Raines Defeated Mandarin in Jacksonville High School Football
The Raines Vikings secured a 31-13 victory, maintaining their dominance over Gateway Conference opponents.
Updated on Sept. 19, 2026 in Football
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The Raines football team extended its winning streak against Gateway Conference schools to 23 games after a 31-13 victory over Mandarin. Raines moved to a 5-0 record for the 2026 season.
Why it matters
The result ended Mandarin's 20-game winning streak against Duval County public schools. Raines improved its record to 32-1 since the start of the 2024 season, cementing its position as a regional powerhouse.
Raines moved to 5-0 on the 2026 season, while the loss dropped Mandarin to 3-1. Raines has maintained a 32-1 record overall since 2024, with its only defeat coming in the 2024 state championship.
The players
Raines High School
This Jacksonville high school football program has established a dominant record against local and conference rivals.
Mandarin High School
The Jacksonville-based school entered the game boasting a 20-game winning streak against Duval County public schools.
Marquez Hicks
He is a Raines player who contributed to the victory by scoring a touchdown on a deflected pass.
Emmanuel Cole
He is a Mandarin player who accounted for one of his team's touchdowns during the contest.
The details
Raines utilized consistent pressure from their defense and special teams to dictate the pace of the game at The Graveyard. Special teams play was particularly effective, pinning Mandarin inside its own 20-yard line on back-to-back drives.
Timeline
The game occurred on Friday night, September 18, 2026.
Raines has held a 32-1 record since the 2024 season.
The last Duval County public school to beat Raines was Jackson on October 27, 2022.
Season Trajectory
This win keeps Raines on a clear path to maintain its high standing within the Gateway Conference and Duval County rankings. The victory marks a departure from Mandarin's recent success, potentially shifting the competitive hierarchy within the local district as the season progresses.
The result impacts the Gateway Conference standings by ending Mandarin's unbeaten run against local public schools. Raines maintains its momentum toward a potential playoff seed with this undefeated 5-0 start.
The takeaway
Raines has proven its ability to control the game through high-pressure defensive strategies. This victory reinforces their status as the team to beat in Duval County football.
Further reading
For more updates on high school sports, visit the Football section.
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