Miami, FL – The Florida high school football season has wrapped up, and after an exciting regular season and state championship finals, the rankings are now set for the offseason. The Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) championship games concluded with plenty of surprises and standout performances.
Leading the way is Chaminade-Madonna, firmly claiming the top spot in the state after they dominated Clearwater Central Catholic with a resounding 42-7 victory in the Class 1A title bout. This victory, combined with a loss from Lakeland, crowned the Lions as Florida’s top team once again.
Rising to second place in the rankings is Venice, who made a notable leap over IMG Academy. While Venice did lose to IMG in a close 21-17 contest earlier in the season, their impressive playoff run, highlighted by a commanding 52-19 win against Lake Mary in the Class 7A championship, secured their elevation in the rankings.
IMG Academy, who previously held the second spot, fell to third after suffering a setback against St. Frances Academy. They ended their season on a high note with a 28-7 victory over St. Thomas More from Connecticut, but the loss the previous week has caused a rethink in their position.
American Heritage showed great resilience throughout the postseason, even in the absence of starter Dia Bell. Backup quarterback Malachi Toney stepped in effectively, leading the Patriots to a 40-31 victory over Jones to claim the Class 4A state championship.
In a huge upset, St. Thomas Aquinas crushed Lakeland 34-0 in the Class 5A championship, earning title number 16 for the school in a performance nobody saw coming. The Dreadnaughts struggled offensively, and this loss has raised questions about their future success without finding a better passing strategy.
The Northwestern Bulls shone brightly as they claimed the Class 3A state championship with a convincing 41-0 win against Raines. Quarterback Teddy Bridgewater led his team in a way that leaves fans hoping he might return next season.
West Boca Raton also made their mark by defeating Kissimmee Osceola 26-7 in the Class 6A state championship game. The Bulls’ performance proved they are a serious contender, showcasing depth on their roster despite missing star running back Javian Mallory.
Even with some disappointments, teams like Jones and Lake Mary showed promise for the upcoming season, with notable players and strong coaching that could lead to a rebound next year.
The *Florida high school football landscape* looks promising as teams prepare for the next season ahead, promising more excitement and competitive play.
