WEEK 1 GAME TO WATCH: Robert E. Lee at No. 10 Raines

ROBERT E. LEE (JACKSONVILLE) AT NO. 10 RAINES (JACKSONVILLE)

When: Friday, August 24, 7:00 p.m.

Where: Earl S. Kitchings Stadium (a.k.a. The Graveyard), Jacksonville

Live Video Stream: NFHS Network – The Prep Zone/DuvalSports.com

Robert E. Lee Outlook: The Generals are looking to the get the season started off on the right track with another win over the Raines Vikings. As it is noted, the Generals are the only team last year to defeat the now-current defending Class 4A State Champions. While no results were reported for the three-team jamboree the General participated in last week with West Nassau and Terry Parker, there is a lot of hope for the team with six starters back on offense and five on defense, according to DuvalSports.com. Some key players to watch include WR Juriai Caldwell, ATH Taz Nicholson, RB Kevonte Doles, as well DB Robert Simmons. Players like QB Cameron Sapp, RB Malik Brown and WR/DB Deshaun Davis make up a group of newcomers that transferred into Lee over the offseason.

Raines Outlook: Raines came just the second team in Duval County history last season to win an FHSAA State Championship in football – 20 years after the 1997 Raines team knocked off Glades Central for their first one. Now, the expectations are even higher as the Vikings are pegged to potentially repeat this year. However, the expectations will come with newcomers filling the role of several key losses due to the graduation, but the cupboard is not bare at all in Northwest Jacksonville. One of the top key players that is back is RB Brandon Marshall who rushed for over 1,700 yards and 22 touchdowns last season as well LB Javon Bonsell who had 72 tackles and 11 sacks in 2017. According to DuvalSports.com, Raines has 10 starters back on defense which should be huge for the Vikings as the new offensive pieces gel during the first weeks of the season. Raines defeated Rockledge 34-28 in the 4QuartersOnline.com Kickoff Classic in Daytona Beach last Saturday.

FloridaHSFootball.com Pick: Raines over Robert E. Lee

Joe Pinkos: Raines by 7

USA TODAY HSS Score Predictor: Raines 35, Robert E. Lee 20

POLL: Who wins Friday night between Robert E. Lee (Jacksonville) and No. 10 Raines (Jacksonville)

GAME DETAILS:
Friday, 7:00 ET
Earl S. Kitchings Stadium aka The Graveyard
Jacksonville#flhsfb

@JaxLeeAthletics @RainesVikings

— FloridaHSFootball.com (@FlaHSFootball) August 21, 2018