MIDDLEBURG - Middleburg and Oakleaf highs got a quick peek at their game readiness with short intrasquad scrimmages on Friday and Saturday. Both teams showed just enough to whet their appetite for the upcoming 2026 season.

For Broncos coach Ryan Wolfe, an explosive 45-yard play by junior running back right up the gut of the Knights defense showed off the quick strike capability of the Broncos offense under quarterback Dalton Motes.

Wolfe has lauded his offensive line's improvement, especially with the young talent combining with seniors Logan Tedrick and Mark Albney.

"They have been working together all summer as a unit in the weight room and on the field with our coaches," Wolfe said. "That first week will be the big test, but we are not going to put in a lot of complicated schemes at first. Let the young guys get confidence up front, then learn more as the season goes."

For Oakleaf coach Chris Foy, a Saturday afternoon hour after media picture day was enough of a look-see for a muscle stretch, which starts against state champion Raines. The Knights also will get a quick glimpse of two state power players from DeLand and Columbia in their preseason half scrimmages.

"The goal of the Saturday practice was to bring the team together, bond a little and build on their friendship and love for each other," Foy said. "This team is one team that actually likes being with their teammates. For me, that will go a long way in tough games."

Week One

Friday, Aug. 21

Menendez (3-7 in 2025) at Middleburg  (8-3 with appearance in region quarters). Menendez has been saddled with a turbulent coaching scenario past few years. 7 p.m.

Baker County (4-7, including a loss to 4A state champion Raines in the region quarterfinals with Final Four coach Jamie Rodgers  back on the sidelines at Clay (2-8, but with a roster of strong seniors). 7 p.m.

"Blue Devils' fans are looking for wins this season," said Clay coach Jeff Gierke. "We got all that first year coach stuff out of the way last year and now we have a big returning starter's lineup that is ready to get back to Clay traditions."

Ridgeview (3-8 with new coach Jason Smith, who has the Panthers fired up to win their first game) at Westside (0-9). 7 p.m.

"I'm not interested in a few wins in my first year," Smith said. "I came to pick up my daughter one game last year, and it was like 60-0. I told my wife, 'If I can do something with this team, I'm going to.' That's how I got here"

Keystone Heights (0-10. The Indians, now playing in the Sunshine State Athletic Association, opened the regular season against Fernandina Beach on Aug. 14) at Interlachen (3-8). 7 p.m.

If the Indians are successful against Fernandina Beach, the momentum will be high. Coach Cameron Porch knows what that feels like.

"I know from my coaching experiences that teams that have had rough seasons need just one spark to set them free from the lose mentality," Porch said. "We have been working to get the small details right all summer and that will lead to great things on Friday nights."

Fleming Island (6-4 in 2025. The Eagles dropped to Class 4A which led to a dwindling roster) at at Atlantic Coast (4-6). 6:30 p.m.

Fleming Island coach Tom Macpherson will be employing a lot of two-way players, Its first three games against Atlantic Coast, Creekside and Oakleaf will be a stiff test.

"We will be asking a lot of young players with little varsity experience to step up in key situations so we can manage games with our top players having to play both sides of the ball for most of the game," Macpherson said.

Andrew Jackson (5-7) at Orange Park (4-6. The Raiders lost top notch quarterback Gabe Taylor, but they have two premier running backs returning. 7 p.m.

"We had a solid summer, [with] good weightlifting. My coaches [took] the reigns in their strengths, and that allows me to focus on the entire team's buildup," said Orange Park coach Marcus Wimberly. "We have a great bunch of seniors - four-year guys with me that know me, understand me and know that if we cut out the little mistakes that we have had over the years, we are in a lot of games."

Game of the Week (maybe the decade)

Raines (14-0 and defending Class 3A state champion) at Oakleaf (8-3 with a first round region loss to Neese). 7 p.m.

Raines ran roughshod to the state title last year and it has about 60% of the that team back. Oakleaf got thumped by Nease in in the first round and still seethes from that one. Knights coach Chris Foy wants his program to be one of "those programs that people want on their schedule." Here's his shot to prove if they are worthy. Both teams are chocked full of five-star caliber players and smart coaches. The home field advantage is big at Oakleaf, and that could prove decisive in this one.

"I guess we will see if we are ready for Raines when we take on DeLand and Columbia," Foy said. "Our new quarterback is really taking control, and he is directing traffic back there with whole lot of guys that can break plays."

Week Two (Aug. 28)

Baker County at Clay

Fleming Island at Creekside

Menendez at Ridgeview

Bartram Trail at Middleburg

Orange Park at Oakleaf

PK Yonge at Keystone Heights