For some Northeast Florida high schools, FHSAA spring football begins April 24. Here's why
Spring football season is knocking on the door — and, for some, it's here.
While May 1 marks the beginning of spring football practices for a majority of schools in Northeast Florida, others will begin Monday to hear the whistle tweet the first football sounds of spring.
Pads aren't meeting pads just yet — that will have to wait. But with spring football officially here at several schools, the fall gridiron buzz is building rapidly.
APRIL 24 OR MAY 1: WHY ARE THERE TWO DIFFERENT FHSAA SPRING FOOTBALL DATES?
First, the question many fans will wonder: Why aren't all Florida high schools beginning spring football on the same date in 2023?
The earlier start is permissible under Florida High School Athletic Association Policy 6.1.1.1, which governs spring practices: "Competitive Cheerleading and football may engage in spring practice for a maximum of twenty (20) sessions commencing with the Monday of Week 44 or the last twenty (20) days of the school year, whichever comes first. The varsity team and each individual student may compete in one (1) jamboree or one (1) spring classic game during the final week, which must be counted as one (1) of the twenty (20) sessions."
Under that policy, some schools may have an option for the earlier start, depending on the calendar of the school district. For example, St. Johns County's last day of school is May 25, while Duval County remains in session through June 2.
The split-date start isn't limited to Northeast Florida. Robbie Lindeman, FHSAA director of athletics for football, confirmed in an e-mail message to the Times-Union that the association granted a waiver for many schools statewide for the April 24 practice opening, due to "graduation, exams and other various reasons."
Regardless of start date, the limit of total sessions remains in place, as do the FHSAA's restrictions for the opening days of practice: The first two days are helmets-only, the third through fifth days may introduce shoulder pads and the sixth day onward can include full gear and physical contact.
Here's a look at storylines for several of the teams that plan spring football starts on Monday.
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BAKER COUNTY
2022 record: 9-4.
District: 5-2S, with Baldwin, Fernandina Beach, West Nassau and Yulee.
Storylines to watch: Changes are coming to a Baker County offense that must replace graduating running back Cam Smith, who gained more than 3,750 career yards on the ground in Macclenny. Work in the spring will be a key. It's also a chance for the Wildcats to find the optimal roles for versatile athletes like Davion Dean, who did a bit of everything (428 yards passing, 497 rushing, 249 receiving and six interceptions on defense) in an impressive sophomore year.
BARTRAM TRAIL
2022 record: 12-1.
District: 3-4S, with Creekside, Fleming Island, Gainesville Buchholz and Oakleaf.
Storylines to watch: How will the Bears replace the only football coach the school has ever known? Cory Johns makes the move to St. Johns County to take over from the retired Darrell Sutherland, in charge for 23 years. Region 1-4S finalist last year, the Bears return major talent to ease the transition, including UCF-committed quarterback Riley Trujillo and one of the area's most productive running backs in Laython Biddle.
CREEKSIDE
2022 record: 9-3.
District: 3-4S, with Bartram Trail, Fleming Island, Gainesville Buchholz and Oakleaf.
Storylines to watch: After one winning season all-time before Sean McIntyre took over as head coach in 2017, the Knights have topped .500 three years in a row and return significant firepower on offense as they aim to take the next step. Spring is the time to develop the right mix around running back Nicholas Williams (1,409 rushing yards, 17 TD) and QB Sean Ashenfelder as Creekside gears up for one of Northeast Florida's toughest districts.
NEASE
2022 record: 2-8.
District: 4-4S, with Flagler Palm Coast and Ponte Vedra.
Storylines to watch: Nease seeks consistency after a couple of years as Team Roller Coaster in the win column, from 1-8 (2020) to 9-4 and a regional final (2021) and back down to 2-8 (2022). Key tasks for head coach Collin Drafts include resolving the quarterback position after the graduation of West Florida signee Marcus Stokes and shoring up a defense that yielded 34.7 points per game last fall.
TOCOI CREEK
2022 record: 6-4.
District: 6-2S, with Bradford, Keystone Heights and Palatka.
Storylines to watch: The Toros are also in transition from the only coach in program history, after Mike Kolakowski announced his retirement and Zach Harbison moved south from Englewood to take his place. For the new staff, taking the first step toward building cohesion and making assessments in key position battles will be key: They're in a tough district that likely isn't getting easier in 2023.
UNION COUNTY
2022 record: 8-3.
Region: 3-1R, with Bell, Branford, Fort White, Hamilton County, Hilliard, Madison County and Mayo Lafayette.
Storylines to watch: While Bartram Trail and Tocoi Creek are weathering coaching changes, Union County's transition encompasses a host of key lineup positions on both sides of the ball. The Fightin' Tigers must develop replacements for graduated starters like QB A.J. Cortese, running back Rayvon Durant, defensive tackle Markus Strong and athlete Daylyn Diston, and the task starts now. Watch for 330-pounder Jacob Jenkins to fill in as Union County's next quality run-stuffer.
This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: High school football: Some Northeast Florida teams begin spring practice April 24
