Midseason Breakdown: Top Rising Program Look

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As we move past Week 7, several programs across Florida are proving they're built to last. From undefeated streaks to breakout quarterbacks and dominant defenses, these teams have turned heads and look primed for deep playoff pushes.<br><br>[player_tooltip player_id='1640270' first='St.' last='Augustine'] (6-0)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Brian Baddock has this historic program rolling again. Senior QB <strong>Brenton James</strong> is having a breakout season — over 1,500 passing yards and 17 TDs — and deserves more attention statewide. He's surrounded by explosive weapons in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1368267' first='Somourian' last='Wingo'] </strong>(100+ receiving yards per game) and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='283720' first='Julio' last='Santiago']</strong>, plus two physical runners in <strong>Durrell Preston</strong> and senior vet <strong>Trendell Anderson</strong>. Defensively, sophomore <strong>Mason Beane</strong> leads the charge with 41 tackles as the Jackets continue their undefeated run.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Choctaw (7-0)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Choctaw's defense has been the heartbeat of their undefeated season — they haven't allowed more than 14 points in a game and have posted nearly six shutouts. QB <strong>Tamer Zabetakis</strong> has been the steady leader, passing for 830+ yards and 13 TDs while also leading the team in rushing with 347 yards and 2 scores. Junior back <strong>Dante Whidbee</strong> adds 9 rushing TDs behind a balanced run game. On defense, brothers <strong>Mario</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1263656' first='Ellis' last='Alloway']</strong> lead in tackles and sacks, while <strong>Amir Reese</strong>, <strong>Jaylen Brazan</strong>, and <strong>Jordyn Long </strong>lock things down in the secondary.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Booker (6-1)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Booker's only loss came in Week 1 against powerhouse Auburn (AL), and since then, they've rattled off six straight wins. QB <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='212284' first='Joel' last='Morris']</strong> (2026) has been lights out — 1,600+ passing yards, 20 TDs, and 0 INTs — establishing himself as one of Florida's top junior passers. He's got a dynamic receiver duo in <strong>Tyree Wortham</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1632415' first='Dylan' last='Wester']</strong>, plus a defense that can flat-out play led by DB <strong>Chauncey Keenan</strong>, <strong>Maleek Lee</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1628891' first='Karaijus' last='Hayes']</strong>, and <strong>Kymani Sellers</strong>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Bishop Moore (6-0)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This group has the right blend of discipline, leadership, and youth under veteran coach Matt Hedrick. Sophomore QB <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1841861' first='Blake' last='McCullough']</strong> (2028) is turning heads with over 1,600 passing yards and 13 TDs, plus 3 rushing scores. The run game features <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='402800' first='Amar'e' last='Johnson'] </strong>(2026) — one of Central Florida's best — and Illinois WR commit <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1249151' first='Kenyon' last='Alston']</strong> (2026) headlines a loaded receiver room with <strong>Jaxon Anderson </strong>and <strong>Magnus Talma</strong> (2027) close behind. Defensively, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1251761' first='Trenton' last='Gummer']</strong> (Delaware commit), <strong>Blaze Allen</strong>, and <strong>Cale Britt</strong> (2028) are key impact players.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Boone (6-0)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Boone has come out swinging, grabbing signature wins over Ocoee and West Orange to stay unbeaten. Senior QB <strong>Sam Johnson</strong>, the coach's son, has been steady and composed — 880 passing yards, 7 TDs, plus 4 rushing scores. The ground game has been fueled by <strong>Aaron Hardy </strong>(2026), who's put up 850+ rushing yards and 13 TDs. On defense, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='212355' first='Noah' last='Maddox'] </strong>(2026) has set the tone at linebacker, leading one of the more physical units in Central Florida.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->