Vote Now: Who Will Be Central Florida's Player of the Week?
Ocoee's Kendric Cidel shines in Week 1 of the 2025 season, nominated for Player of the Week with impressive defensive stats.
Vote Now: Who Will Be Central Florida's Player of the Week?
The buzz of the 2025 high school football season is palpable in Florida, especially after an exhilarating Week 1 in the Tampa Bay Region. Athletes showcased their talents in big ways, leading to the announcement of this week’s nominees for the coveted Player of the Week awards. As the community rallies around their local stars, the voting process is underway, setting the stage for spirited support from fans and families alike. Florida High School Football reports that voting will remain open until Tuesday, September 2, 2025, at 11:59 PM ET, making it a perfect opportunity for everyone to pitch in and back their favorite players.
This week’s Player of the Week finalists bring a blend of offensive and defensive prowess that has surely impressed onlookers. Among those in the spotlight is **Kendric Cidel** from Ocoee, who snagged two interceptions, returning them for 59 yards and scoring two defensive touchdowns in a commanding 47-0 victory over Apopka. Quarterbacks are well-represented, with **Devin Dicko** of Timber Creek completing 100% of his passes for a whopping 232 yards and three touchdowns in a 41-6 win against Colonial. Another standout is **Royce Jenkins** from Hagerty, who not only passed for 241 yards and three scores but also contributed remarkably with 87 rushing yards and two more touchdowns during their 40-21 triumph over Lake Howell.
Who’s Competing?
The impressive lineup continues with **Amar’e Johnson** from Bishop Moore, who dominated the ground game with 223 rushing yards and four touchdowns in his team’s 68-35 win against Oviedo. Another noteworthy performance came from **TJ McCormick** of Mount Dora Christian, who made headlines with 224 rushing yards and four touchdowns on just nine carries in a 56-35 victory over Lake Highland Prep. On the receiving end, **Keydrick Powell** of South Lake made ten catches for 149 yards and three touchdowns as his team bested Nature Coast Tech 27-6.
The school spirit is alive, with each nominee reflecting the hard work and dedication that have become synonymous with Florida high school football. The voting process allows community members to engage actively in the celebration of youth sports, reaffirming that there’s something to be said for local pride. Coaches, players, and families alike are eager to support these standout athletes in their quest for recognition.
Expanding the Celebration of Youth Sports
The excitement doesn’t stop here. Florida high school football continues to encourage participation among fans and players alike. Preseason games held just last week featured a slew of remarkable performances, as documented by SI High School. With nominations for players demonstrating their skills from August 14 to 16, fans were also invited to cast their votes, extending the community’s involvement throughout the season.
Additionally, the Palm Beach Post has kicked off their Athlete of the Week program, where players can shine weekly, showcasing their various achievements across sports. Palm Beach Post highlights male contenders for this week, standing as a testament to the wealth of talent across Florida, striving for excellence both on and off the field.
As we delve into the season, let’s root for our local stars as they put in their best effort and perhaps even inspire the next generation. It’s not just about the scores; it’s about building a community committed to supporting its young athletes. Keep those votes coming!