IMG openly recruits on a national level and is fine playing a national schedule with no interest in the FHSAA playoffs.  The same cannot be said about the First Academy as they want to openly recruit, play a national schedule but also desperately want a state championship in the FHSAA.  Their appeal to lift the suspension for this season was just rejected by the FHSAA board 10-0 which I applaud them for.  A Christian school that cloaks itself in righteousness and virtue should not be rewarded for cheating to win.  

As Far As Recommendations Go. I will say….   West Broward Vs Corner Canyon Will Be A One to keep an eye on. West Broward and that staff has completely changed the culture of that program. The bobcats got a lot of transfers this off season and they’re coming off a very good 2024 season.    Dillard Vs Dr.Philips (Battle of the panthers), this will be the Must See 8:00pm game of the broward vs USA showcase on 8/22/2025.    Dr.Philips Went 12-2 last year, they’re constantly for the most part a 2 to 3rd round playoff team, who occasionally makes it to the state semis, like they did in 2024.    Dillard Finished the Season 9-3 , Going 6-1 down the stretch, the bring back 90% of the team, with a few key additions, one of them being one of the top 10 Qbs in the state that transferred in from pace a few months ago.    A South Florida Vs Central Florida Showdown, 1st times these two teams have ever faced off, this will probably be one of the best games of the showcase.     

That central vs Raines game will be a snooze fest. Raines will be lucky to keep it within 30.    and that’s no knock on Raines they’re a extremely solid program for the Jacksonville area. But as shown time and time again, especially down here in south Florida, there’s a difference between being State Good & Nationally elite.    Raines is A Respectable Top 30 Squad in Florida, Miami Central is A Elite Nationally Ranked Powerhouse. And if it wasn’t for them having to forfeit their season last year, more then likely would have been state champions as well. 

Can't wait until the schedules are complete so we can start planning our schedule. If at all possible, we want to take in Venice v Northwestern at Traz Powell. 

It's become clear to most everyone that you have to schedule major opponents to be able to recruit and/or retain top players. And most coaches feel playing those major opponents early in the season is best as it allows time to review and adjust based on what's learned in the big games. You should note there are at least two games over "kickoff classic" weekend which are as good or better than most of those above. IMG and The First Academy will play and both teams will count the game on their records. They won't care about the FHSAA or playoffs as neither is eligible.  Miami Northwestern and Lakeland will play in Orlando. You can be certain both will play to win the game. And, as has always been the case going back over 20 years, I will acknowledge as much even if Lakeland gets embarrassed. And MNW figures to be a pretty big favorite going into that game...