High School Football Rankings Ignite Excitement in Volusia-Flagler!

High School Football Rankings Ignite Excitement in Volusia-Flagler!

The excitement is palpable as the 2025 NFL preseason unfolds, and local fans are gearing up for an action-packed weekend. The Dolphins, Buccaneers, and Jaguars are all set to hit the field for Week 2, with the Dolphins traveling to Detroit to face the Lions, the Buccaneers squaring off against the Steelers in Pittsburgh, and the Jaguars visiting the Saints. It’s a weekend that promises to showcase talent and athleticism on a grand stage.

Meanwhile, the local high school football scene is buzzing with anticipation as well. The Daytona Beach News-Journal recently released its preseason poll, highlighting five Volusia-Flagler high school football teams that finished last season with impressive rankings. This year’s list includes New Smyrna Beach, Flagler Palm Coast, DeLand, Mainland, and the top-ranked Spruce Creek. Remarkably, all five teams made the playoffs last season, setting the stage for an exhilarating campaign ahead. As News-Journal reports, both Mainland and University even claimed district titles last year.

Top Teams to Watch

Among the ranked teams, New Smyrna Beach stands out with a breathtaking turnaround last season, finishing with an 8-3 record—their best in over a decade. Despite losing key players like quarterback Alex Johnson and defensive end Kyle Nilsson, the team is set to perform. Cole Engler is stepping into the quarterback role, with rushing duties shared by Calvin Blount and Todd Cutler Jr. The defensive unit, anchored by senior linebacker Linden Eichler and senior lineman Brison Sullivan, is expected to hold strong.

Flagler Palm Coast enters the season with brand new coaching dynamics as Patrick Turner takes the helm following a commendable 9-2 season last year. They have also experienced some changes on the field, with significant graduations, such as Offensive Player of the Year Hayden Hayes. The competition for the quarterback position is heating up between transfers La’Darius Simmons and Caden Burchfield. The running game, led by Ehimen Ajede and Darwin Harris, is ready to make its mark in the coming season, while Lucas Siharaj’s defensive prowess—after nabbing seven interceptions last year—adds more depth to the team’s defense.

What’s Next for the Others?

In third place, DeLand is looking to build on last year’s 5-6 record with a solid returning roster. With quarterback Gardner Nordman and running back Taihj Moore back in the game, they’re hoping to turn things around. Their offense has been potent, averaging 36.5 points per game, but there’s room for growth in their defense, which allowed 35.9 points per game last season—a fact they’re keenly aware of.

Mainland had a rollercoaster season last year, marked by a five-game losing streak followed by a five-game winning streak. Coach Squatty Bell is entering Year 2 with a resilient group, including defensive standout linebacker Dennis King III and quarterback Sebastian Johnson, who had a productive season throwing for 1,698 yards and 19 touchdowns.

Last but certainly not least, Spruce Creek has claimed the top-ranking spot for the second consecutive year after finishing with an 8-4 record and advancing to the second playoffs round. They’re once again eyeing a strong season with key players like quarterback PJ Miller and running back Trell Edwards, complemented by solid defensive anchors Freddie Wilson and Chadwicke Cannon.

As we dive into this season, buzz surrounding these teams is nigh uncontainable. Will New Smyrna Beach capitalize on their momentum? Can Flagler Palm Coast adapt to the shifts in their coaching roster? How will DeLand patch up their defensive weaknesses? Questions abound as fans and players alike prepare for another exciting chapter in Florida high school football. Whether you’re rooting for the Dolphins, Buccaneers, Jaguars, or one of our local high schools, the spirit of competition is alive and kicking!

For those curious about the term “high” as it relates to expectations, fit for listening to the cheers of triumphant teams, say, it could mean rising or extending upward a great distance, situated above normal levels. As we immerse ourselves in the flavor of local sports, there’s certainly something to be said for aiming high, as seen in the determined performances of our young athletes. Explore more about the meaning of „high“ in expanded contexts at Merriam-Webster and The Free Dictionary.