ITG Next is pleased to announce that it has joined forces with the U.S. Army’s Jacksonville Recruiting Company to identify and recognize one Northeast Florida high school sports program each month from August through December 2026.
This collaboration between ITG Next and the Army seeks to recognize a Northeast Florida team that has demonstrated the same core values that the Army looks for in its recruits, including fortitude, teamwork, and toughness.
ITG Next will work with the Jacksonville Army Recruiting Company to identify and review the performances of teams in the greater Jacksonville area that meet criteria established for the award.
The first Team of the Month is the Orange Park High School football program.
Orange Park Football Shows Resilience After Tough Start
The Raiders were a strong fit as the August Team of the Month.
After starting the season with two tough losses, Orange Park rallied to win two of its next three games, improving to 2-3 at the halfway point of the regular season. In the process, the Raiders put themselves squarely in the mix for the FHSAA Class 4A playoff race.
The game against Atlantic Coast showed the type of resiliency and never-quit attitude the Army looks for when considering the Team of the Month. The Raiders found themselves trailing 14-0 at halftime and facing another loss, but, according to Orange Park head coach Marcus Wimberly, the players talked among themselves and, with guidance from their coaches, decided to take control of the game.
“Our players looked at one another, we made some adjustments, and they decided to come together as a team for the rest of the game,” Wimberly said.
The result was a 21-point third-quarter turnaround that saw the Raiders take the lead while holding Atlantic Coast without another touchdown for the rest of the game. Orange Park outscored its opponent 27-2 in the second half to overcome the 14-point deficit and earn its first win of the season.
“We came together as a team and got it done,” Wimberly said.
US Army Team of the Month Recognition Fuels Orange Park Victory
On the day Orange Park was recognized as the U.S. Army Northeast Florida High School Team of the Month, the Raiders responded with a burst of pride that carried over into their next game against Terry Parker High School.
“Our kids were so excited to have the U.S. Army here, and to be recognized with the award for Team of the Month really motivated our young men to go out and give their absolute best effort in that night’s football game,” Wimberly said.
Orange Park carried that excitement and positive attitude into the game against Terry Parker and came out firing on all cylinders. The Raiders scored 21 points in the opening quarter while holding the Braves to six points in the first half.
Orange Park added another touchdown in the third quarter to take a commanding 28-6 lead before closing out a 28-14 victory for its second win in three games.
“Having the U.S. Army here gave our kids so much pride and motivation, and our young men responded with a great performance,” Wimberly said. “It was a big win-win for us.”
