The city of Tampa has seen an exhilarating high school football season come to a close, filled with thrilling games, first-time champions, and repeat victories. As the dust settles, it’s time to celebrate the outstanding talents that made headlines this year. High school football awards are now out, recognizing remarkable players and coaches across classifications.
This year’s spotlight shines brightly on some impressive athletes. One player, Boggs, a Florida State signee, dazzled the field with record-breaking stats, catching 99 passes for a staggering 2,133 yards and 21 touchdowns. His phenomenal performance helped Cocoa secure the Class 2A state title, including a record-setting game where he caught 17 passes for 378 yards and three touchdowns.
Alongside him, Toney, a Miami (FL) signee, made headlines by stepping into the quarterback role for an injured teammate, leading Plantation American Heritage to the Class 4A title. Despite not having flashy stats, his leadership in the playoffs was crucial, and he finished with 1,407 all-purpose yards and 23 total touchdowns.
Another standout, Williams, proved to be a dual-threat by rushing and receiving for over 1,000 yards in each category, tallying 1,023 rushing yards and 1,473 receiving yards.
Hanks Jr., a Florida Gator signee, made history with 13 interceptions, setting a Dade County record, highlighting his defensive prowess along with crucial contributions on offense.
The standout performances didn’t stop there. Durham‘s numbers jumped significantly — throwing for 6,047 yards and 62 touchdowns, making him a hot prospect for future college recruiters.
In an impressive turn, Jones led Chaminade-Madonna to a triumphant end to the season after starting off with two losses. The team claimed the Class 1A state championship after an incredible 13-game winning streak.
The awards recognized not just players but also coaches for their leadership and success on the field. Notable awardees include Noah Grubbs as player of the year and John Peacock as coach of the year.
As the community reflects on this fantastic season, it’s clear that high school football in Tampa continues to thrive, showcasing future stars and dedicated coaches driving the sport forward. Be sure to keep an eye on the athletes and teams moving into the next season — the excitement is far from over.
