(This story has been updated to add a photo or video.)
Standing on his own 15, Naeem Burroughs reached for the bouncing punt. One-handed. The kind of high school football play that typically gives coaches a few more gray hairs.
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Except that by now, Bolles coach Matt Toblin is used to watching Burroughs work magic on the Skinner-Barco Stadium turf.
“It’s, ‘Oh no, oh no, oh no,’ and then, ‘OK!'” Toblin said.
Destination end zone, and Burroughs was far from finished.
Bolles wide receiver Naeem Burroughs (1) catches a deep pass against Riverside during a high school football game on Oct. 16, 2025. [Clayton Freeman/Florida Times-Union]
By overcoming visiting Riverside 45-14 in Thursday night football on Oct. 16, the Bulldogs — ranked second in Class 2A in the USA TODAY Florida Network poll — displayed the varied attributes that have players and fans alike dreaming of a first Florida High School Athletic Association title since 2011.
Clemson-committed Super 11 wideout Burroughs found the end zone three ways: the aforementioned punt return gamble that turned into an 85-yard touchdown, plus a reception from Jaden Weatherly and an end-around. State rushing leader Xander Edwards ran for three touchdowns, too. Add three sacks from 2028 mega-prospect Asher Ghioto.
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In hockey or soccer, that’s like a hat trick of hat tricks. In football, it’s one more sign that Bolles football can overcome its foes in many ways.
BOLLES ADJUSTS ON GROUND
No repeat of the 522-yard, eight-touchdown wonder game for Edwards, who put up those record-breaking numbers three weeks ago against Baldwin. But the sophomore running back and his blockers did more than enough to overcome Riverside.
“Their plan clearly was to load the box and not let us run the ball,” Toblin said. “We are lucky in that we’re talented enough that if you don’t want to let us do that, we can win in other ways.”
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The best efforts of dual-threat quarterback Jaidan Delaune (14 of 18, 155 yards), return manCaleb Thomas (142 yards) and the Generals (2-7) kept the gap down to one score until the end of the second quarter.
Edwards (11 carries, 118 yards), whose brightest highlight was a 39-yard touchdown after halftime, gave Bolles the early edge with two first-quarter scoring runs. Those came after an interception from Keyaan Nazir, who finished with two takeaways on the day, and a surprise onside kick into the hands of kicker Langston Florence.
“It set the tone for sure for our offense and defense,” Edwards said. “Our offense started clicking and our defense started getting stops.”
BURROUGHS’ BIG NIGHT
Where does Burroughs’ latest masterpiece highlight rank in his collection?
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“It’s a long list,” the coach said. “He does some amazing things when he gets the ball in his hands.”
This time, once Burroughs secured the loose ball, he eluded the first General and then accelerated likea slalom skier, weaving through Riverside players on the way to the end zone.
“My coach has been talking to me all year about see the seam and just hit it, don’t waste time,” Burroughs said. “My blockers, my teammates, they made the blocks and I just did what I was supposed to do.”
Burroughs, who finished with 48 yards receiving, would have easily topped the 100-yard mark if not for two long gains erased by penalties as well as a likely touchdown foiled by an uncharacteristic drop.
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The highlights are mounting, and so are the numbers. Burroughs topped 3,000 career receiving yards onOct. 10 against Jackson, and could surpass 4,000 by season’s end. But the real magic number is thatlong-awaited 12th FHSAA trophy.
“Everybody’s ambitious,” Burroughs said. “Everybody wants the same goal, and we’re all willing to bust our behinds for it and push ourselves to the limit.”
This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Florida high school football, Riverside Generals at Bolles Bulldogs
