OK so what to make of the Florida high school season.

Preseason games seemed to vault some teams into the mix, and then when the league stared, there was trouble.

Defending champs Jacksonville started off shakily with a preseason loss to Georgia’s Phoenix Alpharetta, but then has gone from strength to strength.

Key Biscayne started with a win over Naples, but had to forfeit this past weekend.

Here’s wha we have figured out.

Jacksonville is Back

Sort of … there’s still some work to do. But after that shutout loss to Alpharetta, the Wolverines came back to beat Orlando (officially a forfeit but they played anyway and Jacksonville won 55-8).

Ellis Davis and Jean Luke started to pick up the pace.

Then this past weekend, against a very tough Cape Pirates Black team, won 24-22 (they had a try called back, as well).

Azah Kani is a South African kid who just moved to the region and had a big day. He is very quick and knows the game and is a bit of a game-changer addition for the Wolverines.

Okapi Has Talent

Head Coach Gavin McLeavy said he wasn’t sure what to expect in this season and still doesn’t. Regardless, Okapi has looked good in defeating Key Biscayne 55-17 and Naples 31-14. With two teams in the Florida U12s league and a robust youth program all the way through, Okapi is nicely set to continue to be strong.

Against Naples it was close in the first half—Okapi led 17-10 at the break. Naples has a solid forward pack, and did well to stifle Okapi early.

But as time went on, Okapi’s skill started to show.

“We’re becoming a team,” said McLeavy. “And what they learn as youth players is really important. They learn the basics early.”

Pablo Villareal has been in very good form for Okapi but picked up an injury that could see him out for several weeks. Captain Mateo Freixa has been everything the team has asked him to be. Suiting up at scrumhalf, flanker, hooker, and No. 8, Freixa has embodied the team ethos at the Wanderers.

Anyone Else?

Boca’s 14-5 defeat of Cardinal Gibbons puts them on the radar. Wellington is now 2-0 and a team to watch. There remains a ton of rugby to play.