Marion County high school football: Week 1 Recaps and Final scores

Leave the pads in the locker room we've got high school football games to break down. Eight teams took the field Friday but we're focusing on our three teams who win their season openers.

North Marion doused the Forest Wildcats 27-7 in coach head coach Jeremaiha Gates debut. Dunnellon showed the Seminoles they're ready to make a stand with 21-14 win. Lake Weir continued its dominance posting a 64-0 romp over Saint Francis.

These three teams made statements last nights. Let's see how loud each of them were during week 1 of Marion County high school football.

Top 10 showdown

Florida State University High School was a thorn in the side of another Marion County football team for several seasons. During week 1, the Tigers took that thorn out and sent the tree back to Tallahassee with a 21-14 loss.

Per FHSAA rankings Dunnellon was the under dog ranked 66 to Florida High's 47. Yet its Dunnellon's core of talent that set the tone for the game.

The scales have shifted in Dunnellon's favor. They're no longer the young talented team that competes with the big teams. This win is more than enough momentum to set a team in the right direction.

Hurricanes reign again

Its week two but Lake Weir is riding a five game win streak dating back to the 2023 season. They're not winning the games in close fashion either. Friday night was the second running clock game they've played this season.

The Sunshine Athletic Association state champions are playing with a championship aura. When they take the field they're confident. Its their second straight time they've started the season 2-0. That hasn't happened for the Hurricanes since the 2018 season.

Its early to declare Lake Weir dominant but don't tell that to the offense. They're mostly known for their ground game but starting quarterback Reche Shields threw three touchdowns. If the Hurricanes can open the sky player and parents better cancel any weekend trips in November. They'll be preparing for playoff football.

Leaving 1-9 behind

Surpassing last year's blip on the radar one win season isn't an astronomical ask. Making it happen in a week 1 rivalry however adds a layer of difficulty. It just wasn't enough to stump the Colts.

The offense that lit up the scoreboards at home in week 0 was on the road in week one. Brittin Stevens dialed up hear receivers early and often squeezing two touchdowns passes out of his first start as a North Marion quarterback. Jeremy Taylor broke the line on a short yard carry to give the Colts three offensive touchdowns.

The Colts defense that shut out West Port in its week 0 game watched Forest score its touchdown via punt return. Senior North Marion cornerback Dallas Richardson kept the Wildcats out of the skies with two interceptions. Outside linebacker Treyven Matthews reminded everyone he plays running back too with a scoop and score touchdown that put North Marion up 20-0 before halftime.

Week 1 Scores

This article originally appeared on Ocala Star-Banner: Marion County high school football: Week 1 Recaps and Final scores