The St. Augustine Yellow Jackets fell just one win short of capturing the state title last season.
Brian Braddock's team led Mainland 13-0 at halftime but ultimately lost 19-18 after Jacob Gettman nailed the game-winning field goal. The head coach at Mainland then—Travis Roland—is now the head coach at Camden County.
Braddock said the loss still stings, but it's a new season, and the team is motivated to bring another state football title to the nation's oldest city.
The Yellow Jackets are looking forward to playing in front of their home crowd.
"We like our home, we like our fan base. Most of the people that come to the game are alumni, so it's deeper than fans showing up. It's people that have been there in the past," said Trenton Jones, a senior wide receiver for St. Augustine.
"A lot of people used to play for St. Augustine, and it's a blessing that we have an opportunity to put on for our city and show what we are capable of," said Carl Jenkins Jr., a senior wide receiver for St. Augustine.
Their first game is on August 16 against Ponte Vedra with kickoff set for 7 p.m.