Florida High School Football: 2025 Season Showdowns Begin Today!

Florida High School Football: 2025 Season Showdowns Begin Today!

The excitement is building as Florida high school football programs gear up for the 2025 season. With summer workouts, coaching clinics, and scrimmages all wrapped up, teams are ready to hit the field. Kickoff Classic match-ups are scheduled from August 14-16, giving fans their first glimpse of the talent poised to make waves this season. Sports Illustrated reports that the Madison County Cowboys are favored to repeat their success, following a solid victory last year over Hawthorne for the Rural-Classification title. Senior quarterback LJ Crumity is back, ready to make his mark in both the passing and running games.

Also in the spotlight will be the Chaminade-Madonna Lions, who are aiming for a fifth consecutive state championship. This formidable team holds a strong roster featuring senior quarterback Darryon Jones, a transfer from Tampa Bay Tech, and senior running back Derrek Cooper, who has committed to the University of Texas. These players are expected to drive the Lions deep into the playoffs again this year.

Contenders and Challenges

As for Duval County schools, despite their long championship drought—no win since 2021—the Bolles Bulldogs are emerging as serious contenders this season. Star players like four-star senior wide receiver Naeem Burroughs, who has committed to Clemson, and fellow Ohio State commit Corbyn Fordham are set to elevate the team’s status on the field. This potential revival could be just what the county needs to break its championship slump.

On the other side of the spectrum, the Miami Northwestern football program is entering Class 3A with aspirations for victory, even amid ongoing allegations that could overshadow their season. With a dynamic quarterback duo—senior Leon Strawder and sophomore Neimann Lawrence—the expectations are high for this team.

In the Class 4A ranks, American Heritage is the reigning champion after a thrilling 41-31 victory against Orlando Jones. The team’s strength is bolstered by Dia Bell’s recovery from injury, increasing their chances of another showdown with the Fightin‘ Tigers. Meanwhile, the St. Thomas Aquinas Raiders, boasting a record six consecutive championships, are poised again to be strong contenders, specifically against Lakeland this upcoming season.

Looking Ahead

Last year’s sensation, the West Boca Raton Bulls, who completed the 2024 season unbeaten at 15-0, are revamping talent to defend their first state title. The layers of anticipation add to the thrill of the Kickoff Classic, intriguing spectators across Florida.

Lastly, the Lake Mary Rams are gearing up for revenge after a hard-fought loss to Venice in the Class 7A Championship Game. Led by senior quarterback Noah Grubbs, who has committed to Notre Dame, the Rams represent a blend of tenacity and skill that could propel them far this year. As the dust settles on summer preparations, the 2025 Florida high school football season promises to bring high drama and thrilling competition.

The stage is set, the teams are ready, and the only question now is which players will rise to the occasion! Football is truly more than a game here; it’s a community tradition that binds towns and schools together.