Football Recap: Jacksonville Starts Season with Win Against West Carteret

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Previous Games

08/22/25 - Home	43-24 W
11/15/24 - Home	54-0 W
10/01/24 - Away	21-10 W
09/08/23 - Home	35-8 W
09/09/22 - Away	49-3 W
+ 5 more games

Jacksonville gave their fans exactly what they wanted out of a home opener on Friday. They strolled past the West Carteret Patriots with points to spare, taking the game 43-24. Given the Cardinals' advantage in MaxPreps' North Carolina football rankings (they are ranked 47th, while the Patriots are ranked 188th) , the result wasn't entirely unexpected.

Amaree Betton had an outrageously good game as he rushed for 108 yards and a pair of touchdowns on only six carries. He got the majority of those rushing yards when he took off on a run that went for an incredible 57 yards. Speaking of playmakers, who could forget Jessie James, who went all the way with a kickoff return for a touchdown.

Special teams also deserves some recognition, posting 17 points in total. The biggest highlight from special teams (and perhaps the team as a whole) came courtesy of Yondez Baker, who ran a kickoff back for a touchdown.

Looking ahead, Jacksonville will challenge Northside - Jacksonville at 7:00 p.m. on Friday. As for West Carteret, they will take on East Carteret at 7:00 p.m. on Friday.