Vote Now: Who Will Be North Central Florida's Player of the Week?

Vote Now: Who Will Be North Central Florida's Player of the Week?

As the sun set on the first week of the 2025 high school football season, North Central Florida witnessed fierce gridiron battles that set the stage for a thrilling year ahead. This initial week wasn’t just about the scores; it was also about recognizing outstanding individual performances. Florida HS Football reports that ten finalists have been announced for The Blitz – North Central Florida Football Player of the Week award. With voting open until September 2nd at 11:59 PM ET, community support is key, and the excitement is palpable as fans rally behind their favorite players.

The finalists showcase some impressive statistics, exemplifying what it means to play at a high level. Leading the pack is QB Xavier Collins from Columbia, who racked up an outstanding 321 passing yards along with three touchdown passes and two rushing touchdowns, steering his team to a 42-6 victory over Suwannee. He’s not alone; quarterbacks like Ja’Dence Kennedy from The Villages also dazzled, throwing for four touchdowns in a decisive win against Wildwood. Meanwhile, defensive stars such as DL Nathan Franz from South Sumter and DE/DT Jacari Lockhart from Hawthorne made their mark with remarkable performances, contributing to shutouts that left their opponents struggling.

A Look at Week 1 Highlights

Week 1 in Central Florida had no shortage of excitement. According to Live Ball Sports, several elite teams stepped up, with seven of the top ten teams securing wins. The Cocoa Tigers pulled off a nail-biter, emerging victorious in double overtime against Merritt Island, thanks to Javeon Scott’s game-winning touchdown. The Tigers are now gearing up to host Mainland later today, raising anticipation among fans.

On the subject of thrilling endings, Lake Mary staged a remarkable comeback from a 29-7 halftime deficit to pip Miami Norland 30-29. Senior quarterback Noah Grubbs showcased his talent with three touchdowns through the air, further solidifying Lake Mary’s campaign. Meanwhile, even the highly ranked Royals faced their challenges against Milton from Georgia, narrowly losing 24-17, but not without showcasing the grit of new transfer Brian Dillard, who threw two touchdown passes.

Support the Players

As we dive deeper into the season, the spotlight on these student-athletes becomes even more significant. Fans are encouraged to take part in the voting for The Blitz – North Central Florida Player of the Week, with a chance to recognize players from different teams who have demonstrated extraordinary skill and determination on the field. Unlimited voting means everyone has an opportunity to back their local heroes and contribute to the atmosphere and spirit of high school football.

Returning to the finalists, players like Oak Hall’s Amari Ray, who notoriously changed the game with an interception and a touchdown return, have certainly made their case for the honor. Each contender reflects the diverse talent in Central Florida’s high school football landscape, inviting not just local communities, but all football fans, to engage and celebrate these young athletes. So, join the fun and cast your votes—let’s give these stars the recognition they deserve!

Week 1 has shown us that high school football is more than just a game; it’s a community event, a tradition, and above all, a showcase of talent, teamwork, and spirited competition. Be sure to tune in for the announcement of the winner on Wednesday night at 8:30 PM ET, and keep the excitement rolling into the next matchups, where the stories and drama of this thrilling season are just beginning.