One Step Closer

Maclay Marauders Football vs. North Florida Educational Institute Fighting Eagles

Photo by Ryan Reinoso on Unsplash

On Friday, Nov. 14, the Maclay Marauders faced the North Florida Education Institute Eagles (NFEI) in the first round of the 2025 1A FHSAA State Championship bracket. The Marauders were the No. 3 seed on their side of the bracket and hosted NFEI, a No. 6 seed. After a back-and-forth first quarter, the Marauders eventually secured the win, taking down the Fighting Eagles 39-18 and clinching the team's first home playoff win while advancing to the second round of the playoffs.

“[The win] felt really special,” senior Abram Wildrick said. “Because of the work that we put in leading up to this game, and we made history by winning it.”

The Marauders were led by many in this game, but junior Beau Beshears had one of his best performances of the season. Beshears combined for a total of five touchdowns, and even had a receiving touchdown.

“It felt good beating them,” Beshears said. “It was our first playoff win at Maclay and our preparation led us to the win.”

The Marauders’ next game is on Friday, Nov. 21, at Trinity Christian Academy in Jacksonville, where they look to advance to the next round of the playoffs.