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Wildwood leads the way as one of the state’s elite Class 1A programs, while Bradford and Belleview provide strong support across multiple classifications. Trinity Catholic returns to competition after a one-year layoff, bringing additional depth to the region’s Class 1A ranks. Here’s a look at the top 10 teams heading into 2026, based on the Florida Power Rankings Index’s two-year historical blend.

North Central Florida Region covers Alachua, Bradford, Columbia, Dixie, Gilchrist, Hamilton, Lafayette, Levy, Marion, Sumter, Suwannee, and Union counties

NORTH CENTRAL FLORIDA PRESEASON TOP 10

ANALYSIS

Wildwood: Enters 2026 as North Central Florida’s highest-rated program at 85.02, ranking among the elite Class 1A programs statewide. The Warriors are legitimate state championship contenders and the clear favorite in the region.

Bradford (Starke): Sits second in the region at 64.16 as another strong Class 1A program. The Tornadoes have established themselves as consistent playoff contenders and provide solid competition for Wildwood in the regional race, but it will all depend if they if they fully can compete with some talent graduating and a late coaching change.

Class 3A Representation: Belleview (#3, 60.53) leads the region’s Class 3A programs, followed by Buchholz (#5, 43.59). While the region’s 3A depth isn’t as strong as its 1A showing, both programs are capable of competitive playoff runs.

Trinity Catholic Returns: Trinity Catholic (#4, 43.68) returns to competition in 2026 after taking a one-year layoff. The Celtics bring additional depth to an already strong Class 1A field in the region.

Class 1A Depth: North Central Florida’s strength lies in Class 1A, with Wildwood, Bradford, Trinity Catholic, Santa Fe (#6, 39.94), and Suwannee (#7, 38.51) all ranked in the top 10. This concentration gives the region legitimate state-level contenders in the classification.

Class 4A Programs: Forest (#8, 36.36) and West Port (#9, 25.23) represent the region’s Class 4A programs. While not at the level of 4A powerhouses from Tampa Bay or South Florida, both programs provide solid regional competition.

The region may be small in team count, but the quality at the top—particularly in Class 1A—gives North Central Florida a strong presence in statewide competition. Wildwood’s championship potential leads the way for a region that consistently produces competitive programs.

SEASON TICKET CONTENT

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The post FLORIDA POWER RANKINGS INDEX: North Central Florida Region Flag Football Preseason Preview: Top 10 Rankings & Analysis appeared first on FloridaHSFootball.com.

Here are three takeaways from the game:

Defensive slugfest led the way

Both the Chargers and Tigers came in with a defensive mindset that kept the game in check throughout. The punter statistics tell the story, with North Miami Beach (6-7) totaling 199 yards on five punts while Dunnellon (8-6) had 141 yards on four punts.

The biggest difference in the game came when Kameron Wheeler intercepted a pass with 6:55 left in the third quarter, clamping down any momentum the Chargers had gained. That’s not to mention the Tigers’ fumbling on the first play of the game with no adverse consequences for Dunnellon.

The defensive statistics showed North Miami Beach with 47 tackles, countering Dunnellon’s rushing attack, while the Tigers racked up 30 tackles. Josh Labissiere led the Chargers with 10 tackles, a tackle for loss, and a forced fumble, while Kaiden Robinson-Vickers led the Tigers with four tackles and 2.5 tackles for loss.

Offenses did all the scoring in the first half

The offenses weren’t the stars despite Dunnellon totaling 256 yards compared to the Chargers’ 107 yards.

Dunnellon started the scoring when quarterback Dylan Curry broke through several tackles to find pay dirt from 23 yards out with 3:09 left in the first quarter, putting the Tigers up 7-0.

North Miami Beach countered in the second quarter with its best drive of the game — a six-play, 53-yard drive that resulted in a John Gray 28-yard touchdown that tied the game at 7-7 with 7:06 left in the first half.

Curry, who finished with 82 yards rushing on 13 carries and went 3-of-9 passing for 64 yards, found the biggest play of the game when he connected with Tony Tanner for a 54-yard touchdown pass that capped a seven-play, 70-yard drive with 1:13 left before halftime.

Tanner finished with the 54-yard touchdown reception while contributing 51 yards rushing on 17 carries.

First hardware from the FHSAA since 1979

The victory marked the first championship trophy at the state level for Dunnellon’s football program since 1979, when the Tigers won the second of their Class 2A state championship trophies under Richard Kennedy. It also marked the conclusion of a tough but thrilling finish to the season for first-year head coach JB Bynum, who is also an alum of the Tigers. It was Dunnellon’s best finish deep into the November postseason since 2020, when the Tigers reached the Class 5A state semifinals under Price Harris, the current head coach at Madison County.

Scoring Summary

FIRST QUARTER

3:09 – D: Dylan Curry 23 run (Jayliana Lopez-Neumann kick)

SECOND QUARTER

7:06 – NMB: John Gray 28 run (Rodrigo Franco kick)

1:13 – D: Tony Tanner 54 pass from Curry (kick blocked)

Stat Summary

The post FIT CHAMPIONSHIP: Defensive slugfest hands Dunnellon FIT 1A-3A Championship over North Miami Beach appeared first on FloridaHSFootball.com.

The forecasted spread is calculated by comparing each team’s rating and applying adjustments for factors unique to high school football, producing realistic, data-backed score projections. While we won’t reveal every detail that goes into our formula, the goal is simple — to provide the most accurate and balanced forecasts possible based on the numbers.

Game forecasts are sorted weekly by classification, with inter-classification teams noted in parentheses when applicable.

HOW THE FPRI HAS DONE THIS SEASON

WEEK 14: 57-20 (.740)

WEEK 13: 108-38 (.740)

WEEK 12: 16-8 (.667)

WEEK 11: 210-64 (.768)

WEEK 10: 215-64 (.770)

WEEK 9: 202-62 (.765)

WEEK 8: 207-56 (.787)

WEEK 7: 186-50 (.788)

WEEK 6: 202-55 (.786)

WEEK 5: 190-77 (.712)

WEEK 4: 195-76 (.720)

WEEK 3: 206-64 (.763)

WEEK 2: 197-78 (.716)

WEEK 1: 198-84-2 (.701)

WEEK 0: 22-10 (.688)

2025 SEASON RECORD: 2,411–806–2 (.749)

CLASS 7A

REGION 1

DeLand 35 over Lake Mary

REGION 2

Venice 4 over Sumner

REGION 3

Vero Beach 40 over Dr. Phillips

REGION 4

Miami Palmetto 25 over Goleman

CLASS 6A

REGION 1

Buchholz 1 over Mandarin

REGION 2

Armwood 13 over South Lake

REGION 3

West Boca Raton 10 over Mitchell

REGION 4

Miami Southridge 11 over West Broward

CLASS 5A

REGION 1

Ponte Vedra 2 over Mainland

REGION 2

Edgewater 10 over Lakeland

REGION 3

RIverdale 6 over Manatee

REGION 4

St. Thomas Aquinas 19 over McArthur

CLASS 4A

REGION 1

Choctawhatchee 8 over St. Augustine

REGION 2

Jones 12 over Lake Wales

REGION 3

Jesuit 17 over Port Charlotte

REGION 4

Archbishop McCarthy 11 over American Heritage (Plantation)

CLASS 3A

REGION 1

Raines 23 over Bishop Kenny

REGION 2

Bishop Moore 24 over Eau Gallie

REGION 3

Booker 16 over Nature Coast

REGION 4

Miami Northwestern 11 over Miami Central

CLASS 2A

REGION 1

Bolles 10 over Pensacola Catholic

REGION 2

Bradford 32 over Cocoa

REGION 3

Cardinal Mooney 12 over Lakewood

REGION 4

Immaculata-La Salle 13 over Cardinal Gibbons

CLASS 1A

REGION 1

University Christian 16 over Trinity Christian (Jacksonville)

REGION 2

Carrollwood Day 8 over Clearwater Central Catholic

REGION 3

St. Petersburg Catholic 2 over Cardinal Newman

REGION 4

Chaminade-Madonna 19 over True North

CLASS RURAL

Blountstown 25 over Pahokee

Chiefland 7 over Hawthorne

FIT 4A-7A

NORTH

Tate (6A) 6 over Chiles (5A)

SOUTH

Dr. Joaquin Garcia (4A) 34 over Fort Pierce Westwood (5A)

FIT 1A-3A

NORTH

Dunnellon (3A) 8 over Palatka (2A)

SOUTH

North Miami Beach (2A) 10 over Booker T. Washington (Miami) (2A)

FIT RURAL

Holmes County 13 over Port St. Joe

The post FLORIDA POWER RANKINGS INDEX: Game forecast for Week 15 of the 2025 season appeared first on FloridaHSFootball.com.

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Here is the Florida Power 25 following the 2025 regular season:

NOTE: Table is scrollable on mobile

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These rankings include ranking, school, current 2025 record, win percentage, points for, points against, SOS rating (higher SOS, the better), and Final Power Ranking for the 2025 season.

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CLASS 2A RANKINGS – Top 10

Available for free each week during the season

CLASS 2A RAKINGS – 11-101

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The post FLAG FOOTBALL: Class 2A – 2025 Final Season Rankings | The Florida Power Rankings Index appeared first on FloridaHSFootball.com.

The Florida Power Rankings Index ranking is calculated using a formula that incorporates winning percentage, strength of schedule, and game results, with more recent games weighing heavier. The forecasted margin of victory for each game is determined by subtracting the power ranking of the lower-rated team from the power ranking of its higher-rated opponent in most cases with elevators in place for meaningful predictions and not overly wild blowouts that are unrealistic in sports. For Flag Football, rankings update only once weekly, not each day there are games.

First, let’s take a look at how things went in the regional quarterfinals:

REGIONAL SEMIFINALS: 25-7

PERCENTAGE CORRECT: 78.1%

OVERALL (SINCE WEEK 7): 807-208

OVERALL PERCENTAGE: 79.5%

CLASS 4A

REGION 1

Apopka 13 Spruce Creek (Port Orange)

REGION 2

Alonso (Tampa) 16 over George Steinbrenner (Lutz)

REGION 3

Wellington 2 over Fort Pierce Central

REGION 4

Miami Palmetto 15 over Western (Davie)

CLASS 3A

REGION 1

Pace 15 over Chiles (Tallahassee)

REGION 2

Seminole Ridge (Westlake) 4 over Belleview

REGION 3

East Bay (Gibsonton) 28 over East Lake (Tarpon Springs)

REGION 4

St. Thomas Aquinas (Fort Lauderdale) 11 over Homestead

CLASS 2A

REGION 1

Choctawhatchee (Fort Walton Beach) 30 over Paxon (Jacksonville)

REGION 2

Clay (Green Cove Springs) 32 over Hernando (Brooksville)

REGION 3

Robinson (Tampa) 49 over Hillsborough (Tampa)

REGION 4

Miami Northwestern 1 over Dr. Joaquin Garcia (Lake Worth)

CLASS 1A

REGION 1

Florida High (Tallahassee) 8 over Bradford (Starke)

REGION 2

Wildwood 18 over Tampa Catholic

REGION 3

Somerset Canyons (Boynton Beach) 31 over Posnack (Davie)

REGION 4

Miami Edison 13 over SLAM (Miami)

The post FLAG FOOTBALL: Regional Finals Forecast from The Florida Power Rankings Index appeared first on FloridaHSFootball.com.

ALL GAME TIMES 7:00 PM EDT UNLESS NOTED

BOLDED & UNDERLINED TEAMS INDICATE WINNER

CLASS 4A

REGION 1

No. 8 West Port (Ocala) 0 at No. 1 Apopka 41
Records: West Port, 6-5; Apopka 14-1

No. 5 DeLand 7 at No. 4 Mandarin (Jacksonville) 14
Records: DeLand 11-7; Mandarin 13-5

No. 6 Forest (Ocala) 6 at No. 3 Timber Creek (Orlando) 13
Records: Forest, 10-5; Timber Creek, 14-3

No. 7 Tocoi Creek (St. Augustine) 0 at No. 2 Spruce Creek (Port Orange) 6
Records: Tocoi Creek, 8-7; Spruce Creek, 17-0

REGION 2

No. 8 West Orange (Winter Garden) 19 at No. 1 Lennard (Ruskin) 33
Records: West Orange, 10-6; Lennard 16-2

No. 4 George Steinbrenner (Lutz) 33 at No. 5 Haines City 7
Records: George Steinbrenner, 14-5; Haines City 16-1

No. 6 Bloomingdale (Valrico) 20 at No. 3 Horizon (Winter Garden) 0
Records: Bloomingdale, 12-6; Horizon, 15-3

No. 7 Newsome (Lithia) 0 at No. 2 Alonso (Tampa) 28
Records: Newsome, 11-7; Alonso 16-2

REGION 3

No. 8 Freedom (Orlando) 6 at No. 1 Wellington 39
Records: Freedom, 10-5; Wellington, 14-1

No. 5 Celebration 20 at No. 4 Harmony 27
Records: Celebration, 14-4; Harmony, 14-4

No. 6 Jupiter 13 at No. 3 Palm Beach Gardens 26
Records: Jupiter, 13-4; Palm Beach Gardens, 11-4

No. 7 Davenport 0 at No. 2 Fort Pierce Central 46
Records: Davenport, 13-4; Fort Pierce Central, 17-1

REGION 4

No. 8 Doral Academy 6 at No. 1 Miami Palmetto 18
Records: Doral Academy, 10-3; Miami Palmetto, 14-3

No. 5 Stoneman Douglas (Parkland) 20 at No. 4 Ferguson (Miami) 0
Records: Stoneman Douglas, 13-1; Ferguson, 11-4

No. 6 Park Vista (Lake Worth) 14 at No. 3 Spanish River (Boca Raton) 18
Records: Park Vista, 10-6; Spanish River, 14-3

No. 7 Hialeah Gardens 12 at No. 2 Western (Davie) 32
Records: Hialeah Gardens, 11-4; Western, 14-4

CLASS 3A

REGION 1

No. 8 Bartram Trail (St. Johns) 6 at No. 1 Pace 13
Records: Bartram Trail, 13-6; Pace, 16-1

No. 4 Ponte Vedra 26 at No. 5 Oviedo 0
Records: Ponte Vedra, 14-2; Oviedo, 11-1

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

No. 7 Navarre 6 (10-6) at No. 2 Chiles (Tallahassee) 13
Records: Navarre, 10-7; Chiles, 12-4

REGION 2

No. 8 Lakeland 0 at No. 1 Seminole Ridge (Westlake) 53
Records: Lakeland, 5-4; Seminole Ridge, 13-2

No. 5 Martin County (Stuart) 7 at No. 4 South Fork (Stuart) 6
Records: Martin County, 16-2; South Fork, 13-4

No. 6 Springstead (Spring Hill) 25 at No. 3 Land O’ Lakes 20
Records: Springstead, 12-6; Land O’ Lakes, 15-2

No. 7 Buchholz (Gainesville) 0 at No. 2 Belleview 40
Records: Buchholz, 11-3; Belleview, 15-3

REGION 3

No. 8 Mariner (Cape Coral) 0 at No. 1 East Bay (Gibsonton) 13
Records: Mariner, 8-4; East Bay, 15-3

No. 5 Tampa Bay Tech 18 at No. 4 Parrish Community 6
Records: Tampa Bay Tech, 10-6; Parrish Community, 11-4

No. 6 Riverdale (Fort Myers) 0 at No. 3 East Lake (Tarpon Springs) 20
Records: Riverdale, 9-4; East Lake, 12-4

No. 7 Manatee (Bradenton) 8 at No. 2 North Fort Myers 6
Records: Manatee, 13-4; North Fort Myers, 9-1

REGION 4

No. 8 Atlantic (Delray Beach) 6 at No. 1 St. Thomas Aquinas (Fort Lauderdale) 32
Records: Atlantic, 9-7; St. Thomas Aquinas, 15-1

No. 5 Miami Southridge 7 at No. 4 Everglades (Miramar) 0
Records: Miami Southridge, 10-6; Everglades, 9-4

No. 6 Braddock (Miami) 0 at No. 3 Boyd Anderson (Lauderdale Lakes) 19
Records: Braddock, 11-5; Boyd Anderson, 15-2

No. 7 Nova (Davie) 0 at No. 2 Homestead 26
Records: Nova, 11-6; Homestead, 14-4

CLASS 2A

REGION 1

No. 8 Booker T. Washington (Pensacola) 0 at No. 1 Choctawhatchee (Fort Walton Beach) 33
Records: Booker T. Washington, 9-4; Choctawhatchee, 15-2

No. 5 Stanton (Jacksonville) 18 at No. 4 Yulee 7
Records: Stanton, 10-6; Yulee 12-5

No. 6 Fort Walton Beach 7 at No. 3 Paxon (Jacksonville) 20
Records: Fort Walton Beach, 8-10; Paxon, 10-5

No. 7 Godby (Tallahassee) 0 at No. 2 Ed White (Jacksonville) 18
Records: Godby, 8-7; Ed White, 13-5

REGION 2

No. 8 Dunnellon 12 at No. 1 Hernando (Brooksville) 14
Records: Dunnellon, 8-4; Hernando, 13-3

No. 5 Weeki Wachee 6 at No. 4 New Smyrna Beach 7
Records: 10-6; New Smyrna Beach, 12-5

No. 6 Citrus (Inverness) 12 at No. 3 Nature Coast (Brooksville) 13
Records: Citrus, 9-8; Nature Coast, 13-4

No. 7 Jones (Orlando) 6 at No. 2 Clay (Green Cove Springs) 20
Records: Jones, 10-6; Clay, 13-0

REGION 3

No. 8 Countryside (Clearwater) 0 at No. 1 Robinson (Tampa) 62
Records: Countryside, 10-8; Robinson, 16-3

No. 5 Osceola (Seminole) 0 at No. 4 Gulf (New Port Richey) 7
Records: Osceola, 9-8; Gulf, 16-2

No. 6 Hillsborough (Tampa) 12 at No. 3 Gateway (Kissimmee) 6
Records: Hillsborough, 7-7; Gateway, 11-6

No. 7 Chamberlain (Tampa) 7 at No. 2 St. Petersburg 31
Records: Chamberlain, 7-4; St. Petersburg, 13-3

REGION 4

No. 8 Suncoast (Riviera Beach) 6 at No. 1 Dr. Joaquin Garcia (Lake Worth) 21
Records: Suncoast, 12-5; Dr. Joaquin Garcia, 15-0

No. 5 Jensen Beach 13 at No. 4 Miami Norland 14
Records: Jensen Beach, 11-7; Miami Norland, 11-1

No. 6 TERRA Institute (Miami) 0 at No. 3 Miami Northwestern 7
Records: TERRA Institute 10-5; Miami Northwestern, 10-3

No. 7 Bishop Verot (Fort Myers) 0 at No. 2 Mater Lakes (Hialeah) 28
Records: Bishop Verot, 9-3; Mater Lakes, 12-4

CLASS 1A

REGION 1

No. 8 Andrew Jackson (Jacksonville) 15 at No. 1 Florida High (Tallahassee) 46
Records: Andrew Jackson, 8-10; Florida High, 13-3

No. 4 Santa Fe (Alachua) 6 at No. 5 Suwannee (Live Oak) 7
Records: Santa Fe, 10-3; Suwannee, 11-7

No. 6 Keystone Heights 9 at No. 3 Bradford (Starke) 37
Records: Keystone Heights, 9-9; Bradford, 13-2

No. 7 Newberry 0 at No. 2 University Christian (Jacksonville) 28
Records: Newberry, 5-6; University Christian, 10-0

REGION 2

No. 8 Tarpon Springs 0 at No. 1 Wildwood 47
Records: Tarpon Springs, 10-9; Wildwood, 10-0

No. 5 Gibbs (St. Petersburg) 6 at No. 4 Dunedin 12
Records: Gibbs, 8-7; Dunedin, 15-4

No. 6 The Villages 6 at No. 3 Keswick Christian (St. Petersburg) 20
Records: The Villages, 7-9; Keswick Christian, 11-2

No. 7 Classical Prep (Shady Hills) 0 at No. 2 Tampa Catholic 23
Records: Classical Prep, 10-6; Tampa Catholic, 13-5

REGION 3

No. 8 Atlantic (Port Orange) 0 at No. 1 Somerset Canyons (Boynton Beach) 34
Records: Atlantic, 10-8; Somerset Canyons, 14-3

No. 5 Gateway Charter (Fort Myers) 12 at No. 4 Chaminade-Madonna (Hollywood) 6(2OT)
Records: Gateway Charter, 9-2; Chaminade-Madonna, 9-6

No. 3 Oxbridge Academy (West Palm Beach) 0 at No. 6 John Carroll (Fort Pierce) 2 – FORFEIT
Records: Oxbridge Academy, 12-5; John Carroll, 9-6

No. 7 Coral Springs Charter 12 at No. 2 Posnack (Davie) 18
Records: Coral Springs Charter, 6-5; Posnack, 14-2

REGION 4

No. 8 Keys Gate (Homestead) 0 at No. 1 Miami Edison 33
Records: Keys Gate, 7-7; Miami Edison, 15-1

No. 5 Pinecrest Glades (Miami) 0 at No. 4 Monsignor Pace (Miami) 32
Records: Pinecrest Glades, 12-4; Monsignor Pace, 8-7

No. 6 Ransom Everglades (Miami) 0 at No. 3 True North (Miami) 20
Records: Ransom Everglades, 9-4; True North, 11-7

No. 7 Palm Glades Prep (Miami) 0 vs. No. 2 SLAM (Miami) 28
Records: Palm Glades Prep, 11-5; SLAM (Miami), 11-3

The post FLAG FOOTBALL: Regional Quarterfinals Scoreboard appeared first on FloridaHSFootball.com.

These rankings include ranking, school, district, current 2025 record, win percentage, points for, points against, SOS rating (higher SOS, the better), and Power Ranking going into Week 10

Click here to return to the main page for The Florida Power Ratings Index

CLASS 1A RANKINGS – Top 10

Available for free each week during the season

CLASS 1A RAKINGS – 11-97

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The Florida Power Rankings Index has been in development on and off over the last three years or so following the passing of rankings expert Joe Pinkos, who for many years had his forecasts and power rankings published right here on FloridaHSFootball.com up until just several months before his untimely passing.

As such, The Florida Power Rankings emulates a style similar to Joe Pinkos’ ratings, but with our own working formula that we have developed through research and what we felt were key pieces to creating a successful ranking that incorporates winning, strength of schedule, game results, with more recent games weighing heavier, game forecasts, and win probabilities as well trends for teams. We will post various data sets of rankings in Weekly Packages under The Florida Power Rankings Index tab on the menu for those who want to dive into the rankings and forecasts each week.

It should also be noted that while some features of The Florida Power Rankings Index will be free including The Florida Power 25 and top 10 rankings in each classification for both tackle and girls flag football, along with game forecasts, other features including deeper rankings for each classification and the full Florida Power Rankings will REQUIRE a PREMIUM SEASON TICKET membership ($59.99 per year), which you can learn more about, by clicking here.

Here is a breakdown of what will be free and what will require a Premium Season Ticket Membership with The Florida Power Rankings Index:

You can check out the latest for Week 7 in Girls Flag Football by clicking the links below:

• Florida Power 25

• Florida Power 437

• Class 4A Rankings

• Class 3A Rankings

• Class 2A Rankings

• Class 1A Rankings

• Week 7 Game Forecast

• Win Probabilities Forecast

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25 athletes in Northeast Florida as well as the southern portions of Southeast Georgia were recognized among the best of the best by the NFL’s Jacksonville Jaguars right before the Christmas holiday when Jaguars PREP honored the athletes in partnership with Action Sports Jax over at WJAX-TV and WFOX-TV for the 2024 Jaguars PREP ALL-PREP Top 25 team at EverBank Stadium.

The honor, bestowed upon some of the best football athletes in Northeast Florida for several seasons, has now tied the league’s 30th NFL franchise, which is now in its 30th season, to the region’s ever-growing high school football programs with relationships and partnerships that last well beyond the fields.

THE EVENT

Athletes had the opportunity to experience some different activations as a part of the recognition event that Adriel Rocha, Vice President of Community Impact and Football Development with the Jacksonville Jaguars, being different than the traditional awards ceremonies that athletes already experience with end-of-the-year team banquets.

That difference started with the athletes receiving their official Jaguars swag box filled with amazing swag and a customized jersey with their jersey number worn with their school and last name on it. The customized jerseys for the 2024 ALL-PREP Top 25 team saw them go retro with the 30th anniversary throwback jerseys, the same design the Jaguars first wore when they took the field for the first time back in 1995.

Inside the swag boxes, the athletes received custom thigh pads, arm sleeves, hats, headbands, compression shirts, gloves, socks, eye black, wristbands, a Gatorade towel, swag cups, and much more. Rocha said, “It was a lot of stuff that the high school athletes will enjoy, want to have, help them compete at the next level and train in the off-season.”

After receiving their swag boxes, which took place inside the Jaguars locker room inside EverBank Stadium, saw the athletes recognized individually one by one that were present, which came after hearing from current Jaguars rookie wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. who just recently became the first rookie in Jaguars history to hit 1,000 yards receiving in a single season and Jaguars legend, linebacker Paul Posluszny who spent seven seasons with the Jaguars from 2011 through 2017 before retiring. Each athlete recognized received a throwback Jaguars chain.

However, that was not all during the recognition portion as the Player of the Year, Coach of the Year, and along with the athlete selected to be a part of Nike’s “The Next Ones” during Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans in February to represent the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Player of the Year and Coach of the Year received a pair of custom cleats award that is designed by the same artist who does the cleats for NFL’s “My Cause My Cleats,” which takes place during the latter half of the season each year in honor of causes player have chosen to support. On top of the custom cleats, both the Player of the Year and the Coach of the Year received a swag box from Whataburger, while the Coach of the Year was surprised with a pair of tickets to attend Super Bowl LIX.

From there, the athletes were given the chance to do the “Shadows” experience, which is the pregame experience every Jaguars player gets to experience for every home game as the athletes emerge from the locker room now dubbed “The Vault” at EverBank Stadium.

Things wrapped up with group photos inside EverBank Stadium and the athletes and their families were treated to Whataburger in the EverBank Stadium’s west club level to wrap up the night.

JAGUARS VP OF COMMUNITY IMPACT & PLAYER DEVELOPMENT

PLAYER OF THE YEAR

QB Timothy “TJ” Cole II, Raines (Jacksonville)

Leading Raines to the Class 3A State Championship this season, the junior quarterback threw for 2,857 yards passing along with 43 touchdowns while rushing for 1,007 yards and nine touchdowns. Raines was the only team in the immediate Jacksonville market to reach the 2024 FHSAA state championships in Miami.

COACH OF THE YEAR

Marty Lee, First Coast (Jacksonville)

In what was likely Lee’s final season as the First Coast Buccaneers head coach after 27 seasons, as Lee mentioned to the Jaguars in November that he was retiring, the Jaguars wanted to send him out with a huge honor. Lee is the longest-tenured public school football head coach in Duval County and the entire Jacksonville Jaguars market. He spent his entire head coaching career at First Coast High School and has worn other hats, including being the head baseball coach and school athletic director, a role he had continued to serve in. At one time, Lee held all three positions at the same time and was one of two coaches in Northeast Florida to have held all three positions at the same time in the early 2000’s.

Lee will also represent the Jacksonville Jaguars as the team’s Don Shula NFL High School Coach of the Year nominee. The Don Shula Award, named for the winningest head coach in NFL history. recognizes high school coaches that embody Coach Shula’s values — character, integrity, leadership, dedication to the community, commitment to player health and safety, and on-field success. The Don Shula NFL High School Coach of the Year winners, one from each conference (AFC and NFC), will be announced in January.

NIKE’S “THE NEXT ONES”

Simeon Caldwell, Bolles (Jacksonville)

Selected as the Jacksonville Jaguars representative for the Nike’s “The Next Ones” which is an elite athlete invitational that brings together the top national high school football players during Super Bowl week during Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans. Athletes who are invited will get the opportunity to participate in the event, which will include guidance from elite mentors and the chance to showcase their talents in a one-day football combine. As a junior linebacker, Caldwell had 80 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, three sacks, three pass breakups, one fumble recovery and two blocked field goals, helped guide the Bulldogs to the regional finals in 2024

JAGUARS PREP ALL-PREP TOP 25

QUARTERBACKS

Timothy “TJ” Cole II, Raines (Jacksonville)

Locklan Hewlett, St. Augustine

Led Yellow Jackets to the state semifinals for the second consecutive year, the senior quarterback and USF signee threw for 2,910 yards and 31 touchdowns for the 2024 season.

Sean Ashenfelder, Creekside (St. Johns)

Consider one of the top quarterbacks in St. Johns County the last few seasons, the senior quarterback and Rutgers signee led the Knights to their first-ever district championship in program history during the 2024 season.

Cibastian Broughton, Fleming Island

Leading the Golden Eagles to a district championship this season, the senior quarterback and Akron signee was a dual-threat playmaker, throwing 1,949 yards and 21 touchdowns while rushing for 943 yards and 13 touchdowns.

RUNNING BACKS

Arthur Lewis IV, Bartram Trail (St. Johns)

Attracting Division I FBS interested, the junior running back rushed for 1,666 yards and 21 touchdowns during the 2024 season for the Bears.

Christopher “Deuce” Foy II, Oakleaf (Orange Park)

The senior running back, helping guide the Knights to the playoffs, rushing for 1,301 yards and 12 touchdowns.

Brian Case, Ponte Vedra

The top offensive player for the Sharks in reaching the playoffs in 2024, Case rushed for 1,563 yards and 20 touchdowns in 2024.

WIDE RECEIVERS

Jaime Ffrench, Mandarin (Jacksonville)

The Texas signee and senior wide receiver had 621 yards receiving and two touchdowns in guiding the Mustangs to the playoffs in 2024.

Maddox Spencer, Nease (Ponte Vedra)

The Charleston Southern signee and senior wide receiver had 976 yards receiving and 12 touchdowns in 2024 while guiding the Panthers to an undefeated regular season, district championship, and berth in the playoffs.

Trenton Jones, St. Augustine

One of Locklan Hewitt’s top targets, the senior receiver and Mercer signee had 1,134 yards receiving and 11 touchdowns in helping the Yellow Jackets reach the state semifinals for the second consecutive year.

Naeem Burroughs, Bolles (Jacksonville)

The junior receiver who is receiving Power Four offers, had 829 yards receiving and 12 touchdowns for the Bulldogs in guiding them to the regional finals in 2024.

TIGHT ENDS

Tae’Shaun Gelsey, Riverside (Jacksonville)

Having signed recently with Florida State, the senior tight end and receiver, had 875 yards receiving and 14 touchdowns for the Generals in 2024 while helping them reach the playoffs.

Elyiss Williams, Camden County (GA)

Signing with Georgia recently, after receiving multiple Power Four offers including Florida, had 789 yards receiving and 11 touchdowns for the Wildcats during the 2024 season.

ATHLETES

JP Donovan, Bishop Kenny (Jacksonville)

A major contributor to the Crusaders winning a district championship and reaching the regional finals in 2024, the senior who played primarily at receiver had 1,212 all-purpose yards (802 receiving yards, 110 rushing yards, 295 kick return yards, five punt return yards), recorded 15 total touchdowns and also converting four, two-point conversions.

Kenyon “The Jet” Gardner, Paxon (Jacksonville)

A three-sport athlete for Paxon, the senior running back was seen all over the field the entire season for the Golden Eagles, recording 1,722 all-purpose yards (1,528 rushing yards, 84 receiving yards, 39 kick return yards, 59 punt return yards, 12 interception return) and scoring 14 total touchdowns. He recorded 10 tackles and an interception on defense as well.

OFFENSIVE LINE

Solomon Thomas, Raines (Jacksonville)

The LSU signee and senior offensive lineman was one of the key protectors for Timothy “TJ” Cole II to have the Player of the Year performance he had while helping the Vikings reach the Class 3A State Championship in Miami earlier this month.

DEFENSIVE LINE

Sam Hayward, Providence (Jacksonville)

The Army commit and senior defensive edge rusher led the Stallions with 53 total tackles while recording 18 tackles for loss, nine sacks, 19 quarterback hurries, one fumble recovery, and two forced fumbles in 2024.

Jyon Simon, Raines (Jacksonville)

Another key senior leader for the Vikings who reached the Class 3A State Championship game in Miami, recently signed with Rutgers. Simon recorded 70 tackles, 18.5 tackles for loss and 12 sacks in 2024.

Andre Jackson, Fletcher (Neptune Beach)

The senior defensive end who will further his playing career starting at the JUCO level at East Mississippi Community College where he is currently committed to, recorded 84 tackles, 19 tackles for loss, 19 sacks and 17 quarterback hurries for the Senators in 2024.

LINEBACKERS

Joe Miracle III, Nease (Ponte Vedra)

Helping lead the Panthers to an undefeated regular season, district championship, and berth in the playoffs, the senior linebacker recorded 105 tackles, 19 tackles for loss, seven sacks, 12 quarterback hurries, three interceptions, three pass breakups, two fumble recoveries and one forced fumble in 2024.

Jeremiah McKenzie, Bradford (Starke)

The Central Michigan signee and senior linebacker was one of the defensive leaders for the Tornadoes in 2024, recording 65 tackles, five tackles for loss, one sack, one interception and blocking two punts.

Simeon Caldwell, Bolles (Jacksonville)

DEFENSIVE BACKS

Tay’vion Lawson, Andrew Jackson (Jacksonville)

The senior cornerback was the Tigers’ strong point in a somewhat disappointing season, recording 26 tackles, three tackles for loss, five interceptions, and eight pass breakups. Lawson also recorded 356 receiving yards and two touchdowns on offense.

Drake Stubbs, Mandarin (Jacksonville)

The senior defensive back and Florida signee recorded 54 tackles, eight tackles for loss, one sacks, two interceptions, four pass breakups, one fumble recovery and forcing three fumbles for the Mustangs in 2024.

Joshua Patterson, Ed White (Jacksonville)

Helping lead the Commanders to a district championship and playoff berth in 2024, the senior defensive back and Iowa State signee recorded 53 tackles, four tackles for loss, four interceptions, 10 pass breakups, recovered two fumbles and forced two fumbles.

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When: Fri. Dec. 13th

Where: South Dade Kia Field at Pitbull Stadium, Miami

Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. EST

Live Broadcast: NFHS Network – Click To Watch Here

JONES FIGHTIN’ TIGERS (ORLANDO) (14-0)

• Head Coach: Elijah Williams (9th year, 96-19 overall; 16th year as head coach, 139-24 overall)
• State Finals Appearances: 2 – 2019 (5A), 2024 (4A)

KEY PLAYERS

• #4 QB Dereon Coleman (Jr.): Coleman has thrown for 3,238 yards and 28 touchdowns this season while only throwing four interceptions. He is committed to Miami, and also has offers from Oklahoma, Texas A&M, USF, and South Carolina.
• #5 ATH Jaquail Smith (Sr.): Smith is a dynamic athlete who leads the Tigers in rushing, with 1,727 yards and 21 touchdowns this season.
• #1 Vernell Brown III (Sr.): Brown leads the Tigers in receiving yards this season with 1,405. He has 11 receiving touchdowns and has signed with Florida. He also has offers from Ohio State, Miami, FSU, and Tennessee.
• #18 Quimaine Myers (Sr): Myers leads the Tigers with 127 tackles this season.
• #7 LB/DE Quinton Evans (Jr.): Evans is a force on the Tigers’ defense, recording 14 tackles for loss and four sacks on the season.

2024 RESULTS – HOW THEY GOT HERE

*– District Game
*** – Playoff Game

• 8/23 – BYE
• 8/30 – Timber Creek (Orlando), 48-3 (W)
• 9/7 – at Evans (Orlando), 28-21 (W)
• 9/14 – Edgewater (Orlando), 31-21 (W)
• 9/19 – at Osceola (Kissimmee), 34-28 (OT) (W)
• 9/24 – Winter Park, 22-0 (W)
• 9/28 – at Auburndale, 49-7 (W)*
• 10/4 – BYE
• 10/11 – BYE
• 10/18 – Lake Wales, 31-19 (W)*
• 10/25 – at Lake Region (Eagle Lake), 77-0 (W)*
• 11/1 – at Ocoee, 14-0 (W)
• 11/7 – Wekiva (Apopka), 28-6 (W)
• 11/15 – Lecanto, 42-7 (W)***
• 11/22 – Zephyrhills, 41-19 (W)***
• 11/29 – Vanguard (Ocala), 27-13 (W)***
• 12/6 – Naples, 18-7 (W)***

TEAM STATS

• Passing Yards: 3168
• Passing Yards per Game: 225.9
• Rushing Yards: 2354
• Rushing Yards per Game: 168.1
• Rushing Yards per Carry: 9.0
• Receiving Yards per Catch: 16.8
• Yards per Game: 394.1
• Sacks: 15.0
• Interceptions: 19
• Fumble Recoveries: 0
• Caused Fumbles: 6
• Average Score: 34.6

AMERICAN HERITAGE PATRIOTS (PLANTATION) (11-2)

• Head Coach: Mike Smith (3rd year, 34-6 overall)
• State Finals Appearances: 8 – 1998 (2A), 2013 (5A)*, 2014 (5A)*, 2016 (5A)*, 2017 (5A)*, 2020 (5A)*, 2022 (2M), 2024 (4A)

KEY PLAYERS

• #3 QB Dia Bell (Jr.): Bell threw for 2,597 yards and 29 touchdowns on the season while throwing for six interceptions. He is committed to Texas and also has offers from Ohio State, Penn State, LSU, and Miami. However, he will be helping the team from the sideline after sustaining a season-ending injury several weeks ago in their playoff game against Dillard.
• #7 RB Byron Louis (Sr.): Louis rushed for 1,496 yards and 14 touchdowns on the season and has signed to play at Florida. He also has offers from Miami, FSU, Georgia, and Wisconsin.
• #1 Malachi Toney (Jr.): Toney leads the Patriots with 1,008 receiving yards and 12 receiving touchdowns this season. He is committed to Miami. He also has offers from FSU, Ohio State, Alabama, and Auburn.
• #2 Gregory Thomas (Sr.): Thomas is a leader on the Patriots’ defense at safety and has signed with Florida State. He also has offers from Clemson, Miami, LSU, and Texas A&M.
• #16 DE/OLB Rodarion Tellez (Jr.): Tellez is a disruptive force on the Patriots’ defense. He leads the team in sacks with 11 and has an offer from Kentucky, Bowling Green, and Western Michigan.

2024 RESULTS – HOW THEY GOT HERE

* – District Game
*** – Playoff Game

• 8/23 – Milton (GA), 37-28 (L)
• 8/30 – Western (Davie), 51-12 (W)
• 9/6 – at Chaminade-Madonna (Hollywood), 48-45 (L)
• 9/13 – at Naples, 23-3 (W)
• 9/20 – at Miami Central, 1-0 (W)
• 9/28 – at Plantation, 35-0 (W)*
• 10/4 – BYE
• 10/14 – Miami Norland, 1-0 (W/F)*
• 10/18 – Archbishop McCarthy (Southwest Ranches), 35-0 (W)*
• 10/25 – at St. Thomas Aquinas (Fort Lauderdale), 42-38 (W)
• 11/1 – BYE
• 11/7 – BYE
• 11/15 – Jensen Beach, 40-7 (W)***
• 11/22 – Dillard (Fort Lauderdale), 24-14 (W)***
• 11/29 – Miami Norland, 35-14 (W)***
• 12/6 – St. Augustine, 38-28 (W)***

TEAM STATS

• Passing Yards: 2945
• Passing Yards per Game: 226.5
• Rushing Yards: 2505
• Rushing Yards per Game: 192.7
• Rushing Yards per Carry: 7.3
• Receiving Yards per Catch: 16.3
• Yards per Game: 419.2
• Sacks: 53.0
• Interceptions: 8
• Fumble Recoveries: 4
• Caused Fumbles: 2
• Average Score: 36.0

THOUGHTS ON THE GAME

This Class 4A state championship game is a matchup between two of the most explosive offenses in the state. Both Jones and American Heritage have averaged over 30 points a game this season. Jones comes into the game undefeated while American Heritage has two losses, but both teams are loaded with talent.

Jones has a potent rushing attack led by senior Jaquail Smith. Smith has been a touchdown machine this season. The Tigers will also look for big contributions from junior quarterback Dereon Coleman, who has shown the ability to make big plays. Senior wide receiver Vernell Brown is also a key target for Coleman. He has the size and speed to be a real difference-maker in this game.

American Heritage will counter with their own explosive offense, but it will come a bit differently with junior quarterback Dia Bell out for the game. Senior Byron Louis is a workhorse running back who can wear down defenses. Junior wide receiver Malachi Toney is also a big-play threat.

Both teams will have their hands full on defense. Jones will need to find a way to slow down Bell and Louis. They will need big games from their leading tackler, Quimaine Myers, as well as Quinton Evans.

American Heritage will need to stop Smith and contain Coleman. The Patriots have a talented secondary but they have not faced an offense as explosive as Jones’s this season. Key players for the Patriots’ defense will be Gregory Thomas, who leads the secondary, and Rodarion Tellez, who has been a force rushing the passer all year.

This game has the potential to be a shootout. The team that can make the most stops on defense could come away with a state championship.

PREDICTIONS

• Josh’s Pick: American Heritage
• Chris’s Pick: American Heritage
• Reno’s Pick: American Heritage
• Massey Ratings (via On3): American Heritage 31, Jones 26

An asterisk (*) next to a year in the State Finals Appearances section indicates the team was the state champion that year

The post CLASS 4A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP PREVIEW: American Heritage seeks sixth state championship while Jones looks for their first state championship in a battle of high-powered offenses appeared first on FloridaHSFootball.com.