2025 State Finals Observations

[MarkECannon]

I’ve been to 15 Finals.  This year’s games were the best I’ve ever attended.  For what it’s worth, here are my thoughts.  I sat on the the Press Box/Suites side for every game.

 

Elevate Everyday Play

Elevated play essentials that make space for what matters. Our pieces look as...

 

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1A - The Chaminade fans I interacted with were very overconfident.  I sat near one whose stepson was the starting center.  I told him I thought Cardinal Newman would keep the game close until halftime and then Chaminade would run away with it.    He looked at me like I was crazy then proceeded telling me how superior Chaminade was.  After Cardinal Newman scored the first touchdown I didn’t even look at him.  He then proceeded to get up and found a cluster of Chaminade fans to sit with.

 

 

Elevate Everyday Play

Elevated play essentials that make space for what matters. Our pieces look as...

 

>

 

Elevate Everyday Play

Elevated play essentials that make space for what matters. Our pieces look as...

 

>

When the game ended many of the Chaminade fans just sat and stared into space.  Not looking at each other.  Not saying anything.

2A - I took enjoyment watching a team from the city of Sarasota where I grew up from the age of 10.  Had seen both teams play this year so I thought I had a good gauge on this game.  I mistakenly thought this would be a closer game.  I was amazed how much Mooney dominated the lines of scrimmage.

3A - The big story this season for Northwestern was the replacement at QB of last year’s starter, Leon Strawder, with a sophomore transfer from Ransom Everglades. The Bulls new QB, Neumann Lawrence, was brought over to Northwestern by Teddy Bridgewater himself (at least that was what I was told).  I saw this new QB play twice for the Bulls and he was phenomenal.  Friday night Raines put a lot of pressure on him so he struggled most of the game.

I began keeping my eye on Raines especially during the playoffs. I told some that Raines would not beat Northwestern but you would be surprised how close Raines’ talent level was to the Bulls.  The responses were not positive.  I stayed to watch the Vikings celebration.  I’m really happy for them.

4A - This game did go as I thought.  I did not see Jones play this year but I’m very familiar with the program.  I saw AHP play Archbishop McCarthy in the Regional Final.  Despite making early mistakes and taking McCarthy’s best shot the Patriots prevailed.  That night I saw an AHP that was patient, confident and did not get rattled.  

5A - Nothing to say except boring.

6A - The clock struck midnight for a young and dangerous West Broward team.  West Boca Raton was dominant and West Broward looked like they had completely run out of that mojo that got them to the finals.

7A - Vero Beach fans must have outnumbered Lake Mary fans 4 to 1.  Many times during the game I heard different people say it’s going to be a long ride home if we don’t win. During the game I was in a group text that Laz was in.  If you don’t know already Laz is a big Lake Mary fan.  During the game we had to talk him off the ledge when Vero was scoring at will.  A few times Laz texted that the game was over and he was going to turn it off.  He hung in there long enough to see his beloved Rams pull off the play of the year and win their first state title.  Congratulations Laz!

More random thoughts:

* It was obvious Chaminade and Northwestern came into their games emotionally not ready.  Pretty sure they did not fully respect their opponents.

* Would the Bulls have won with Strawder at QB?  IMO, probably.  
* At the beginning of the season QB Darryon Jones was on Chaminade’s roster.  Not sure why Darryon transferred out to Venice.  He played very well for Venice.  Would the Lions have beat Cardinal Newman with him at the helm?  IMO, probably.

* Please give Aquinas a quality opponent next year.

* I see that Mike E left the 7A game early because of a little rain.  Just kidding, I stayed but I was soaked.  Truth be told I briefly considered leaving at about the same time Mike left in the 4th quarter.

[Perspective]

Mark, I'd love to read what you posted, but over half of your post is covered with black squares and ads.   I know that's not your fault, and I understand the business model behind advertisements, but I hate that they appear in the middle of someone's post such that you can't even read the post.   Is it just me or does everyone see the same thing?

[i4football]

Ive already stated the out comes for the Vero and northwestern games went about like watching the NFL....(that not a good thing and for me alittle hard to believe the outcomes were organic) over all attendance was down from last year....for me its was just a Blah type finals.

[Jambun82]

11 hours ago, MarkECannon said:

I’ve been to 15 Finals.  This year’s games were the best I’ve ever attended.  For what it’s worth, here are my thoughts.  I sat on the the Press Box/Suites side for every game.

 

 

 

 

Elevate Everyday Play

Elevated play essentials that make space for what matters. Our pieces look as...

 

>

1A - The Chaminade fans I interacted with were very overconfident.  I sat near one whose stepson was the starting center.  I told him I thought Cardinal Newman would keep the game close until halftime and then Chaminade would run away with it.    He looked at me like I was crazy then proceeded telling me how superior Chaminade was.  After Cardinal Newman scored the first touchdown I didn’t even look at him.  He then proceeded to get up and found a cluster of Chaminade fans to sit with.

 

 

 

 

 

Elevate Everyday Play

Elevated play essentials that make space for what matters. Our pieces look as...

 

>

 

Elevate Everyday Play

Elevated play essentials that make space for what matters. Our pieces look as...

 

>

When the game ended many of the Chaminade fans just sat and stared into space.  Not looking at each other.  Not saying anything.

2A - I took enjoyment watching a team from the city of Sarasota where I grew up from the age of 10.  Had seen both teams play this year so I thought I had a good gauge on this game.  I mistakenly thought this would be a closer game.  I was amazed how much Mooney dominated the lines of scrimmage.

3A - The big story this season for Northwestern was the replacement at QB of last year’s starter, Leon Strawder, with a sophomore transfer from Ransom Everglades. The Bulls new QB, Neumann Lawrence, was brought over to Northwestern by Teddy Bridgewater himself (at least that was what I was told).  I saw this new QB play twice for the Bulls and he was phenomenal.  Friday night Raines put a lot of pressure on him so he struggled most of the game.

I began keeping my eye on Raines especially during the playoffs. I told some that Raines would not beat Northwestern but you would be surprised how close Raines’ talent level was to the Bulls.  The responses were not positive.  I stayed to watch the Vikings celebration.  I’m really happy for them.

4A - This game did go as I thought.  I did not see Jones play this year but I’m very familiar with the program.  I saw AHP play Archbishop McCarthy in the Regional Final.  Despite making early mistakes and taking McCarthy’s best shot the Patriots prevailed.  That night I saw an AHP that was patient, confident and did not get rattled.  

5A - Nothing to say except boring.

6A - The clock struck midnight for a young and dangerous West Broward team.  West Boca Raton was dominant and West Broward looked like they had completely run out of that mojo that got them to the finals.

7A - Vero Beach fans must have outnumbered Lake Mary fans 4 to 1.  Many times during the game I heard different people say it’s going to be a long ride home if we don’t win. During the game I was in a group text that Laz was in.  If you don’t know already Laz is a big Lake Mary fan.  During the game we had to talk him off the ledge when Vero was scoring at will.  A few times Laz texted that the game was over and he was going to turn it off.  He hung in there long enough to see his beloved Rams pull off the play of the year and win their first state title.  Congratulations Laz!

More random thoughts:

* It was obvious Chaminade and Northwestern came into their games emotionally not ready.  Pretty sure they did not fully respect their opponents.

* Would the Bulls have won with Strawder at QB?  IMO, probably.  
* At the beginning of the season QB Darryon Jones was on Chaminade’s roster.  Not sure why Darryon transferred out to Venice.  He played very well for Venice.  Would the Lions have beat Cardinal Newman with him at the helm?  IMO, probably.

* Please give Aquinas a quality opponent next year.

* I see that Mike E left the 7A game early because of a little rain.  Just kidding, I stayed but I was soaked.  Truth be told I briefly considered leaving at about the same time Mike left in the 4th quarter.

MarkECannon, do you think the reason why Cardinal Mooney was able to pass the ball and find open receivers very effectively against the Bolles defense was because the line of scrimmage was dominant, and they were able to protect the passer and give him time to scan the field? Do you think that Lakeland needs to get more of a balanced offense to compete at the State Championship level? Thank you. 

[flabuck]

Appreciate the breakdown by game, I would also like to read your thoughts on the venue. It was about as far south in the state that could hold the event, how was the turnout, how well did they manage the games, perking, ease of entry, concessions? What did you do between games?

I have been to several final games in Orlando and Ft. Lauderdale and thought the year I went to games in Ft. Lauderdale were run better.

[MarkECannon]

7 hours ago, i4football said:

Ive already stated the out comes for the Vero and northwestern games went about like watching the NFL....(that not a good thing and for me alittle hard to believe the outcomes were organic) over all attendance was down from last year....for me its was just a Blah type finals.

You can make an argument that the Metro /Suburban years were very comparable.  I may be a prisoner of the moment by saying they were the best.  One of my favorite board names is @imjustafan2 because I get into the X’s and the O’s but really I enjoy the whole experience of a high school game.
 

I really enjoyed the Cardinal Mooney game for reasons I included in my post.  I anticipated Bolles would make a strong comeback but it never materialized.

Cardinal Newman upsets Chaminade.  That game wasn’t decided until it ended.  
 

STA took it easy on Lakeland.  Awful game.
 

West Boca Raton destroys West Broward.  Pretty highly anticipated but was a dud.

Raines with the upset of the year.  
 

AHP/Jones game was competitive until late.  Jones made an entertaining comeback only to be squelched in the 4th quarter.

Lake Mary/Vero Beach.  Say no more.

So from my @Perspective it was at least one of the best.  I remember many years where you had maybe one competitive game.  If you were lucky you had 2.  
 

From my viewpoint there were 2 historic upsets, the final game ended in a viral play that’s been shared all over the world, a game that was competitive until the 4th quarter, Cardinal Mooney (Sarasota team) and 2 games that were no contests.  So for me but not for others it was a great finals.  

[Perspective]

56 minutes ago, MarkECannon said:

So from my perspective it was at least one of the best.  I remember many years where you had maybe one competitive game.  If you were lucky you had 2.  
 

"Did you say my name?"

(Sorry, I think I've seen that new John Daly/Hard Rock commercial one too many times.)  

[MarkECannon]

1 hour ago, Perspective said:

"Did you say my name?"

(Sorry, I think I've seen that new John Daly/Hard Rock commercial one too many times.)  

Fixed it @Perspective.  Go back to see it.

[MarkECannon]

7 hours ago, i4football said:

Ive already stated the out comes for the Vero and northwestern games went about like watching the NFL....(that not a good thing and for me alittle hard to believe the outcomes were organic) over all attendance was down from last year....for me its was just a Blah type finals.

You remind me of a poster from Flavarsity.

[Perspective]

21 minutes ago, MarkECannon said:

Fixed it @Perspective.  Go back to see it.

Saw it.  Well played.  

[Jambun82]

9 hours ago, flabuck said:

Appreciate the breakdown by game, I would also like to read your thoughts on the venue. It was about as far south in the state that could hold the event, how was the turnout, how well did they manage the games, perking, ease of entry, concessions? What did you do between games?

I have been to several final games in Orlando and Ft. Lauderdale and thought the year I went to games in Ft. Lauderdale were run better.

Keep your eye on the Villages as a possible host for all of the FHSAA State Championship games in the future. 

[imjustafan2]

7 hours ago, MarkECannon said:

  One of my favorite board names is @imjustafan2 because I get into the X’s and the O’s but really I enjoy the whole experience of a high school game.

MarkECannon, thanks for the compliment. My board name pretty much sums it up, just like everyone else here, @imjustafan2. I've been a fan since the mid '70s, when my older brother played, then late '70s when I started high school and was a trainer for the four years I was there. I've continued to cheer and support my high school, Cocoa, ever since. Even after I moved to Tennessee 16 years ago. Florida High School football is the best, for better or worse, you gotta love it. I've droned on long enough. 

[MarkECannon]

1 hour ago, Jambun82 said:

Keep your eye on the Villages as a possible host for all of the FHSAA State Championship games in the future. 

Jambun with hot breaking news!  Stay tuned for more news from more than 6 months ago. 

[MarkECannon]

12 hours ago, flabuck said:

Appreciate the breakdown by game, I would also like to read your thoughts on the venue. It was about as far south in the state that could hold the event, how was the turnout, how well did they manage the games, perking, ease of entry, concessions? What did you do between games?

I have been to several final games in Orlando and Ft. Lauderdale and thought the year I went to games in Ft. Lauderdale were run better.

Drive Pink in Ft Lauderdale compares well to FIU except FIU is a football stadium so that gives it the nod.  In addition the parking and concessions are much better.  It may have been improved by now but the Drive Pink unpaved parking lot was a sand pit.  The large FIU parking lot grass is the golf course type.  It’s not perfect but is an improvement.  FIU concessions are much better.  One side of the stadium has more variety but the other is fine as well.  A negative that FIU shares with all the other stadiums is there aren’t restaurants and stores that are walking distance.  The good news is with games at 12:30 and 7:30 there are plenty of places nearby to drive to and easily make it back to the night game in time.

BTW, The Villages has and is building restaurants and stores that are within walking distance.  Since Jambun has let the cat out of the bag we might have this to look forward to.

[i4football]

12 hours ago, MarkECannon said:

You remind me of a poster from Flavarsity.

Yo, bruh, you got me twisted like a pretzel in a hood bakery—ain't no ghost from the old board hauntin' these keys. Just a fresh lurker spittin' facts on them scripted jawns and the rest bein' straight mid. Keep it movin', fam.

 But real talk, that 7A thriller with Lake Mary snatchin' victory on the last play? Straight WWE script, fam. And Raines comin' back to edge Northwestern 23-22? That drama had the league smellin' like Vince McMahon was callin' shots from backstage. Rest of 'em? Straight snoozefest, mid as hell. Just a new cat out here observin' the circus, keep scrollin' if you ain't feelin' the vibe.

 

 

 

 

[Jambun82]

10 hours ago, MarkECannon said:

Jambun with hot breaking news!  Stay tuned for more news from more than 6 months ago. 

You are very welcome! 

[Jambun82]

10 hours ago, MarkECannon said:

Drive Pink in Ft Lauderdale compares well to FIU except FIU is a football stadium so that gives it the nod.  In addition the parking and concessions are much better.  It may have been improved by now but the Drive Pink unpaved parking lot was a sand pit.  The large FIU parking lot grass is the golf course type.  It’s not perfect but is an improvement.  FIU concessions are much better.  One side of the stadium has more variety but the other is fine as well.  A negative that FIU shares with all the other stadiums is there aren’t restaurants and stores that are walking distance.  The good news is with games at 12:30 and 7:30 there are plenty of places nearby to drive to and easily make it back to the night game in time.

BTW, The Villages has and is building restaurants and stores that are within walking distance.  Since Jambun has let the cat out of the bag we might have this to look forward to.

Hotels might be an issue with the Villages. It is still a developing area, and I am not sure how close that many rooms needed are. 

[MarkECannon]

8 hours ago, i4football said:

Yo, bruh, you got me twisted like a pretzel in a hood bakery—ain't no ghost from the old board hauntin' these keys. Just a fresh lurker spittin' facts on them scripted jawns and the rest bein' straight mid. Keep it movin', fam.

 But real talk, that 7A thriller with Lake Mary snatchin' victory on the last play? Straight WWE script, fam. And Raines comin' back to edge Northwestern 23-22? That drama had the league smellin' like Vince McMahon was callin' shots from backstage. Rest of 'em? Straight snoozefest, mid as hell. Just a new cat out here observin' the circus, keep scrollin' if you ain't feelin' the vibe.

 

 

 

 

Wow!  Didn’t expect a response like that.  Looks like I struck a nerve.  Why did you take it in such a negative manner? 

[Trelle]

On 12/16/2025 at 4:31 PM, MarkECannon said:

You remind me of a poster from Flavarsity.

I’m glad I’m not the only one who didn’t have a  “neutral observation” reading their comments lol

[JDHoss]

On 12/15/2025 at 11:22 PM, MarkECannon said:

I’ve been to 15 Finals.  This year’s games were the best I’ve ever attended.  For what it’s worth, here are my thoughts.  I sat on the the Press Box/Suites side for every game.

 

 

Elevate Everyday Play

Elevated play essentials that make space for what matters. Our pieces look as...

 

>

1A - The Chaminade fans I interacted with were very overconfident.  I sat near one whose stepson was the starting center.  I told him I thought Cardinal Newman would keep the game close until halftime and then Chaminade would run away with it.    He looked at me like I was crazy then proceeded telling me how superior Chaminade was.  After Cardinal Newman scored the first touchdown I didn’t even look at him.  He then proceeded to get up and found a cluster of Chaminade fans to sit with.

 

 

 

 

 

Elevate Everyday Play

Elevated play essentials that make space for what matters. Our pieces look as...

 

>

 

Elevate Everyday Play

Elevated play essentials that make space for what matters. Our pieces look as...

 

>

When the game ended many of the Chaminade fans just sat and stared into space.  Not looking at each other.  Not saying anything.

2A - I took enjoyment watching a team from the city of Sarasota where I grew up from the age of 10.  Had seen both teams play this year so I thought I had a good gauge on this game.  I mistakenly thought this would be a closer game.  I was amazed how much Mooney dominated the lines of scrimmage.

3A - The big story this season for Northwestern was the replacement at QB of last year’s starter, Leon Strawder, with a sophomore transfer from Ransom Everglades. The Bulls new QB, Neumann Lawrence, was brought over to Northwestern by Teddy Bridgewater himself (at least that was what I was told).  I saw this new QB play twice for the Bulls and he was phenomenal.  Friday night Raines put a lot of pressure on him so he struggled most of the game.

I began keeping my eye on Raines especially during the playoffs. I told some that Raines would not beat Northwestern but you would be surprised how close Raines’ talent level was to the Bulls.  The responses were not positive.  I stayed to watch the Vikings celebration.  I’m really happy for them.

4A - This game did go as I thought.  I did not see Jones play this year but I’m very familiar with the program.  I saw AHP play Archbishop McCarthy in the Regional Final.  Despite making early mistakes and taking McCarthy’s best shot the Patriots prevailed.  That night I saw an AHP that was patient, confident and did not get rattled.  

5A - Nothing to say except boring.

6A - The clock struck midnight for a young and dangerous West Broward team.  West Boca Raton was dominant and West Broward looked like they had completely run out of that mojo that got them to the finals.

7A - Vero Beach fans must have outnumbered Lake Mary fans 4 to 1.  Many times during the game I heard different people say it’s going to be a long ride home if we don’t win. During the game I was in a group text that Laz was in.  If you don’t know already Laz is a big Lake Mary fan.  During the game we had to talk him off the ledge when Vero was scoring at will.  A few times Laz texted that the game was over and he was going to turn it off.  He hung in there long enough to see his beloved Rams pull off the play of the year and win their first state title.  Congratulations Laz!

More random thoughts:

* It was obvious Chaminade and Northwestern came into their games emotionally not ready.  Pretty sure they did not fully respect their opponents.

* Would the Bulls have won with Strawder at QB?  IMO, probably.  
* At the beginning of the season QB Darryon Jones was on Chaminade’s roster.  Not sure why Darryon transferred out to Venice.  He played very well for Venice.  Would the Lions have beat Cardinal Newman with him at the helm?  IMO, probably.

* Please give Aquinas a quality opponent next year.

* I see that Mike E left the 7A game early because of a little rain.  Just kidding, I stayed but I was soaked.  Truth be told I briefly considered leaving at about the same time Mike left in the 4th quarter.

Agree with all, and will add....

* This wasn't your Papaw's Chaminade team. I saw that when they played West Boca in the kickoff classic. If West Boca hadn't shot themselves in the foot several times, they could have won that game. Against Newman, their freshman QB played like...a freshman, and IMO that was the difference. 

* Bolles Xander Edwards is a LOAD for a sophomore. 

* Northwestern kept having to settle for FG against Raines, and it eventually bit them. Hats off to Raines for never giving in. 

* How many of those young, talented athletes at West Broward will still be playing for them next year? 

* Hats off to Lake Mary for not quitting. Jankowski opened a door for them, and they took advantage of it. 

[Mike E]

Hotels won't be a problem at The Villages. Just stock up on the multi color pack of bath loofahs. You will find a place to lay your head. 

In all seriousness... Stadium capacity would be my biggest concern. You get Vero Vs MNW (I know it isn't possible) and FIU is busting at the seams let alone a 6k capacity stadium. It doesn't make sense. There are at least 8 university stadiums in this state. Probably more. 3 Pro stadiums. Soccer stadiums. Better choices exist.

 

[Jambun82]

2 hours ago, Mike E said:

Hotels won't be a problem at The Villages. Just stock up on the multi color pack of bath loofahs. You will find a place to lay your head. 

In all seriousness... Stadium capacity would be my biggest concern. You get Vero Vs MNW (I know it isn't possible) and FIU is busting at the seams let alone a 6k capacity stadium. It doesn't make sense. There are at least 8 university stadiums in this state. Probably more. 3 Pro stadiums. Soccer stadiums. Better choices exist.

 

New bleachers are being planned to be built on the chain/away side of the main football stadium at the Villages. Keep an eye on 2027. 

[181pl]

I watched almost every game on the NHFS app. They do a pretty good job for the finals. If the finals were a little more centrally located, I probably would’ve gone to a game or two. I’m hoping when the USF Stadium gets completed in 2027 that they will host or get into the rotation to host.

No one team sit out as really dominant this year. Several of the winners played in a super clutch manner. I guess you could say that STA was likely the most convincing but I’m not sure that 5A was very strong this year. Next year that will be one heck of a final because 5A got much stronger with the new classifications. Armwood and West Boca were both pretty evenly matched. Very good teams. I think either one of those teams would’ve given STA a good run for their money and they will both be in the same classification with them next year.

[Dr. D]

And the luckiest team in the state has to be Edgewater, which somehow got placed in 6A despite being 400 students below the 6A cutoff line.  They'll have to deal with Venice and Vero in 6A, but escaped the new 5A with STA, Lakeland, and Armwood, West Boca, Buchholz, Mandarin, and others dropping down a class.

[Jambun82]

8 hours ago, Dr. D said:

And the luckiest team in the state has to be Edgewater, which somehow got placed in 6A despite being 400 students below the 6A cutoff line.  They'll have to deal with Venice and Vero in 6A, but escaped the new 5A with STA, Lakeland, and Armwood, West Boca, Buchholz, Mandarin, and others dropping down a class.

Thank you for all of the great information that you provide Dr.D.