ORANGE PARK - Orange Park senior quarterback Gabe Taylor was the standout performer for Orange Park, throwing for 230 yards, rushing for 24 and scoring three touchdowns—two through the air and one on the ground, but despite a 21-point fourth quarter, the Raiders fell short 31-28 in a near upset of Beachside High in a key district 3-5A clash last Friday at Orange Park High School. 

“They played their hearts out today; gave a lot of effort throughout the whole game like we’ve been asking them to do. Only thing is, we shoot ourselves in the foot. That’s been our story all year,” said Raider Head Coach Marcus Wimberly.

Costly mistakes ultimately hindered the Raiders’ chances of pulling off a victory.
The Raiders fought hard to stay in the game, proving to themselves, their fans and their coaching staff that they can compete with strong opponents. Beachside, entering the game with a 5-2 record and fresh off an overtime loss to Middleburg, didn’t expect the intensity Orange Park brought. In the second half, Taylor threw for 158 yards and two touchdowns, including a spectacular leaping grab in the corner of the end zone by senior Devon Rail over two defenders.

After a tightly contested first half tied at 7-7, Beachside regained possession with 1:09 left before halftime. Managing the clock efficiently, they advanced to the Raiders’ 45-yard line with 9 seconds remaining. Attempting to score before the break, the Barracudas launched a deep pass toward the end zone, but junior Zacharia Murphy intercepted it with 6 seconds left, halting the attack.

Beachside opened the second half with a drive from their own 25-yard line, capped by a 45-yard touchdown pass to Maddox Hunstad. The Raiders responded with a touchdown of their own, as Taylor converted multiple fourth downs before connecting with junior Jaden Fields to tie the game at 14-14.

Later in the third quarter, Beachside scored again on a 4-yard rushing touchdown by quarterback Eddie Jordan. Orange Park’s next drive stalled after Taylor was sacked for a 10-yard loss.

In the fourth quarter, the Barracudas extended their lead with a field goal, making it a 10-point game. Demonstrating grit and determination, the Raiders answered with a 40-yard pass to junior Xzavier Jones, who later finished the drive with a five-yard rushing touchdown, cutting the deficit to three.

With 1:43 remaining, Beachside responded with a 70-yard drive and a rushing touchdown. Orange Park, aided by two pass interference penalties, struck back as Fields caught a 12-yard touchdown pass, bringing the score to 31-28 with just under a minute left.

The Raiders needed an onside kick recovery to have a chance at tying the game. Senior Brock Affleje’s kick took a promising bounce but was ultimately recovered by Beachside, allowing them to run out the clock with two quarterback kneels.
Now 3-6, Orange Park hosted the Clay High Blue Devils (2-7) in a county rivalry game on Oct. 30.

“We gotta focus on the little things,” Coach Wimberly said.

The Raiders will look to end the season on a high note, while Clay aims to add another win to their record.