Friday nights in Florida aren't just about football. They are basically a religion, honestly. If you were anywhere near Pitbull Stadium in Miami this past December, you know exactly what I’m talking about. The 2025 season didn’t just end; it exploded. We’re sitting here in early 2026, and people are still arguing in local diners about that Lake Mary finish.
Florida high school football scores are more than just numbers on a MaxPreps page. They are the culmination of 100-degree August practices and the dreams of kids who want to be the next Tyreek Hill or Derwin James. This past cycle gave us some of the most lopsided blowouts in playoff history alongside heart-stoppers that came down to the absolute final second.
The State Finals Breakdown
The FHSAA state championships at the end of 2025 were a wild ride. Let’s get into the nitty-gritty of what happened on that turf.
St. Thomas Aquinas is just a machine. There’s no other way to put it. They rolled over Lakeland 29-0 to secure their seventh straight state title in Class 5A. Seven. That’s a dynasty that doesn't feel real. Coach Roger Harriott has these guys playing at a level that most colleges would envy. Quarterback Mason Mallory, who had transferred from West Boca, looked completely at home, throwing for over 2,300 yards on the season.
Then you have Jacksonville Raines. They were on a mission for redemption after getting embarrassed by Miami Northwestern in 2024. They got it. In a 23-22 thriller for the 3A title, Timothy Cole proved why he’s one of the best dual-threat guys in the state. Raines finished the year 14-0, and that score will be etched in Jacksonville lore for a long time.
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Class by Class: The Winners Circle
- 7A: Lake Mary 28, Vero Beach 27 (The "Hail Mary" heard 'round the state)
- 6A: West Boca Raton 31, West Broward 0
- 5A: St. Thomas Aquinas 29, Lakeland 0
- 4A: American Heritage 33, Jones 28
- 3A: Raines 23, Miami Northwestern 22
- 2A: Cardinal Mooney 52, Bolles 28
- 1A: Cardinal Newman 17, Chaminade-Madonna 14
That Lake Mary Finish Was Unreal
You’ve probably seen the clip. If you haven't, go find it. Lake Mary was down. It looked over. Vero Beach had the 7A trophy in their hands. And then, a prayer. A last-second touchdown pass that turned into a lateral-filled miracle. 28-27.
It was Lake Mary's first state title ever. Think about the history of football in this state and how hard it is for a "new" team to break through the South Florida stranglehold. They did it. Noah Grubbs and that offense didn't quit, and honestly, it’s the kind of game that reminds you why we watch this stuff. Vero Beach played a nearly perfect season, finishing 14-1, but that one-point difference in the fl high school football scores is all that matters in the record books.
Small School Power and Big School Dominance
The gap between the "haves" and "have-nots" in Florida is usually massive. But 2025 felt a little different. Take Cardinal Newman’s 17-14 win over Chaminade-Madonna. Chaminade has been a juggernaut for years, but Newman played a physical, disciplined game that grounded the Lions. It was the first time Chaminade lost a state final since 2020.
Meanwhile, IMG Academy remains the elephant in the room. They don't play for an FHSAA state title because they are an independent powerhouse, but they finished 9-0 and are widely considered the No. 1 team in the state. They "bullied" everyone they played. Literally. Former Ohio State coach Greg Studrawa has that offensive line playing like a professional unit.
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What Most People Get Wrong About Rankings
A lot of fans just look at the record. "Oh, this team is 12-0, they must be better than the 9-3 team from Miami."
That’s a trap.
In Florida, the strength of schedule is everything. A three-loss team from a district with Miami Central, Northwestern, and Norland is often way more dangerous than an undefeated team from a rural district. The FHSAA uses a power ranking system (Massey Ratings) to account for this, which is why you’ll sometimes see a team with more losses ranked higher. It’s about who you beat and how you beat them.
For example, American Heritage started the season looking a bit shaky but ended up 10-5 with a 4A state title. Those five losses came against some of the best teams in the country. By the time they hit the playoffs, they were battle-hardened. They took down a very talented Jones (Orlando) team 33-28 in a game that was much closer than the final few minutes suggested.
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Surprising Stats from the 2025 Season
- Xander Edwards (Bolles): 44 total touchdowns. The kid was a human highlight reel.
- Chase Burrill (St. Petersburg Catholic): 3,677 passing yards. He was putting up video game numbers all year.
- South Lake vs. Osceola: A score of 119-13 in the playoffs. Yes, you read that right. 119 points.
The Road to 2026
We are currently in that weird limbo where the seniors are signing their Letters of Intent and the underclassmen are already back in the weight room. The FHSAA is actually looking at overhauling classifications again for the 2026-2028 cycle. Coaches are worried. Athletic directors are stressed. They want to make sure the "Rural" divisions stay fair while managing the suburban explosion.
If you’re looking to track the next crop of talent, keep your eyes on the junior varsity fl high school football scores coming out of the spring games. That’s where you see the next Mason Mallory or Timothy Cole before they become household names.
How to Stay Ahead for Next Season
If you want to be the "expert" in your friend group, stop just looking at the final scores on Saturday morning.
Follow the regional brackets early. The real "state championship" games often happen in the regional finals. Think back to Miami Central vs. Miami Northwestern in the 3A regional final—that game was a slugfest that felt every bit as big as the actual state title game.
Next Steps for Florida Football Fans:
- Check the 2026 Classifications: The FHSAA will be releasing the new district maps soon. This changes everything for travel and playoff paths.
- Watch the Transfer Portal: It’s not just for college anymore. High-profile players moving between powerhouse programs in the offseason changes the landscape of the 2026 predictions.
- Attend a Spring Game: In May, teams will play inter-squad or local exhibition games. It’s the first real look at the new starters.
Florida football doesn't have an offseason. It just has a period where the pads aren't as loud. Whether you're in the Panhandle or the Keys, the hunt for the next set of championship scores has already begun.