5. Plant at Venice
When: Friday, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Powell-Davis Stadium, Venice
Radio: Venice – WENG 1530 AM & 107.5 FM, Englewood (Tape Delayed – Saturday, 12:00 p.m.)
Why: This is another game that just has WOW written all over it. Both teams which reach the Class 7A regional semifinals last season enter the season with high expectations once again. With the Panthers and Indians both returning a majority of their starters from last season’s teams, this kickoff classic will be an excellent test to see where they are at before the open the season officially next week. Plant will travel to Ladd-Pebbles Stadium in Mobile to take on Paul Bryant, Alabama as part of an Alabama vs. Florida showdown while Venice will host one of Georgia’s top powerhouse teams in Camden County. Overall, this game could just be the start of a season for both teams that could go very deep in the playoffs.
Predictions
USA TODAY HSS Score Predictor: Venice 24, Plant 20
Josh’s Prediction: Venice 21, Plant 20
Who do you think will win?
![The Venice Indians will seek out their third state championship in the last five years in 2025 [Joshua Wilson/FloridaHSFootball.com]](https://floridahsfootball.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Venice-2025-Schedule-Analysis-Featured-120x86.jpg)
![Vrbo Fiesta Bowl Logo [Courtesy of the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl]](https://floridahsfootball.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/CFPQ-Fiesta-Bowl-Alumni-Notebook-Featured-1-1-2025-120x86.jpg)
![Winston Watkins Jr. (right) of Venice was among three athletes that stood out in the 2024 FHSAA Class 7A State Championship Game on Sat. Dec. 14, 2024, at South Dade Kia Field at Pitbull Stadium in Miami [Joshua Wilson/FloridaHSFootball.com]](https://floridahsfootball.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Cover-3-Class-7A-State-Championship-120x86.jpg)
![Venice head coach John Peacock hoists up the 2024 Class 7A State Championship trophy after the Indians defeated Lake Mary 52-19 on Sat. Dec. 14, 2024 at South Dade Kia Field at Pitbull Stadium in Miami, Fla. [Joshua Wilson/FloridaHSFootball.com]](https://floridahsfootball.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Venice-vs.-Lake-Mary-7A-recap-featured-120x86.jpg)
![FIU will be hosting the 2024 FHSAA State Championships at South Dade Kia Field at Pitbull Stadium [Photo Courtesy of FIU Athletics]](https://floridahsfootball.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2024-Class-7A-State-Championship-Preview-Lake-Mary-vs.-Venice-120x86.jpg)
