Bolles, Raines high school football react to 'distasteful' social posts, postgame jawing

The Bolles and Raines athletic programs issued statements late Sunday night in an effort to defuse tensions following the teams' Friday night high school football game, which ended in shouting and taunting on the field following Raines' 32-23 victory at Skinner-Barco Stadium.

In statements from the office of Raines athletic director Joacquina Waters-Jones and from Bolles head football coach Matt Toblin, posted to the schools' respective football Instagram pages late Sunday, both schools attempted to calm the waters.

Toblin said some Bulldogs players "lost focus of our commitment," and he apologized for "distasteful and uncharacteristic posts directed at our opponent" that occurred prior to the game.

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WHAT HAPPENED BEFORE THE RAINES-BOLLES GAME?

Tensions stemmed in part from a photo in which several Bolles players directed obscene gestures toward the camera in an image with the caption "Raines Hate Week."

That Bolles photo was subsequently reprinted on a T-shirt that Raines head coach Donovan Masline wore following Friday night's Vikings victory. Bolles had eliminated Raines, 14-7 , from the Class 2M Florida High School Athletic Association playoffs in 2023.

"It definitely gave us a lot more motivation," Masline said after Friday's game. "We don't disrespect. We respect every program in the area, in the city, in the state. So when someone disrespects our brand, it's like somebody talking about our mom or our dad."

Those emotions flared again when the clock struck zero, with jawing and gesturing as the teams approached each other after the game, including several Raines players nearing the Bolles sideline. Officials and administrators called off the traditional postgame handshakes.

"This game has provided insight into areas that can be addressed by the coaches for future contests; everyone involved in the development of the young men will be ready for future conversations centered on competitiveness, school pride, sportsmanship, and leadership. There is always an opportunity to be better," the Raines athletic department said in its post.

"I hope the lessons from this week make us a better team and more importantly better men," Toblin said.

Unlike last year, Bolles and Raines cannot meet each other in the 2024 postseason because of FHSAA reclassification, which moved Raines to Class 3A and Bolles to Class 2A. The teams have collided in regional playoffs in 1996, 2011, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2022 and 2023.

Bolles plays 7 p.m. Friday at private-school rival Trinity Christian, while Raines plays 6:30 p.m. Friday at Sandalwood.

FULL TEXT OF RAINES STATEMENT

Greetings to Viking Nation and North Florida High School Football Fans,

Friday Night was another classic game between two football powerhouses, Raines and Bolles with Raines emerging as the winner. It was a hard-fought battle between two talented, well-coached teams. The contest between Raines and Bolles continues to be one of the most anticipated matchups in the area for good reason; it is exciting and a great representation of the game for football enthusiasts.

As the weekend has progressed, it has become obvious that there were other concerns around the game. Many have weighed in and offered advice on how different actions should have taken place. Here is where we are at this time; this game has provided insight into areas that can be addressed by the coaches for future contests; everyone involved in the development of the young men will be ready for future conversations centered on competitiveness, school pride, sportsmanship, and leadership. There is always an opportunity to be better.

Raines Head Coach Donovan Masline and Bolles Head Coach Matt Toblin have had the opportunity to talk, and each has a healthy respect for each other as well as their programs. They are ready to move forward to focus on the remainder of their season, and we are asking the community to do the same.

Please continue to support your athletes and team. We would like to wish Bolles good luck and hope for success on the remainder of their season, and I am sure they wish the same for us in return.

As always, we thank you for your support! Ichiban, Number one!

FULL TEXT OF BOLLES STATEMENT

Our commitment at Bolles football has always been to fiercely compete and excel at the highest level on the fields, in the classroom, and in our personal lives within the community.

Unfortunately, we lost focus of our commitment and last week made distasteful and uncharacteristic posts directed at our opponent. We have the utmost respect for Raines and their football program. The rivalry has meant so much to Jacksonville high school sports and has made both of us better.

Congrats to Raines on the win. They were the better team Friday night. I hope the lessons from this week make us a better team and more importantly better men.

Good luck to Raines as they prepare for Sandalwood this week. To Bulldog nation I can't wait to see you at Trinity this Friday. Go Dogs!

This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Bolles, Raines high school football react to 'distasteful' social posts, postgame jawing