10 Games That Will Grab The Spotlight

As we have reached Week 7 of the 2025 high school football season, the stakes are rising, and each matchup is becoming more important.

With state playoffs up for grabs you can guarantee that games throughout Florida will be more competitive than they have been all year.

Rivalry games also take center stage, which attract large crowds and college coaches who are looking for prospects who can change the landscape of their program – quickly!

Like we do every Friday, today we bring you 10 games that will grab the spotlight and hopefully provide entertainment for those in so many areas.

No. 1 Bradenton IMG Academy (Independent, 5-0) at No. 27 Venice (7A, 3-2). This has always been a competitive matchup, but this year the Ascenders are loaded and have more than lived up to their top ranking. The Indians will need to control the potent offense and avoid too many turnovers and mistakes.

No. 3. Miami Northwestern (3A, 4-1) at No. 4 Miami Central (3A, 3-0). Game of the Week without hesitation on Saturday at 4:30. One of the most talent-filled games that you will find anywhere. This is a rivalry in every sense of the word. Even though the Bulls are the defending 4A state champs, they lost to the Rockets last year and are 0-6 since 2020. This will be the first of two meetings this season.

Riverview Sumner (7A, 5-1) at No. 12. Lakeland (5A, 4-1). While many Dreadnaught fans have already marked this down as a W, you may want to see wait on that until it's over. This is a solid team that is coming in for this non-district contest. Both teams are loaded on the defensive side of the ball. Lakeland is indeed a hit team.

No. 16. Sarasota Cardinal Mooney (2A, 4-1) at No. 17. Clearwater Central Catholic (1A, 6-0). Here are two teams that are regarded as among the best in the state, but each knows that no matter what happens in this battle, each still has a huge obstacle in winning state. The Marauders (Chaminade-Madonna) and Cougars have to concentrate on three-time defending state champion Cocoa, which has lost three times this year.

No. 18. Orlando The First Academy (Independent, 4-2) at Baltimore St. Frances Academy, Maryland (Independent (4-1). Another step up for the Royals who have won four straight games. This is a major hurdle on the road against a team that is elite and nationally rated for a reason. For The First Academy to stay in this game they will need to completely cut down on turnovers and penalties.

No. 26. Fort Walton Beach Choctawhatchee (4A, 6-0) at Santa Rosa Beach South Walton (2A, 4-1). While this game is on the road, and both teams are playing well, the Indians are out to prove that they are not just Panhandle good but can matchup with anyone in the state of Florida. While they come in as big favorites, they need to guard against a Seahawks program that has played well and will have a home crowd advantage. Can this team continue to make a statement?

Daytona Beach Mainland (5A, 4-1) at No. 29. DeLand (7A, 6-0). This is one of those regional matchups that has all the makings of a classic. The Buccaneers have had some signature wins this season – while the Bulldogs are looking to be that 7A team to come out of the north. Mainland is one of many top 5A programs looking to challenge a solid field.

Pace (6A, 4-1) at Madison County (Rural, 2-3). First of all let's get the record out of the way. The defending state champion Cowboys have played a crazy competitive schedule, which included much larger schools and have more than held their own.  The Patriots are no pushover, winning four straight games and are out to prove that they have what it takes to make a run when the playoffs begin.

New Port Richey River Ridge (4A, 6-0) at Trinity Mitchell (6A, 4-2). The Royal Knights may be unbeaten and looking good for another playoff run, but they also were in this same position last year when the two teams played didn't fair too well, losing a game that would send a 6-0 start into a 7-4 finish. The Mustangs have not had the kind of year that they are used to, but they still control their district fate and are at home. A win here could get the ship back upright. It is a rivalry.

Cocoa (2A, 2-3) at Miami Norland (4A, 2-4). When you look at this game you almost have to shake your head and clear your eyes to make sure that this is not a misprint. Two of the great programs in Florida with six combined losses. The Tigers are the three-time defending state champions and still believe they have the talent to get back four a 4-Peat. The Vikings have played one of the tough schedules in the state as they prepare for their third opponent that won a state title last season. It may be a little revenge for a Cocoa team that was embarrassed at home by Norland last year, 33-14.

THURSDAY GAMES

Doral Ronald Reagan 14, Miami Varela 13

Miami Christopher Columbus 58, Miami High 0

Miami True North Classical Academy 28, Jacksonville University Christian 8

West Palm Beach Cardinal Newman 28, Miami Lakes Barbara Goleman 7

Windermere Prep 7, Lakeland Geneva 6

DAILY INFORMATION: https://prepredzone.com/florida/

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