Updated to include team records, game dates, and start times – 4/27

CLASS 4A

All games on Wednesday, April 29

REGION 1

No. 1 Mandarin (Jacksonville) (14-2) at No. 8 Ocoee (10-8), 6

No. 4 Flagler Palm Coast (12-5) at No. 5 Forest (Ocala) (14-3), 7

No. 7 Spruce Creek (Port Orange) (10-7) at No. 2 Seminole (Sanford) (11-2), 7

No. 6 Tocoi Creek (St. Augustine) (9-7) at No. 3 Timber Creek (Orlando) (14-2), 7

REGION 2

No. 8 Haines City (8-4) at No. 1 Alonso (Tampa) (17-0), 7

No. 4 Steinbrenner (Lutz) (12-5) at No. 5 West Orange (Winter Garden) (12-4), 5

No. 7 Horizon (Winter Garden) (13-3) at No. 2 Plant (Tampa) (11-4), 7

No. 3 Lennard (Ruskin) (9-7) at No. 6 Bloomingdale (Valrico) (11-7), 7

REGION 3

No. 8 Cypress Creek (Orlando) (9-5) at No. 1 Harmony (16-1), 6

No. 5 Palm Beach Gardens (7-6) at No. 4 Celebration (13-4), 7

No. 7 Jupiter (13-4) at No. 2 Wellington (11-2), 7

No. 6 Palm Beach Central (Wellington) at No. 3 Fort Pierce Central (11-5), 5

REGION 4

No. 8 Hialeah Gardens (10-4) at No. 1 Park Vista (Lake Worth) (15-0), 7

No. 5 Ferguson (Miami) (9-3) at No. 4 Spanish River (Boca Raton) (12-5), 7

No. 7 Stoneman Douglas (Parkland) (12-3) at No. 2 Western (Davie) (13-3), 6

No. 6 Coral Gables (11-5) at No. 3 Miami Palmetto (13-4), 3:30

CLASS 3A

All games on Wednesday, April 29

REGION 1

No. 8 Nease (Ponte Vedra) (10-6) at No. 1 Ponte Vedra (17-0), 7:30

No. 5 Bartram Trail (St. Johns) (16-2) at No. 4 Oviedo (11-1), 5

No. 7 Lincoln (Tallahassee) (11-6) at No. 2 Chiles (Tallahassee) (14-2), 7

No. 6 Pace (11-6) at No. 3 Niceville (15-2), 7 CT

REGION 2

No. 8 Auburndale (13-3) at No. 1 Seminole Ridge (Westlake) (15-2), 7

No. 4 Springstead (Spring Hill) (13-4) at No. 5 Belleview (14-3), 7

No. 7 Buchholz (Gainesville) (13-1) at No. 2 Land O’Lakes (13-4), 7

No. 6 South Fork (Stuart) (12-5) at No. 3 Martin County (Stuart) (14-2), 7

REGION 3

No. 8 Mariner (Cape Coral) (9-5) at No. 1 East Bay (Gibsonton) (14-3), 7

No. 4 Tampa Bay Tech (8-6) at No. 5 Manatee (Bradenton) (13-4), 7

No. 7 Riverdale (Fort Myers) (7-4) at No. 2 East Lake (Tarpon Springs) (10-5), 7

No. 6 Parrish (12-5) at No. 3 Gateway Charter (Fort Myers) (11-2), 7

REGION 4

No. 8 McArthur (Hollywood) (11-6) at No. 1 Homestead (11-4), 5

No. 5 Boyd Anderson (Lauderdale Lakes) (11-6) at No. 4 Everglades (Miramar) (12-3), 7

No. 7 Nova (Davie) (11-7) at No. 2 St. Thomas Aquinas (Fort Lauderdale) (12-3), 5

No. 6 Miami Southridge (8-7) at No. 3 Coconut Creek (13-3), 5

CLASS 2A

All games on Tuesday, April 28

REGION 1

No. 8 Menendez (St. Augustine) (5-6) at No. 1 Choctawhatchee (Fort Walton Beach) (14-3), 7 CT

No. 5 Booker T. Washington (Pensacola) (11-1) at No. 4 St. Augustine (12-5), 6

No. 7 Godby (Tallahassee) (9-8) at No. 2 Paxon (Jacksonville) (14-2), 6

No. 6 Yulee (10-6) at No. 3 Arnold (Panama City Beach) (13-3), 7

REGION 2

No. 8 Vanguard (Ocala) (6-5) at No. 1 Deltona (16-0), 7

No. 5 New Smyrna Beach (13-5) at No. 4 Nature Coast (Brooksville) (13-4), 7

No. 7 Weeki Wachee (12-3) at No. 2 Hernando (Brooksville) (12-3), 7

No. 6 Citrus (Inverness) (11-6) at No. 3 Clay (Green Cove Springs) (13-1), 7

REGION 3

No. 8 St. Petersburg (9-6) at No. 1 Robinson (Tampa) (16-1), 7:30

No. 5 Gateway (Kissimmee) (13-3) at No. 4 Gulf (New Port Richey) (14-3), 7

No. 7 Northeast (St. Petersburg) (9-9) at No. 2 Osceola (Seminole) (17-1), 7

No. 6 Freedom (Tampa) (12-3) at No. 3 Countryside (Clearwater) (12-5), 7

REGION 4

No. 8 Estero (8-3) vs. No. 1 Miami Northwestern (14-2) at Traz Powell Stadium (Miami), 6

No. 5 Jensen Beach (9-8) at No. 4 Bishop Verot (Fort Myers) (13-1), 6

No. 7 Suncoast (Riviera Beach) (8-5) at No. 2 Bonita Springs (18-0), 7

No. 6 Dillard (Fort Lauderdale) (10-6) at No. 3 Dr. Joaquin Garcia (Lake Worth) (12-5), 7

CLASS 1A

All games on Tuesday, April 28

REGION 1

No. 8 West Nassau (Callahan) (10-4) at No. 1 Florida High (Tallahassee) (13-2), 7

No. 4 Destin (10-5) at No. 5 Bradford (Starke) (11-4), 7

No. 7 FAMU (Tallahassee) (10-7) at No. 2 Bolles (Jacksonville) (14-2), 5:30

No. 6 University Christian (Jacksonville) (7-5) vs. No. 3 Eagle’s View (Jacksonville) (14-2) at Sheffield Park (Jacksonville), 7

REGION 2

No. 8 Trinity Catholic (Ocala) (9-5) at No. 1 Tampa Catholic (15-2), 7

No. 5 Tarpon Springs (10-6) at No. 4 Wildwood (9-2), 7

No. 7 Bell Creek (Riverview) (12-4) at No. 2 Boca Ciega (Gulfport) (15-3), 7

No. 6 Dunedin (11-7) at No. 3 Lakewood (St. Petersburg) (13-3), 7

REGION 3

No. 8 Space Coast (Cocoa) (12-4) at No. 1 Somerset Canyons (Boynton Beach) (14-1), 6

No. 4 Avon Park (15-3) at No. 5 Coral Springs Charter (13-2), 7

No. 7 Atlantic (Port Orange) (11-4) at No. 2 John Carroll (Fort Pierce) (13-4), 7

No. 6 Pahokee (7-6) at No. 3 Cardinal Newman (West Palm Beach) (12-4), 7

REGION 4

No. 8 Monsignor Pace (Miami) (9-5) at No. 1 Miami Edison (14-1), 3:30

No. 4 Keys Gate (Homestead) (10-4) at No. 5 Miami Carol City (8-4), 5

No. 7 Ransom Everglades (Miami) (8-4) at No. 2 True North (Miami) (13-3), 5:30

No. 6 SLAM (Miami) (6-8) at No. 3 Somerset Charter (Silver Palms) (17-0), 4

The post FLAG FOOTBALL: FHSAA releases 2026 Flag Football Playoff Brackets appeared first on FloridaHSFootball.com.

From Class 4A through Class 1A, teams have battled through their district brackets as the Road to Tampa continues to take shape. Below is a running list of 2026 Florida high school girls flag football district champions, updated as titles are decided from across the state.

All district champions listed have guaranteed a berth into the FHSAA State Series Regional Playoffs!

Congratulations to all the teams that have won their district championship and are heading to the playoffs!

CLASS 4A

CLASS 3A

CLASS 2A

CLASS 1A

The post FLAG FOOTBALL: List of 2026 FHSAA Flag Football District Champions appeared first on FloridaHSFootball.com.

During the show, Scott Jamison, FHSAA Associate Executive Director of Athletic Services, addressed the two major votes by the FHSAA Board of Directors that directly impact Florida high school football:

• The 11–1 vote to move the remaining Class Rural teams into Class 1A
• The 12–0 vote to enforce Independent School status policies for FHSAA member schools and create an FHSAA Independent League

In this segment, Jamison explains why the votes passed, how enforcement will work, and what schools should expect moving forward under the updated FHSAA structure.

Watch the full LIVE show here: https://www.youtube.com/live/sEdL8ExsmBU?si=kGHfcv9DzX5I_MU_

Brought To You By Our Loyal Partners:

• Jaguars PREP
• Tampa Bay Buccaneers Foundation
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The Florida HS Football Show is available on your favorite podcast platforms, including:

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The post The Florida HS Football Show – EXTRA – Scott Jamision, FHSAA Associate Excecutive Director of Athletics Services stops by to discuss the FHSAA BOD vote to merge Class Rural with Class 1A & Independent status appeared first on FloridaHSFootball.com.

Brought To You By Our Loyal Partners:

• Jaguars PREP
• Tampa Bay Buccaneers Foundation
• ScoreStream
• Teknovate Consulting Partners
• BoxOut Sports
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• NFHS Network
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The Florida HS Football Show is available on your favorite podcast platforms, including:

YouTube (full video)

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

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Amazon

The post The Florida HS Football Show – REPLAY – FHSAA Board of Directors Meeting to decide fate of the Rural Classification appeared first on FloridaHSFootball.com.

Jeremy discusses the growth of girls’ flag football in Florida, the sport’s national influence on the NFHS rulebook, the expansion of programs statewide, preseason classics with the Jacksonville Jaguars and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the 2026 regular season and state championships, and what’s next for the sport’s future.

Brought To You By Our Loyal Partners:

• Jaguars PREP
• Tampa Bay Buccaneers Foundation
• ScoreStream
• Teknovate Consulting Partners
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Sections
02:25 – Introduction to Jeremy Hernandez
07:21 – The Growth of Girls Flag Football
17:08 – 2026 Season Discussion
28:22 – Future Direction of Girls Flag Football
50:17 – Wrap Up

The Florida HS Football Show is available on your favorite podcast platforms, including:

YouTube (full video)

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

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Amazon

The post The Florida HS Football Show – FHSAA Flag Football Administrator Jeremy Hernandez chats with us about the upcoming 2026 season appeared first on FloridaHSFootball.com.

Follow this article for LIVE updates from the Florida High School Athletic Association’s Board of Directors Meeting from the Robert W. Hughes FHSAA Building in Gainesville.

PLAN FROM WEDNESDAY: View here

UPDATE NO. 44

FINAL UPDATE

11:42 AM EST — Discussion items on the NFHS Flag Football Rule book which will replace the FHSAA created one will come in the 2026-27 school year. Also there has been rene requests from schools about participating in games on Sundays which will eventually come up for a vote. Report from legal counsel, executive director, president along with comments from the BOD will wrap up the meeting.

UPDATE NO. 43

11:37 AM EST — The motion on the floor for 6 classification plus Rural with required district play (Option A) with vote carries with a 10-3 vote.

UPDATE NO. 42

11:34 AM EST — According to the FHSAA, 492 schools have declared for the FHSAA State Series for the 2026-27 and 2027-28 school years. Craig Damon is saying these schools declared based upon what is currently in place not what is voted upon.

UPDATE NO. 41

11:33 AM EST — Looks like we will have a new motion on the floor just to vote on Option A with nothing modified now.

UPDATE NO. 40

11:31 AM EST — A lot more discussion happening here. Ricky Bell is going to withdraw or amend his motion on the floor.

UPDATE NO. 39

11:25 AM EST — Trevor Berryhill is saying that it’s too cumbersome and it needs to be scaled back on the option that could be voted on.

UPDATE NO. 38

11:20 AM EST — Paul Selvidio is saying that he is voting for non-district play and going against the grain of those who are wanting district play. He said the FHSAA BOD should be accommodating the needs versus the wants.

UPDATE NO. 37

11:16 AM EST — They are saying the details of what that Florida independent FIT looks like would be voted upon another BOD meeting. FHSAA staff is asking for flexibility to be able to go to five classifications if the independent option takes off. Ricky Bell is mending the motion to give that flexibility. Paul Selvidio is going against this mending of the motion, saying too many what ifs are here.

UPDATE NO. 36

11:09 AM EST — Motion is on the floor is to approve Option A along with the opportunity for independents schools to play in FIT, not for state series schools, making the FIT an independent playoff option for independent schools. Discussion is now on the floor.

UPDATE NO. 35

11:06 AM EST — Johns said at least having a framework to creating something for the independent schools would be there in a vote today and letting them know something is going to be there for them if Option A is voted upon here.

UPDATE NO. 34

11:04 AM EST — Bobby Johns said he is against mandatory district play, but he is ready to vote upon Option A but looking at also doing something for the independent schools and maybe mold the Florida Invitational Tournament into that.

UPDATE NO. 33

11:01 AM EST — Marcus Chambers is bringing up about the unintended consequences of the decision that BOD makes today. Craig Damon is recommending Option A which is posted here again. He is urging Option A.

UPDATE NO. 32

11:00 AM EST — Ricky Bell is saying we (the BOD) needs to make a decision today. FHSAA Associate Executive Director of Athletic Services Scott Jamison is afraid about the possibility of an Independent series which would impact the numbers of teams in classifications and in districts.

UPDATE NO. 31

10:57 AM EST — FACA Executive Director Shelton Crews is telling the BOD to determine what is the path to win a state championship and not to kick the can down the road. Hillsborough County Athletic Director Lanness Robinson is saying a decision needs to be made today. Also saying that it needs to be implemented for a while before looking at changing things again.

UPDATE NO. 30

10:54 AM EST — FHSAA BOD President Marcus Chambers, the Superintendent of Okaloosa County Schools is speaking and saying there is a lot of different ideas and voices out there along with a lot of discussion on both sides of the fence on what ever decision comes about.

UPDATE NO. 29

10:49 AM EST — Allen Shirley is saying that he really doesn’t want to kick the can down the road which would delay coaches getting schedules set for the 2026 season. Ricky Bell is proposing saying once a school commits to what they want to do, they need to be locked in which would go against FHSAA Policy which allows teams to declare to go independent two weeks before the season starts which is has caused a lot of headache in recent years.

UPDATE NO. 28

10:48 AM EST — Trevor Berryhill want to see how many schools will declare before the decide on an Independent state series where it would be no required district play versus state series that would require district play.

UPDATE NO. 27

10:46 AM EST — Talking about reopening the declarations for football depending on the direction and the plan the FHSAA BOD takes here, FHSAA Associated Executive Director of Athletic Services is speaking to help allow schools to make a decision of which way they want to go.

UPDATE NO. 26

10:41 AM EST — The ideas being floated, BOD member Bobby Johns is saying that these ideas don’t include the Rural classification. He is saying this could possibly save the Rural Classification. The Rural Classification could be in trouble as a number of schools in the classification in the Panhandle and North Central Florida regions are looking at possibly going a different direction.

UPDATE NO. 25

10:38 AM EST — Thomas Kenna now speaking again… he saying do something for four years, but give the option after two years for a change where they want to be at. BOD Ricky Bell, who is an At-Large member and also the head football coach at Leon High school wants to grow the association and get schools back. He would like to take the King Solomon approach which is splitting the baby, basically as we are gathering to help the schools on both sides of the debate here.

UPDATE NO. 24

10:34 AM EST — One of the things being floated is how to get teams to come back and stop the bleeding that has seen a lot of teams deflect to the SSAA or other options in recent years in the name of competitive balance. Bobby Johns is speaking more on creating the split to help service the groups that don’t want district play. The option for playing a state championship vs not a state championship is a big thing for Johns to not dangle a carrot.

UPDATE NO. 23

10:32 AM EST — FHSAA Executive Director Craig Damon now speaking again saying a lot of great points have been brought up. We still don’t have a firm plan on the table yet from the BOD.

UPDATE NO. 22

10:29 AM EST — FHSAA Associate Executive Director Scott Jamison is saying reclassification would still happen every two years based on FHSAA policy. Says the BOD can change things if they want to. He says an independent FHSAA state series should be called a State Championship. Jamison said he doesn’t want to take this away for those who don’t want to have a mandated district schedule. He says a lot of coaches are still wanting mandated district play.

UPDATE NO. 21

10:25 AM EST — Trevor Berryhill now speaking again about backing what Bobby Johns has proposed. So this idea might have some support.

UPDATE NO. 20

10:23 AM EST — BOD Bobby Johns now speaking again and he is talking about a point of separating schools who want district play vs. non-district play and giving the best of both worlds. So far a lot of different ideas being pitched. He also suggesting an FHSAA Independent playoff system, but suggesting not calling it a state championship. Those are for teams not interested in a state championship. Suggesting requiring district play for the state championship bracket while creating something else for those that don’t want it.

UPDATE NO. 19

10:16 AM EST — BOD member Trevor Berryhill is now speaking again. He likes what California does that does not have districts as they seed brackets based upon the rankings. However, it seems most are against this thought including a lot of coaches in the state.

UPDATE NO. 18

10:14 AM EST — BOD member Paul Selvidio who is the Head of School at Community School in Naples is speaking now. He is a proponent of not requiring mandatory district play. He is proposing a requirement of number of region games and not having district play as a requirement. Selvidio was at one time the head football coach at Community School, so he has experience with coaching football. He is saying the fear that is there from the coaches is not really there or won’t be there.

UPDATE NO. 17

10:10 AM EST — BOD member Allen Shirley is speaking up on requiring mandated district play given there are quite a few teams that have a hard time getting games. He understands the other side of it as well.

UPDATE NO. 16

10:07 AM EST — BOD member Thomas Kenna, Athletic Director from Cape Coral High School is speaking about the process and has expressed the various thoughts. Kenna expressed in the workshop from last week stating that enrollment shouldn’t be the only basis for classifications in Florida. He is proposing creating districts based on student enrollment and allow mandate district scheduling and allow teams to also schedule tougher games. He is also proposing that rankings be clearly defined. We will try to get a copy of this idea if this is something that the BOD goes with.

UPDATE NO. 15

10:03 AM EST — BOD member Trevor Berryhill, Athletic Director from The Master’s Academy (Oviedo) who is in the SSAA for football is speaking. He is stating that needs to go for like four or even six years. He say this should not be done every two years in changing things with classifications. He says it causes “way too much stress” for the entire state. He wants to see a plan implemented and see how it goes for four years.

UPDATE NO. 14

9:59 AM EST — Bobby Johns is leading off the comments to start off the comments from the BOD. He is bringing up the concerns he has. He is speaking about the successes for when he was coaching at Wewahitchka. He is asking if there is an option to not alienate the schools that are just trying to have a competitive team on the football each Friday night. Also sounds like we might be hearing some other ideas, plans or options.

UPDATE NO. 13

9:54 AM EST — Speakers so far have included Shelton Crews from FACA, Price Harris from Madison County. Harris is speaking the process that used to happen with the process which has been bypassed for second time around. Ty Lawrence from South Sumter and Jamie Rodgers also are going up to the Board as well to speak.

UPDATE NO. 12

9:36 AM EST — Damon is asking for flexibility to move teams up or down a classification and determine the size of classifications and determine how many districts there are per classification.

UPDATE NO. 11

9:33 AM EST — FHSAA Executive Director Craig Damon is now speaking on this as they introduce the item. Public speakers are about to come up here. Again we are looking at 6 classifications plus Rural now instead of 5 classifications plus Rural.

UPDATE NO. 10

9:31 AM EST — We are now going into the report of the Operations Committee which is where football classifications discussion is about to happen. Policy 36.4 is a discussion item, not an item up for vote.

UPDATE NO. 9

9:19 AM EST — The BOD is now moving to the report of the Governance Committee which should take too long with two action items to add Array Global as recognize accrediting agency for schools in the FHSAA and then a change in Policy 36.4 for Impermissible Benefits. After that the classifications will be up.

UPDATE NO. 8

9:18 AM EST — The motion on Policy 9.11.2 carries unanimously 13-0.

UPDATE NO. 7

9:15 AM EST — Discussion about Policy 9.11.2 – Financial Reporting to help simplify adding an exception to financial reporting for any sport that engages ins a singe round series after district tournaments and before FHSAA hosted state finals. This would be a policy change.

UPDATE NO. 6

9:13 AM EST — Report of the Finance Committee is ongoing from FHSAA Associate Executive Director of Financial Services.

UPDATE NO. 5

9:09 AM EST — Adoption of the agenda and approval of the BOD meeting minutes from September 21-22 is ongoing with the report of the finance committee coming up.

UPDATE NO. 4

9:07 AM EST — Some coaches here in attendance at the BOD with Madison County head football coach and athletic director Price Harris and South Sumter head football coach and athletic director here among those in attendance. Brock Canaday from Baker County and Jamie Rodgers from Bradford is also here.

UPDATE NO. 3

9:03 AM EST — FHSAA Marketing team is introducing some members from Suncoast Credit Union with their new partnership with the FHSAA as introduction of guests get underway for the BOD meeting.

UPDATE NO. 2

9:00 AM EST — The FHSAA Board of Directors meeting is now underway here in Gainesville.

UPDATE NO. 1

8:37 AM EST — There appears to be a new update that will either go six classifications plus rural with required regular season district contests or the same option as presented on Wednesday that will not required regular season district contests that was presented prior to the Operations Committee on Sunday.

The post LIVE UPDATES: FHSAA Board of Directors to determine direction of football classifications for 2026-27 and 2027-28 school years appeared first on FloridaHSFootball.com.

Presented on Wednesday during an FHSAA Board of Directors informational workshop, Executive Director Craig Damon outlined a plan to reduce football to five classifications plus Rural and introduce a two-week district tournament format to determine playoff berths.

While FHSAA officials framed the proposal as a way to simplify scheduling, reduce travel, and restore late-season excitement, coaches and administrators said the plan fails to fix long-standing inequities tied to enrollment-based placement and opaque ranking systems.

Background: How the Current System Works

Florida’s current football model features seven classifications plus Rural, a system adopted in 2022 after the end of the Metro/Suburban split. That model was designed to simplify statewide competition and reduce confusion from the previous setup, but wide enrollment gaps and travel demands have remained.

Under the existing structure, 87.5 percent of schools have been able to schedule at least seven non-district games, but nearly one-third of all districts still include only two or three teams — leaving large portions of the schedule to be filled independently.

What the Proposal Would Do

Under proposed Policy 12.3.1, the association would eliminate the current 7A–1A structure and shift to 5A–1A plus Rural — six total divisions.

Schools committing to the State Series would be ranked by student enrollment. The smallest school in each group sets the class cutoff, which then stays locked for two years.

The Rural classification remains but adjusts its footprint to reflect today’s participation numbers. FHSAA slides presented Wednesday show 38 schools in the Rural division, even though the policy text lists a minimum of 24 and a baseline of 32. Officials said the larger figure represents expected participants based on current eligibility and REDI criteria.

Projected Breakdown by Class

That brings the total number of football-playing programs under the FHSAA umbrella to 542, not 772. The higher figure includes middle schools, JV-only teams and schools without football.

The Rural division represents about 7 percent of active football programs statewide, while 5A and 4A together make up more than half of all FHSAA football membership.

If approved Monday, the new classification system would take effect beginning with the 2026 football season and run through the 2027–28 cycle. Schools would be reclassified using October 2025 enrollment reports, with new districts finalized by spring 2026.

How the District Tournament Would Work

The most notable change comes in Policy 13.3.1, which replaces traditional district schedules with post-regular-season district tournaments.

• Weeks 1–9: Teams schedule up to eight games of their choosing.
• After Week 9: The top four teams in each district, based on the official FHSAA/MaxPreps rankings, qualify for the district bracket.
• Week 10: No. 1 hosts No. 4 and No. 2 hosts No. 3.
• Week 11: Winners meet for the District Championship; semifinal losers play each other.
• Non-qualifiers may still schedule independent games.

District champions automatically advance to the State Series; remaining playoff berths are filled by power ranking.

FHSAA officials said this structure will “bring back meaning to the district championship” while preserving scheduling freedom early in the season.

Concerns About District Size

For many athletic directors, district size is the proposal’s biggest weakness.

“You want some bigger districts, especially if we’re going to play the district tournament, so to speak, at the end. You can’t do that with two or three teams in a district,” said Wewahitchka athletic director Bobby Johns.

That concern has been echoed by coaches across classifications, who worry that smaller districts could lead to byes or uneven competition within the new two-week tournament structure.

Rodgers: Everything Should Be Decided on the Field

Bradford head football coach Jamie Rodgers said via text message that he is not in favor of the current proposal.

“Can’t take 32 when only 40 teams are in the whole class,” Rodgers wrote. “We have to have some people at the committee meeting. I don’t like this proposal.”

Rodgers said his preferred structure would feature 8–10 team districts, with the top four advancing to the playoffs.

“Everything is decided on the field,” he said.

Rodgers’ reaction reflects a growing sentiment among coaches who feel that any new format must prioritize on-field results rather than rankings or uneven class sizes.

What Schools Told the FHSAA

According to internal survey results shared at the workshop:

• 85 percent of schools want to keep districts in some form.
• 78 percent favor required contests or structured postseason play within districts.
• District champions should continue to qualify automatically for the playoffs.
• Schools value scheduling autonomy during the regular season.
• Travel reduction and late-season excitement rank among the highest priorities.

The association described its plan as “a hybrid between scheduling freedom and competitive accountability.”

Financial Impact

A new Policy 9.10.1.1 would allow district-tournament games to remain financially independent, meaning no percentage of gate revenue would go to the FHSAA. The host and visiting schools would manage profits and expenses locally.

FHSAA’s existing 25 percent cut would still apply to regional and state-semifinal rounds, but the change is intended to keep more dollars at the local level, especially for small or rural schools that depend on football gates to sustain entire athletic budgets.

FHSAA’s Case for the Plan

Damon told board members the model promotes geographically practical districts for 5A through 1A and Rural schools, cutting travel and reviving regional rivalries.

The policy also gives the Executive Director discretion to move geographically isolated schools up or down one class to reduce travel.

Yet even some board members questioned whether cutting classes and shifting boundaries truly delivers competitive balance.

While a few board members pressed for clarification on district sizes, class cutoffs, and playoff logistics, several others remained quiet throughout the discussion. The lack of questions from many on the board raised eyebrows among attendees who expected deeper scrutiny ahead of Monday’s scheduled vote.

Kenna: Not All Schools Are Created Equal

“1A is beating 7A, 2A is beating 5A,” said FHSAA Board Member Thomas Kenna, challenging the continued reliance on enrollment as the sole measure for classification. “Not all schools are created equal.”

Kenna’s remarks drew nods from several administrators and reflected a growing view among coaches that the state’s biggest inequities now stem from school-choice transfers, resource disparities, and private-school dominance, not raw enrollment counts.

Coaches’ Coalition Report Adds Context

A separate executive report released this week by the Florida Coaches Coalition (FCC) and FloridaHSFootball.com, based on responses from 111 head coaches statewide (18.4 percent participation), reinforced the concerns raised by Kenna, Johns, and Rodgers.

Key Findings:

• Competitive imbalance ranked as the No. 1 problem, with coaches calling the current enrollment model outdated and inequitable.
• Performance-based placement or a competitive-balance system was the most requested reform (40 percent).
• District restructuring and travel reduction ranked second (25 percent).
• Transparency in the MaxPreps ranking system followed at 18 percent.
• Coaches supported an Open Division only if it is earned or optional, not mandated.
• Nearly half reported high concern about how rankings affect playoff access.
• Most emphasized that football’s revenue supports all sports; poor classification choices hurt entire programs.

“Smaller schools are fighting battles we were never built for,” one 2A coach said. “When football loses money, every sport on campus feels it,” added a 7A coach.

The report, co-authored by Dr. Andrew Ramjit, FCC Executive Director, and Joshua Wilson, Publisher of FloridaHSFootball.com, calls for reforms that blend competitive equity, transparency, and fiscal stability rather than another purely enrollment-driven realignment.

Damon: Ranking Formula Could Change Too

Beyond classifications, Damon acknowledged that the FHSAA’s rating formula, currently powered by MaxPreps, may also be up for revision.

“Our plan is, once we get classifications done, to get together with football coaches at the advisory committee meeting and some others and come up with what we want in our ranking,” Damon said.

That means any new classification model could eventually pair with a revised playoff ranking system, another key demand from the coaching community.

Impact of SSAA and Program Shifts

The proposal could also be influenced by schools that choose to compete outside of the FHSAA. The Sunshine State Athletic Association (SSAA) has grown in recent years, adding schools seeking smaller divisions or reduced travel.

That number could continue to change before the 2026–27 cycle. One current Rural program, Dixie County, has already announced it will join the SSAA’s Atlantic League beginning in 2026 — a move that highlights how fluid Florida’s football landscape remains.

Because of those transitions, the total count of participating schools in each classification could fluctuate before realignment is finalized.

What Happens Next

Wednesday’s session was an informational workshop, allowing the FHSAA staff to present models and receive feedback before any official vote.

The FHSAA Board of Directors is expected to vote on the proposal at its Monday, Nov. 3, meeting in Gainesville. While the plan could be adopted as presented, board members may still add amendments or defer the decision until a later date.

However, the Board currently has no further meetings scheduled until Feb. 22–23, 2026, meaning a delay could push any classification changes back another full cycle.

The additional Florida Coaches Coalition–FloridaHSFootball.com survey report has also been sent to the FHSAA Board of Directors for review ahead of that meeting.

The FHSAA did not take public comment during Wednesday’s workshop, but several coaches and administrators told FloridaHSFootball.com afterward that the proposal moves too quickly without addressing the core issue of competitive balance.

Whether the plan ultimately simplifies football or deepens existing divides will depend on what version of fairness the Board decides to pursue.

For now, Florida high school football finds itself once again in transition — torn between simplicity on paper and equity on the field.

The post FHSAA proposal would overhaul football classifications for 2026–28, drawing concern from coaches and ADs appeared first on FloridaHSFootball.com.

The directive applies to any games delayed earlier in the season as well as contests postponed this week due to weather. The Week 12 universal bye week was built into the schedule as a buffer for hurricane-related postponements during the 2025 season, but Florida has avoided any direct hits from tropical systems this year. Instead, schools have contended with Mother Nature’s fury in the form of traditional summer afternoon thunderstorms and other weather events.

With a nor’easter affecting Florida’s East Coast in Week 8 with heavy rain and strong winds, additional games could be added to the makeup schedule.

Key Matchups Scheduled

Several critical district contests are already on the Week 12 calendar:

DeLand at Spruce Creek

Will kick off at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 4, in what has become a pivotal District 7A-2 matchup. The game, originally scheduled for Week 6, was suspended with DeLand leading 14-0 when weather forced the postponement. The outcome will determine the district champion.

Fleming Island at Beachside

This contest contest is set for 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 4. The District 5A-3 contest could decide playoff positioning for multiple teams in Class 5A-Region 1.

Apopka at Cocoa

The Blue Darters and Tigers will face each other on Monday, Nov. 3, at 7 p.m. Both programs enter the game struggling, and the result could determine whether Cocoa secures a playoff berth if the team fails to win the District 2A-6 championship. Apopka, already eliminated from playoff contention in Week 8, is playing out its season.

Playoff Bracket Timeline

With the makeup game deadline set, the 2025 FHSAA playoff brackets could be revealed as early as Wednesday, Nov. 5. However, that has not been finalized. Sources indicate a decision on the bracket release date will likely come during Week 9.

The post FHSAA Sets Nov. 4 deadline for postponed games in Week 12 appeared first on FloridaHSFootball.com.

Here are the game forecasts along with score predictions and win percentage probabilities for the 2025 FHSAA Flag Football State Championships along with how to watch each game on NFHS Network.

CLASS 1A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP

No. 1 Wildwood vs. No. 2 Miami Edison, 4 PM EDT

SPREAD: Wildwood 11 over Miami Edison

SCORE PREDICTION: Wildwood 24, Miami Edison 13

WIN PROBABILITIES: Wildwood 78.5%, Miami Edison 21.5%

HOW TO WATCH: NFHS Network

CLASS 3A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP

No. 1 Seminole Ridge (Westlake) vs. No. 3 Chiles (Tallahassee), 5:45 PM EDT

SPREAD: Seminole Ridge 9 over Chiles

SCORE PREDICTION: Seminole Ridge 18, Chiles 9

WIN PROBABILITIES: Seminole Ridge 73.0%, Chiles 27.0%

HOW TO WATCH: NFHS Network

CLASS 2A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP

No. 1 Robinson (Tampa) vs. No. 2 Choctawhatchee (Fort Walton Beach), 7:30 PM EDT

SPREAD: Robinson 15 over Choctawhatchee

SCORE PREDICTION: Robinson 25, Choctawhatchee 10

WIN PROBABILITIES: Robinson 84.2%, Choctawhatchee 15.8%

HOW TO WATCH: NFHS Network

CLASS 4A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP

No. 1 Wellington vs. No. 2 Alonso (Tampa), 9:15 PM EDT

SPREAD: Alonso 8 over Wellington

SCORE PREDICTION: Alonso 20, Wellington 12

WIN PROBABILITIES: Alonso 71.7%, Wellington 28.3%

HOW TO WATCH: NFHS Network

The post FLAG FOOTBALL: FHSAA State Championships game forecasts, score predictions, win probabilities and how to watch today’s state championships appeared first on FloridaHSFootball.com.

No. 1 Seminole Ridge Hawks (Westlake) vs. No. 4 East Bay Indians (Gibsonton)

GAME TIME: 7:00 p.m. EDT

FPRI FORECAST: Seminole Ridge 8 over East Bay

WATCH LIVE: NFHS Network

The Hawks are back in the final four for the first time since 2023 and could be the favorite to win their first state championship since they last won a state championship in Class 2A in 2016. Seminole Ridge is led by Aubrey Fogel, who has thrown for over 4,200 yards this season with 60 touchdowns against just 13 interceptions. With the Hawks being pass-heavy, expect very little running with the team only having 164 yards rushing on the season and three rushing touchdowns. That is compared to East Bay, which is making its first trip to the state semifinals in program history, where the team has combined 925 yards rushing and 21 touchdowns on the ground. The Indians have mixed it up with a two-quarterback system this season, with Nyashia Edwards and Victoria Whitfield, both sophomores, who have accounted for most of the Indians’ 3,600 yards passing. Edwards and Whitfield accounted for 62 of the Indians’ 63 passing touchdowns this season. Seminole Ridge will spread the ball around passing, with Lola Agosto (953 receiving yards, 20 TDs) and Dakota Parks (913 receiving yards, 12 TDs) being Fogel’s favorite targets. That will compare with East Bay, which has seen Jazalyn Baluja emerge as the favorite receiving target with 1,331 yards receiving and 26 touchdowns this season. Defensively, Fogel will have to keep an eye on where Jayla Jackson is on the field for the Indians as she has been a ball hawk with 15 interceptions, while Baluja has led the team with 57 flag pulls while recording 10 sacks. Chachi Saunders leads the Hawks with 16 interceptions and will undoubtedly be one of the defensive players that the Indians will have to watch, along with Lily Von-Purkyne, who leads the Hawks with 21 sacks.

No. 2 Homestead Broncos vs. No. 3 Chiles Timberwolves (Tallahassee)

GAME TIME: 8:30 p.m. EDT

FPRI FORECAST: Homestead 6 over Chiles

WATCH LIVE: NFHS Network

Both Homestead and Chiles are in the final four for the first time in program history, and they will be looking to emerge to play for a state championship for the first time. The Broncos are led by quarterback Jerniyah Fowles, who has thrown for over 4,400 yards this season with 47 touchdowns against 11 interceptions. That is compared to the Timberwolves’ counterpart, freshman Kendall Sadberry, who has taken most of the snaps this season, throwing for 1560 yards and 30 touchdowns. However, Sadberry likes to run with the ball as well, which has helped keep opposing defenses on their feet as Sadberry has rushed for 939 yards and nine touchdowns so far this season. You will find Homestead will run the ball some with Zakieria Cobb leading the stats in rushing with 561 yards and six touchdowns, but also don’t be surprised that Fowles keeps the ball herself, who has rushed for 326 yards and four touchdowns this season. Fowles’ favorite target for the Broncos is Caitylyn Gibson, who has 82 catches for 1,112 yards and 24 touchdowns this season, with Cobb and Kiani Graham also top targets who have a combined 17 touchdowns as well this season. With Chiles not being a pass-heavy team, Charlotte Reynolds led the Timberwolves with 434 yards receiving, 46 receptions, and 11 touchdowns. However, where Chiles makes the most of each game is defense, and that is where you will have to keep an eye on Ali Harllee, who has racked up 31 sacks this season, along with 50 quarterback hurries and 51 flag pulls. Sophomore Francesca Fernandes leads Chiles with 83 flag pulls, while another sophomore, Lainey Crisafulli, leads Chiles with 11 interceptions. All the defense for Chiles contrasts with Homestead’s defense, which has not recorded a lot of sacks or interceptions this season, with Graham leading with five interceptions, while Cambria Smith leads the Broncos with six sacks.

The post FLAG FOOTBALL: Class 3A State Semifinals Preview appeared first on FloridaHSFootball.com.

No. 1 Wildwood Wildcats vs. No. 4 Somerset Canyons Cougars (Boynton Beach)

GAME TIME: 4:00 p.m. EDT

FPRI FORECAST: Wildwood 12 over Somerset Canyons

WATCH LIVE: NFHS Network

With both teams making their debut in the state semifinals, they are hungry to show they have what it takes to reach the state championship game. Forget how many fewer games the Wildcats have played compared to the Cougars, as that has certainly not been a factor against the other teams they have faced so far in the playoffs. Zoey Brown has been dominant in her freshman season with over 2,200 yards passing and 46 touchdowns, with her favorite targets proving to be Trinidy Harris (39 receptions, 506 yards, 12 TDs) and Adejah Corbin (43 receptions, 488 yards, 9 TDs). The Cougars also have a dominant quarterback in sophomore Ava Wotipka,who has thrown for 3,288 yards and 57 touchdowns. The striking difference between Brown and Wotipka this season is the number of interceptions Wotipka has thrown, 20 compared to Brown’s seven, so that will be a key stat to watch. Wotipka likes to favor freshman Avery DeMayo, who leads with 875 yards receiving, 65 receptions, and 12 touchdowns. Delanie Doty is another player to watch for Wotipka offensively, who has 18 touchdowns along with 561 yards receiving on 69 receptions. Wotipkaalso leads the team defensively with 11 interceptions, with Brooke Doty just right behind here with 10 interceptions. Simone Nangle leads the Cougars with 53 flag pulls on the season. For Wildwood, Brown is also the stats leader in interceptions, while Ranyla Jackson will be a force to watch as she comes into the game with 23 sacks on the season and leads the team in flag pulls with 39.

No. 2 Miami Edison Red Raiders vs. No. 3 Florida High Seminoles (Tallahassee)

GAME TIME: 5:30 p.m. EDT

FPRI FORECAST: Miami Edison 3 over Florida High

WATCH LIVE: NFHS Network

Miami Edison is no stranger to the state semifinals. They have been here before, having last reached the state semifinals in 2022, where they were knocked out by Choctawhatchee (Fort Walton Beach). This marks their first trip to the state semifinals in program history for Florida High. Rakyia Louis is the name you will need to know for the Red Raiders, who have thrown for 4,705 yards and 78 touchdowns this season against just nine interceptions, making Miami Edison one of the most dominant teams in Class 1A. That alone right there could be trouble for the Seminoles to keep up with as they have primarily used a two-quarterback rotation system between Danielle White and Annelise Cardenas, who each have thrown for just over 800 yards each, with White having thrown for 18 touchdowns against 10 interceptions. What might help Florida High is that White does run the ball a lot, as she has over 1,100 yards rushing on 132 carries so far in 18 games, along with 20 touchdowns. But will it be enough to counter what Louis could for Miami Edison? Louis has two favorite targets in Poetry, Auguste and Malaysia David, who have combined for nearly 2,200 yards receiving and 39 touchdowns this season. That combination alone will keep the Seminoles on their heels as the Red Raiders also have options in the passing game. As such, Florida High will need Hannah Bowden to be at the top of her game to give Louis all the pressure and then some, as Bowden leads the Seminoles with 95 flag pulls and 47 sacks this season, while relying on White to make the necessary interceptions, who leads the team with 12. Defensively for the Red Raiders, the Seminoles might find the pressure being dialed up big time with Jennifer Burton, Armardi Danquah, and Talayah Akhdar stifling as those three players combined have racked up a whopping 67 sacks this season. Burton also leads the team with flag pulls at 95, while David leads the Red Raiders with nine interceptions.

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Here is a look at the pairings and official game times per the FHSAA brackets on MaxPreps.

ALL GAME TIMES 7:00 PM EDT UNLESS NOTED

CLASS 4A

REGION 1

No. 8 West Port (Ocala) (6-4) at No. 1 Apopka (13-1)

No. 5 DeLand (11-6) at No. 4 Mandarin (Jacksonville) (12-5), 6

No. 6 Forest (Ocala) (10-4) at No. 3 Timber Creek (Orlando) (13-3)

No. 7 Tocoi Creek (St. Augustine) (8-6) at No. 2 Spruce Creek (Port Orange) (16-0), 6

REGION 2

No. 8 West Orange (Winter Garden) (10-5) at No. 1 Lennard (Ruskin) (15-2)

No. 4 George Steinbrenner (Lutz) (13-5) at No. 5 Haines City (16-0)

No. 6 Bloomingdale (Valrico) (11-6) at No. 3 Horizon (Winter Garden) (15-2)

No. 7 Newsome (Lithia) (11-6) at No. 2 Alonso (Tampa) (15-2)

REGION 3

No. 8 Freedom (Orlando) (10-4) at No. 1 Wellington (13-1), 6:30

No. 5 Celebration (14-3) at No. 4 Harmony (13-4)

No. 6 Jupiter (13-3) at No. 3 Palm Beach Gardens (10-4)

No. 7 Davenport (13-3) at No. 2 Fort Pierce Central (16-1), 5:30

REGION 4

No. 8 Doral Academy (10-2) at No. 1 Miami Palmetto (13-3), 3:30

No. 5 Stoneman Douglas (Parkland) (12-1) at No. 4 Ferguson (Miami) (11-3), 3:30

No. 6 Park Vista (Lake Worth) (10-5) at No. 3 Spanish River (Boca Raton) (13-3)

No. 7 Hialeah Gardens (11-3) at No. 2 Western (Davie) (13-4)

CLASS 3A

REGION 1

No. 8 Bartram Trail (St. Johns) (15-1) at No. 1 Pace (13-5), 6 CDT

No. 4 Ponte Vedra (13-2) at No. 5 Oviedo (11-0), 6

No. 6 Fleming Island (11-3) at No. 3 Fletcher (Neptune Beach) (14-2), Thursday, 6:30

No. 7 Navarre (10-6) at No. 2 Chiles (Tallahassee) (11-4)

REGION 2

No. 8 Lakeland (5-3) at No. 1 Seminole Ridge (Westlake) (12-2)

No. 5 Martin County (Stuart) (15-2) at No. 4 South Fork (Stuart) (13-3)

No. 6 Springstead (Spring Hill) (11-6) at No. 3 Land O’ Lakes (15-1)

No. 7 Buchholz (Gainesville) (11-2) at No. 2 Belleview (14-3)

REGION 3

No. 8 Mariner (Cape Coral) (8-3) at No. 1 East Bay (Gibsonton) (14-3)

No. 5 Tampa Bay Tech (9-6) at No. 4 Parrish Community (11-3)

No. 6 Riverdale (Fort Myers) (9-3) at No. 3 East Lake (Tarpon Springs) (11-4)

No. 7 Manatee (Bradenton) (12-4) at No. 2 North Fort Myers (9-0)

REGION 4

No. 8 Atlantic (Delray Beach) (9-6) at No. 1 St. Thomas Aquinas (Fort Lauderdale) (14-1), 6

No. 5 Miami Southridge (9-6) at No. 4 Everglades (Miramar) (9-3), 4:30

No. 6 Braddock (Miami) (11-4) at No. 3 Boyd Anderson (Lauderdale Lakes) (14-2)

No. 7 Nova (Davie) (11-5) at No. 2 Homestead (13-4)

CLASS 2A

REGION 1

No. 8 Booker T. Washington (Pensacola) (9-3) at No. 1 Choctawhatchee (Fort Walton Beach) (14-2), 6:30 CDT

No. 5 Stanton (Jacksonville) (9-6) at No. 4 Yulee (12-4)

No. 6 Fort Walton Beach (8-9) at No. 3 Paxon (Jacksonville) (9-5), 5:30

No. 7 Godby (Tallahassee) (8-6) at No. 2 Ed White (Jacksonville) (12-5), 6:30

REGION 2

No. 8 Dunnellon (8-3) at No. 1 Hernando (Brooksville) (12-3)

No. 5 Weeki Wachee (10-5) at No. 4 New Smyrna Beach (11-5)

No. 6 Citrus (Inverness) (9-7) at No. 3 Nature Coast (Brooksville) (12-4)

No. 7 Jones (Orlando) (10-5) at No. 2 Clay (Green Cove Springs) (12-0)

REGION 3

No. 8 Countryside (Clearwater) (10-7) at No. 1 Robinson (Tampa) (15-3)

No. 5 Osceola (Seminole) (9-7) at No. 4 Gulf (New Port Richey) (15-2)

No. 6 Hillsborough (Tampa) (6-7) at No. 3 Gateway (Kissimmee) (11-5)

No. 7 Chamberlain (Tampa) (7-3) at No. 2 St. Petersburg (12-3)

REGION 4

No. 8 Suncoast (Riviera Beach) (12-4) at No. 1 Dr. Joaquin Garcia (Lake Worth) (14-0)

No. 5 Jensen Beach (11-6) at No. 4 Miami Norland (10-1), 5

No. 6 TERRA Institute (Miami) (10-4) at No. 3 Miami Northwestern (9-3), 3:30

No. 7 Bishop Verot (Fort Myers) (9-2) at No. 2 Mater Lakes (Hialeah) (11-4)

CLASS 1A

REGION 1

No. 8 Andrew Jackson (Jacksonville) (8-9) at No. 1 Florida High (Tallahassee) (12-3)

No. 4 Santa Fe (Alachua) (10-2) at No. 5 Suwannee (Live Oak) (10-7)

No. 6 Keystone Heights (9-8) at No. 3 Bradford (Starke) (12-2), 6

No. 7 Newberry (5-5) at No. 2 University Christian (Jacksonville) (9-0), 6

REGION 2

No. 8 Tarpon Springs (10-8) at No. 1 Wildwood (9-0)

No. 5 Gibbs (St. Petersburg) (8-6) at No. 4 Dunedin (14-4)

No. 6 The Villages (7-8) at No. 3 Keswick Christian (10-2), 6

No. 7 Classical Prep (Shady Hills) (10-5) at No. 2 Tampa Catholic (12-5)

REGION 3

No. 8 Atlantic (Port Orange) (10-7) at No. 1 Somerset Canyons (Boynton Beach) (13-3)

No. 5 Gateway Charter (Fort Myers) (8-2) at No. 4 Chaminade-Madonna (Hollywood) (9-5), 6

No. 3 Oxbridge Academy (West Palm Beach) (12-4) at No. 6 John Carroll (Fort Pierce) (8-6), 6

No. 7 Coral Springs Charter (6-4) at No. 2 Posnack (Davie) (13-2), 3

REGION 4

No. 8 Keys Gate (Homestead) (7-6) at No. 1 Miami Edison (14-1), 3

No. 5 Pinecrest Glades (Miami) (12-3) at No. 4 Monsignor Pace (Miami) (7-7)

No. 6 Ransom Everglades (Miami) (9-3) at No. 3 True North (Miami) (10-7), 4

No. 7 Palm Glades Prep (Miami) (11-4) vs. No. 2 SLAM (Miami) (10-3) at Moore Park, 3

The post FLAG FOOTBALL: Regional Quarterfinal pairings and schedule for Wed. April 23, 2025 appeared first on FloridaHSFootball.com.

Newly appointed FHSAA Executive Secretary Floyd Lay was initially opposed to the idea of having a state football playoff and championship, as was his predecessor Lafayette Golden, but the FHSAA wanted to give the sport a chance. “I am in favor of the football playoffs as long as the FHSAA sees fit to sponsor them,” Lay told the Associated Press at the time of the announcement published in a variety of state newspapers, including the Tampa Tribune on April 1, 1963.

SETTING UP THE PLAYOFF FORMAT

The first playoff format featured four regional participants in the state playoff. The teams in consideration were determined by a point system based on wins. The teams were awarded 10 points for defeating a Class AA school. A tie with a Class AA school was worth 5 points. Four points were awarded for defeating a Class A school with two given for a tie. There were no points awarded for any school playing either a Class B or C school.

If there were schools tied atop the region, it was the principals of the schools in their respective regions that would cast a tie-breaking vote to determine the team that advanced. The sites of the playoff games were also determined by the principals of the schools. The Region I and IIII principals decided it in odd years while the Region II and IV principals determined them during the even years. 

BREAKING TIES IN SEMIFINALS AND FINALS

Breaking ties in the semifinals and state championships were also announced at the time. In the semifinals, the ball was placed on the 50 yard line with each team given four plays on an alternative basis. No kicks were permitted and whichever team advanced the deepest into the other team’s territory, wins the game. 

During the state title game, the tie was broken with the establishment of the 12-minute overtime period. If the score was still even after the overtime period, the teams were declared as co-champions.

In 1963, only the 2A Championship game was played, with Coral Gables coming away with a 16-14 victory over Robinson (Tampa) at Phillips Field in Tampa. The next year, both the Class 2A and Class A title games were played, with Coral Gables getting a repeat win over Robert E. Lee (Jacksonville), now Riverside at the Orange Bowl in Miami, and Wildwood getting a win over Columbia (Lake City) at Florida Field in Gainesville. 

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With that said The Villages Charter High School in Middleton will host the Rural Classification State Championships at H.G. Morse Stadium on the new campus that opened at the start of the 2023-2024 school year, the FHSAA announced in a press release that was posted on FHSAA.com.

H.G. Morse Stadium will see the Rural Classification State Championships be played on Friday, December 6 which can hold 6,000 fans currently. The stadium also features premium seating options, locker rooms, team meeting rooms, an athletic training room and six press box suites. The venue also features a video board measuring 40 feet by 20 feet and a state-of-the-art sound system.

“The FHSAA is excited about the upcoming Florida High School Rural Classification Football State Championships to be hosted at The Range at H.G. Morse Stadium in Middleton,” said FHSAA Executive Director, Craig Damon. “Creating opportunities for our student-athletes has been a top priority of ours and finding a facility large enough to safely host all who wish to attend, is a dream come true.  We could not be more grateful for The Villages Charter School’s efforts in making these championships a reality for the student-athletes of the State of Florida.”

This will be the first time The Villages High School will host a state championship in any sport and the school is excited about the opportunity.

“We know football is very popular in the state of Florida, and we’re centrally located here at The Villages,“ said Richard Pettus, The Villages High School Athletic Director. “I know our fans and residents of over 170,000 retirees which include retired coaches will be excited, as well as college coaches. We welcome everyone to come, and we’re excited to show off our facilities and see some great football on that day!”  

FHSAA also said in the press release that the dates, venue, and schedule for the Class 1A-7A FHSAA Football State Championships will be announced at a later date with the potential of FIU Stadium, now called Pitbull Stadium, in Miami being the potential leader to host the remainder of the FHSAA Football State Championships. This location was raised as a possibility in one of our storylines to follow for the 2024 season.

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Welcome to the 2024 Florida High School Football season with practices now underway around the state! We will present a plethora of storylines over the coming days that will impact the 2024 season as part of our 2024 Storylines To Follow series and we will update this as we go through the days and weeks leading up to kickoff of the 2024 season!

WHERE ARE THE FHSAA STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS GOING TO BE PLAYED AT?

Honestly, your guess is going to be as good as ours, but we have heard a couple of different things being floated out there for where we could be seeing the FHSAA State Championships this year, and we will let you digest those possibilities here.

The first option is a return to Bragg Memorial Stadium at Florida A&M University in Tallahassee. While this option was great for having all nine classifications, the FHSAA did see a drop in attendance compared to the two previous years where at least some of the state championship games were played in the stadium formerly known as DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale. From our understanding, there was a possible option to renew but also might not have been as definitive as we thought.

The second option being floated is a return to South Florida, this time possibly at Florida International University’s FIU Stadium in Miami. Our sources indicate that there is a strong push from FIU and the South Florida community to bring all the state championships back to South Florida, where attendance usually achieves its highest numbers. What makes FIU Stadium nice is that it is a 20,000-seat stadium comparable to Bragg Memorial Stadium and the former DRV PNK Stadium. Another thing is that it does have FieldTurf as the playing surface, which would allow the stadium to handle possibly eight state championship games. The biggest disadvantage for FIU Stadium is that the majority of the Rural classification teams are located north of Interstate 4, with most of those located along the Interstate 10 corridor in North Florida. However, the Rural classification did gain some new teams south of Interstate 4, with Fort Meade returning to the classification, along with additions of Moore Haven and Marathon coming into the classification for the first time.

However, there is also a thought of potentially separating the Rural classification and finding a location more suitable to play that championship game (or possibly both A and B division championships) close to the majority of the schools in the Rural classification. One option floated by our sources was the new H.G. Morse Stadium at the new Villages High School in Middleton. Another option could be having the Rural classification state championships at Gene Cox Stadium in Tallahassee. Both fields have artificial playing surfaces that would suffice regardless of the weather conditions that can seemingly change at a moment’s notice in December.

At this point, all of these are just options that are out there and have been floated, and nothing is definitive at this time as we hed into the season regarding where the FHSAA State Championships will be come December or even on what days, as that is also not clearly defined at this time by the FHSAA.

MORE IN THE 2024 STORYLINES TO FOLLOW SERIES

• New classifications will set tone

• How many defending state champions will be able to repeat?

• SSAA moves to 10-game schedule

• FHSAA playoff power rankings will shift more toward MaxPreps rankings

• Rural classification taking on new playoff format in test

• Where are the FHSAA State Championships going to be played at?

The post 2024 STORYLINES TO FOLLOW: Where are the FHSAA State Championships going to be played at? appeared first on FloridaHSFootball.com.