Central Florida Media Days Set Standards

While the Southeastern Conference and Mountain West Conference was rolling out the red carpet for some of the best college teams in the country this past weekend, something special was taking place in the state of Florida.   Over a three-day period in Seminole and Orange Counties, the Central Florida High School Football Media Days made a statement that was heard around the football world.   Over 100 high school football teams and 550 football players, coaches and their support system converged on two different venues as nine separate counites had their time in the spotlight before a live streaming audience and several members of the media.   The brainchild of long-time football supporter Dan LaForest and his amazing group played a huge part in creating memories at Seminole State College in Heathrow on Thursday, and to the famed Camping World Stadium on Friday and Saturday.   Interviews, photos and videos along with several vendors took center stage as high school players and their coaches were treated to a big-time event that is annually held to usher in the new season.   With state champions and elite programs on hand along with those programs looking to make an impact this coming year, it was all about the players and their teams.   “We give these young men and coaches a first-class production because they deserve it for the time they put in to get better and represent this region of the state year-round,” LaForest explained. “From interviews to having the chance to gain exposure and interact with our many sponsors and supporters, this is what has made this so special every year.”   LaForest, who is part of the Influencer Counsel along with Ronnie Bitman, has done some ground-breaking things representing young athletes and helping them to set a positive course for the future – on and off the playing field.   Teams came from as far away as Lakeland, Cocoa and Ocala to take part in these media days that created enough memories to last a lifetime.   While every team in 0-0 at this point, there are many who have dreams of playing for a state title – while others are just looking to attract college attention to attain college scholarships and financial assistance.   SEMINOLE STATE COLLEGES OPENS UP DAY 1   The anticipation was over as the countdown for the 2025 high school football season began right outside of Lake Mary as teams, coaches and players made their way to Seminole State College-Heathrow Campus.   Among the programs that attended were Oviedo Hagerty, DeLand, Cocoa Space Coast, Casselberry Geneva, Lake Mary Prep, Winter Pak Lake Howell, Daytona Beach Father Lopez, 7A power Sanford Seminole, Deltona, Daytona Beach Mainland, Altamonte Springs Lake Brantley, Deltona Pine Ridge, Palm Coast Matanzas, Winter Springs, Oviedo, Mount Dora, Oviedo The Master's Academy, Port Orange Spruce Creek, Orange City University, Mount Dora Christian, Winter Park Trinity Prep, Groveland South Lake, Eustis, Daytona Beach Halifax Academy, New Smyrna Beach, defending 7A state runner up Lake Mary, Maitland Orangewood Christian, Leesburg, Umatilla, Tavares, Port Orange Atlantic, state power Ocala Vanguard who came down from Marion County, Lake Minneola, Longwood Lyman and Clermont East Ridge.   CAMPING WORLD STADIUM WELCOMES BREVARD AND POLK FOR DAY 2   After an impressive opening day of the 2025 Central Florida Media Days on Thursday at Seminole State College in Heathrow, the scene shifted south.   With three-time defending state champion Cocoa (2A) and 5A runners up Lakeland, winners of two of the last three titles in the spotlight, media day in Orlando was certainly one to keep an eye on.   With Varsity Sports Nation covering all the teams – with player and coach interviews, the fans across the country was treated to something special and first class.   Day 2 began with Titusville Astronaut, Melbourne Holy Trinity, Cocoa Beach, Melbourne, Merritt Island Christian, Merritt Island, Palm Bay, Melbourne Central Catholic, the three-time defending state champion Cocoa Tigers, Davenport, Auburndale, rural at large state champion Fort Meade, Bartow, Mulberry, Davenport Ridge Community, Lakeland Tenoroc, Lakeland Kathleen, Eagle Lake Lake Region, Lake Wales McLaughlin Academy of Excellence, Lakeland Christian, Heritage (Palm Bay), the national powerhouse Lakeland Dreadnaughts, Lake Wales, Lakeland Victory Christian Academy, Haines City, Palm Bay Bayside, Winter Haven All Saints Academy, Rockledge, Titusville, Satellite, West Melbourne Calvary Chapel, Frostproof and Lakeland Lake Gibson.   IT WAS ALL ORANGE & OSCEOLA ON THE FINAL DAY   The most anticipated of all media days took place on Saturday when the best of Orange and Osceola Counties highlighted the third and final look at the best high school football teams who had the opportunity to speak with the media and be a part of something that has no equal anywhere in the country.   Among those 36 programs who gained valuable exposure included Harmony, 5A powerhouse Orlando Edgewater, Kissimmee Tohopekaliga, Orlando Faith Christian, Orlando Innovation, rising power Orlando Evans, Orlando University, Orlando Boone, Orlando Olympia, Orlando Timber Creek, defending 4A runner up Orlando Jones, Orlando Cornerstone Academy, Winter Garden Foundation Academy, Orlando Christian Prep, Winter Garden West Orange, Kissimmee Gateway, Windermere, Celebration, Orlando Bishop Moore, defending 6A state runner up Kissimmee Osceola, Orlando Colonial, Kissimmee Poinciana, Apopka Wekiva, Orlando Oak Ridge, Orlando Lake Nona, Orlando Lake Buena Vista, Winter Garden Horizon, Apopka, St. Cloud, Winter Park, independent power Orlando The First Academy, Ocoee, Orlando Freedom, Kissimmee Liberty, Orlando Cypress Creek, Orlando Dr. Phillips, Orlando West Oaks, and Orlando Central Florida Christian.     Class of 2027 Ranking: <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/06/updated-2027-florida-rankings/">https://prepredzone.com/2025/06/updated-2027-florida-rankings/</a>   Statewide Coverage Daily. <a>https://prepredzone.com/florida/</a>   You Can Contact Larry Blustein with prospect or team information at: <a href="mailto:Floridakids1@aol.com">Floridakids1@aol.com</a>.   COACHES, PLAYERS: Do You Have A Subscription? Contact us for a savings code so you can see what everyone has been talking about! <a href="mailto:Floridakids1@aol.com">Floridakids1@aol.com</a>.

While the Southeastern Conference and Mountain West Conference was rolling out the red carpet for some of the best college teams in the country this past weekend, something special was taking place in the state of Florida.