High school football returned to the Capital City on Friday night, and Leon County’s teams delivered a statement opening week. Six of the area’s eight programs posted wins in Week 1 of the FHSAA schedule, headlined by a long-awaited breakthrough in one of Tallahassee’s fiercest rivalries. Here’s a look at every local result, the names behind them, and one stat that told the story of each game.
Godby 35, Rickards 13
The Battle of the Blue finally swung back to the Cougars. Godby ended a six-game skid against crosstown rival Rickards behind a sharp performance from senior quarterback Landon Dougherty, who completed 13 of 24 passes for 219 yards and four touchdowns — earning Tallahassee Quarterback Club Offensive Player of the Week honors. Running back Kamren McMillan added 156 yards and a score on just 13 carries, while Lacari Murray hauled in a touchdown pass. Highlight stat: Dougherty’s four touchdown passes, more than Godby needed to snap the six-game losing streak to Rickards.
Chiles 50, Impact Christian 0
The Timberwolves turned their home opener into a ground-and-pound clinic. Markus Lundy ran for 110 yards and a touchdown on only six carries, and Chris Mitchell wasn’t far behind with 102 yards and two scores on five attempts. Chiles’ defense pitched the shutout to move to 1-0. Highlight stat: Chiles piled up 268 rushing yards.
Leon 42, Fernandina Beach 24
The Lions opened with a win at home behind a breakout rushing performance. Ka’Yun Adger ran for 129 yards and two touchdowns, averaging 7.2 yards per carry, while Markeith Buggs contributed 105 receiving yards and a score. Senior linebacker Randon Manausa earned Defensive Player of the Week recognition for his play on both sides — he added 48 yards and a touchdown on six carries. Highlight stat: Adger’s 129 rushing yards and two touchdowns powered a 42-point opener.
Lincoln 13, Crestview 10
The Trojans authored the night’s best comeback, rallying from a 10-0 deficit on the road at Jack Foster Stadium. Quarterback Thomas Hutchinson hit Trevor Jacobs for the game-tying touchdown with just over two minutes left, and kicker Barron Burris split the uprights on a go-ahead field goal in the final minute after Reginald Thompson carried the offense to the 1-yard line. Highlight stat: Lincoln erased a 10-point second-half deficit on the strength of Burris’s two field goals, including the game-winner.
Florida High 37, Navarre 13
The Seminoles made it look easy at home, jumping out to a 21-7 lead after the first quarter and never letting Navarre back in it. Senior tackle Micah Deem (6-foot-3, 255 pounds) anchored the line and was named Offensive Lineman of the Week. Highlight stat: Florida High outscored Navarre 13-0 in the second half, turning an early lead into a 24-point rout.
Maclay 38, Lafayette 0
The Marauders cruised on the road behind a prolific passing attack. Quarterback Beau Beshears completed 78.6 percent of his throws for 253 yards and four touchdowns, and senior Henry Richardson was named Impact Player of the Week after catching four passes for 125 yards and two scores while adding two interceptions on defense. Highlight stat: Richardson’s two-way night — two touchdown catches plus two interceptions.
Around Leon County
Elsewhere, North Florida Christian fell 34-14 at Franklin County, while FAMU DRS dropped a 31-18 decision to Abbeville Christian (Ala.) on the road, leaving the Eagles and Baby Rattlers looking for their first wins.
It was a dominant Friday for Leon County football: five of the six teams that played at home or in winnable road matchups came away victorious, led by Godby’s long-awaited rivalry triumph. The Cougars now head to Mosley with momentum, Chiles hosts Florida High in a marquee county clash next week, and Lincoln — fresh off its dramatic win — looks to build on the opening-night momentum.
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