News Summary
Raines High School announced the cancellation of its football season opener against Miami Central, which was set for August 23. The decision was communicated via social media, but reasons remain unclear, with security and weather logistics cited by Duval County Public Schools. The game will not be rescheduled, leaving Raines with only nine potential games this season, although they may find a replacement match. Fans who bought tickets will receive refunds, and the team is set to begin its regular season against Sandalwood on August 29.
Jacksonville, FL – Raines High School has confirmed that its football season opener against Miami Central, originally scheduled for August 23, has been officially canceled. The announcement was made on the morning of August 14 through the school’s Facebook and Instagram accounts.
Details regarding the specific reasons for the cancellation remain unclear as neither Raines nor Miami Central has provided an explanation. According to a spokesperson for the Duval County Public Schools (DCPS), the inability to coordinate an acceptable starting time for the game that would ensure security and safe weather conditions contributed to the decision.
Raines, currently ranked No. 20, and Miami Central, ranked No. 11 in the USA TODAY Florida Network Super 25, will not reschedule the game. As a result, Raines could potentially end the season with only nine games. However, opportunities may still exist for the school to secure a replacement matchup during the weeks of August 22 or September 19, which was initially planned as a bye week.
Fans who purchased tickets for the canceled match via the GoFan platform will receive refunds. Information regarding the refund process has been communicated to supporters through social media channels. The cancellation has been met with disappointment from fans eager to see the highly anticipated matchup between these two competitive teams.
Looking to the upcoming season, Raines is set to start its regular season on August 29 against Sandalwood. Before that, the Raines football team is also scheduled to hold their kickoff classic on August 15 at KIPP Bold City.
Last season, Raines had a successful run, finishing undefeated in the regular season with a record of 13-0 before eventually losing in the Class 3A state final against Miami Northwestern. Meanwhile, Miami Central’s last season involved a strong beginning with an 8-1 record; however, they had to forfeit eight games due to the use of an ineligible player.
This is not the first cancellation Raines has faced. Last year, a game against Madison County was also called off because of Hurricane Milton. Madison County later went on to secure the FHSAA Rural championship.
As for the broader implications, the cancellation means that Raines will need to adjust its preparations and strategies for the season ahead. Fans are encouraged to stay updated on any further changes and developments as the football season progresses.
In conjunction with the season’s changes, Florida Times-Union readers may take advantage of a 25% discount on a yearly NFHS Network pass for 2025 by using the promo code USATODAY25 before September 7.
The situation remains fluid, and Raines administrators have indicated that “some things were out of our hands” concerning the decision to cancel the opener against Miami Central. As the situation unfolds, the school and its football team prepare to focus on the remainder of the football season.
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Additional Resources
- First Coast News
- Wikipedia: High School Football in the United States
- Jacksonville.com
- Google Search: Florida High School Football Cancellation
- News4JAX
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Football (Sport)
- Sports Illustrated
- Google News: Raines High School Football
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