KICKOFF CLASSIC PREVIEW: Sanford Seminole at Orlando Jones

SANFORD SEMINOLE VS. ORLANDO JONES

WHEN: Thursday, 7 p.m. ET

WHERE: Jones HS Field

2020 RECORDS: Sanford Seminole, 12-0; Orlando Jones, 10-1

COACHES: Sanford Seminole – Eric Lodge; Orlando Jones – Elijah Williams

LIVESTREAM: Varsity Sports Network – Orlando – CLICK HERE

SEMINOLE NOTES: Seminole is coming off a 12-0 season in 2020, winning the Class 8A State Championship over Kissimmee Osceola in Eric Lodge’s first year as head coach … The Fighting Seminoles will be replacing several key players from the 2020 squad including all-state quarterback Timmy McClain and all-statewide wide receiver Jimmy Horn … Seminole returns only six offensive starters while only returning four defensive starters from last year’s state championship team … some names to keep an eye out early for include DB/WR Jacari Henderson (Sr.), DB/WR Demari Henderson (Sr.), LB Kameron Moore (Sr.), DL Anthony Dunn Jr. (Sr.) and OL/DL Kentravious Williams (Sr.).

JONES NOTES: Jones is coming off a 10-1 season that ended with a loss in the Class 5A regional finals to Tampa Jesuit … This year Jones will compete in Class 6A with a district that expands from Lake County to Daytona Beach that includes state runner-up Lake Minneola and Daytona Beach Mainland … The Tigers will be filling the shoes of all-state players that graduated including OL Javonte Gardner, OL Rachard Calloway, and DB Rickey Smith … Jones returns only five starters on offense and two starters on defense … A few key players to watch include WR A’ceon Cobb (Sr.), TE Anthony Rucker (Sr.), QB Julian Calvez (Sr.), and DL D’Antre Robinson (So.)

THOUGHTS: This is a great test for both teams who are expected to make deep playoff runs once again in 2021. This matchup happened as a result of both teams losing their original opponents for their kickoff classics due to COVID-19 issues. With both teams having to replace a lot of key talent, this will be a great game for those who are looking to fill the shoes of the leaders from 2020, to build upon a successful 2021 season.

WHO DO YOU THINK WINS TONIGHT?

Sanford Seminole (8A) vs. Orlando Jones (6A)

@SSNolesFootball @elodge4 @JonesHSFootball @jones_athletics

— FloridaHSFootball.com (@FlaHSFootball) August 19, 2021