between two programs matter in high school? Is it bigger than we think or does that history, good or bad, matter when it comes to current high school teams? Plus, Justin Barney and Sponge Franklin look back on the games in Week 7, including a big collapse by Riverside, and look at the playoff implications in a jam-packed Week 8.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Trinity-Bolles game a blowout; handing out the mid-year football awards

Wed, 06 Oct 2021 19:47:58 -0000

The game of the season turned into a running clock blowout between Bolles and Trinity Christian. We look back and look ahead as we reach Week 7 of the high school season. Plus, Justin Barney and Sponge Franklin unveil their midseason top players honors.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Trinity-Bolles week arrives; record for Rheinhardt Harrison and more

Wed, 29 Sep 2021 12:52:22 -0000

We recap the best of Week 5 of the high school football season, preview Week 6 and focus on the area No. 1-2 battle between Trinity Christian and Bolles. Plus, a meet record for Nease runner Rheinhardt Harrison at the Katie Caples Invitational.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Milestone 300th win for Verlon Dorminey and looking ahead to Week 5 of the football season

Wed, 22 Sep 2021 16:00:00 -0000

Justin Barney and Sponge Franklin look back at a milestone week in high school football, preview Week 5 and cover the bases in cross country, volleyball and more.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Surprises from Week 3 of football, looking ahead to Week 4 and highlighting a week of volleyball milestones

Thu, 16 Sep 2021 16:23:10 -0000

The third week of the high school football season saw the most upsets of the year. Our most surprising? Plus, we look ahead to Week 4 and highlight a a week of volleyball milestones.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

September is here, high school football is rolling, Ponte Vedra surging in volleyball

Wed, 08 Sep 2021 16:00:00 -0000

We're headed into Week 3 of the high school football season. Surprises from Week 2. Looking ahead at Week 3. A milestone on the horizon for a high school football coach. Is Ponte Vedra the best volleyball program in area history? Justin Barney and Andrew "Sponge" Franklin cover all the ground in this week's V4RSITY pod.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices