The highly anticipated football season kicked off with an electrifying rivalry game on Friday, August 29, 2025, as the Raines Vikings hosted the Sandalwood Saints. This non-conference matchup pitted two storied Jacksonville, Florida, programs against each other in an early-season test of strength and skill. The Raines Vikings, a perennial powerhouse with a decorated history of state championships and a 13-1 record in 2024, were looking to begin their 2025 season with a victory after their scheduled opener was canceled. The Sandalwood Saints, also a consistently strong program, were looking to bounce back from an opening-season loss against Menendez. This game was a must-see for high school football fans, as it brought together two top-tier programs with a shared drive for victory. The atmosphere was sure to be electric, with both teams leaving it all on the field in this early-season battle. The outcome of this contest was significant for both teams as they looked to establish momentum for their 2025 campaigns.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: High School Football
Who: Raines Vikings vs Sandalwood Saints
When: Friday, Aug. 29, 2025
Who Won This Matchup?
This was a classic battle of two competitive programs, and the Raines Vikings were the favorites to win this game. The Vikings are a consistently strong program with a history of winning, including a state runner-up finish in 2024. The Sandalwood Saints also have a competitive program, but they were coming off a season-opening loss to Menendez by a score of 33-7. The Vikings’ home-field advantage and their recent winning history gave them a significant edge. Based on these factors, it was highly likely that the Vikings would continue their winning ways against the Saints.
Team Records and History
Both the Raines Vikings and the Sandalwood Saints have a rich history in Florida high school football. The Raines Vikings, from Jacksonville, Florida, have a long and decorated history of success. They have won multiple state championships and are known for their consistent winning and their ability to produce college-level and professional talent. The Vikings are a perennial state contender. The Sandalwood Saints, also from Jacksonville, have a history of being a competitive force. The Saints have had several successful seasons and are known for their competitive spirit and hard-nosed style of play. This matchup was a clash of two determined programs, each looking to add to their legacies.
Team Recent Results
This table provides a look at the most recent results for both the Raines Vikings and the Sandalwood Saints from their 2024 and 2025 seasons.
Raines Vikings Recent Results
The Vikings are coming off a great 2024 season that ended with a state final loss and started their 2025 season with a win. Here are some of their recent game scores:
| Date | Opponent | Score | Result |
| Fri, Dec 14, 2024 | vs. Northwestern | L 0-41 | Loss |
| Fri, Dec 6, 2024 | vs. Booker | W 28-23 | Win |
| Fri, Nov 29, 2024 | vs. Bishop Kenny | W 44-15 | Win |
Sandalwood Saints Recent Results
The Saints finished their 2024 season with a losing record and started their 2025 season with a loss. Here are some of their most recent scores:
| Date | Opponent | Score | Result |
| Fri, Aug 22, 2025 | vs. Menendez | L 7-33 | Loss |
| Thu, Oct 31, 2024 | @ Parker | L 0-42 | Loss |
| Fri, Oct 25, 2024 | vs. Creekside | L 7-35 | Loss |
Raines Vikings Upcoming Games Schedule
After their game against the Sandalwood Saints, the Raines Vikings will face a challenging schedule in their 2025 season.
| Date | Opponent | Location | Time |
| Fri, Aug 29 | vs. Sandalwood | Jacksonville, FL | 6:30 p.m. |
| Fri, Sep 5 | @ Trinity Christian Academy | Jacksonville, FL | 7:00 p.m. |
| Fri, Sep 12 | @ Lake Mary | Lake Mary, FL | 7:00 p.m. |
| Fri, Sep 26 | @ Riverside | Jacksonville, FL | 6:30 p.m. |
| Fri, Oct 4 | @ Ribault* | Jacksonville, FL | 2:00 p.m. |
Sandalwood Saints Upcoming Games Schedule
The Sandalwood Saints have a demanding schedule ahead in their 2025 season, starting with their road game against Raines.
| Date | Opponent | Location | Time |
| Fri, Aug 29 | @ Raines | Jacksonville, FL | 6:30 p.m. |
| Fri, Sep 5 | vs. Mandarin | Jacksonville, FL | 6:30 p.m. |
| Fri, Sep 12 | @ Atlantic Coast* | Jacksonville, FL | 6:30 p.m. |
| Fri, Sep 19 | @ Fletcher | Jacksonville, FL | 6:30 p.m. |
| Fri, Sep 26 | vs. Creekside* | Jacksonville, FL | 6:30 p.m. |
