How do Mandarin, Raines stack up? Inside the tale of the tape
Who comes out on top in Mandarin vs. Raines high school football? Here's a closer look at how the programs match up.
The high school football matchup between Mandarin and Raines is set for 6:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 18 at The Graveyard. The Times-Union provides an inside look at the tale of the tape, exploring the history and current standings of this Jacksonville gridiron series.
Mandarin enters the game with a 3-0 record in 2026, while Raines is undefeated with a 4-0 record. Head coach Donovan Masline has been leading Mandarin since 1990, and the school opened its doors in 1965. The Corral serves as Mandarin's home field, while The Graveyard is the site of this matchup. Mandarin's team colors are cardinal red and silver gray, and they compete in the 2-5A district against Raines.
In the series history, Mandarin has won 5 games, while Raines has claimed 4 victories. Raines holds a slight edge in active wins within the series, with 13 compared to Mandarin's 11. The longest winning streak for Mandarin stands at 18 games, while Raines boasts a remarkable 22-game winning streak in the series.
Gateway streaks add another layer to the competition. Mandarin's Gateway streak, which includes games played at both sites, measures 20 games, while Raines' Gateway streak extends to 22 games. The teams have also battled it out in terms of days played, with Mandarin's Gateway streak clocking in at 1,779 days and Raines' at 1,422 days.
When it comes to points scored, Mandarin has outscored Raines by a margin of 137 to 35. Conversely, Raines has allowed fewer points, keeping their average below 41. The two teams have faced each other numerous times, with Mandarin securing the No. 11 spot on the USA TODAY Super 25 list, while Raines sits at No. 22. Notable players like DT Kindrid Outland and DE Troy Butler have made their mark, with Outland earning Super 11 and Butler recognized as a Super 22 player.
Exceptional passing ability is highlighted by Mandarin's Sa Mon Ellison-Morgan (423) and Raines' Tristan Stevenson (98). On the ground, Mandarin's TJ Williamson (390) and Raines' Brysen Wright (311) lead the rushers, while Tristan Stevenson and Jerel Stephens contribute as top receivers. Mandarin's Johdeem Jones (25) and Carson Beck (2018) have been the top tacklers in the team's history.
Notably, neither team has produced a Pro Football Hall of Famer or Harold Carmichael. However, the sport's history has seen Brian Dawkins and Harold Carmichael grace the field.
In summary, Mandarin and Raines face off in a high-stakes matchup, each boasting a strong record and a rich history of on-field accomplishments. The outcome of this clash at The Graveyard remains uncertain as the countdown to game time continues.
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