JACKSONVILLE - Orange Park High head football coach Marcus Wimberly has had his chances at football success with a University of Miami national championships, a Tennessee high school state title and a stint in the National Football League and it is with that experience under his belt is how Wimberly will try to turn the Raiders program around to its former greatness.
"We lost our quarterback (Gabe Taylor) for half the season and that was disappointing,"said Wimberly, who finished 3-7 last year with wins over Ridgeview, Westside and Clay after a 4-6 season the prior year with strong wins over playoff-bound Middleburg, Ridgeview, Melbourne and an overtime 28-27 loss to Fleming Island. "We have a lot to prove this year after being literally two points from a good season."
Wimberly acknowledged that the district the Raiders sit in; district 3-5A, features a lineup that had four playoff teams last year; Fleming Island, Beachside, Ponte Vedra and Middleburg.
"It's a lot of mental fortitude and staying locked in," said Wimberly. "We minimize our mistakes and just worry about us. We have a good group here this season."
With his district one of the toughest to crack, Wimberly also has one of the toughest schedules in the area with a preseason game against Ridgeview followed by games against Oakleaf, Riverside, Fleming Island, Bartram Trail and Middleburg; all playoff teams.

"We purposely schedule to play solid teams," said Wimberly. "At first, it looks tough, but if we play our game, I think we can have good games, maybe get a bounce or two and surprise people."
Joining Wimberly on the Baker Sports Media Day stage were Taylor, running back Austee'n Mills, assistant coach Tyler DeHart, wide receiver Jack Rivera, and lineman Terrion Butler, cornerback Derek Page III and Jeremiah Jennings.
"I see my guys working hard and doing their jobs,"said Taylor. "Our goal is to do our jobs and win the day."
Orange Park will feature two rugged running backs in Mills and backfield mate Xzavier Jones.
"We can switch out either position and be effective," said Mills. "We like to take it through the line and break out."