The first week of the Florida high school football season left no stone unturned when it came to the theatrics. From nationally ranked teams visiting the Sunshine State to upsets to unexpected blowouts, Florida seemingly had it all last week and Week 2’s slate could be even better. No. 1 IMG Academy at Winslow Township […]
The first week of the Florida high school football season left no stone unturned when it came to the theatrics. From nationally ranked teams visiting the Sunshine State to upsets to unexpected blowouts, Florida seemingly had it all last week and Week 2’s slate could be even better.
No. 1 IMG Academy at Winslow Township (N.J.)
When: Thursday, Aug. 28 at 4 p.m. ET
Where: Carey Stadium, Ocean City, N.J.
IMG Academy has seemingly played everywhere but in Bradenton and that continues this week for the Ascenders when they visit Ocean City, N.J.
There, IMG Academy will face 2024 NJSIAA Group 4 state champion Winslow Township as part of the Battle at the Beach Classic. If last week’s dominating win over Hoover tells us anything, the Ascenders have no problem going on the road and beating opponents.
Head coach Greg Studrawa has this IMG Academy team playing very balanced offense football behind the right arm of sophomore sensation Jayden Wade and Lekhy Thompkins at running back.
Massey Prediction: IMG Academy 41, Winslow Township 7
No. 8 Miami Central at Miami Edison
When: Friday, Aug. 29 at 3:30 p.m. ET
Where: Tony Perry Field, Miami, Fla.
Though South Florida is coming off a rough Week 1 against out-of-area opponents, two teams that came away unscathed were Miami Central and Miami Edison. The Rockets didn’t get to play Week 1 as their road matchup against Jacksonville Raines was canceled, while the Red Raiders routed American 46-0.
Edison is expected to compete deep into Florida’s Class 1A playoffs, as they feature multiple Power Four recruits, including three-star quarterback Michael Clayton, who is committed to Illinois.
Clayton will be throwing against a talented Central defensive secondary, led by 2027 four-star T’ari Miller, who transferred to the Rockets during the offseason.
Massey Prediction: Miami Central 42, Miami Edison 8
Vero Beach at No. 15 F.W. Buchholz
When: Friday, Aug. 29 at 7:30 p.m. ET
Where: Citizens Field, Gainesville, Fla.
If you’re looking for a little North Central Florida high school football action, look no further for when the Fighting Indians of Vero Beach make the commute up I-95 and across to Gainesville to face the Bobcats.
This tilt features two very promising quarterbacks in F.W. Buchholz‘s Andrew Whittemore and Vero Beach’s Champ Monds. Both are among the top sophomore passers, not only in the Southeast, but around the country.
Monds started mostly all of his freshman year playing for the Indians and kicked off his 2025 season with a bang in a 41-31 win over Eau Gallie last week. The four-star passer completed 11 of 15 passes for 127 yards and a touchdown before exiting the game.
The Bobcats needed every minute to pull off a 15-13 victory over Ocala Vanguard last week in a showdown for area supremacy.
Massey Prediction: F.W. Buchholz 34, Vero Beach 14
No. 23 Lakeland at De La Salle (Calif.)
When: Friday, Aug. 29 at 7:30 p.m. ET
Where: Owen Owens Field, Concord, Ca.
Coming off a 31-21 win over Polk County foe Auburndale, Lakelandhad to quickly shift its attention to one of California’s most storied high school football programs in De La Salle, who finished as the state’s Open Division runner-up to Mater Dei in 2024.
The cross-country trip to the West Coast is the first for Dreadnaughts under head coach Marvin Frazier as Lakeland looks to challenge itself outside of the Sunshine State. If the Dreadnaughts look to come away with the win, hopefully they have the services of Florida commitMalik Morris, who did not dress in the regular season opener.
With or without Morris, Lakeland’s defense will focus on stopping De La Salle junior running back Duece Jones-Drew, son of former NFL’er Maurice Jones Drew.
The Dreadnaughts will counter on offense with its own backfield dynamo in senior tailback Jadarius Dobie (Sacramento State commit), who rushed for 95 yards in the win over Auburndale.
Massey Prediction: De La Salle 37, Lakeland 14
Cherry Creek (Colo.) vs. Cardinal Mooney
When: Friday, Aug. 29 at 7:30 p.m. ET
Where: Austin-Tindall Sports Complex, Kissimmee, Fla.
One of the top teams out of Colorado will make their way down to Florida to face off against Class 2A state title contender Cardinal Mooney.
For Cherry Creek, they’re the second Colorado team since 2023 to make their way to the Sunshine State, with the most recent being Erie facing off against Vanguard.
The Cougars opened up the Florida high school football season with a 41-6 rout of True North Classical Academy while Cherry Creek cruised by Regis Jesuit in a 45-10 decision.
Massey Prediction: Cherry Creek 38, Cardinal Mooney 18
How to Follow Florida High School Football
For Florida high school football fans, staying updated on the action is now easier than ever with the Rivals High School Scoreboard. This comprehensive resource provides real-time updates and final scores from across the state, ensuring you never miss a moment of the Friday night frenzy. From nail-biting finishes to dominant performances, the Rivals High School Scoreboard is your one-stop destination for tracking all the gridiron excitement in the Sunshine State.
Category: General Sports
