JACKSONVILLE, Fla. \u2013 The sharp crack of shoulder pads colliding pierces the afternoon air. The sounds of the band playing and whistles being blown echo across the field known as \u201cThe Graveyard.\u201d Coaches are barking out directions and commands to the Raines High School football team. <\/p>\n
For the senior football players, these familiar sounds of their final practice in Jacksonville carry extra weight \u2013 each hit, each drill, each moment bringing them closer to Friday\u2019s 3A State Championship showdown with Miami Northwestern.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt hit me last night when I took my banner down,\u201d quarterback TJ Cole said. \u201cHaving my last practice in Jacksonville in high school, it\u2019s just crazy. It went by fast. I didn\u2019t believe it was going to go by this fast, but it definitely went by fast and it was definitely four years to remember.\u201d<\/p>\n
For this group of Vikings seniors, Friday\u2019s championship game represents more than just a chance at a title \u2013 it\u2019s an opportunity for redemption. Its a chance to face the same team that defeated them in last year\u2019s championship game.<\/p>\n
\u201cRevenge tour \u2014 last year we let the whole city down but this year we\u2019re coming for it all. We\u2019re going to definitely put up a fight,\u201d senior linebacker Tony Williams said.<\/p>\n
And that fight starts on the practice field. Now, the preparations are as focused and high-energy as they have been all season.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s been intense,\u201d head coach Donovan Masline said. \u201cFilm study has been intense. Game planning and practice has been intense. The kids have been practicing at a high level with a lot of energy, a lot of excitement, and the execution has been phenomenal.\u201d<\/p>\n
For senior defensive back Shareef Jackson, the championship represents a chance to add his own chapter to a storied family legacy. <\/p>\n
\u201cIn my household, it\u2019s bragging rights. My brother still holds that ring in front of my face,\u201d Jackson said. \u201cTo finish out that chapter, leave my legacy here where I started as a little boy, 6 years old running around the sidelines… that\u2019s the perfect ending to a movie.\u201d<\/p>\n
After making the state championship game for the second year in a row, Masline said this senior class has brought a \u201cwinning sense of pride.\u201d back to Raines. He said that change required commitment and dedication and said he wants to see them bring the trophy back to Duval. <\/p>\n
\u201cPlay all four quarters,\u201d Masline said. \u201cWin in the trenches. We have to win on the front line of scrimmage on both sides of the football and win the turnover battle, and then ultimately you got to make a big play on special teams.\u201d<\/p>\n
But the seniors understand that their legacy will be defined not just by reaching this stage, but by how they perform in their final high school game. <\/p>\n
\u201cI feel great,\u201d Williams said. \u201cA lot of emotions. I\u2019m happy at the same time but I\u2019m not too happy because I feel like my goal is not complete yet. My goal is to win so until I win then I can pretty much look back on it.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Vikings will face Miami Northwestern at 7:30 p.m. Friday at Pitbull Stadium in Miami.<\/p>\n
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