Mandarin University vs. First Coast — Game Day Triumph

Friday, September 26, 2025 — In Jacksonville’s gridiron showdown, Mandarin asserted its dominance, handing First Coast a 34-13 defeat on their home turf. From the opening whistle to the final horn, Mandarins played with swagger, precision, and heart.

Offense: Balanced & Explosive

Quarterback Knox Annis orchestrated an efficient aerial assault, hitting 8 of 11 passes for 234 yards and 4 touchdowns. His composed command in the pocket elevated the offense to new heights. Working in harmony was Tian Wyche, who delivered a performance for the ages with 117 yards and 3 receiving scores, including a 56-yard bomb that electrified the Mustang faithful.



The ground game didn’t hide — it thrived. Across six backs, Mandarin rushed for 205 yards on a blistering 7.1 yards per carry average. Kyree Wilson (9.7 ypc) and Chris Harrison (long run of 25) added big-play juice. S. Foster kept drives alive with tough yards between the tackles.

Defense: The Unheralded Backbone

Though individual defensive box numbers weren’t published, the defense silenced First Coast’s offensive rhythm, limiting them to just 13 points. The pass rush and coverage were on point, ensuring the Bucs never gained traction. This kind of collective defensive effort wins tough games.

Big Moments & Momentum Shifters

One key moment came just before halftime, when a well-timed score (a pass to Wyche or a ground attack) pushed Mandarin up beyond reach. From there, confidence surged, and First Coast never recovered. Add in the big-yardage plays (long 56-yard pass, long 25-yard rush) — those momentum pop plays kept the Mustangs in the driver’s seat.

Passing (Mandarin)

Team Totals: 8 completions / 11 attempts, 234 total yards, 4 TDs, 1 INT, long of 56, QB rating ~114.6

Knox Annis (So): 8 / 11, 234 yards, 4 TDs, 1 INT, long 56, QB rating ~116.5

Malik Morrison (Jr): 0 / 1, no passing yards

Rushing (Mandarin)

Team Total: 29 carries for 205 yards, average 7.1 ypc, long run 25, 1 rushing TD

Standout Rushers:

  • S. Foster (Jr) — 8 carries, 47 yards (5.9 ypc)

  • Kyree Wilson (Jr) — 6 carries, 58 yards (9.7 ypc)

  • Ayden Owens (Sr) — 8 carries, 42 yards

  • Chris Harrison (Fr) — 4 carries, 34 yards (8.5 ypc), long 25

  • Malik Morrison (Jr) — 2 carries, 15 yards

  • Knox Annis (So) — 1 carry for 9 yards

Receiving (Mandarin)

Team Total: 8 catches, 234 yards, avg 29.3 yards per catch, 4 receiving TDs

Top Receivers:

  • Tian Wyche (Sr) — 4 receptions, 117 yards, 3 touchdowns, long 56

  • Will Jones (Jr) — 3 receptions, 76 yards

  • Brysen Wright (So) — 1 reception, 41 yards, 1 TD

Other Notables / Team Totals

All Purpose Yards: Total 439 (205 rushing + 234 passing)

Fumbles / Turnovers: 1 fumble lost (Malik Morrison)

Scoring distribution:

  • Receiving TDs: 4 (all to receivers)

  • Rushing TDs: 1 (from the ground)

Team Records After Game:

  • Mandarin improved to 5-1 overall (+ in district)

  • First Coast dropped to 3-2

Defensive / Context Notes:

  • Mandarin’s defense held First Coast to just 13 points.

  • Over their string of road wins, they’ve given up only 8.0 points on average per game on the road.

🌟 Players of the Night & MVP Honors

In Mustang Nation, these guys stood out:

Offensive MVP: Knox Annis (So) — He delivered arguably his best passing performance of the season: 8-for-11, 234 yards, 4 TDs.

Receiver MVP: Tian Wyche (Sr) — Top target all night: 4 catches, 117 yards, 3 receiving touchdowns.

Ground Game Heroes: Kyree Wilson (9.7 ypc) gave balance to the offense.

🔥 What This Win Means

This was more than a win — it was a statement. Against a non-district rival, Mandarin showed how deep their trust, chemistry, and resiliency run. The passing game looked crisp, the defense looked stingy, and the team looked poised for bigger challenges ahead.