High-Stakes Showdown: Lakeland vs. De La Salle Highlights Weekend Football
Discover the top high school football matchups in Tampa this weekend, featuring ranked teams and key players on August 28-29, 2025.
High-Stakes Showdown: Lakeland vs. De La Salle Highlights Weekend Football
As high school football enthusiasts gear up for a thrilling weekend, the Tampa metro area is set to host 62 football games, kicking off a season filled with excitement and competition. According to SI.com, among these, seven games feature teams ranked in Florida’s Top 25. Fans are particularly buzzing about the Saturday night showdown between No. 13 Lakeland and De La Salle from California, highlighting the depth of talent on display.
This isn’t just any game; it represents a clash of rich traditions and winning legacies. De La Salle has a storied history, having not won a state title since 2015 and ending a remarkable streak of at least one title every six years from 1984. Their coach, Justin Alumbaugh, emphasizes a process-oriented approach as the team prepares for Friday’s matchup against Lakeland, kicking off at 7:00 PM (PDT). Alumbaugh’s focus on execution over discussions of championships sets the tone for a team known for its rigorous preparation.
Rivalry Renewed
For Lakeland, the history is rich too, boasting nine state titles, the most by a public school in Florida. Coach Marvin Frazier, who stepped into the role in 2023, has confidence in his team as they come off a strong opening victory. In their previous encounter in 2009, Lakeland came out on top. Can they repeat that success? It’s a question on the minds of many as the teams prepare to go head-to-head once again.
The current national rankings position De La Salle at No. 28 and Lakeland at No. 50 in MaxPreps. The Spartans count on their skilled players to make an impact, including running back Duece Jones-Drew, who has stirred interest from numerous colleges. His counterpart, Lakeland’s Jadarius Dobie, is also eyeing a bright future on the field, and their performance against each other is certainly something to watch.
A Legacy of Excellence
De La Salle is not just another football team; they’ve become legends in the sport. Their remarkable 151-game winning streak from 1992 to 2004 remains unmatched in sports history. From 2006 to 2021, the Spartans reached 14 consecutive state championship games, securing seven titles in that span, and they boast an impressive record of 31 straight North Coast Section Championship wins. Reports from De La Salle High School highlight the dedication to teamwork, technique, and hard work that has defined their program.
As kickoff approaches, both teams are ready to showcase their talent and strategy. Will Lakeland’s resurgence continue, or will De La Salle reclaim its former glory? One thing’s for sure—football fans won’t want to miss this exhilarating contest, streamed live on MaxPreps and the NFHS network.
The weekend promises to be a thrilling start to the high school football season. With a total of 56 games lined up across the Tampa metro area on Friday, excitement is in the air. Make sure to check the results and enjoy the action from your local high school field! Whether you’re pulling for Lakeland or De La Salle, the energy and fervor of high school football are alive and well.