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Will The First Academy field the best team in the state in 2025?

Longtime Observer
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Longtime Observer All-State 1st Team

Longtime Observer

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First, let me help everyone here and get the obvious bit out of the way: We don't really have any idea just yet. So, this is all speculation at best.

What I've noticed in looking at TFA's roster and stats from last year is that darn near every starter is back. At a minimum, it is an unusual number of returnees for an established program. Of course, this recent push is new as the program was completely insignificant before last season. But, something many of us missed is how nearly all of thier huge 30-something transfer haul from last season were underclassmen. Based solely on the number of returners, one would expect a significantly improved team from 2024. But, they've also added at least two major transfers- A DL from Apopka and a 3* QB from the Tampa Bay area, who replaces the QB who was one of the few graduates from 2024. Combine those facts, and it seems nearly inarguable (barring unforseen transfers which haven't yet occurred) that TFA will be much better in 2025 than in 2024.

How good were they in 2024? Chronologically, they were on the verge of blowing out Lipscomb Academy in Nashville, up 28-3 in the second half, before an onside kick recovery allowed LA to close to a 28-23 defeat/TFA win. They beat Edgewater; they won by two touchdowns over Delray Atlantic, who blew out Ely (who beat Chaminade) and only other losses were to state champions STA and West Boca; they won at Seminole by two scores; their only loss was to a post-grad boarding school. In other words, they were undefeated against high school teams, with several pretty marquee wins.

The strength of the team is the trenches. Their OL looks comparable to a Mater Dei or SJB. And I believe they are all back for this season.

Can they avoid an exodus of transfers due to not having a postseason and a head coach (only during actual games)? Given their schedule features- at a minimum- Milton (GA), IMG and Lakeland, I can imagine the kids who haven't left yet aren't going anywhere unless they don't figure to see much playing time.

I think it is worth wondering whether a team significantly better than the 2024 team described above is going to be the best in the state for 2025. 

 


Longtime Observer All-State 1st Team

Longtime Observer

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15 minutes ago, nolebull813 said:

No they lost some stud to transfer. The coach is sidelined for the year and they can’t compete in the playoffs. I think when the dust settles, they will be thin at all positions and get the tar beat out of them by all the top teams they scheduled.

Which stud?

Surely you'd agree that their starting OL is on par with the best in the state? Or have you not looked into that yet? I have a hunch you're a bit like I was on this a few days ago in that you haven't actually taken a close look at the roster or film and are just assuming that the off the field stuff is going to cook them. I was shocked when I watched the OL on film and then saw they're all back along with most of the rest of the starters. Then I read this article previewing the team and I'm convinced they'll be much better in 2025 than 2024.

Ray Icaza College Back Up

Ray Icaza

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Both sides of this prognostication are dependent on whether they keep personnel or bleed personnel.  This won't be determined until summer arrives and at this juncture it is anybody's guess.  Yes, both of you are guessing since you are not really involved closely with the program to know if a storm is brewing. 

nolebull813 College All-American 2nd Team

nolebull813

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3 hours ago, Longtime Observer said:

They definitely seem to be pushing the devout religious angle significantly. We are to believe that Jesus has simply ordained TFA to win prep football games. Jesus never supports TFA's football opponents. Or something...

Yes. God loves a winner. So when you win, it means God loves you more. 0-10 teams better watch out because they have a half a foot in the lake of fire :P

Ray Icaza College Back Up

Ray Icaza

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On 5/3/2025 at 12:10 PM, Longtime Observer said:

They definitely seem to be pushing the devout religious angle significantly. We are to believe that Jesus has simply ordained TFA to win prep football games. Jesus never supports TFA's football opponents. Or something...

Well one thing is certain as I have told one of two kids we lost last year since TFA cloaks itself in righteousness: Jesus frowns on cheaters. 

PinellasFB All-State 2nd Team

PinellasFB

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I curious about this 3-star QB transfer. I've known him personally for years.  He has not had a very good HS career so far but he is a 7v7 stud, which has gotten him his ranking and attention.  He has also not played more than a year for a single team since youth, transferring every year to chase a better opportunity.  Of course, he will fit right in at TFA in that regard.  

Longtime Observer All-State 1st Team

Longtime Observer

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40 minutes ago, PinellasFB said:

I curious about this 3-star QB transfer. I've known him personally for years.  He has not had a very good HS career so far but he is a 7v7 stud, which has gotten him his ranking and attention.  He has also not played more than a year for a single team since youth, transferring every year to chase a better opportunity.  Of course, he will fit right in at TFA in that regard.  

He just needs to be competent, given he'll play behind a mammoth, awesome OL, have great WR targets etc.

Longtime Observer All-State 1st Team

Longtime Observer

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2 hours ago, nolebull813 said:

They better be the best team in Florida because their schedule is brutal. 
 

They play the number 1 team from Maryland, number 1 team from New Jersey, number 1 team from Georgia and  top 5 team from Alabama on top of whatever quality in state opponents they have lined up  

IMG and Lakeland

nolebull813 College All-American 2nd Team

nolebull813

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They play St James from Virginia. They are a IMG-Wannabe who is an Athletics factory openly recruiting kids from all over the area. 
 

They play 5 out of state teams 

St Frances,MD

St James,VA

Hun School,NJ

Milton,GA

Phenix City Central,AL

 

And 3 in state teams 

Lakeland 

Venice 

Treasure Coast

 

plus IMG in the preseason 

Perspective College Starter

Perspective

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6 minutes ago, nolebull813 said:

They play St James from Virginia. They are a IMG-Wannabe who is an Athletics factory openly recruiting kids from all over the area. 
 

Are they members of the FHSAA?

Longtime Observer All-State 1st Team

Longtime Observer

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5 hours ago, nolebull813 said:

They play St James from Virginia. They are a IMG-Wannabe who is an Athletics factory openly recruiting kids from all over the area. 
 

They play 5 out of state teams 

St Frances,MD

St James,VA

Hun School,NJ

Milton,GA

Phenix City Central,AL

 

And 3 in state teams 

Lakeland 

Venice 

Treasure Coast

 

plus IMG in the preseason 

And given neither IMG nor First Academy will have a postseason, we can be 100% sure both will play a full game to win.

Their schedule suggests they think they'll be elite. And I have a hunch the in-state schools that play them are harming themselves by playing them. They all may lose to TFA, and we can be pretty sure the FHSAA won't be able to properly assess strength of schedule or TFA. 

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