High school football in Central Florida isn’t just a game; it’s basically a civic religion. If you were looking for orlando high school football scores this past December, you likely witnessed one of the most absurd finishes in the history of the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA). We are talking about the Class 7A state championship. Lake Mary vs. Vero Beach.
The Rams were down. It looked over. Then Noah Grubbs—the Notre Dame commit who’s been the talk of the town—launched a prayer. A literal Hail Mary as the clock hit zero. The ball found its mark, Lake Mary won 28-27, and the Orlando area finally claimed the heavy-weight crown it had been chasing.
Honestly, the scoreboards across the 407 and surrounding counties this season told a story of a power shift. For years, the "Big Three" in South Florida (Miami, Broward, Palm Beach) owned the state trophies. But looking at the final 2025 results, Orlando teams didn’t just compete; they took over the conversation.
The scores that defined the 2025 Orlando season
If you missed the Friday night lights recently, you missed a lot of lopsided blowouts and a few absolute heartbreakers. The regional semifinals in late November were particularly brutal. DeLand, which had an incredible undefeated run going, absolutely dismantled Boone with a 65-17 scoreline. It was one of those games where you almost felt bad for the Braves by the third quarter.
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But then Lake Mary stepped in during the regional finals and took DeLand down 40-31. That’s the thing about this district—the parity is wild. You can put up 60 one week and be heading to the locker room for the last time the next.
Key Playoff Results (FHSAA 2025)
- Class 7A State Final: Lake Mary 28, Vero Beach 27
- Class 4A State Final: American Heritage Plantation 33, Jones 28
- Class 5A Regional Final: Lakeland 27, Edgewater 14
- Class 3A State Semifinal: Miami Northwestern 52, Bishop Moore 21
- Class 7A Regional Final: Lake Mary 40, DeLand 31
Jones High School came so close. Again. For the second year in a row, the Fighting Tigers fell to American Heritage in the 4A title game. Dereon Coleman, their star QB, did everything he could—rushing for over 130 yards and throwing two scores—but they just couldn't bridge that five-point gap. It’s a tough pill to swallow for a historic program that feels like it’s constantly knocking on the door of a dynasty.
Why The First Academy (TFA) scores aren't in the playoffs
You probably noticed The First Academy (TFA) putting up some of the most impressive orlando high school football scores all year, including a win over Venice, but they weren't in the bracket. Why? Basically, a legal mess.
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The FHSAA slapped them with a two-year postseason ban due to ineligible player violations. They tried to fight it. They went to court. Ninth Judicial Circuit Court Judge Margaret Schreiber initially seemed like she might let them play, but she ultimately sided with the FHSAA because the injunction was filed in the wrong county.
TFA finished 5-5 overall but went 5-0 against Florida teams. They are arguably one of the top three teams in the state, but they had to watch the playoffs from the bleachers. It’s a weird situation that has a lot of parents and fans in Orlando pretty frustrated, especially when you see players like Danny Odem and Devin Jackson making All-State-level plays in games that "don't count" for a trophy.
The local power rankings heading into 2026
If you're tracking the best of the best, the final rankings for the Orlando metro area look a bit different than they did in August. Lake Mary is the undisputed #1 after that 12-3 season and the 7A ring.
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- Lake Mary (12-3): They have Noah Grubbs back for one more year before he heads to South Bend. That makes them the favorites to repeat.
- Jones (12-3): They lose some seniors, but the culture there under coach Elijah Williams is too strong to ignore.
- DeLand (12-1): Their only loss was to Lake Mary. That's a massive statement for a program that hasn't always been in the "elite" conversation.
- Edgewater (12-1): Losing to Lakeland in the regional final is nothing to be ashamed of. The Eagles remain the most consistent public school program in Orlando.
- Bishop Moore (12-2): They ran into a buzzsaw against Miami Northwestern, but a state semifinal appearance is a huge win for the Hornets.
What to watch for next season
Keep an eye on the transfer portal—yes, even in high school. Florida’s NIL rules and the "open enrollment" vibe mean rosters change fast. West Orange and Dr. Phillips both had solid 10-2 and 9-4 seasons respectively, but they're looking to close the gap on Lake Mary.
Also, watch the recruiting trail. Orlando is currently a gold mine. You've got guys like Ayden Pouncey at Winter Park and Justin Edwards at Edgewater who are basically human highlight reels. When these guys meet on Friday nights, the orlando high school football scores usually reflect just how much speed is on the field. It’s fast. It’s physical. And it’s only getting more competitive.
Actionable Insights for Fans
- Download the SBLive or MaxPreps apps: These are the only reliable ways to get real-time score updates, as local news often lags by a few minutes.
- Check the FHSAA reclassification: Every two years, the classes (1A-7A) shift based on school size and geography. Make sure your rival is still in your district before you start talking trash.
- Support local: Most of these schools rely on gate sales. A ticket is usually about $11, and it's the best entertainment value in Central Florida.
The 2025 season proved that the road to a Florida state title now runs through I-4. Whether it's the blue-collar grit of DeLand or the star power of Lake Mary, Orlando has firmly planted its flag. Keep your eyes on the scoreboard; 2026 is going to be even louder.