TOP GAMES OF THE WEEK PREVIEW: Bradford at Baker County

Bradford Tornadoes at Baker County Wildcats

When: Friday

Where: Memorial Stadium, Macclenny

Kickoff: 7 PM ET

Radio: Bradford: WEAG 106.3 FM, Starke; Baker County: WFBB 97.5 FM, Macclenny

Coaches: Brian Tomlinson, Bradford; Kevin Mays, Baker County

Last Five Meetings
2019: Bradford 27, Baker County 24
2015: Baker County 33, Bradford 14
2014: Baker County 43, Bradford 7
2013: Baker County 43, Bradford 6
2012: Baker County 20, Bradford 12

Key Players: Bradford: OG Levonte Daniels (2021), SAF Sterling Roberts (2021),  SAF Dontae Balfour (2021), ATH Erric Smith (2021), QB Pedro Carter (2021); Baker County: RB Scooby Graham (2021), OG Damontae Gibson (2021), DT/NG Weston Avera, MLB Camilo Rollins (2022)

Skinny: This is a huge rivalry between two neighboring counties that truly despise each other on the football field and they finally renewed that rivalry last year. With COVID-19 the rivalry was in danger of not being able to be played this year as it was an original Week 1 game that was canceled out that to the FHSAA Board of Directors decision to delay the start of the season. However, with some luck and another game falling through for Baker County, both teams were able to get the game back on the schedule. Last year, the Tornadoes were able to get a victory over the Wildcats for the first time in many years. The Tornadoes will be coming in with some fresh faces who will be stepping in to fill some largest shoes after losing six Class 4A All-State athletes from last season. However, there isn’t a total lack of talent as Bradford has some quality Division I talent including Daniels who has committed to FIU), Roberts who is committed to Troy,, Balfour who hold nearly a dozen offers, and Smith starting to grab some looks. Baker County sees the return of four-year starter and all-state rusher Graham who ran for 1,208 yards and 17 touchdowns last season. Expect Graham to be a workhorse once again for the Wildcats this season.

Joe Pinkos’ Forecast: Baker County by 1

Twitter Poll

Who do you think wins Friday night?

Bradford at Baker County
When: Friday, 9/4
Where: Memorial Stadium, Macclenny
Kickoff: 7 PM ET@BHSTornadoFB @CoachBT9 @Bigcoachmays

— FloridaHSFootball.com (@FlaHSFootball) September 2, 2020