As such, anyone can subscribe to the NFHS Network for just $11.99 per month or for the entire year for $79.99 per year. The subscription allows you to watch other sports broadcasted by NFHS Network Partners and NFHS Network Partner Schools that broadcast high school sports during the school year.

EDITOR’S NOTE: FloridaHSFootball.com could earn a commission from each subscription sold from the NFHS Network. Commissions from subscriptions sold help support FloridaHSFootball.com

Here are the direct links to watch each of the state championship games LIVE from South Dade Kia Field at Pitbull Stadium in Miami

CLASS 1A

Clearwater Central Catholic (12-2) vs Chaminade-Madonna (Hollywood) (12-2)

Wed. Dec 11, 7:30 p.m.

Click to Watch on NFHS Network

CLASS 2A

Cocoa (10-3) vs Gadsden County (Havana) (13-1)

Thu. Dec 12, 12:30 p.m.

Click to Watch on NFHS Network

CLASS 5A

St. Thomas Aquinas (Fort Lauderdale) (11-3) vs Lakeland (13-0)

Wed. Dec 12, 7:30 p.m.

Click to Watch on NFHS Network

CLASS 6A

Osceola (Kissimmee) (12-2) vs West Boca Raton (14-0)

Fri. Dec 13, 12:30 p.m.

Click to Watch on NFHS Network

CLASS 4A

Jones (Orlando) (14-0) vs American Heritage (Plantation) (11-2)

Fri. Dec 13, 7:30 p.m.

Click to Watch on NFHS Network

CLASS 7A

Lake Mary (12-2) vs Venice (13-1)

Sat. Dec 14, 12:30 p.m.

Click to Watch on NFHS Network

CLASS 3A

Miami Northwestern (11-2) vs Raines (Jacksonville) (13-0)

Sat. Dec 14, 7:30 p.m.

Click to Watch on NFHS Network

The post How to watch the 2024 FHSAA State Championships on NFHS Network appeared first on FloridaHSFootball.com.

It was the goal they worked on.

The bracket worked out in their favor with the Cowboys getting the No. 2 seed.

Everything fell in place.

And even on a cold winter’s night at The Range at H.G. Morse Stadium at The Villages Charter High School, everything could have gone just as perfectly as head coach Price Harris who is in his third season as the head coach at his alma mater.

Madison County (10-3) came into the matchup against Hawthorne (10-2) and avenged their loss in the 2023 state championship game to the Hornets beating them 21-14 to bring home their seventh state title in program history.

As the close as the final score indicates, the game was not even close.

Here are five takeaways from the Cowboys’ victory over the Hornets.

COWBOYS DEFENSE FLIPS THE FIELD

Hawthorne who started with the ball first found themselves quickly punting after just one first down and having to punt the ball away found themselves quickly in the hole. It came with Octavious Hodge throwing a pass right in the hands of Hornets’ Leland Johnson who returned the ball to the Madison County 21 to give Hawthorne a promising start to a second drive. However, the field flipped pretty quickly as Ryheem Moore who took the snap for the Hornets coughed up the ball thanks to De’Andre Arnold popping the ball out. From there Ryshard Miller recovered the ball and hauled it down the sideline fast putting the Cowboys up 7-0 with 7:40 in the first quarter. From there, there was no looking back for Madison County.

HAWTHORNE RESPONDS BUT MISSED PAT HURTS

Madison County which never trailed in the game, saw Hawthorne respond on their next drive which carried over into the second quarter with Adrian Curtis orchestrating a 15-play, 62-yard drive that was capped off with a six-yard touchdown pass from Curtis to Decarion Debose. However, Sam Carroll’s point-after attempt failed and that kept the Cowboys up 7-6 with 11:34 in the second quarter.

MCDANIEL SHINES BRIGHT

One of the big unsung heroes for Madison County has been Jason McDaniel who has been shining lately. McDaniel who was missed in the state championship game last year and for a portion of this season due to injuries, has shined here in the postseason and he did so in the game on Friday night at The Villages. McDaniel who rushed for 83 yards on 16 touches scored from one-yard out with 3:42 left in the first half. If anything McDaniel’s score put Hawthorne on edge, frustrating the Hornets who saw a variety of things coming at them both on offense and defense all night long from the Cowboys.

FOURTH QUARTER LEAVES FANS ON EDGE

After a scoreless third quarter, it was a different story in the fourth quarter as Hawthorne who had the ball to start the quarter was starting to see it be deja vu all over again as Kennon Johnson fumbled the ball on a forced fumble by Cowboy Johnny Norwood. It was Norwood who would scoop up the ball and return it 31 yards setting up Madison County with great field position at the Hawthorne 12. From there it would only take a few plays as Crumity called his number from 13 yards out to put the Cowboys up 21-6 with 8:02 left in the game with McDaniel converting the two-point conversion after the Hornets had a personal foul on the touchdown. From there the Cowboys did everything to keep Hawthorne out of the end zone, but with less than 20 seconds to go, Hawthorne scored on a Johnson two-yard touchdown with the two-point conversion from Richard Roundtree Jr. to Debose to make it 21-14. However, the fireworks weren’t done as Hawthorne attempted the onside kick – twice – once due to a penalty with the second attempt going the Hornets’ way with just 17 seconds left. In the end, it would not be the storybook finish Hawthorne needed as a bad snap occurred on the final play ending the game once and for all.

SEVENTH STATE TITLE GOING HOME TO MADISON

The Madison County Cowboys are bringing home their seventh state championship in school history and head coach Price Harris is the fourth head coach to win a state championship for the Cowboys. Madison County’s state championship victory puts them among the ranks of teams like Bolles, St. Thomas Aquinas, and Miami Central with the most state championships in program history.  As such Madison County now has won five state titles in their past six appearances in state championship games.

MADISON COUNTY HEAD COACH PRICE HARRIS AFTER THE GAME

SCORING SUMMARY

FIRST QUARTER

MC – Ryshard Miller 60 yard fumble recovery (Sean Williams PAT good), 7:40

SECOND QUARTER

H – Dacarion Debose 6 pass from Adrian Curtis (Sam Carroll PAT no good), 11:34

MC – Jason McDaniel 1 run (Chad Mitchell kick failed), 3:50

FOURTH QUARTER

MC – LJ Crumity 13 run (McDaniel rush), 8:02

MC – Kennon Johnson 2 run (Debose pass from Richard Roundtree), 0:19

The post CLASS RURAL STATE CHAMPIONSHIP: Madison County avenges loss to Hawthorne in rematch from 2023 state championship appeared first on FloridaHSFootball.com.

That is all, even though the game looked like it would get out of hand for good during the third quarter when the Miners took a 21-0 lead over the Bears before Dixie County made a push late in the third quarter to make it a game.

In the end, Fort Meade (6-7) came away with a 21-13 victory over Dixie County (7-7) to claim the first-ever FIT championship.

Here are four takeaways from the game.

DEFENSIVE SLUG FEST SET THE TONE EARLY IN THE GAME

It was a defensive slugfest to define how the game started for both the Miners and the Bears as both teams tested the field out to see what one would give to the other and vice versa. Pretty much it boiled down to Dixie County punting three times while Fort Meade lost a fumble and also turned the ball over on downs that set the tone of the game early on as it was 0-0 at the end of the first quarter. The total passing yards for Fort Meade was a negative three yards compared to the Bears’ 21 yards. In the end, both teams had just a combined 112 yards of total offense.

FORT MEADE ROARS TO LIFE IN THE SECOND QUARTER

The Miners roared to life in the second quarter thanks to a six-play 62-yard drive that was led by a huge 38-yard carry by Omari Russell to put the Miners in plus territory at the Bears’ 20-yard line. After a holding penalty that backed the Miners up, two plays later saw Fort Meade score the first points of the game on a 30-yard touchdown reception by Nasier Berrien from Jaden McCutchen with 7:28 left before halftime.  With Dixie County unable to do much on their next drive, Fort Meade took advantage of the Bears’ struggles once more with another 60-yard plus drive, with McCutchen finding Cayden Clark from 12 yards out to make it 3:34 left before halftime. Fort Meade getting the ball to start the second half, the Miners took advantage and scored on their third consecutive drive of the game, with Omari Russell capitalizing on a 15-yard run after starting the drive at their 47-yard after Clark returned the second-half opening kickoff for 18 yards.

DIXIE COUNTY FALLS SHORT IN COMEBACK

Following the last Fort Meade touchdown, Dixie County quickly responded on their first possession of the second half, showing that head coach Ric Whittington was able to make the adjustments needed to be seen by his Bears. That response was a quick one that only took 2:36 off the third-quarter clock, led by a huge 54-yard burst from Mister Williams. Williams, who had 135 yards rushing on 22 carries in the game, scored from one-yard out to make it 21-7 Fort Meade with 5:02 left in the third quarter.

However, with too much time ticking away off the clock, Dixie County found themselves in a hurry needing to get another touchdown to make it even closer midway through the fourth quarter. That score came thanks to a huge pass play from Pleasant to Jahiem Taylor down the Dixie County sideline for 40 yards to get the Bears in Miner territory at the 15-yard line. From there Taylor would scored from 2-yards out to cut the score to 21-13 after Javon Wilson’s point-after-try was blocked. The comeback would fall short at the end of the day for the Bears.

OMARI RUSSELL BALLS OUT FORT MEADE

If there is a player of the game, it was Omari Russell who made an impact for the Miners on both offense and defense. When looking at the stat lines, nothing looks eye-popping, which tends to be the case in Rural classification football, but it comes down more to the plays made by the athletes that can make or break a game. Russell finished with 63 yards rushing on four carries and a touchdown, leading the Miners in rushing on the day, making the biggest play of the game when it mattered the most. That play of the game came with just less than 10 seconds left on the clock when Russell stepped in front of a Drew Pleasant pass as the Bears were looking for a late score to send the game into overtime potentially. Instead a 48-yard return and and knell down sealed the game for the Miners.

FORT MEADE HEAD COACH MAURICE RUSSELL AFTER THE GAME

SCORING SUMMARY

SECOND QUARTER

FM – Nasier Berrien 30 pass from Jaden McCutchen (Lex Durate PAT good), 7:28

FM – Cayden Clark 12 pass from McCutchen (Durate PAT good), 2:20

THIRD QUARTER

FM – Omari Russell 15 run (Durate PAT good), 7:38

DC – Mister Williams 1 run (Javan Wilson PAT good), 5:02

FOURTH QUARTER

DC – Jahiem Taylor 2 run (Wilson PAT blocked), 6:03

The post RURAL FIT CHAMPIONSHIP: Fort Meade turns back late Dixie County comeback to win inaugural Rural FIT Championship appeared first on FloridaHSFootball.com.

NO. 2 MADISON COUNTY (9-3) VS. NO. 1 HAWTHORNE (10-1)

When: Fri, Dec 6

Where: The Range at H.G. Morse Stadium, The Villages (2210 Randy McDaniel Way, Middleton, FL 34762)

Kickoff: 7:00 p.m.

Live Broadcast: NFHS Network – Click Here To Watch (Subscription Required)

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Tickets: $17 with advance purchase, $20 day of – Click Here To Buy

MADISON COUNTY COWBOYS (9-3)

Head Coach: Price Harris (3rd year, 24-12 overall; 20th year as head coach, 143-92 overall at Williston, Taylor County (Perry), Frostproof, Dunnellon, and Madison County)

Playoff Appearances: 29 – 1995 (4A), 1996 (4A), 1997 (4A), 1998 (4A), 1999 (2A), 2000 (2A), 2001 (2A), 2002 (2A), 2003 (2A), 2004 (2A), 2005 (2A), 2006 (2A), 2007 (2A), 2008 (2A), 2009 (2A), 2010 (2A), 2011 (3A), 2012 (3A), 2014 (1A), 2015 (1A), 2016 (1A), 2017 (1A), 2018 (1A), 2019 (1A), 2020 (1A), 2021 (1A), 2022 (1R), 2023 (1R), 2024 (R)

State Finals History: 6 State Championships – 2001 (2A), 2007 (2A), 2017 (1A), 2018 (1A), 2019 (1A), 2021 (1A); 6 Runner-Up Finishes – 1998 (4A), 2003 (2A), 2004 (2A), 2011 (3A), 2012 (3A), 2023 (1R)

2024 Results – How They Got Here
*** –  Playoff Game
8/23 – at DeLand, 42-28 (W)
8/30 – Lincoln (Tallahassee), 29-7 (L)
9/6 – at Suwannee (Live Oak), 43-26 (W)
9/13 – at Columbia (Lake City), 18-13 (W)
9/20 – Bay (Panama City), 42-14 (W)
10/4 – Pace, 35-31 (L)
10/18 – at Florida High (Tallahassee), 23-13 (L)
10/25 – Apopka, 13-7 (W)
11/1 – Lake Minneola, 47-7 (W)
11/15 – Moore Haven, 51-13 (W)***
11/22 – Blountstown, 43-6 (W)***
11/29 – Union County (Lake Butler), 34-8 (W)***

What To Know About Madison County: For head coach Price Harris, the fruits of his labors as a student-athlete at Madison County in the early 1990s, being part of the foundational pieces that built Madison County into the program that is today is paying off as he prepares to coach in his second state championship game as the Cowboys head man. Madison County, while having to get through the effects of not only Hurrican Debby before the season started but also Hurrican Helene during the season while still recovering from the effects of Hurricane Idalia from the previous season, has shown a ton of resilience and keeping the small county glued together in the name of football. Offensively, LJ Crumity is going to be a big asset if the Hawthorne defense is going to force the Cowboys to throw a lot, but to their advantage, athletes like Naquez Christian and Jason McDaniel are going to be among the ground guys who are going to keep things balanced and keep Hawthorne in check. Defensively, Kemari Scurry has been a huge leader, leading in tackles for loss and sacks for the Cowboys this season, while Ocatvious Hodge is a tackling machine and leads the team in total tackles. Crumity will also be a threat on defense and leads the team in interceptions as well. Overall, Madison County is playing typical Cowboys football like they are traditionally known to do this time of year.

HAWTHORNE HORNETS (10-1)

Head Coach: Cornelius Ingram (10th year, 93-20 overall)

Playoff Appearances: 20 – 1982 (2A), 1985 (A), 1995 (2A), 1996 (2A), 1997 (2A), 1999 (A), 2001 (A), 2002 (A), 2003 (1A), 2006 (1A), 2009 (1B), 2010 (1B), 2011 (1A), 2018 (1A), 2019 (1A), 2020 (1A), 2021 (1A), 2022 (1R), 2023 (1R), 2024 (R)

State Finals History: 2 State Championships – 2022 (1R), 2023 (1R); 2 Runner-Up Finishes – 2020 (1A), 2021 (1A)

2024 Results – How They Got Here
*** –  Playoff Game
8/23 – at Anclote (Holiday), 51-0 (W)
8/30 – Newberry, 28-27 (OT) (W)
9/6 – at Flordia High (Tallahassee), 41-28 (L)
9/13 – Oakleaf (Orange Park), 27-21 (W)
9/20 – at South Sumter (Bushnell), 26-20 (W)
10/4 – Zephyrhills Christian, 39-14 (W)
10/18 – IMG Academy White (Bradenton), 35-14 (W)
11/1 – Orlando Christian Prep, 38-7 (W)
11/15 – Branford, 56-0 (W)***
11/22 – Lafayette (Mayo), 44-15 (W)***
11/29 – Williston, 28-7 (W)***

What To Know About Hawthorne: This will be the fifth straight state championship game appearance for the small Alachua County school and community located along US 301 and Florida State Road 20. No Alachua County program has ever played in five straight state championship games, which makes this a record that continues to build. Last year, the Hornets became the first school in Alachua County to win back-to-back state championships in football, establishing Hawthorne’s quick rise into the football record books not just in Florida but nationally as well. Led by former Florida Gator and Hawthorne alum Cornelius Ingram, the Hornets have built themselves around an offense that has been balanced over the years, but more importantly, behind a very stout defense that has frustrated multiple opponents over the years. The only loss this season and the only loss since going back to the 2021 season came at the hands of Florida High, and a game in which Ingram was sidelined due to health concerns by a doctor. That loss snapped a 26-game win streak, but ever since that loss, the Hornets have established a new winning streak for themselves, having won eight straight. Despite the two games following the loss to Florida High being one-point games, the Hornets have been on a recent tear, winning their last six games by at least 21 points or more. That comes on the heels of having strong athletes like Kennon Johnson, who has over 1,600 yards rushing on the season along with 21 touchdowns, while Adrian Curtis, who came to Hawthorne from Eastside (Gainesville) before the season started, has filled in nicely at the quarterback position taking over for C.J. Ingram who decided solely focus on basketball for his senior year. While it has been different not having the younger Ingram on the field for Cornelius, it has not stopped Hawthorne at all. Defensively, Naziy Gent leads the team in tackles and has been a leader of the defense for the past couple of years. Nathan Jennings has emerged even more as a sophomore as a disruptive defensive back who leads the team in interceptions. Ethan Thomas leads the team in sacks and has been sort of the unsung hero of the defense when compared to guys like Gent, Jennings, and even outside linebacker Leland Johnson who leads the team in tackles for loss.  Overall, there is no slowdown for the Hornets, destined to add themselves further to the record books.

STATISTICAL LEADERS

THOUGHTS ON THE GAME

This is the rematch Madison County wanted. Is it the rematch that Hawthorne wanted? That depends on who you ask, as some wanted to see a possible all-Gainesville area matchup between the Hornets and Union County (Lake Butler). However, with this rematch in the Class Rural State Championship for the third time in the last four years, this matchup will come with a lot of exciting plays and a lot of unexpected twists and turns.

The biggest question that will be looming in the game is how Madison County will be able to contain Kennon Johnson and Adrian Curtis. Curtis, who is starting to use his feet a little bit more to gain yardage could be hard to contain especially if things balance out between him and Johnson. All of that is going to be a tall order for the Cowboys to be able to handle given that the offensive line does not get enough praise for Hawthorne and how they have opened up big holes for Johnson all year. That brings in concerns if the Madison County defensive line will be able to hold up against the more heavier and physical offensive line from Hawthorne.

Looking at Madison County’s offense, the Cowboys are going to be running the ball with a variety of backs, and that could keep Hawthorne’s defense honest and on their toes. If that happens this could be very much a down-to-the-wire game. If not, this game could slip away from the Cowboys and into the hands of the Hornets once more.

Overall, this game will be fun, but given what we see in the comparables between Madison County and Hawthorne, the Hornets just look stronger and that could be the biggest advantage outside of both teams playing teams outside of their classification during the regular season.

Josh’s Pick: Hawthorne
Chris’s Pick: Hawthorne
Reno’s Pick: Hawthorne

The post CLASS RURAL STATE CHAMPIONSHIP PREVIEW: Madison County and Hawthorne rematch for the third time in four years in rural showdown appeared first on FloridaHSFootball.com.

NO. 6 FORT MEADE (5-7) VS. NO. 5 DIXIE COUNTY (7-6)

When: Fri, Dec 6

Where: The Range at H.G. Morse Stadium, The Villages (2210 Randy McDaniel Way, Middleton, FL 34762)

Kickoff: 1:00 p.m. ET

Live Broadcast: NFHS Network – Click Here To Watch (Subscription Required)

EDITOR’S NOTE: FloridaHSFootball.com could earn a commission from each subscription sold from the NFHS Network. Commissions from subscriptions sold help support FloridaHSFootball.com

Tickets: $17 with advance purchase, $20 day of – Click Here To Buy

FORT MEADE MINERS (5-7)

Head Coach: Maurice Russell (1st year, 5-7)

Playoff Appearances: 30 – 1970 (B), 1973 (2A), 1975 (2A), 1976 (2A), 1977 (2A), 1980 (2A), 1993 (2A), 1995 (2A), 1997 (2A), 1998 (2A), 1999 (A), 2000 (A), 2001 (A), 2002 (A), 2003 (1A), 2004 (1A), 2005 (1A), 2006 (1A), 2007 (1A), 2008 (1A), 2009 (1A), 2010 (1A), 2011 (3A), 2012 (3A), 2015 (1A), 2018 (1A), 2020 (1A), 2021 (1A), 2022 (1R), 2023 (1R), 2024 (R FIT)

State Finals History: 1 State Championship – 2004 (1A); 8 Runner-Up Finishes – 1973 (2A), 1993 (2A), 1999 (A), 2000 (A), 2001 (A), 2003 (1A), 2005 (1A), 2008 (1A)

2024 Results – How They Got Here
*** –  Rural FIT Playoff Game
8/23 – Hardee (Wauchula), 28-20 (L)
8/30 – at Geroge Jenkins (Lakeland), 28-7 (W)
9/6 – at Lakeland Christian, 42-21 (L)
9/13 – Mulberry, 20-14 (L)
9/20 – Victory Christian (Lakeland), 23-20 (L)
10/4 – at IMG Academy White (Bradenton), 35-9 (L)
10/25 – Frostproof, 35-19 (W)
11/1 – University Christian (Jacksonville), 34-17 (L)
11/7 – at Moore Haven, 13-9 (L)
11/15 – Taylor (Pierson), 42-0 (W)***
11/22 – at Franklin County (Eastpoint), 33-14 (W)***
11/29 – Wildwood, 20-19 (W)***

What To Know About Fort Meade: The Miners, who are under the first-year direction of Maurice Russell, have found their stride during the first-ever Rural FIT bracket playoffs, and they are looking to bring home some hardware, even if it is not a traditional state championship for the first time since 2008 when the legendary Mike Hayde was roaming the sidelines at the Polk County School. The Miners are led by sophomore quarterback Jayden McCutchen, who has found his stride during the postseason and will be a true threat to contain through the air. Jerean Jones will help balance things on the ground while keeping an eye on Omari Russell, a two-way athlete who will do damage not just in the passing game, but on defense, where he leads the team with a whopping 10 interceptions. Mehki Berrien will be a tackle machine to watch and teams have done everything to avoid having Berrien tackle whoever has the ball.

DIXIE COUNTY BEARS (CROSS CITY) (7-6)

Head Coach: Ric Whittington (1st year, 7-5; 11-21 overall as head coach – Williston 2019-2020)

Playoff Appearances: 19 – 1967 (B), 1971 (2A), 1999 (2A), 2000 (2A), 2001 (2A), 2002 (2A0, 2003 (2B), 2004 (2B), 2006 (2A), 2009 (1A), 2013 (1A), 2014 (1A), 2015 (1A), 2017 (1A), 2018 (1A), 2019 (1A), 2020 (1A), 2023 (1R), 2024 (R FIT)

State Finals History: 1 Runner-up Finish – 1971 (2A)

2024 Results – How They Got Here
*** –  Rural FIT Playoff Game
8/23 – at Lafayette (Mayo), 38-12 (L)
8/30 – at Trenton, 40-16 (W)
9/6 – Taylor County (Perry), 37-0 (L)
9/13 – Belleview, 20-8 (W)
9/20 – Keystone Heights, 14-6 (L)
10/4 – Chiefland, 48-0 (L)
10/12 – Blountstown, 22-0 (L)
10/17 – Hamilton County (Jasper), 39-20 (W)
10/25 – West Nassau (Callahan), 47-0 (L)
11/1 – Santa Fe (Alachua), 28-21 (W)
11/15 – Wewahitchka, 29-6 (W)***
11/22 – Jefferson County (Monticello), 41-32 (W)***
11/29 – Trenton, 52-22 (W)***

What To Know About Dixie County: Under the direction of first-year head coach Ric Whittington, who is a Dixie County alum, is excited about how the Bears have come along in the postseason. The Bears’ offense is mostly a ground-and-pound operation led by Mister Williams, who has over 1,200 yards rushing and 16 touchdowns this season. While Drew Pleasant has been the lead at quarterback, do not expect him to complicate things in the passing game, mostly relying on short passes to help move the offense along down the field behind the back of Williams. Defensively, it is a collective effort as Williams also plays defensively as a middle linebacker and leads the team currently with 79 tackles. There are three athletes currently tied for the lead with two interceptions each, which makes Dixie County’s defense a potential problem for the opposing Miners offense.

STATISTICAL LEADERS

THOUGHTS ON THE GAME

This is the first-ever Florida Invitational Tournament and as such as a test for possible expansion into other classifications in football in the Sunshine State, this bracket has given teams that missed the 16-team Class Rural State Championship bracket an opportunity to have their athletes play for something. However, more importantly, give their athletes a chance to add more game film to their season highlights in hopes of being recruited by colleges across the country. This game will help highlight and showcase some of these athletes who are capable of providing services to many programs that can use the hard-working athletes who are about to graduate from these two programs.

The biggest thing that stands out for us in this game is that Fort Meade’s offensive game has looked impressive in recent weeks, but there is concern that McCutchen’s experience is still in the growing stages and that is something that Dixie County might be able to capitalize on during the game. Dixie County seems to have more of the senior-led talent and senior leadership needed to bring home some kind of hardware, something the Bears have not done since the 1971 season, and as such the team here feels that Dixie County is going to win out in this, even if it is a close one in the first-ever Rural FIT tournament.

Josh’s Pick: Dixie County
Chris’s Pick: Dixie County
Reno’s Pick: Dixie County

The post RURAL FIT CHAMPIONSHIP PREVIEW: Fort Meade and Dixie County meet for first-ever invitational championship in FHSAA history appeared first on FloridaHSFootball.com.

GAMES TO WATCH

REGION 1

No. 5 Spruce Creek (Port Orange) (7-3) at No. 4 Flagler Palm Coast (9-1), Fri. 7:00 p.m. – The Bulldogs won the first meeting just weeks ago, but the Hawks are looking for revenge and want to make sure that they can continue the postseason in stride. For Flagler Palm Coast, this is one of the best seasons in program history. Flagler Palm Coast is averaging 44.4 points per game while Spruce Creek is scoring on average of 38.1 points per game. What is impressive is that Flagler Palm Coast has been averaging 520.9 total yards per game and is led by QB Hayden Hayes, who throws for an average of 274.0 points per game while totaling 311 yards per game on average. For Spruce Creek keep an eye on PJ Miller who is averaging a 171.7 total yards per game. Josh’s Pick: Flagler Palm Coast; Reno’s Pick: Spruce Creek

REGION 2

No. 5 Sumner (Riverview) (6-4) at No. 4 Newsome (Lithia) (7-3), Fri. 7:30 p.m. – A rematch from early in the regular season, the visiting Stingrays took that one over the host Wolves in a close 17-14 contest. Newsome is averaging 27.6 points per while Sumner is averaging just over 20 points per game. With Newsome averaging 358 yards per game, Sumner will have to work a little harder this time around to keep pace. For Newsome keep an eye on QB Noah Guenther who is a dual-threat quarterback to make plays both through the air and on the ground as he is averaging 129 total yards per game. For Sumner watch out for QB Antoni Balaguer. Josh’s Pick: Sumner; Reno’s Pick: Sumner

REGION 3

No. 6 Treasure Coast (Port St. Lucie) (3-6) at No. 3 Jupiter (9-1), Fri. 6:30 p.m. – Don’t act surprised about this game being on a game to watch. Treasure Coast may have gotten off to a sluggish start, but their strength of schedule was one of the top schedules anywhere in the state. That could be a huge reason why the Titans might be a favorite to win here in this game because looking at the schedule Jupiter has played, it might explain why they went 9-1. While the visiting Titans do not have any offensive statistics posted, defensively they are posting 2.1 sacks per game on average this season and that could be something that could cause problems for the host Warriors. For Jupiter keep an eye on QB Andrew Embick who is averaging 127 yards passing per game. Josh’s Pick: Treasure Coast; Reno’s Pick: Treasure Coast

REGION 4

No. 7 Western (Davie) (4-6) at No. 2 Miami Palmetto (6-4) at Tropical Park, Fri. 7:30 p.m. – Western ended Miami Palmetto’s season in the regional quarterfinals last year, and this year the visiting Wildcats are looking to do the same. Western would have been a higher seed had two forfeits not been thrown into the mix that is where the record needs to be thrown out the door on this one. The host Panthers, who have not posted any stats this year will face off against a Western team that averages nearly 300 yards per game with their balanced offensive approach. Expect QB Sebastian Circo to throw heavy here on the offense while Julian Mendez will be out there racking up tons of tackles and collecting sacks for Western. Josh’s Pick: Western; Reno’s Pick: Western

REST OF THE SLATE

REGION 1

No. 8 DeLand (5-5) at No. 1 Lake Mary (8-2)
Josh’s Pick: Lake Mary; Reno’s Pick: Lake Mary

No. 2 Seminole (Sanford) (8-1) at No. 7 Creekside (St. Johns) (5-5)
Josh’s Pick: Seminole; Reno’s Pick: Seminole

No. 6 Winter Park (7-3) at No. 3 University (Orange City) (8-2)
Josh’s Pick: University; Reno’s Pick: University

REGION 2

No. 8 Haines City (6-4) at No. 1 Venice (9-1)
Josh’s Pick: Venice; Reno’s Pick: Venice

No. 7 Riverview (Sarasota) (4-5) at No. 2 Plant City (8-2)
Josh’s Pick: Plant City; Reno’s Pick: Plant City

No. 6 Apopka (4-5) at No. 3 West Orange (Winter Garden) (8-2)
Josh’s Pick: West Orange; Reno’s Pick: West Orange

REGION 3

No. 8 Fort Pierce Central (5-5) at No. 1 Palm Beach Central (Wellington) (9-1)
Josh’s Pick: Palm Beach Central; Reno’s Pick: Palm Beach Central

No. 5 Lake Nona (Orlando) (7-3) at No. 4 Vero Beach (6-3)
Josh’s Pick: Vero Beach; Reno’s Pick: Vero Beach

No. 7 Tohopekaliga (Kissimmee) (6-4) at No. 2 Dr. Phillips (Orlando) (9-1)
Josh’s Pick: Dr. Phillips; Reno’s Pick: Dr. Phillips

REGION 4

No. 8 Spanish River (Boca Raton) (7-3) at No. 1 Columbus (Miami) (6-3), Thu., 7:00 p.m.
Josh’s Pick: Columbus; Reno’s Pick: Columbus

No. 5 South Dade (Homestead) (5-5) at No. 4 Santaluces (Lantana) (8-2)
Josh’s Pick: Santaluces; Reno’s Pick: Santaluces

No. 6 Goleman (Miami) (6-4) at No. 3 Boca Raton (9-1)
Josh’s Pick: Boca Raton; Reno’s Pick: Boca Raton

The post Class 7A Regional Quarterfinals Preview: Games to Watch, Predictions for every game appeared first on FloridaHSFootball.com.

GAMES TO WATCH

Region 1

No. 4 Pine Forest (Pensacola) (5-5) at No. 5 Ed White (Jacksonville) (7-3), Fri, 6:30 p.m. – A long road trip for Pine Forest, but the Eagles are no strangers to doing these kinds of things over the years and the host Commanders will certainly get a test here. Ed White is averaging 26.3 points per game compared to Pine Forest with 13.4 points per game. If anything the Eagles will need to have a complete game as they will need to stop Ed White QB King Boylston, who has been averaging 172.5 yards passing per game as well as averaging 194.3 total yards per game. Zakavius Andrews for Pine Forest is averaging 115.3 yards per game this season. Josh’s Pick: Ed White; Reno’s Pick: Ed White

Region 2

No. 5 Rockledge (6-3) at No. 4 Zephyrhills (7-3), Fri, 7:30 p.m. – Rockledge is without their head coach due to suspension, but if anything, sometimes teams can come through moments of adversity and that is what the visiting Raiders hope to accomplish against Zephyrhills. The host Bulldogs have played a balanced schedule and have scored just over 33 points per game while Rockledge is averaging just above 22 points per game. Keep an eye on QB Xzavier Jackson for Zephyrhills who is averaging 186.4 total yards per game and 168.7 passing yards per game. Jordan Pidala for Rockledge leads the team with an average of 122.3 total yards per game this season. Josh’s Pick: Zephyrhills; Reno’s Pick: Zephyrhills

Region 3

No. 5 Jesuit (Tampa) (6-3) at No. 4 Clearwater (7-3), Fri. 7:30 p.m. – These two teams have a history with each other, so this will be by far one of the better playoff games in the Tampa Bay region. The visiting Tigers and the host Tornadoes are averaging just above 36 points a game, so this game could either be a shootout of sorts ora defensive slug fest depending on how the team has prepared for this week. Jesuit is averaging 321.9 total yards per game while Clearwater is averaging just slightly above the Tigers with 325.5 yards per game. Keep an eye on QB Will Griffin for Jesuit who is averaging 208.6 yards per game while keeping an eye on Jordan Pidala for Rockledge who is averaging 122.3 total yards per game. Josh’s Pick: Jesuit; Reno’s Pick: Clearwater

Region 4

No. 5 Dillard (Fort Lauderdale) (8-2) at No. 4 John Carroll (Fort Pierce) (10-0), Fri. 7:30 p.m. – The visiting Panthers could be the favorite to win this game even though John Carroll went a full 10-0 during the regular season. The reason comes down to strength of schedule where the visiting Panthers have played a much tougher strength of schedule compared to the host Golden Rams. John Carroll averages 334.1 yards per game and that could be way lower given the schedule that Dillard has played this season. Keep an eye on QB Jax Vanname for the Golden Rams who averages 146.9 yards per game. Josh’s Pick: Dillard; Reno’s Pick: Dillard

REST OF THE SLATE

No. 8 Columbia (Lake City) (5-5) at St. Augustine (8-1), Fri. 7:00 p.m.
Josh’s Pick: St. Augustine; Reno’s Pick: St. Augustine

REGION 1

No. 7 Arnold (Panama City Beach) (7-3) at No. 2 Choctawhatchee (Fort Walton Beach) (8-2), Fri. 7:00 p.m. CT
Josh’s Pick: Choctawhatchee; Reno’s Pick: Choctawatchee

No. 6 Riverside (Jacksonville) at No. 3 Escambia (Pensacola), Fri. 7:00 p.m. CT
Josh’s Pick: Escambia; Reno’s Pick: Escambia

REGION 2

No. 8 Lecanto (6-4) at No. 1 Jones (Orlando) (10-0), Fri 7:30 p.m.
Josh’s Pick: Jones; Reno’s Pick: Jones

No. 7 Leesburg (6-4) vs. No. 2 Vanguard (Ocala) (9-1) at Booster Stadium, 7:30 p.m.
Josh’s Pick: Vanguard; Reno’s Pick: Vanguard

No. 6 New Smyrna Beach (8-2) at No. 3 Lake Wales (6-3), 7:00 p.m.
Josh’s Pick: Lake Wales; Reno’s Pick: Lake Wales

REGION 3

No. 8 South Fort Myers (4-6) at No. 1 Port Charlotte (8-2), 7:30 p.m.
Josh’s Pick: Port Charlotte; Reno’s Pick: Port Charlotte

No. 7 River Ridge (New Port Richey) (7-3) at No. 2 Naples (8-2), 7:30 p.m.
Josh’s Pick: Naples; Reno’s Pick: Naples

No. 3 Dunbar (Fort Myers) (8-2) at No. 6 St. Petersburg (8-2), 7:30 p.m.
Josh’s Pick: Dunbar; Reno’s Pick: Dunbar

REGION 4

No. 8 Jensen Beach (7-3) at No. 1 American Heritage (Plantation) (7-2), Fri. 7:00 p.m.
Josh’s Pick: American Heritage; Reno’s Pick: American Heritage

No. 2 Miami Norland (7-2) vs. No. 7 Hialeah (8-2) at Ted Hendricks Stadium at Milander Park, Fri. 7:30 p.m.
Josh’s Pick: Miami Norland; Reno’s Pick: Miami Norland

No. 6 Archbishop McCarthy (Southwest Ranches) (6-4) at No. 3 Plantation (6-4), Thu. 7:00 p.m.
Josh’s Pick: Plantation; Reno’s Pick: Plantation

The post Class 4A Regional Quarterfinals Preview: Games to Watch, Predictions for every game appeared first on FloridaHSFootball.com.

GAMES TO WATCH

REGION 1

No. 7 Walton (DeFuniak Springs) (6-3) at No. 2 Pensacola Catholic (8-1), Fri. 7:30 p.m. CT – This game has the making for a high scoring affair, but we remind you that the host Crusaders crushed the visiting Braves earlier this season district action. Keep an eye on Walton QB Wells Bettenhausen, who is averaging 267.7 yards passing per game while watching out for Catholic RB CJ Nettles, who has been the biggest catalyst of the Crusader offense for the last few years, averaging 125 yards per game. Josh’s Pick: Pensacola Catholic; Reno’s Pick: Pensacola Catholic

REGION 2

No. 5 Berkeley Prep (Clearwater) at No. 4 Calvary Christian (Clearwater), Fri, 7:00 p.m. – This is a game Berkeley Prep would love to have back from the regular season where the Buccaneers fell to the Warriors in Week 6 by a score of 28-23. For host Calvary Christian keep an eye on Oni Abasial, who is averaging a total of 203.6 yards per game, while star playmaker for Berkeley Prep, Dallas Golden leads with an average of 142.4 yards per game. In the end things are not the same for either team compared to last year at this time. Josh’s Pick: Berkeley Prep; Reno’s Pick: Berkeley Prep

REGION 3

No. 7 Tarpon Springs (6-4) at No. 2 Bishop Verot (Fort Myers) (7-3) – Carter Smith is back full and healthy and we saw that last week when the Vikings crushed Glades Central. However, there is some thought that with the visiting Spongers back in the playoffs for the first time in a while, they could throw some fits and surprise some people. Smith is averaging 222.4 total yards per game while Tarpon Springs QB Joaquin Kavouklis is averaging 211 yards passing per game. Josh’s Pick: Bishop Verot; Reno’s Pick: Bishop Verot

REGION 4

No. 5 Miami Carol City (7-3) at No. 4 Cardinal Gibbons (Fort Lauderdale) (6-4), Fri. 7:00 p.m. – Talk about the turnaround Miami Carol City has had under head coach George Stubbs who has gotten the visiting Chiefs out of being a doormat for Miami-Dade County teams from the past few seasons. Both teams are averaging between 395 to 410 yards per game (Carol City 395.1 ypg, Cardinal Gibbons, 406.1 ypg). Keep an eye on QB Jayden Torres for Cardinal Gibbons who is averaging 253.5 yards per game passing while QB Randy Phillips for Carol City is averaging 148.4 yards per game passing. Josh’s Pick: Carol City; Reno’s Pick: Carol City

REST OF THE SLATE

REGION 1

No. 8 Baldwin (5-5) at No. 1 Gadsden County (Havana) (9-1), Fri. 7:30 p.m.
Josh’s Pick: Gadsden County; Reno’s Pick: Gadsden County

No. 4 Florida High (Tallahassee) (7-3) at No. 5 Marianna (10-0), Fri. 7:30 p.m. CT
Josh’s Pick: Florida High; Reno’s Pick: Florida High

No. 6 Taylor County (Perry) (7-3) at No. 3 Bolles (Jacksonville) (8-1), Fri. 7:30 p.m.
Josh’s Pick: Bolles; Reno’s Pick: Taylor County

REGION 2

No. 8 Lake Placid (5-5) at No. 1 Cocoa, Fri. 7:00 p.m.
Josh’s Pick: Cocoa; Reno’s Pick: Cocoa

No. 7 The Villages (5-4) at No. 2 Bradford (Starke) (8-1), Fri. 7:30 p.m.
Josh’s Pick: Bradford; Reno’s Pick: Bradford

No. 6 Palatka (7-3) at No. 3 Newberry (8-2), Fri. 7:30 p.m.
Josh’s Pick: Newberry; Reno’s Pick: Newberry

REGION 3

No. 8 Somerset Canyons (Boynton Beach) (4-6) at No. 1 Cardinal Mooney (Sarasota) (9-0), Fri. 7:30 p.m.
Josh’s Pick: Cardinal Mooney; Reno’s Pick: Cardinal Mooney

No. 5 King’s Academy (West Palm Beach) (7-3) at No. 4 Calvary Christian (Clearwater) (7-3), Fri. 7:30 p.m.
Josh’s Pick: Calvary Christian; Reno’s Pick: Calvary Christian

No. 6 Lakewood (St. Petersburg) (5-5) at No. 3 Glades Central (9-1), Fri. 7:00 p.m.
Josh’s Pick: Glades Central; Reno’s Pick: Glades Central

REGION 4

No. 8 North Miami Beach (3-7) at No. 1 Booker T. Washington (Miami) (7-2) at Curtis Park, Thu. 8:00
Josh’s Pick: Booker T. Washington; Reno’s Pick: Booker T. Washington

No. 2 Immaculata-La Salle (9-1) at No. 7 Gulliver Prep (Pinecrest) (4-6), Fri. 3:00 p.m.
Josh’s Pick: Immaculata-La Salle; Reno’s Pick: Immaculata-La Salle

No. 6 Ransom Everglades (Miami) (6-3) at No. 3 Monsignor Pace (Miami Gardens) (7-2), Fri. 7:30 p.m.
Josh’s Pick: Monsignor Pace; Reno’s Pick: Monsignor Pace

The post Class 2A Regional Quarterfinals Preview: Games to Watch, Predictions for every game appeared first on FloridaHSFootball.com.

Follow this page for live updates as the pairings are revealed by refreshing this page.

After the FHSAA bracket reveal show, tune into FloridaHSFootball.com’s “Drive To State Show” at 8 p.m ET / 7 p.m. CT where we will have bracket analysis and special guest analysis from Jon Santucci (USA TODAY Florida), Mike Ridaught (Mainstreet Daily News), Bob Putnam (Prime Time Preps), and Larry Blustein (Prep Redzone Florida).

2024 PLAYOFF COVERAGE

2024 FHSAA District Champions with final regular season records

CLASS 7A

REGIONAL QUARTERFINALS

REGION 1

No. 8 DeLand at No. 1 Lake Mary

No. 5 Spruce Creek (Port Orange) at No. 4 Flagler Palm Coast

No. 2 Seminole (Sanford) at No. 7 Creekside (St. Johns)

No. 6 Winter Park at No. 3 University (Orange City)

REGION 2

No. 8 Haines City at No. 1 Venice

No. 5 Sumner (Riverview) at No. 4 Newsome (Lithia)

No. 7 Riverview (Sarasota) at No. 2 Plant City

No. 6 Apopka at No. 3 West Orange (Winter Garden)

REGION 3

No. 8 Fort Pierce Central at No. 1 Palm Beach Central (Wellington)

No. 5 Lake Nona (Orlando) at No. 4 Vero Beach

No. 7 Tohopekaliga (Kissimmee) at No. 2 Dr. Phillips (Orlando)

No. 6 Treasure Coast (Port St. Lucie) at No. 3 Jupiter

REGION 4

No. 8 Spanish River (Boca Raton) at No. 1 Columbus (Miami)

No. 5 South Dade (Homestead) at No. 4 Santaluces (Lantana)

No. 7 Western (Davie) at No. 2 Miami Palmetto

No. 6 Goleman (Miami) at No. 3 Boca Raton

CLASS 6A

REGIONAL QUARTERFINALS

REGION 1

No. 8 Tate (Cantonment) at No. 1 Nease (Ponte Vedra)

No. 5 Oakleaf (Orange Park) at No. 4 Mandarin (Jacksonville)

No. 7 Evans (Orlando) at No. 2 Buchholz (Gainesville)

No. 6 Oviedo at No. 3 Pace

REGION 2

No. 8 Melbourne at No. 1 Armwood (Seffner)

No. 5 Bartow at No. 4 Plant (Tampa)

No. 7 Viera at No. 2 Osceola (Kissimmee)

No. 6 South Lake (Groveland) at No. 3 Durant (Plant City)

REGION 3

No. 8 Steinbrenner (Lutz) at No. 1 West Boca Raton

No. 5 Parrish Community at No. 4 Mitchell (New Port Richey)

No. 7 Largo at No. 2 Palmetto

No. 6 Royal Palm Beach at No. 3 Wiregrass Ranch (Wesley Chapel)

REGION 4

No. 8 South Broward (Hollywood) at No. 1 Miami Southridge

No. 5 Homestead at No. 4 Monarch (Coconut Creek)

No. 7 Doral Academy at No. 2 Piper (Sunrise)

No. 6 Flanagan (Pembroke Pines) at No. 3 West Broward (Pembroke Pines)

CLASS 5A

REGIONAL QUARTERFINALS

REGION 1

No. 8 Middleburg at No. 1 Niceville

No. 5 Beachside (St. Johns) at No. 4 Ponte Vedra

No. 7 Mainland (Daytona Beach) at No. 2 Lincoln (Tallahassee)

No. 6 Fleming Island at No. 3 Mosley (Lynn Haven)

REGION 2

No. 8 Spoto (Riverview) at No. 1 Lakeland

No. 4 Springstead (Spring Hill) at No. 5 Gaither (Tampa)

No. 7 East Bay (Gibsonton) at No. 2 Edgewater (Orlando)

No. 6 Sebring at No. 3 Tampa Bay Tech

REGION 3

No. 8 Pinellas Park (Largo) at No. 1 Manatee (Bradenton)

No. 5 Cape Coral at No. 4 Immokalee

No. 7 Charlotte (Punta Gorda) at No. 2 Fort Myers)

No. 6 North Fort Myers at No. 3 Riverdale (Fort Myers)

REGION 4

No. 8 Mater Academy (Hialeah Gardens) at No. 1 Atlantic (Delray Beach)

No. 5 Heritage (Palm Bay) at No. 4 Miramar

No. 7 North Miami at No. 2 St. Thomas Aquinas (Fort Lauderdale)

No. 6 Coconut Creek at No. 3 Blanche Ely (Pompano Beach)

CLASS 4A

REGIONAL QUARTERFINALS

REGION 1

No. 8 Columbia (Lake City) at St. Augustine

No. 4 Pine Forest (Pensacola) at No. 5 Ed White (Jacksonville)

No. 7 Arnold (Panama City Beach) at No. 2 Choctawhatchee (Fort Walton Beach)

No. 6 Riverside (Jacksonville) at No. 3 Escambia (Pensacola)

REGION 2

No. 8 Lecanto at No. 1 Jones (Orlando)

No. 5 Rockledge at No. 4 Zephyrhills

No. 7 Leesburg at No. 2 Vanguard (Ocala)

No. 6 New Smyrna Beach at No. 3 Lake Wales

REGION 3

No. 8 South Fort Myers at No. 1 Port Charlotte

No. 5 Jesuit (Tampa) at No. 4 Clearwater

No. 7 River Ridge (New Port Richey) at No. 2 Naples

No. 3 Dunbar (Fort Myers) at No. 6 St. Petersburg

REGION 4

No. 8 Jensen Beach at No. 1 American Heritage (Plantation)

No. 5 Dillard (Fort Lauderdale) at No. 4 John Carroll (Fort Pierce)

No. 2 Miami Norland at No. 7 Hialeah

No. 6 Archbishop McCarthy (Southwest Ranches) at No. 3 Plantation

CLASS 3A

REGIONAL QUARTERFINALS

REGION 1

No. 8 Bay (Panama City) at No. 1 Raines (Jacksonville)

No. 5 Menendez (St. Augustine) at No. 4 Wakulla (Crawfordville)

No. 7 Suwannee (Live Oak) at No. 2 Godby (Tallahassee)

No. 6 Baker County (Glen St. Mary) at No. 3 Bishop Kenny (Jacksonville)

REGION 2

No. 8 Crystal River at No. 1 Eau Gallie (Melbourne)

No. 5 Merritt Island at No. 4 Titusville

No. 7 Eastside (Gainesville) at No. 2 Bishop Moore (Orlando)

No. 6 Mount Dora at No. 3 Dunnellon

REGION 3

No. 8 Hudson at No. 1 Jefferson (Tampa)

No. 5 Boca Ciega (Gulfport) at No. 4 Chamberlain (Tampa)

No. 7 Hardee (Wauchula) at No. 2 Booker (Sarasota)

No. 6 Nature Coast (Brooksville) at No. 3 Mulberry

REGION 4

No. 8 Barron Collier (Naples) at No. 1 Miami Northwestern

No. 5 Miami Jackson at No. 4 Lely (Naples)

No. 7 Estero at No. 2 Key West

No. 6 Cypress Lake (Fort Myers) at No. 3 Somerset Academy (Pembroke Pines)

CLASS 2A

REGIONAL QUARTERFINALS

REGION 1

No. 8 Baldwin at No. 1 Gadsden County (Havana)

No. 4 Florida High (Tallahassee) at No. 5 Marianna

No. 7 Walton (DeFuniak Springs) at No. 2 Pensacola Catholic

No. 6 Taylor County (Perry) at No. 3 Bolles (Jacksonville)

REGION 2

No. 8 Lake Placid at No. 8 Cocoa

No. 5 Berkeley Prep (Clearwater) at No. 4 Calvary Christian (Clearwater)

No. 7 The Villages at No. 2 Bradford (Starke)

No. 6 Palatka at No. 3 Newberry

REGION 3

No. 8 Somerset Canyons (Boynton Beach) at No. 1 Cardinal Mooney (Sarasota)

No. 5 King’s Academy (West Palm Beach) at No. 4 Calvary Christian (Clearwater)

No. 7 Tarpon Springs at No. 2 Bishop Verot (Fort Myers)

No. 6 Lakewood (St. Petersburg) at No. 3 Glades Central

REGION 4

No. 8 North Miami Beach at No. 1 Booker T. Washington (Miami)

No. 5 Miami Carol City at No. 4 Cardinal Gibbons (Fort Lauderdale)

No. 2 Immaculata-La Salle at No. 7 Gulliver Prep (Pinecrest)

No. 6 Ransom Everglades (Miami) at No. 3 Monsignor Pace (Miami Gardens)

CLASS 1A

REGIONAL QUARTERFINALS

REGION 1

No. 1 Providence (Jacksonville) at No. 8 Trinity Catholic (Ocala)

No. 5 Impact Christian (Jacksonville) at No. 4 University Christian (Jacksonville)

No. 7 P.K. Yonge (Gainesville) at No. 2 Trinity Christian (Jacksonville)

No. 3 Maclay (Tallahassee) at No. 6 St. John Paul II (Tallahassee)

REGION 2

No. 8 Holy Trinity (Melbourne) at No. 1 Clearwater Central Catholic

No. 5 Victory Christian (Lakeland) at No. 4 Carrollwood Day (Tampa)

No. 2 Lakeland Christian at No. 7 Crescent City

No. 6 Orlando Christian Prep at No. 3 Melbourne Central Catholic

REGION 3

No. 8 Evangelical Christian (Fort Myers) at No. 1 Cardinal Newman (West Palm Beach)

No. 5 St. John Neumann (Naples) at No. 4 Community School (Naples)

No. 7 Southwest Florida Christian (Fort Myers) at No. 2 First Baptist (Naples)

No. 3 Benjamin (Palm Beach Gardens) at No. 6 Northside Christian (St. Petersburg)

REGION 4

No. 8 St. John Paul II (Boca Raton) at No. 1 Chaminade-Madonna (Hollywood)

No. 5 Archbishop Carroll (Miami) at St. Andrew’s (Boca Raton)

No. 2 True North at No. 7 Palmer Trinity (Palmetto Bay)

No. 6 Somerset Academy Key (Deerfield Beach) at No. 3 Miami Edison

CLASS RURAL

STATE CHAMPIONSHIP BRACKET

FIRST ROUND

No. 16 Branford at No. 1 Hawthorne

No. 9 Lafayette (Mayo) at No. 8 Cottondale

No. 13 Williston at No. 4 Chiefland

No. 12 Fort White at No. 5 Jay

No. 15 Moore Haven at No. 2 Madison County (Madison)

No. 10 Blountstown at No. 7 Aucilla Christian (Monticello)

No. 14 Holmes County (Bonifay) at No. 3 Union County (Lake Butler)

No. 11 Chipley at No. 6 Pahokee

CLASS RURAL

INVITATIONAL BRACKET

FIRST-ROUND BYE

No. 1 Baker

No. 2 Port St. Joe

No. 3 Franklin County (Eastpoint)

No. 4 Jefferson County (Monticello)

FIRST ROUND PAIRINGS

No. 9 Sneads at No. 8 Trenton

No. 12 Wewahitchka at No. 5 Dixie County (Cross City)

No. 10 Hamilton County (Jasper) at No. 7 Wildwood

No. 11 Taylor (Pierson) at Fort Meade

The post 2024 FHSAA Playoff Pairings appeared first on FloridaHSFootball.com.

Region 1

No. 4 Fletcher (Neptune Beach) 33, No. 1 Fleming Island 12

Last year’s Class 2A state runner-up is out of the playoffs after the visiting Senators knocked off the host Golden Eagles to capture 12th victory of the season. The Senators will move on to the regional finals for the first time in program history.

No. 3 Pace 21, No. 2 Navarre 12

In in their fourth meeting of the season Pace got their third win over the Raiders on the road to advance to the regional finals for the second time in program history and will host Fletcher.

Region 2

No. 1 Timber Creek (Orlando) 6, No. 5 East River (Orlando) 0

The host Wolves locked in their 14th victory of the season and needing double overtime to do so and will host New Smyrna Beach in the regional finals next week which will mark their first appearance in the regional finals in program history.

No. 6 New Smyrna Beach 8, No. 2 Boone (Orlando) 7

Taylor Vance got the game winning touchdown and made the game sealing interception within the final 40 seconds of the game to advance the Barracudas to the regional finals over the host Braves, according to Daytona Beach News-Journal’s Chris Boyle.

Region 3

No. 1 Dr. Phillips (Orlando) 13, No. 4 Horizon (Winter Garden) 12

The Panthers dashed any hopes of first-time playoff entrant in the visiting Hawks of advancing further in the playoffs as the much more experienced Panthers pulled off the one-point victory.

No. 2 Newsome (Lithia) 35, No. 6 Armwood (Seffner) 21

The host Wolves took care of business against a very competitive Hawks team to advance to another regional final and earned their 14th victory of the season.

Region 4

No. 1 Alonso (Tampa) 19, No. 4 Steinbrenner (Lutz)

The defending State Champion Ravens earned their 18th win of the season and has now won 41 straight games since their last loss game to Newsome back on May 9, 2022.

No. 2 Lennard (Ruskin) 8, No. 6 Sumner (Riverview) 6

It was a hard fought contest that will see the Longhorns advancing to the regional finals for the second straight year and re-matching with Alonso for the right to advance to the state quarterfinals next week. According to Riverview (Riverview) head coach David Coffey, the game was 8-0 in favor of the Longhorns going into halftime and had to hold off the visiting Stingrays late in the 4th quarter after the Stingrays scored a late touchdown.

Region 5

No. 1 Fort Pierce Central 14, No. 4 Palm Beach Gardens 0

The Cobras are advancing to the regional finals for the first time after holding off a tough Gators team from Palm Beach County and pitching the shutout.

No. 2 Martin County (Stuart) 39, No. 3 Harmony 20

The Tigers are heading to the regional finals where they will face a familiar regional opponent in Fort Pierce Central next week.

Region 6

No. 1 Seminole Ridge (Westlake) 21, No. 5 Spanish River 0

Spanish River’s luck of run ran out against a well coach Hawks team that pitched the shutout and will see them host rival Wellington in the regional finals.

No. 3 Wellington 6, No. 2 Stoneman Douglas (Parkland) 0

On the road in Broward County, the Wolverines are advancing to their first regional final in program history after squeezing out a lone touchdown victory over the host Eagles.

Region 7

No. 4 St. Thomas Aquinas (Fort Lauderdale) 21, No. 1 Western (Davie) 14

The talk was how long would it take St. Thomas Aquinas to go deep in the playoffs in girls flag football and start making waves. It has not taken long as the Raiders, who are in the third year of competition knocked off one of the top teams in Broward County to advance to the regional finals.

No. 7 Dillard (Fort Lauderdale) 7, No. 3 Boyd Anderson (Lauderdale Lakes)

The Panthers stunned the host Cobras with a shutout to advance to the regional finals for the first time since the 2021 season.

Region 8

No. 1 Miami Palmetto 27, No. 4 Ferguson (Miami) 7

The Panthers are heading to their first regional final in program history where they will also take on another team in the regional final for the first time in Miami Southridge next week.

No. 2 Miami Southridge 19, No. 3 Everglades (Miramar) 7

The Spartans turned back the visiting Gators to advance to the first regional final next week against Miami Palmetto.

CLASS 1A

Region 1

No. 1 Choctawhatchee (Fort Walton Beach) 25, No. 4 Fort Walton Beach 0

After getting stunned in the district championship nearly two weeks ago, the Indians got their payback in by pitching a shutout against the Indians to advance to the regional finals once again and will host Florida High next week.

No. 2 Florida High (Tallahassee) 41, No. 6 Middleburg 0

The run for Middleburg after knocking off Bradford last week in the regional finals came to a grinding stop by Florida High’s most impressive team in program history with the Seminoles pitching the shutout. Florida High led 27-0 at half according to Liam Rooney at the Tallahassee Democrat. The win for Florida High advances them to the regional finals for the first time in program history.

Region 2
No. 1 Clay (Green Cove Springs) 12, No. 4 Stanton (Jacksonville) 6

In a battle of Blue Devils from Clay and Duval counties, the Clay County version of the Blue Devils prevailed in a tight contest to advance to their first regional final since 2019 after having struggled to either make the playoffs or go deep in the playoffs over the last few seasons.

No. 3 Paxon (Jacksonville) 12 at No. 2 Ed White (Jacksonville) 0

The Commanders who are working with much younger talent than the previous season are heading off to the regional finals after beating the visiting Golden Eagles. Ed White will travel to Clay next week for the regional final matchup.

Region 3

No. 1 Wildwood 27, No. 4 Jones (Orlando) 13

Wildwood which earned the No. 1 seed in this region is now 10-0 on the season and will await the winner between No. 2 Lecanto and No. 3 Trinity Catholic (Ocala).

No. 2 Lecanto 19, No. 3 Trinity Catholic (Ocala) 12

Trinity Catholic’s best season as a program came to an end against a very competitive Lecanto program who will advance to the regional finals against Wildwood next week.

Region 4

No. 1 Robinson (Tampa) 42, No. 4 Brandon 0

The defending Class 1A state champions rolled over the visiting Eagles to pitch their third straight shutout and their 14th shutout of the season. The Knights have won 20 straight games this season and have won 31 straight games since their loss to Alonso last season.

No. 3 Tampa Catholic 12, No. 2 Osceola (Seminole) 7

The Crusaders went on the road and found themselves on the winning side of things to earn themselves a trip to the regional finals for the first time in program history.

Region 5

No. 1 Braden River (Bradenton) 32, No. 4 Keswick Christian (St. Petersburg)

Keswick Christian in its first year of playing girls flag football found its way to the regional semifinals but a much more experienced Pirates team ended the Crusaders season. Keswick Christian was gracious about the exit and how their first season concluded giving them momentum for the 2025 season.

No. 2 St. Petersburg 33, No. 3 Riverdale (Fort Myers) 8

With it being the first year for teams in Lee County playing varsity flag football, Riverdale found the much more experienced Green Devils team no match for them as they were walloped on the long road trip to Pinellas County. The win advances St. Petersburg to the regional finals against Braden River.

Region 6

No. 1 Somerset Canyons (Boynton Beach) 32, No. 5 Dr. Joaquin Garcia (Lake Worth) 6

The Cougars took care of business at home as the No. 1 seed against first year program in Dr. Joaquin Garcia with a huge win to advance the team to regional finals for the second straight year.

No. 3 Jensen Beach 26, No. 2 Lincoln Park Academy (Fort Pierce) 0

The Falcons found their 14th victory of the season on the road and blowing past the host Greyhounds to advance to the regional finals for the first time since the 2022 season.

Region 7

No. 1 Pembroke Pines Charter 20, No. 4 Monsignor Pace (Miami) 6

The Jaguars keep their successful season going with a nice victory over the visiting Spartans to move to 15-3 on the season and will face Pompano Beach for the regional championship.

No. 2 Pompano Beach 20, No. 6 Chaminade-Madonna (Hollywood) 6

The Golden Tornadoes continue their historic run with a solid victory over the visiting Lions to get a date with Pemborke Pines Charter for the regional championship.

Region 8

No. 1 Homestead 21, No. 5 Miami Central 0

The Broncos pitched the shutout on the visiting Rockets to advance to the regional finals for the first time in program history.

No. 2 Miami Edison 21, No. 3 True North (Miami) 0

The Titans of True North were no match for the much more talented and experienced Miami Edison Red Raiders who earned their 11th victory of the season.

The post GIRLS FLAG FOOTBALL: Regional Semifinals sees Fletcher, St. Thomas Aquinas pull off major upsets to advance appeared first on FloridaHSFootball.com.

None of this fazed the Berkeley Prep (Tampa) Buccaneers.

And from early on it showed that Berkeley Prep came ready to play against Norland as the first play of the first  was intercepted by the Buccaneers after they had went nowhere on their first drive offensively.

WOW! First drive comes to end quick for Norland as Josh Herman picks it off for Berkeley! #flhsfb pic.twitter.com/NEwWAr43FX

— FloridaHSFootball.com (@FlaHSFootball) December 9, 2023

Berkeley Prep held the ball twice as long as Norland

Berkeley Prep held the ball almost 32 minutes and never trailed in knocking off Norland 28-20 at Bragg Memorial Stadium and Ken Riley Field on the Florida A&M campus in Tallahassee.

It’s the first state title for Berkeley Prep (13-2) who had had previously played for the Class 3A title in 2021, losing 21-0 to Chaminade-Madonna (Hollywood) in a game played at nearby Gene Cox Stadium two years ago.

Both teams get their offenses going

Both teams threw interceptions on their opening possessions. Norland picked off Berkeley Prep on the next drive and returned the interception 99 yards for a touchdown. But the Vikings touchdown was nullified because of a block in the back penalty.

Berkeley Prep put the first points of the game on the board after an 8 play, 48-yard drive that spanned the first and second periods. On third down and 9, freshman quarterback Cooper Hayes threw a 26-yard touchdown pass to junior wide receiver Dallas Golden for a 7-0 Buccaneers lead.

CLASS 2M STATE CHAMPIONSHIP

TOUCHDOWN BERKELEY PREP!

Bucs strike first as Cooper Hayes finds Dallas Golden for a 26 yard TD reception!

Berkeley Prep 7, Miami Norland 0 – 10:05 2nd Q https://t.co/FExbPZFobD #flhsfb @HSFBamerica @DanLaForestFB @FACACoach @FHS7v7A @scorestream… pic.twitter.com/hmHCTsmBFN

— FloridaHSFootball.com (@FlaHSFootball) December 9, 2023

Norland (14-1) answered on the very next drive. Junior quarterback Ennio Yapoor hooked up with senior receiver Ivory Aikens on a 29-yard touchdown which tied the game 7-7.

CLASS 2M STATE CHAMPIONSHIP

TOUCHDOWN NORLAND!

29 yard TD pass from Ennio Yapoor to Ivory Akiens has tied the game here!

Berkeley Prep 7, Miami Norland 7 – 6:46 2nd Q https://t.co/FExbPZFobD #flhsfb @HSFBamerica @DanLaForestFB @FACACoach @FHS7v7A @scorestream @mpallman… pic.twitter.com/vqCaWB6tN9

— FloridaHSFootball.com (@FlaHSFootball) December 9, 2023

Buccaneers defense comes up big

After Berkeley Prep punted on their next possession, Yapoor fumbled for Norland and the Buccaneers recovered at the Vikings 13-yard line. The Buccaneers took a 14-7 lead as junior wide receiver/running back Dallas Golden took it in for a 13-yard score. Berkeley Prep led 14-7 going into the halftime break.

CLASS 2M STATE CHAMPIONSHIP

TOUCHDOWN BERKELEY PREP!

Bucs retake the lead thanks to the strip sack as Dallas Golden runs it in from 13 yards out!

Berkeley Prep 14, Miami Norland 7 – 3:10 2nd Q https://t.co/FExbPZFobD #flhsfb @HSFBamerica @DanLaForestFB @FACACoach @FHS7v7A… pic.twitter.com/DeF82jfYZt

— FloridaHSFootball.com (@FlaHSFootball) December 9, 2023

Norland received the kickoff for the second half, and proceeded to go on an 11-play, 71-yard drive down to the Berkeley Prep four-yard line. But on fourth and goal, Yapoor threw incomplete and the Buccaneers took over at their five-yard line.

Berkeley Prep starts to believe after 95-yard drive

Berkeley Prep then went on a 12-play, 95-yard drive that took over six minutes. The drive culminated with Hayes throwing a 7-yard touchdown pass to junior running back Joseph Troupe and suddenly Berkeley Prep had a 21-7 advantage.

CLASS 2M STATE CHAMPIONSHIP

UPSET ALERT IN TALLAHASSEE! TOUCHDOWN BERKELEY PREP!

Cooper Hayes finds Joseph Troupe from five yards out and the Bucs have gone up two scores on the No. 15 team in the nation!

Berkeley Prep 21, Miami Norland 7 – 1:10 3rd Q https://t.co/FExbPZFobD… pic.twitter.com/QkoNksxdXi

— FloridaHSFootball.com (@FlaHSFootball) December 9, 2023

Norland’s offense woke up and they put together a quick 4-play, 68-yard drive to get back within a score at 21-13. Yapoor scored from 4 yards out on the final play of the third quarter, bringing Norland back within one score.

CLASS 2M STATE CHAMPIONSHIP

TOUCHDOWN NORLAND!

Vikings drive the field fast with Ennio Yappor scoring on a 4 yard TD… however the PAT IS NO GOOD! Berkeley still leads going to the final quarter… BUCKLE UP!

Berkeley Prep 21, Miami Norland 13 – End of 3rd Q… pic.twitter.com/K92fhK6pyP

— FloridaHSFootball.com (@FlaHSFootball) December 9, 2023

The Buccaneers drove down to the Norland six-yard line, but this time Berkeley Prep went backwards and turned the ball over on downs. But Norland quickly went three-and-out, and the Buccaneers once again had great field possession at the Vikings 41-yard line.

Long drive for the big touchdowns puts the Buccaneers on the cusp of the upset

This time Berkeley Prep turned it into points as Golden’s 38-yard scamper set up a one-yard touchdown by Hayes giving the Buccaneers a 28-13 lead with a little under six minutes to go.

CLASS 2M STATE CHAMPIONSHIP

UPSET SPECIAL HAPPENING! TOUCHDOWN BERKELEY PREP!

Cooper Hayes calls his own number from 1 yard out and the Bucs extend their lead back out to two possessions! Norland in massive massive trouble!

Berkeley Prep 28, Miami Norland 13 – 5:37 4th Q… pic.twitter.com/uQJH0oJ0K5

— FloridaHSFootball.com (@FlaHSFootball) December 9, 2023

Norland answered quickly, taking only 1:07 to get back within a score at 28-20. Yapoor threw a 26-yard strike to senior Juan Rodriguez.

CLASS 2M STATE CHAMPIONSHIP

TOUCHDOWN NORLAND!

Ennio Yappor finds Juan Rodriguez for a 26 yard TD! Vikings still alive!

Berkeley Prep 28, Miami Norland 20 – 4:30 4th Q https://t.co/FExbPZFobD #flhsfb @HSFBamerica @DanLaForestFB @FACACoach @FHS7v7A @scorestream @mpallman… pic.twitter.com/vxbrhe9RB0

— FloridaHSFootball.com (@FlaHSFootball) December 9, 2023

Berkeley prep runs out the clock on Norland

But the Vikings defense couldn’t come up with the big stop on the next drive. And as they had most of the day, Berkeley Prep ran the final four minutes and 26 seconds off the clock to seal the state title.

Berkeley converts the 4th down for 1st down! CLUTCH MOMENT! #flhsfb @HSFBamerica @DanLaForestFB @FACACoach @FHS7v7A @scorestream @mpallman @Biggamebobby @Prep_Gridiron pic.twitter.com/EU6MxmW7Wd

— FloridaHSFootball.com (@FlaHSFootball) December 9, 2023

Berkeley Prep was outgained by Norland 374-338 but again the Buccaneers held the ball twice as long as the Vikings.

Golden had a huge game, rushing for 155 yards and a touchdown playing mostly out of the wildcat, and Troupe rushed for 128 yards as the Bucs had 274 yards on the ground. Golden also caught two passes for 38 yards and a score. Hayes completed only four passes, but two of them went for touchdowns. He also rushed for a score.

For Norland, Yapoor completed 15-of-20 passes for 260 yards and two touchdowns while also rushing for 42 yards on 12 carries and another score. Rodriguez had 72 yards on the ground with 11 carries, and Aikens was Norland’s leading receiver with four catches for 111 yards and a score.

But the day belonged to Berkeley Prep coming a  week after upsetting nationally-ranked American Heritage (Plantation) in the state semifinals, the Buccaneers came to Tallahassee as a sizable underdog. But after taking out the 11th-ranked team in America in Norland, you can say Berkeley Prep really earned this state championship. The Buccaneers had to play the perfect game to beat the Vikings, and they did just that.

The post CLASS 2M STATE CHAMPIONSHIP: Upset of the year makes Berkeley Prep first-time state champions over nationally-ranked Miami Norland appeared first on FloridaHSFootball.com.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – In a very loud crowd that felt like the whole town of Starke was in Tallahassee, Bradford (Starke) (14-1) came up short in their first state championship game appearance in 38 years to Cocoa on Friday night at Bragg Memorial Stadium on the campus of Florida A&M University.

Cocoa (14-1) coming in seeking back-to-back titles for the first time since winning three straight state championships in 2008, 2009 and 2010, saw themselves struggle at times against Bradford’s stingy defense but pulled away from the Tornadoes as the Tigers took home the 2023 Class 2S State Championship by a score of 20-6. The win gave Cocoa their sixth state championship in program history.

Bradford starts fast

It was a fast start for Bradford that saw running back Willie Pollard rip off a 50-yard play on first down to get it down to the Cocoa 38 yard line after starting at their own 12 due to fumbling of the opening kickoff. However, that drive would end quickly in just four total plays after the Tornadoes found themselves in a hole around the Cocoa 35 that forced the Tornadoes to punt.

Willie Pollard just broke off a huge run on the first play for Bradford pic.twitter.com/9T5UbJUuoy

— FloridaHSFootball.com (@FlaHSFootball) December 9, 2023

With Cocoa starting their first drive at their own 20 yard line, the Tigers were looking to start hot against the Tornadoes who gave them fits in the Class 2S state semifinals just over a year ago. However, the drive would end quickly as Jeremiah McKenzie stripped the ball from the hands of DJ Bryant at the Cocoa 30-yard line that would be recovered by Duke Lewis.

COCOA FUMBLE! Looks like Duke Lewis got the recovery for Bradford! #flhsfb pic.twitter.com/tBvdWvPS3h

— FloridaHSFootball.com (@FlaHSFootball) December 9, 2023

Bradford would proceed to capitalize off the turnover as Dae’jon Shanks orchestrated the offense from the quarterback position eventually finding Chalil Cummings for a 15-yard touchdown pass to make it 6-0 with 6:24 to go in the first quarter which would end up being the only score of the night for the Tornadoes.

CLASS 2S STATE CHAMPIONSHIP

TOUCHDOWN BRADFORD!

15 yard TD pass from Dae’jon Shanks to Chalil Cummings! PAT no good.

Bradford 6, Cocoa 0 – 6:24 1st Q https://t.co/FExbPZFobD #flhsfb @HSFBamerica @DanLaForestFB @FACACoach @FHS7v7A @scorestream @ThePrepZone @ridaught @mpallman pic.twitter.com/IH6fN749tw

— FloridaHSFootball.com (@FlaHSFootball) December 9, 2023

Cocoa claws back quickly

Despite Brady Hart committing three turnovers in the first half, the Tigers clawed back quickly after the Bradford touchdown to respond with a touchdown of their own on a five play, 78-yard drive that saw Hart find Nicholas Teeter deep down the field for a 36-yard touchdown reception to make it 7-6 with 4:07 to go in the first quarter.

CLASS 2S STATE CHAMPIONSHIP

TOUCHDOWN COCOA!

Brady Hart finds Nicholas Tetter for a 36 yard TD reception and Tigers take the lead.

Cocoa 7, Bradford 6 – 4:07 1st Q https://t.co/FExbPZFobD #flhsfb @HSFBamerica @DanLaForestFB @FACACoach @FHS7v7A @scorestream @ThePrepZone… pic.twitter.com/YfsOhsgdfT

— FloridaHSFootball.com (@FlaHSFootball) December 9, 2023

From there it Bradford and Cocoa each struggling to make things happen as Pollard fumbled on the first play of the next drive after the Cocoa touchdown that saw the Tigers get the ball at the Tornadoes 23.

With the ball in hand, the Tigers had the opportunity to cash in on the Bradford turnover, but it would go all for not as Hart would fumble the ball on 3rd and Goal as he approached the end zone for a touchdown. The fumble then rolled into the end zone and out the back for a touchback that would give the Tornadoes the ball back on their own 20 near the end of the first quarter.

COCOA FUMBLE! Brady Hart fumbles the ball before breaking the plane and it goes out of the end zone for a touchback. Bradford ball! #flhsfb pic.twitter.com/uCk8IQKgOY

— FloridaHSFootball.com (@FlaHSFootball) December 9, 2023

Bradford managed to take the turnover and drive it inside Cocoa territory, but failed to convert it into points as both teams went into the second quarter with the tight ball game forcing the Tornadoes to punt which would be downed at the one yard line.

Forced to start their next drive in the shadows of their own end zone, Cocoa worked everything they can with Hart completing a plethora of passes that would end up resulting in Latrison Lane finding the end zone on a 10-yard carry that would be the Tigers up 14-6 with 3:33 left in the first half which would be the score they would take into the locker at halftime.

Field goals put it away for Cocoa despite Bradford still having a chance.

Still up 14-6 for most of the fourth quarter both Cocoa and Bradford exchanged punts but ti would be a very long and sustained drive that would be aided with a defensive pass interference call on the Tornadoes that would cap off a nine play, 35 yard drive that ended with a Gunnar Trout 25-yard field goal to make it 17-6 with 3:56 left in the quarter.

CLASS 2S STATE CHAMPIONSHIP

COCOA FIELD GOAL!

Gunnar Trout with the 25 yard field goal to extend the Tigers lead!

Cocoa 17, Bradford 6 – 3:56 3rd Q https://t.co/FExbPZFobD #flhsfb @HSFBamerica @DanLaForestFB @FACACoach @FHS7v7A @scorestream @ThePrepZone @ridaught @mpallman pic.twitter.com/twKMPlqz2i

— FloridaHSFootball.com (@FlaHSFootball) December 9, 2023

Trout’s second field goal would come early in the fourth quarter with a 23-yard field goal with 11:07 left in the game that would put Cocoa up 20-6. That capped off an eight play, 38-yard drive for the Tigers.

CLASS 2S STATE CHAMPIONSHIP

COCOA FIELD GOAL!

Gunnar Trout with a 24 yard field goal to extend the Tigers lead!

Cocoa 20, Bradford 6 – 11:07 4th Q https://t.co/FExbPZFobD #flhsfb @HSFBamerica @DanLaForestFB @FACACoach @FHS7v7A @scorestream @ThePrepZone @ridaught @mpallman pic.twitter.com/khEbPKo9sf

— FloridaHSFootball.com (@FlaHSFootball) December 9, 2023

However, about midway through the fourth quarter, Torrin Brazell was able to force Lane to fumble which was recovered by Devon McBride who took the recovery for 21 yards before Jonathan Joiner Jr. forced McBride to fumble which then Teeter was able to recover. Has Bradford been able to keep possession of the ball it could have potentially made it a new game and given Bradford a chance to pull back closer to the Tigers.

Wild sequence here… Cocoa fumbles… but Bradford could have scooped it but fumbled and Cocoa recovered. Downs reset and Cocoa has the ball now at their own 20 pic.twitter.com/6n67ygHZjc

— FloridaHSFootball.com (@FlaHSFootball) December 9, 2023

From there Cocoa and Bradford exchanged the ball back to each other, keeping the other from doing much of anything with Bradford trying one last attempt near the end of the game to do something to get points which would not prove fruitful.

Statistically speaking

Hart was 26-of-37 passing for 228 yards and a touchdown and two interceptions in the game for Cocoa while CJ Bragg was the Tigers’ leading receiver with 10 receptions for 81 yards. For Bradford the offense struggled most of the night as Shanks was 6-of-15 passing for 80 yards and a touchdown along with an interception while the team had just a total of 109 yards rushing all night.

On defense, Davi’yon Hawkins-Ingram led Cocoa with seven tackles along with a sack, plus three tackles for loss, a forced fumble and a quarterback hurry while Samadrae Hawkins had six tackles along with a sack, one tackle for loss, a forced fumble along with a fumble recovery. Branden Williams led Bradford in tackles with 20 while Chason Clark had nine tackles and Cummings had seven sacks. Brazell finished the night with a sack and two tackles, while McKenzie had five tackles along with two tackles for loss, a forced fumble and a pass breakup.

The post CLASS 2S STATE CHAMPIONSHIP: Cocoa outlasts mistakes to defeat Bradford to win back-to-back state championships appeared first on FloridaHSFootball.com.

Cardinal Mooney had previously won the Class A state title in 1972, the last time the Cougars (12-2) advanced to the state championship game. For Trinity Catholic it is their second straight loss in a state championship game. This loss was a heartbreaking one for John Brantley’s Celtics (6-8).

The Celtics broke on top after they took over at the Cardinal Mooney. Seven plays later junior Austin Holder scored from three yards out for a 7-0 Trinity Catholic lead.

CLASS 1S STATE CHAMPIONSHIP

TOUCHDOWN TRINITY CATHOLIC

Austin Holder is in from 3 yards out for the Celtics!

Trinity Catholic 7, Cardinal Mooney 0 – 7:21 1st Q #flhsfb @HSFBamerica @DanLaForestFB @FACACoach @FHS7v7A @scorestream @ThePrepZone @ridaught @mpallman pic.twitter.com/c7CgAWGIk7

— FloridaHSFootball.com (@FlaHSFootball) December 8, 2023

Cardinal Mooney answered the Celtics right back with authority. First, sophomore quarterback Drew Mignery found junior wide receiver Chris McCorkle on a 79-yard hookup for a 7-7 tie.

CLASS 1S STATE CHAMPIONSHIP

TOUCHDOWN CARDINAL MOONEY!

Cougars strike back with a Devin Mignery77 yard pass to Chris McCorkle!

Trinity Catholic 7, Cardinal Mooney 7 – 4:48 1st Q #flhsfb @HSFBamerica @DanLaForestFB @FACACoach @FHS7v7A @scorestream @ThePrepZone @ridaught… pic.twitter.com/pIJq6vmkKd

— FloridaHSFootball.com (@FlaHSFootball) December 8, 2023

After a four-yard run by senior running back Carson Beach on the second play of the second quarter gave the Cougars a 14-7 edge, Trinity Catholic again had to punt. Cardinal Mooney then came up with their second big play of the game, as senior quarterback Michael Valentino hooked up with UF commit senior wide receiver Teddy Foster, and the Cougars lead widened to 21-7.

CLASS 1S STATE CHAMPIONSHIP

TOUCHDOWN CARDINAL MOONEY!

Carson Beach is in from 4 yards out! Cougars have their first lead of the game as we start the 2nd Q!

Cardinal Mooney 14, Trinity Catholic 7- 11:54 2nd Q #flhsfb @HSFBamerica @DanLaForestFB @FACACoach @FHS7v7A @scorestream… pic.twitter.com/ydB7uccwhs

— FloridaHSFootball.com (@FlaHSFootball) December 8, 2023

CLASS 1S STATE CHAMPIONSHIP

TOUCHDOWN CARDINAL MOONEY!

Michael Valentino throws it to Teddy Foster for an 82 yard TD and the Cougars have responded with 21 unanswered!

Cardinal Mooney 21, Trinity Catholic 7 – 9:07 2nd Q https://t.co/FExbPZFobD #flhsfb @HSFBamerica… pic.twitter.com/OIrcVOMequ

— FloridaHSFootball.com (@FlaHSFootball) December 8, 2023

Trinity Catholic punted again, but came up with big play on defense to get back in the game. Junior defensive lineman Zach Johnson intercepted a tipped pass and returned it to the Cardinal Mooney 12-yard line. Five plays later the Celtics cut the deficit to 21-14 on a three-yard run by senior running back Jamarius Starkes.
After another quick three-and-out and short punt by Cardinal Mooney, Trinity Catholic went 47 yards in seven plays, capped off by a 16-yard touchdown pass from junior quarterback Preston Wright to freshman wide receiver Joshua Wright. The two teams went into the halftime break tied 21-all.

CLASS 1S STATE CHAMPIONSHIP

TOUCHDOWN TRINITY CATHOLIC!

Celtics take the INT and get points with a 3-yard run by Jamarkus Stokes!

Cardinal Mooney 21, Trinity Catholic 14 – 3:25 2nd Q https://t.co/FExbPZFobD #flhsfb @HSFBamerica @DanLaForestFB @FACACoach @FHS7v7A @scorestream… pic.twitter.com/zayKLQ1XrB

— FloridaHSFootball.com (@FlaHSFootball) December 8, 2023

CLASS 1S STATE CHAMPIONSHIP

TOUCHDOWN TRINITY CATHOLIC!

Preston Wright finds Joshua Wright for a 16 yard touchdown reception and we are tied up before half!

Cardinal Mooney 21, Trinity Catholic 21 – 0:40 2nd Q https://t.co/FExbPZFobD #flhsfb @HSFBamerica @DanLaForestFB… pic.twitter.com/25uJr1gCwu

— FloridaHSFootball.com (@FlaHSFootball) December 8, 2023

The only scoring in the third quarter as senior kicker Nino Scheutz hit a 31-yard field goal early in the period, putting the Cougars back in front 24-21.

CLASS 1S STATE CHAMPIONSHIP

FIELD GOAL! Cardinal Mooney retakes the lead with a 31 yard field goal by Nino Schuetz!

Cardinal Mooney 24, Trinity Catholic 21 – 8:20 3rd Q https://t.co/FExbPZFobD #flhsfb @HSFBamerica @DanLaForestFB @FACACoach @FHS7v7A @scorestream @ThePrepZone… pic.twitter.com/tDB51YPkVk

— FloridaHSFootball.com (@FlaHSFootball) December 8, 2023

Trinity Catholic’s senior kicker Cooper Badics missed a 33-yard field goal that would have tied the game again in the final minute of the third quarter.
The fourth quarter saw three straight punts by Cardinal Mooney, while Trinity Catholic answered with 30 and 49-yard field goals by Badics. The latter kick put the Celtics up 27-24 with 47 seconds left.

CLASS 1S STATE CHAMPIONSHIP

FIELD GOAL TRINITY CATHOLIC! Cooper Badics just gets it through the uprights and over the crossbar on a 49 yard FG!

Trinity Catholic 27, Cardinal Mooney 24 – 1:10 4th Q https://t.co/FExbPZFobD #flhsfb @HSFBamerica @DanLaForestFB @FACACoach @FHS7v7A… pic.twitter.com/wJZcKuAMde

— FloridaHSFootball.com (@FlaHSFootball) December 8, 2023

But it only took two plays and 30 seconds for Cardinal Mooney to answer when they needed to. Another big play did the trick for the Cougars as Valentino found McCorkle for his second TD of the night, and Cardinal Mooney led 31-27 with only 17 seconds left.

CLASS 1S STATE CHAMPIONSHIP

CLUTCH TOUCHDOWN CARDINAL MOONEY! Michael Valentino finds Chris McCorkle for a 39 yard Touchdown! That could seal it!

Cardinal Mooney 31, Trinity Catholic 27 – 0:47 4th Q https://t.co/FExbPZFobD #flhsfb @HSFBamerica @DanLaForestFB @FACACoach… pic.twitter.com/iMPIPM3qF7

— FloridaHSFootball.com (@FlaHSFootball) December 8, 2023

That was just enough time for the Celtics to reach the Cardinal Mooney 46-yard line. But a final Hail Mary attempt from Preston Wright was intercepted in the end zone by McCorkle and the Cougars had their state title.

CLASS 1S STATE CHAMPIONSHIP

CARDINAL MOONEY STATE CHAMPIONS FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE 1972! Preston Wright intercepted on the final play of the game by Chris McCorkle!

Cardinal Mooney 31, Trinity Catholic 27 – FINAL https://t.co/FExbPZFobD #flhsfb @HSFBamerica @DanLaForestFB… pic.twitter.com/lRiJOwM3Cw

— FloridaHSFootball.com (@FlaHSFootball) December 8, 2023

Cardinal Mooney ended up with 374 total yards of offense with Trinity Catholic managing only 240 yards. Valentino was only 5-for-11 passing but threw for 174 yards and the two scores, while Mignery only attempted four passes, completing three for 138 yards including the 77-yard touchdown strike.
McCorkle ended up with only two catches, but both were for scores as he ended up with 116 receiving yards. Foster added 103 only three receptions including the 82-yard hookup.

For Trinity Catholic, Preston Wright was 19-of-35 for 164 yards with a touchdown and an interception on the final play of the game. Gerald Wright had six catches for 67 yards for the Celtics, with Joshua Wright catching three balls for 58 yards and the one touchdown.

The post CLASS 1S STATE CHAMPIONSHIP: Cardinal Mooney holds off Trinity Catholic for first state title in 51 years appeared first on FloridaHSFootball.com.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Three turnovers in one game would prove costly for the majority of teams playing a game in the playoffs or in a state championship contest. For the Hawthorne Hornets (13-0), they managed to put a lid on the turnovers and mistakes they made against the Madison County Cowboys (10-2) to clinch a 22-13 victory in the Class 1R state championship game Thursday night.

In cold weather where a lot of people needed their warmest jackets at Ken Riley Field at Bragg Memorial Stadium, the game had plenty of heat and intensity for the rural classification state championship.

Hawthorne makes uncharacteristic mistakes

For quarterback CJ Ingram who was 24-0 coming into the game as a starter and threw four touchdown passes in the game against Blountstown last week threw three interceptions that the Hornets were thankful did not prove costly as they were able to keep the Cowboys in check.

CJ Ingram’s first interception came on the first drive of the game as the Hornets were marching downfield as the Cowboys brought pressure in from Jorien Bell to force Ingram to hurry the pass which Tre’vion Gillyard took advantage by interception at the 10 yard and returning it 24 yards to the Cowboys’ own 34 yard line but was moved back to the the 22-yard line after a holing penalty which would set the Cowboys up for the first drive of the game. Madison County would drive down the field  all the way down to the Hornets’ 24 yard-line, but would come away empty handed.

Uh oh… CJ Ingram for Hawthorne intercepted by Madison’s Tre’vion Gillyard. Hawthorne’s drive ends there! #flhsfb pic.twitter.com/J0nC7OyFpz

— FloridaHSFootball.com (@FlaHSFootball) December 8, 2023

However, for Hawthorne the mistakes started to increase as Madison County forced the Hornets to go three-and-out that saw a punt blocked by Sean Williams who would give the Cowboys the ball the Hawthorne 17-yard line. That drive saw the Hornets go backwards in part due to a bad snap which seem to be an issue for the Hornets at various times through out the night where snaps were way too high for Ingram to take.

That blocked punt gave the Cowboys their best field position of the game as they took advantaged of the short field that would take five plays to score a Varian Terry touchdown from five-yards out to make it 6-0 near the end of the first quarter after the two-point conversion failed.

CLASS 1R STATE CHAMPIONSHIP

TOUCHDOWN MADISON COUNTY!

Varian Terry takes in from five yards out as the Cowboys cash in on short field position!

Madison County 6, Hawthorne 0 – 0:27 1st Q https://t.co/HaPIJUVy2F #flhsfb @HSFBamerica @DanLaForestFB @FACACoach @FHS7v7A… pic.twitter.com/d66o3YC0Rr

— FloridaHSFootball.com (@FlaHSFootball) December 8, 2023

Hawthorne, determined to not let things get out of hand responded to the Madison County touchdown with one of their own by Alvon Isaac from eight-yards out that capped off a nine-play, 61-yard drive with 7:19 left before half time to even the score up at 6-6 after the point after try from Sam Carroll failed.

TOUCHDOWN HAWTHORNE!

Alcon Isaac takes the ball in himself on an 8 yard carry! PAT no good.

Madison County 6, Hawthorne 6 – 7:19 2nd Q https://t.co/HaPIJUVy2F #flhsfb @HSFBamerica @DanLaForestFB @FACACoach @FHS7v7A @scorestream @ThePrepZone @ridaught @mpallman pic.twitter.com/3UYjQ11kV2

— FloridaHSFootball.com (@FlaHSFootball) December 8, 2023

Ingram’s second interception came with 4:46 left in the first half near the end zone when Williams intercepted the pass at the one that ended any hope of the Hornets putting more points on the board and taking the lead. That turnover would lead to Madison County’s second touchdown of the night.

Not to be outdone by getting the Cowboys getting their second score of the night, CJ Ingram orchestrated a drive that took most of the clock down to the final minute that would be capped off with a 24-yard touchdown pass to Matthew McKinley-Daniels that would even the score up after converting the point after try to make it 13-13.

CLASS 1M STATE CHAMPIONSHIP

TOUCHDOWN HAWTHORNE!

CJ Ingram to Matthew McKinley-Daniels for a 24 yard TD! We are all tied up!

Madison County 13, Hawthorne 13 – 0:51 2nd Q https://t.co/HaPIJUVy2F #flhsfb @HSFBamerica @DanLaForestFB @FACACoach @FHS7v7A @scorestream @ThePrepZone… pic.twitter.com/lpZFxkL4Mn

— FloridaHSFootball.com (@FlaHSFootball) December 8, 2023

With the turnover in hand after the kickoff to Madison County, Hawthorne had a chance to add more points right before halftime, but that would prove to be an issue once more for the Hornets as CJ Ingram would throw his third interception of the night right into the hands of Cowboys defender LJ Crumbly in the end zone as the half came to a close.

Madison County came to play, but also suffered issues

Madison County came to play, giving Hawthorne everything they could give despite the fact that several starters had to play both ways as it is customary for many rural football programs due to the availability of players on the roster.

At first however, the Cowboys were able to limit their mistakes in the first half with the first of two came with quarterback Za’vion Bryant fumbling the ball with just under five minutes left in the first half on a sack by Jaiden Trengrove with the fumble recovered Andrew Zock who led the Hornets coming into the game with tackles. However, the feeling of losing the ball would be erased quickly after the Cowboys intercepted CJ Ingram for the second time.

After getting the ball back in fast order, Terry made a statement with his second rushing touchdown of the night, going 99-yards in just one play that frustrated the Hawthorne sideline as they watched Terry hurry down the Cowboys sideline for the score to make 13-6 with 4:32 left before halftime.

CLASS 1M STATE CHAMPIONSHIP

TOUCHDOWN MADISON COUNTY!

Varian Terry takes the turnover and runs it 99 yards down the sideline!

Madison County 13, Hawthorne 6 – 4:32 2nd Q https://t.co/HaPIJUVy2F #flhsfb @HSFBamerica @DanLaForestFB @FACACoach @FHS7v7A @scorestream @ThePrepZone… pic.twitter.com/d0thrSazH2

— FloridaHSFootball.com (@FlaHSFootball) December 8, 2023

The second biggest mistake of the night came when Bell fumbled the kickoff return from the Hornets after their second touchdown that seem to put Hawthorne in prime position to put more points up on the board and take the lead for the first time in the game. However, the Cowboys would again overcome the mistake and prevent the Hornets from scoring before the half.

Hornets pitch second half shutout

Hawthorne did everything they could to keep Madison County from scoring and they did it successfully keep the Cowboys out of the end zone for the final two quarters, but it did not appear that way at first as Madison County had what appeared to be a touchdown play get wiped off the board due to holding and Nathan Jennings taking away any chances to score early on the third quarter with his own interception.

And just like that… Nathan Jennings intercepts a Cowboys pass and Hawthorne has the ball! #flhsfb pic.twitter.com/i3oCmPIVwM

— FloridaHSFootball.com (@FlaHSFootball) December 8, 2023

As the score entered the fourth quarter, things were still tied at 13-13 as neither team could figure out a way to break the logjam, making some wondered if overtime could be a possibility with the way both teams were playing.

Instead, the logjam would be broken with 9:30 left in the game when Hawthorne forced Madison County into a three-and-out situation backed up into their own end zone. On the snap for the punt, the snap sailed high and out of the back of the end zone that would give the Hornets a safety and making the the score 15-13.

CLASS 1R STATE CHAMPIONSHIP

SAFETY! Snap goes over the head of the Madison County punter. Free kick for Hawthorne coming up.

Hawthorne 15, Madison County 13 – 9:40 4th Q https://t.co/HaPIJUVy2F #flhsfb @HSFBamerica @DanLaForestFB @FACACoach @FHS7v7A @scorestream @ThePrepZone… pic.twitter.com/3XxhdtP17M

— FloridaHSFootball.com (@FlaHSFootball) December 8, 2023

Hawthorne which took the free kick all the way down the one yard line of Madison County in hopes of putting the game way saw another miscue of a high snap on fourth-and-one as Ingram had to hurry to recover the ball to keep the Cowboys from potential scooping the ball and scoring. However, with that being a fourth down play, it gave Madison County an opportunity the chance to put a drive together and get points on the board to retake the lead.

However, that would not be the plan as everything as wild as you could get in a football game happened when a reverse play in the end zone by John Christian went as about as bad as it could when Christian fumbled the ball that saw Naziy Gant recovered the fumble to give the Hornets a touchdown and a 22-13 lead with 2:09 left to seal the game up.

CLASS 1R STATE CHAMPIONSHIP

TOUCHDOWN HAWTHORNE!

Madison fumbles a pitch on a reverse in the end zone and Hawthorne recovers! Naziy Gant on the recovery!

Hawthorne 22, Madison County 13 – 2:09 4th Q https://t.co/HaPIJUVy2F #flhsfb @HSFBamerica @DanLaForestFB @FACACoach… pic.twitter.com/EPYrB8VOcF

— FloridaHSFootball.com (@FlaHSFootball) December 8, 2023

Cornelius Ingram wins second state title; Hawthorne owns state’s longest win streak

For Cornelius Ingram who has been the Hornets’ head coach for the last eight years has now won two state championships for his alma mater, which was considered more of a pipe dream for the Hornets who struggled to make the playoffs during his time as a Hornet athlete. Hawthorne also now owns the state’s longest winning streak heading into the 2024 season with 25 straight wins with their last lost coming against Madison County in the 2021 Class 1A state championship.

The post CLASS 1R STATE CHAMPIONSHIP: Hawthorne overcomes first half struggles to defeat Madison County for second straight state championship appeared first on FloridaHSFootball.com.

GAME RECAP: Chaminade-Madonna pounces all over Clearwater Central Catholic in title game rematch

Stay tuned for more photos to be added to the photo gallery!

The post PHOTO GALLERY: 2023 Class 1M State Championship Game – Clearwater Central Catholic vs. Chaminade-Madonna appeared first on FloridaHSFootball.com.