JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The Raines Vikings have once again claimed the state title, marking their fourth championship victory.

In a thrilling rematch of last year’s FHSAA 3A Football Championship, the Vikings narrowly defeated the Miami Northwestern Bulls with a final score of 23-22 on Friday night.

Both teams entered the showdown undefeated, boasting impressive records of 13-0 and consistently scoring over 40 points per game throughout the season.

The game kicked off with the Bulls making an aggressive push into the red zone during their opening drive. However, on a critical 3rd and goal from the 6-yard line, Raines’ defensive end Cameron Washington delivered a pivotal sack on Bulls’ quarterback Neiman Lawrence.

This defensive stand forced Miami Northwestern to settle for a field goal, giving them an early 3-0 lead.

In the second quarter, the Bulls coughed it up during a punt return, fumbling the ball as Raines recovered it at the 33-yard line on their side of the field.

But the Bulls would come up with a turnover of their own, as Vikings quarterback TJ Cole was intercepted by Nick Lennear.

With another possession in the redzone, the Bulls failed again to score a touchdown, as Raines defensive back Shareef Jackson delivered a big hit on Bulls running back Tarvail Mathis, forcing a fumble.

At the half, the Bulls led 3-0.

In the third quarter, with Raines down six, Johdeem Jones would come up in a big way, intercepting Bulls quarterback Neiman Lawrence and returning it inside the 5-yard line. Jones would fumble the ball, but with his teammates Johnny-on-the-spot, the Vikings recovered it in the endzone for six.

With less than three minutes left in the game, the Vikings punched it into the endzone again. This time, with quarterback TJ Cole running into the endzone from the 9-yard line.

But the Bulls would answer back, scoring a 62-yard touchdown on a pass caught by Nick Lennear. After a failed two-point conversion, the Bulls led 22-17.

With 18 seconds left, Vikings quarterback TJ Cole hooked up with wide receiver Tadarius Washington for a 17-yard passing touchdown, a thrilling ending to an unforgettable classic.