Lake Mary, Florida – The excitement continues as the Class 7A state playoffs roll into their semifinal round this week. With the competition heating up, four strong teams are gearing up for some intense matchups. As they battle for a spot in the state championship, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Fans can expect thrilling performances and possibly some surprising outcomes.
This Friday, the teams will face off, and the matchups promise to be exciting. One particular game to watch is between Lake Mary and Dr. Phillips. Lake Mary, coming off a dominant 42-3 victory over rival Sanford Seminole, has a standout quarterback in Noah Grubbs. The Notre Dame commit has put up impressive numbers this season, throwing for over 2,300 yards and more than 30 touchdowns. However, Lake Mary will be looking to bounce back from a regular season loss to Dr. Phillips, who remains a strong contender with quarterback Stanley Anderson-Lofton at the helm. Anderson-Lofton has thrown for over 1,700 yards this year, setting the stage for a thrilling contest.
Next up, the Indians are also making headlines as they dominate their recent opponents, outscoring them 285-58 in their last four games. Under the leadership of coach John Peacock, they rely heavily on their successful two-back system, featuring senior standout Jamarice ‘Gata’ Wilder and promising sophomore Dorien Irving-Jones. Each of these players has had a stellar season, combining for over 2,800 yards rushing and a substantial number of touchdowns.
The other semifinal matchup features Venice taking on Columbus, who suffered losses only to championship contenders. The Explorers have their sights set on returning to the state title game, where they previously celebrated back-to-back victories. Venice is looking to secure a 24-17 victory against them and prove their strength.
As the playoffs progress, fans will definitely want to keep an eye on these teams as they chase their championship dreams. The excitement for high school football in Florida is palpable, and this weekend promises to be a crucial step toward determining the state’s elite in Class 7A.
