Updated on: October 10, 2024 9:39 pm GMT
As anticipation builds for one of the most exciting high school football matchups in Central Florida, the Edgewater Eagles prepare to face off against the Jones Tigers this Saturday at Camping World Stadium. Both teams enter the game with strong performances this season, highlighting their offensive capabilities and showcasing top talent that could impact future college recruitment.
High Stakes for Both Teams
This Week 4 clash features the highly ranked Jones Tigers, who are currently 2-0 and sitting at No. 9 in the state while the Edgewater Eagles boast a 2-1 record and hold the No. 9 spot in Class 5A rankings. Coaches Elijah Williams from Jones and Cameron Duke from Edgewater expressed their enthusiasm for the showdown, deeming it a perfect opportunity to evaluate their respective squads against formidable opponents.
Jones is coming off a notable 28-21 victory over Evans and seeks to continue its winning streak. The team’s success has been propelled by a dynamic quarterback-wide receiver tandem. Dereon Coleman, a Miami commit, and Vernell Brown III, a Florida commit, have been making headlines for their exceptional performances.
Edgewater, on the other hand, aims to extend its winning momentum after recent dominant victories against Wekiva (43-6) and Freedom (56-0). This follows a narrow 28-24 loss to The First Academy, marking their first home defeat since the 2016-17 season. The Eagles have not only elevated their game since that setback but have also made a strong defensive statement, allowing just six points over their last two matches.
Key Players to Watch
Both teams feature a wealth of talent that could be captivating for college scouts:
- Jones Tigers:
- Dereon Coleman: A three-star quarterback committed to Miami.
- Vernell Brown III: A four-star receiver with a commitment to Florida.
- Frederick Ards: A sophomore EDGE with offers from Texas A&M, Syracuse, and Duke.
- Christian Robbins: A standout in the secondary, drawing interest from FAU and Georgia Tech.
- Edgewater Eagles:
- Carter Emanuel: A junior quarterback attracting offers from Arkansas, West Virginia, and UCF.
- Jaden Wilkerson: A three-star offensive tackle committed to Miami.
- Semaj Fleming: An athlete excelling in various roles, committed to Boston College.
Looking Ahead: Additional Matchups in the Area
As the Edgewater-Jones game stands out as a significant matchup, other contests are also shaping the landscape of Orlando area high school football. Notably, on Friday, Lake Mary will take on Dr. Phillips, marking another Sentinel Super 16 encounter that fans are eager to watch. The First Academy will participate in a district road game, as will Bishop Moore against Mount Dora, which presents more exciting action for local football enthusiasts.
Where to Watch
Football fans looking to catch the excitement can watch the Edgewater vs. Jones game live on the NFHS Network, providing an opportunity to see some of the best young talent in the state on display.
Conclusion
The Edgewater-Jones rivalry game is a big deal in Central Florida high school football. Both teams have great records and amazing players, making this matchup exciting to watch. As the season goes on, every game matters not just for the rankings, but also for the dreams of the young athletes. How this game turns out could really shape the rest of the season for both teams.