Florida High School Football Kicks Off: Must-Watch Classic Match-Ups!
Explore Lake Wales' vibrant high school football scene as the 2025 season kicks off with exciting match-ups and key dates.

Florida High School Football Kicks Off: Must-Watch Classic Match-Ups!
As the summer sun begins to wane, Florida’s high school football scene gears up for an exciting 2025 season. Programs across the state are in the final stages of preparation, ready to kick off a wave of competition and camaraderie. The much-anticipated Kickoff Classic match-ups, set for August 14-16, present an exciting start to the season, featuring some thrilling contests that fans won’t want to miss. According to Sports Illustrated, notable games include Chaminade-Madonna at West Boca Raton, IMG Academy facing off against The First Academy in Orlando, and Spruce Creek going toe-to-toe with Buchholz in Gainesville.[source]
This year’s Kickoff Classics are the perfect opportunity for teams to gauge their strengths and weaknesses before the regular season kicks off. The Sunshine State is buzzing with enthusiasm, and July marked the starting line for the 2025 season, with teams beginning their first practices on July 28. August saw the first contact days, contributing to the palpable excitement building among players and fans alike.[source]
First Week of Action
Week 0, running from August 13-16 for FHSAA teams, promises a lineup of competitive action as schools look to set the tone for the season ahead. Among the featured matchups are recognized squads like Palm Beach Central at Atlantic and Miami Norland at Vero Beach. Fans can expect a feast of high-octane football, all under the bright Florida sun.[source]
Moreover, October will see the end of the regular season approach rapidly for teams in the Sunshine State Athletic Association (SSAA) as well, adding a layer of intrigue for those following both the SSAA and FHSAA leagues. Key dates mark the end of regular seasons and the beginning of playoffs, with the FHSAA Playoff Bracket Reveal set for November 7. It’s shaping up to be a season filled with potential surprises and dramatic showdowns!
Coaching Changes and Fresh Faces
An interesting aspect of this season is the flurry of coaching changes taking place across Florida high school football. For instance, Apopka has welcomed Marcus Nesson as the new head coach following Jeff Rolson’s departure. Similarly, Miami Central’s program sees Derrick Gibson stepping in for Jube Joseph. Such transitions can often lead to new strategies and styles of play, which fans will keenly observe throughout the season.[source]
In addition to the standards of local competition, teams will be facing a variety of interstate foes. The schedule is dotted with matchups showcasing Florida’s talent against powerhouse programs from other states, like Chaminade-Madonna taking on St. Frances Academy from Maryland and St. Thomas Aquinas facing Mater Dei from California. These contests are not just about bragging rights; they offer Florida teams a chance to prove themselves on a larger stage.
Staying Updated
As the season unfolds, keeping track of the scores and schedules will be paramount for dedicated fans. Thanks to High School Football America, real-time updates will be accessible throughout the season. With their partnership with Scorestream, fans can catch all the action live and stay informed about their favorite teams.[source]
As we stand on the threshold of what promises to be a thrilling season of Florida high school football, there’s something to be said for the energy and passion that defines the game at this level. Whether you’re a coach, a player, or a fan, now is the time to get fired up and ready for kickoff!