Miami High School Football State Championship: Venice Dominates Lake Mary

Miami, FL – The Florida High School Athletic Association’s (FHSAA) high school football state championship series concluded with an exciting match-up on Saturday. The Class 7A championship saw the Venice Indians face off against the Lake Mary Rams at Pitbull Stadium. Venice showcased their prowess with a convincing 52-19 victory, claiming their fourth overall state title, and their first since 2021.

Venice, now with a record of 14-1, demonstrated strong teamwork and strategy throughout the game. A turning point came in the second quarter when Venice exploded for 24 unanswered points. This surge followed a touchdown from Lake Mary’s Noah Grubbs to Chase Hinshaw, which brought the Rams slightly closer at 7-6 with just over five minutes left in the first half. However, Venice quickly regained momentum, with quarterback Jayce Nixon connecting with teammate Malakai Corbett for a touchdown, stretching the lead to 14-6.

Following the touchdown, Ole Miss signee Winston Watkins Jr. electrified the crowd with a 60-yard punt return for a touchdown, putting the score at 21-6 before halftime. The scoring continued with a 39-yard field goal from Brunno Reus and a rushing touchdown from Gata Wilder, leaving Venice leading 31-6 at the end of the half.

After halftime, Lake Mary tried to make a comeback, with Grubbs throwing two more touchdown passes, but it was not enough. Gata Wilder had a standout game, finishing with over 170 rushing yards and three touchdowns, while Watkins also contributed offensively with two rushing touchdowns of his own.

Lake Mary, who made its first appearance in a state title game, ended the season with a 12-3 record. The team fought hard under coach Scott Perry, but ultimately Venice’s experience in the championship proved to be the deciding factor. As always, fans are reminded to stay tuned for exciting updates and coverage from the high school football scene as it continues to unfold.