Brick By Brick
(Photo by JJ Bretado / Eagle Talon)
The Golden Eagles build a legacy with back-to-back winning seasons.
The 2025 Golden Eagles football team finished the season with a 7–5 record, marking back-to-back winning seasons for the first time in years. Under Coach Brown’s leadership, the team’s effort, chemistry, and confidence continued to rise. Every Friday night showed how far this group had come on both sides of the ball. From explosive plays to lockdown defense, the Golden Eagles built their season on resilience, teamwork, and pride.
Though the year ended with a tough playoff loss, the Golden Eagles didn’t go down without a fight. Along the way, they earned four program bricks, each representing a major win and step forward for the team. The season told a story of players who bought into one goal and never quit.
Senior linebacker Brandon Johnson made one of the most inspiring returns of the season after suffering an ACL injury the year before.
“I was grateful,” Johnson said. “I got something taken away from me that I loved a lot. Being able to step back on the field felt amazing. I was excited, happy, and nervous all at once.”
Johnson not only returned, but also played a major role in several defensive stops late in the season. His recovery showed the power of commitment and support.
“Once I got hurt, there was no reason to be negative about it,” Johnson said. “I couldn’t change what happened, so I worked toward getting back. My support group, Ms.,T, Zack, and my mom, pushed me every day.”
He hopes others learn from his comeback.
“Keep going,” Johnson said. “Don’t dwell on the past. Set goals and lean on your support system. You don’t have to go through everything alone.”
Junior quarterback Javier Dixon and senior wide receiver Ja'beron Ray were one of the best offensive duos in school history. Together, they broke school passing and receiving records while leading one of Paxon’s highest-scoring offenses in recent years.
“Since my freshman year, me and Ja'beron clicked on and off the field,” Dixon said. “We built trust and played 7v7 together outside of school.”
That chemistry paid off. Dixon threw for over 1,000 yards and 14 touchdowns, while Ray hauled in 513 receiving yards and 6 touchdowns.
“It means a lot to do everything we did for Paxon,” Dixon said. “Him being the only senior receiver, I had to make sure he got his touches.”
Their best performance came in the playoff opener against Franklin County.
“We combined for five touchdowns that game,” Dixon said. “That’s when the offense felt unstoppable.”
Though the season ended one round later, Dixon said the standard has been set. “Everyone who puts on a Paxon jersey now knows the expectations.”
(Photo by JJ Bretado / Eagle Talon)
Junior running back Kendrick Palmer Jr. made headlines across Florida by finishing the year as the state’s leading rusher with over 2,100 yards and 19 touchdowns, allowing an average of 192 yards per game on 263 carries.
“My dad told me, and I was super surprised,” Palmer said about finding out he led the state.
Palmer constantly credited his blockers for his success.
“I give all the credit to my offensive line because without them, I wouldn’t be where I am,” Palmer said. His favorite moment came against Englewood. “That run took a lot of effort and gave me a rush of adrenaline.” His consistency and focus made him one of the most dependable players in the state, and his energy lifted the entire team.
Senior center Jay Futch and junior H-Back Dycorian Miller anchored one of the toughest offensive lines in the district. They helped the offense average more than 200 rushing yards per game and provided the foundation for Palmer’s record-breaking year.
“Everyone knowing their assignments and executing them kept the offense running smoothly,” Miller said. Futch added, “Everyone understood their role, and we perfected it every day. It showed on Fridays.”
Futch took pride in the group’s growth. “The chemistry on the line was unmatched. We all bought into each other and built a brotherhood that’s unforgettable.” Miller agreed. “It felt great knowing I could contribute to the number one rusher in Florida.” Their selfless work in the trenches helped define the team’s identity.
Junior Linebackers Braylon Jenkins and Javon Johnson led the charge on the other side of the ball, keeping opponents in check all year. Jenkins finished the season among the team leaders in tackles and interceptions, while Johnson also made key stops in crucial games.
“It all starts with practice,” Johnson said. “We held each other accountable and communicated through everything.” Jenkins added, “While Von was hurt, he kept me going with his humor and support.”
Both pointed to the Union County game as their proudest moment, even in defeat. “That game showed our energy shift,” Johnson said. “Everyone was locked in.” Their bond has grown through years of teamwork. “We’ve been side by side since freshman year,” Jenkins said. “Now it’s even stronger.”
Senior standout Stephen Akita proved himself as one of the most dominant defensive players in the state, finishing with 21 sacks and 42 Tackles for loss, which would rank him as the top sack leader in Florida. He’d do this while making big plays on offense and special teams.
“I didn’t line up chasing sacks,” Akita said. “I focused on helping my team win, whether it was a big defensive play or putting a teammate in position to shine.”
Balancing defense, offense, and special teams took energy and focus. “Coach Brown kept us fresh, but when I had to stay in, I found energy within myself to keep going,” Akita said.
(Photo by JJ Bretado / Eagle Talon)
His best game came against Wildwood. “That game showed I could shine anywhere,” Akita said. Reaching his 20th sack in the Franklin County playoff game was another highlight. “My coaches were happy for me, and that meant a lot. Being part of Paxon means more than any ranking.”
The Eagles closed the year with a 7–5 record, their second straight winning season, a sign of consistent progress and a bright future. The playoff loss hurt, but it came after a season full of milestones, new records, and lasting memories. The team earned four bricks this year, each symbolizing a major win and the effort that went into every practice and game.
Through it all, the players showed heart, accountability, and belief in each other. They built a foundation for future success, proving that Paxon football is moving in the right direction, one snap, one brick, and one game at a time.