If I may piggyback on your excellent work, I would like to add some additional data.  I looked at only District games to date (439 games).  It is reasonable to assume that District games would be more competitive than non-District games, as teams are grouped into Districts based on geographic proximity and similar school enrollment size – the very basis of the current FHSAA classification system.  The data, however, shows just the opposite.  The average margin of victory in all District games to date is 28.4 points (over 4 touchdowns!).  Only 28% of District games have been decided by 14 points or less.  A shocking 41% of all District games have resulted in a running clock (35+ points).  Clearly, the current FHSAA classification system does not promote competitive equity, and is an obvious place to start for reform if that is the goal.  Otherwise, we can stick with the current system and endure a ridiculous number of mismatches and blowouts.   

This years FPC game was a throwback to that era. The Cobras came in ready to play and fought tooth and nail against a more talented Vero team, going into half with a lead, but Vero’s size wore them down in the 4th. I would not be surprised to see these two teams meet again in the playoffs.    Even the Lawnwood stadium announcer made it a point to constantly remind Vero of their “homegrown talent” after every touchdown and big play, obviously taking a shot at the large amount of ST Lucie county/ Fort Pierce kids who play at Vero. 

I went to the Vero/FPC game back in 2012 and it was intense. You had to sit in your assigned seat and it was packed. Most of the time the entire crowd was standing. It felt like a true rivalry game.    And yeah, FPC is the true rival. Since the 20’s.    The Fort Pierce Eagles vs Vero Beach Indians was the top rivalry early on back in the day.    Fort Pierce started in playing football in 1923. Vero Beach 1927. For the first 3 years, they played each other twice per year and from the until today have played almost every single year.    Fort Pierce was renamed Dan McCarty High from 1953-1969, and then in 1970, McCarty merged with Lincoln Park Academy to create FPC.     

Did you say you are or were an official?  Quit while your ahead Jambun.

Vero’s traditional rival was Merritt Island due to both programs meeting in hard fought games in their state championship years. As you mentioned Vero has always had a “rivalry” with Fort Pierce Central as they were the two dominant programs in this area and were district foes. Central has a bit of a chip (rightly so) about their kids being “home grown” as they lose a significant amount of talent to Vero and their resources. But to be honest, Central’s main rival has always been Fort Pierce Westwood and even the Vero games don’t carry the intensity and hatred that the “Showdown” game does each year- which is why it’s played on Saturday morning.    Vero’s true rival should be Sebastian River, because they’re the only two public schools in this county. When they played the games were heated and exactly what a rivalry game should be. Sebastian River broke off the game a few years back and now refuse to play Vero because they said the game got too intense and they wanted to let it cool for a bit. Truth be told, Sebastian was no longer competitive and the game was embarrassing on their end. Hopefully if they can turn their program around the game can be played again.   As of right now, I would say Vero has no “rival” to speak of.