News Summary

Florida has officially kicked off the 2025 high school football season, and excitement is palpable as teams prepare for the upcoming preseason classics. With notable matchups set to occur, including IMG Academy vs. The First Academy, fans are eager to see how teams like Venice and Miami Northwestern perform early in the season. As the teams hit the field ahead of the official game week starting on August 21-22, the anticipation builds for a thrilling season ahead, despite some coaching changes and inclement weather on the horizon.

Florida High School Football Season Kicks Off with Excitement!

As the sun rises over the Sunshine State, Florida’s high school football season is underway, making waves of enthusiasm as fans gear up for the thrill of the upcoming games! The 2025 season has officially kicked off, but hold your horses, folks—these initial games are just the preseason classics and won’t be adding anything to the record books just yet!

Preseason Classics Heating Up

This week, teams across Florida are hitting the field for some exciting matchups that promise heart-pounding action. Though they won’t count towards wins or losses, these games give schools an excellent opportunity to showcase what they’ve got! The official start of the record-breaking action is just around the corner, set for next week. Coincidentally, this timing makes for a perfect storm of anticipation, as Hurricane Erin might just shake things up during the inaugural week of official games.

Don’t Miss these High-Profile Matchups

  • IMG Academy vs. The First Academy
  • Chaminade-Madonna vs. West Boca
  • Cardinal Mooney vs. St. Thomas Aquinas

Mark your calendars for an electrifying Friday night showdown! Here are the notable matchups:

  • Miami Norland vs. Vero Beach
  • Bradford vs. Cocoa
  • Gadsden County vs. Venice

Coaching Change in Miami

In Miami, excitement is in the air as Miami Northwestern prepares for their first game since Coach Teddy Bridgewater, now a backup quarterback for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, was suspended. This shift adds an intriguing dynamic to the team’s strategy as they look to present their best game yet!

Early Star Performances

Just a reminder that earlier games, like the Florida High vs. Godby battle on August 14, have already laid the groundwork for what’s to come. Over 40 Florida High School Athletic Association-affiliated schools will kick off their seasons across the First Coast, with many eyes turned to Jacksonville and Northeast Florida for this action!

Upcoming Matchups to Watch

The clock is ticking down to the first wave of official matchups on August 21-22. Anticipated games include:

  • Bolles vs. Monarch
  • Baker County vs. Bradford
  • Mandarin vs. Creekside
  • Nease vs. Ponte Vedra

Typically, kickoffs are set for 7 p.m., but be sure to check the schedule as times may vary.

Polls are In! Who’s on Top?

As preseason excitement builds, early rankings from the polls have shown defending state champions are holding strong. Teams like Venice (Class 7A), West Boca (6A), St. Thomas Aquinas (5A), American Heritage (4A), Miami Northwestern (3A), and Chaminade-Madonna (Class 1A) are all ranked No. 1 in their respective classes. Venice’s remarkable previous season record of 14-1, along with their strong polling results, suggests fans can expect thrilling performances from this powerhouse!

Recaps and Predictions

Who doesn’t love a bit of friendly competition? Recaps will be trickling in from games across the state, covering regions such as:

  • Sarasota and Manatee Counties
  • Lee and Collier Counties
  • Palm Beach County
  • Martin, St. Lucie, and Indian River Counties
  • Brevard County
  • Volusia and Flagler Counties
  • Duval, Clay, and St. Johns Counties
  • Alachua and Marion Counties
  • Polk County
  • Big Bend
  • Florida Panhandle

Starting now, fans are encouraged to keep their spirits high and voices loud as we countdown to the FHSAA championship games in December! Remember to grab those season passes for a discount and stay tuned for all the highs and lows of the games!

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