Columbus Tops Florida High School Football Rankings After Week 1!
Explore the latest Florida high school football rankings for Week 2, featuring Winter Park's performance and key matchups ahead.
Columbus Tops Florida High School Football Rankings After Week 1!
The world of high school football in Florida is already buzzing with excitement following Week 1’s action. Changes to the rankings reflect the fierce competition among our young athletes, as teams vie for glory in the early part of the season.
In an impressive performance, Columbus took the top spot in Class 7A after edging out Miami Southridge 14-7 in a game hampered by weather interruptions. This victory secured them nine of the eleven first-place votes, while Vero Beach claimed the other two, showcasing the intensity and unpredictability of high school football this season . Naples News reports that Jones also made headlines, moving to the top of Class 4A following a decisive 35-0 victory against Winter Park.
Class Rankings in Motion
In this competitive landscape, several teams demonstrated their might. American Heritage slipped to No. 2 despite a comeback win against St. Joseph’s from Pennsylvania. Other notable rankings include Madison County, which, despite a loss, garnered six first-place votes in the Rural Class, narrowly surpassing Hawthorne. Meanwhile, West Boca, Miami Northwestern, Bolles, and Chaminade-Madonna achieved unanimous first-place selections in their respective classes . Naples News adds.
As for the top ten rankings, it’s exciting to see powerhouses like St. Thomas Aquinas remain a stronghold in Class 5A, holding on to their No. 1 position with nine first-place votes. The upcoming games promise to be thrilling, with Columbus facing Our Lady of Good Counsel from Maryland and Vero Beach visiting Buchholz.
Preseason Insights
To better understand the current scene, it’s crucial to look back at the preseason rankings. IMG Academy is setting the pace, ranking first in the USA Today Florida Network’s Super 25 and ensuring their status as a formidable presence for two consecutive years. Chaminade-Madonna, Miami Northwestern, St. Thomas Aquinas, American Heritage, and Venice round out the top five—a testament to Florida’s rich football talent . USA Today reveals.
Under new coach Greg Studrawa, IMG Academy is gaining attention for its strong offensive line and relentless pass rush, having recorded a solid 7-2 in 2024. Chaminade-Madonna boasts an impressive history, with four consecutive state titles and an offensive strategy that consistently keeps opponents on their toes. Meanwhile, St. Thomas Aquinas, winners of six straight state championships, flaunts elite players who are the envy of many.
The excitement doesn’t stop there. Florida’s football scene also includes teams like American Heritage, led by five-star quarterback Dia Bell, and Venice, who recently clinched the Class 7A state championship, showing formidable leadership on both ends.
What Lies Ahead
As we gear up for Week 2, the anticipation is palpable. Teams will not just be aiming to climb the ranks but also to prove themselves as deserving contenders for the state titles. Each game presents a new opportunity for athletes to shine and for schools to lay down the gauntlet. And so, as we watch these fierce competitions unfold, one thing’s for sure: Florida high school football is alive and kicking, ready to build upon its storied legacy.