Week 7: Top Games and Players to Watch

1. IMG Academy (4-1) at Venice (6-0)   • Date/Time: Friday, 7:00 PM ET   • Location: Venice, FL   This is the game of the week, where national powerhouse IMG Academy faces off against one of the top public schools in Florida, the Venice Indians. Venice is fresh off a nail-biting win over Cocoa a couple weeks back, a team that IMG dismantled earlier this season. The question on everyone's mind: Will IMG dominate yet another Florida school, or can Venice pull off the upset of the season? The matchup pits IMG's star-studded lineup against a Venice squad that thrives on heart and solid coaching. Look for IMG's high-powered offense to test Venice's defense early and often, while Venice will need to take advantage of any mistakes to keep the game close.   • Players to Watch:   • IMG Academy: [player_tooltip player_id='921479' first='Ty' last='Hawkins'] (QB), [player_tooltip player_id='1419111' first='Amarri' last='Irvin'] (LB), Eric McFarland (WR)   • Venice: [player_tooltip player_id='826461' first='Winston' last='Watkins'] (WR), [player_tooltip player_id='827414' first='Jayce' last='Nixon'] (QB), Gata Wilder (RB), [player_tooltip player_id='1232013' first='Landon' last='Marsters'] (LB)   2. Miami Norland (4-1) at Cocoa (3-2)   • Date/Time: Friday, 7:30 PM ET   • Location: Cocoa, FL   If you love high-octane matchups, this game is for you. Miami Norland rolls into Cocoa for a clash of two elite programs. Cocoa, despite two early losses, is one of the most talented teams in the state and will be hungry to bounce back at home. Norland, on the other hand, is riding high and filled with confidence after recovering from a tough loss to Chaminade-Madonna earlier in the season. With elite talent on both sides of the ball, expect explosive plays and hard-hitting defense. All eyes will be on Cocoa's 2026 Michigan commit, [player_tooltip player_id='1247449' first='Brady' last='Hart'], as he faces another high-pressure test.   • Players to Watch:   • Miami Norland: [player_tooltip player_id='826621' first='Ennio' last='Yapoor'] (QB), Dawson Quarterman (WR), [player_tooltip player_id='1546044' first='Adrian' last='Farrow']   • Cocoa: [player_tooltip player_id='1247449' first='Brady' last='Hart'] (QB), Jayvann Boggs (WR), [player_tooltip player_id='749702' first='Javion' last='Hilson'] (LB)   3. Rabun-Gap Nacoochee (GA) (4-2) at The First Academy (6-0)   • Date/Time: Friday, 7:00 PM ET   • Location: Orlando, FL   The First Academy is on a dream run this season, already clinching their first district title since 2016, with additional honors including their highest-ever state ranking and even a national ranking. But this week, they face a formidable challenge in Rabun-Gap Nacoochee from Georgia, a team that has proven its mettle with a win over a strong Benedictine squad. TFA will need to stay locked in if they want to preserve their perfect record. This matchup pits two well-coached teams against each other, with TFA riding high and Rabun-Gap looking to spoil the party.   • Players to Watch:   • Rabun-Gap Nacoochee: Joshua Buckhalter, Anthony Quinn Jr., Antonio Deslauriers   • The First Academy: Salomon Georges (QB), [player_tooltip player_id='1230787' first='Aden' last='Hall'] (LB), [player_tooltip player_id='1249169' first='Demetrice' last='McCray'] (WR)   4. Armwood (6-0) at Plant (3-2)   • Date/Time: Thursday, 7:30 PM ET   • Location: Tampa, FL   One of Hillsborough County's best rivalries takes center stage this week as undefeated Armwood travels to face Plant. Armwood has been on a tear this season, dominating opponents with a balanced attack and a stout defense. Plant, however, has had a bumpier ride, but don't be fooled by their record—this team always shows up for big games, and playing at home will only fuel their desire to knock off their undefeated rivals. Expect Plant to come out swinging, but Armwood's firepower could prove too much if they get into rhythm early.   • Players to Watch:   • Plant: [player_tooltip player_id='826467' first='Waltez' last='Clark'], JC Mirasola (WR), Ben Mackinnon   • Armwood: Girard Pringle (RB), [player_tooltip player_id='749820' first='Tyler' last='Williams'] (WR), [player_tooltip player_id='749701' first='Cameron' last='White'] (LB)   5. Gadsden County (5-1) at Lincoln (5-0)   • Date/Time: Friday, 7:30 PM ET   • Location: Tallahassee, FL   The top game in North Florida this week features two red-hot programs as Gadsden County takes on an undefeated Lincoln squad. This matchup carries more than just playoff implications—many of these players and coaches know each other well, adding an extra layer of intensity. With both teams off to blistering starts, the atmosphere will be electric, and fans can expect a battle from start to finish. Lincoln's well-rounded offense meets Gadsden's fast and physical defense, setting up a showdown in the trenches.   • Players to Watch:   • Gadsden County: Kemarrion Battles (RB), Antonio Vasquez (WR/DB), [player_tooltip player_id='1684048' first='Jeremiah' last='Thomas'] (LB)   • Lincoln: [player_tooltip player_id='836435' first='Christian' last='Sims'] (QB), Chauncey Warren (WR), Gavin James (LB)

1. IMG Academy (4-1) at Venice (6-0)