Who Is Winning Class 4A This Year?

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>While you are always considered a defending state champion until you aren't anymore, the big question remains in the state of Florida – with the playoffs on the horizon – is which team has the best chance to win a 4A state championship?</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As 2025 saw the <strong>Plantation American Heritage Patriots</strong> slip to a disappointing 4-5 record, this team is still very much alive and will be a force when the “Race For Miami” begins next week.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>While they have struggled, the runners up <strong>Orlando Jones Tigers</strong> have not been as sharp as they were in 2024 either. They begin the state playoffs with an 8-2 record and are still considered dangerous in the hunt for a title.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>But besides American Heritage and Jones what other programs have a legitimate chance to end up at Pitbull Stadium on the campus of Florida International University in the second week of December?</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Many believe that despite losing for the first time this year (to 6A Jacksonville Mandarin), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1640270' first='St.' last='Augustine'] </strong>remains as a front-runner. But they are not alone.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Keep an eye on programs such as <strong>Fort Lauderdale Dillard (10-0)</strong><strong>,</strong> <strong>Tampa Jesuit (9-1), Fort Walton Beach Choctawhatchee (9-1)</strong> – who lost to Enterprise, Alabama this past weekend and <strong>Zephyrhills (10-0),</strong> which got by <strong>Port Charlotte (8-2)</strong> this past week.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Dark horses? How about <strong>Auburndale (8-2), Clearwater (7-3), Jacksonville Ed White (8-2), Jensen Beach (8-2), Lake City Columbia (7-3), Ocala Vanguard (9-1)</strong> and <strong>Lake Wales</strong> (8-2) are all capable of winning on any given night.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Miami Norland</strong> <strong>(5-4) </strong>is always talented and dangerous. So are</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>New Port Richey River Ridge (7-3), Plantation (5-5) </strong>and <strong>Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy (8-2), </strong>which beat American Heritage and won the district title that advanced all four teams to the first round of the state playoffs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>WEEK 11 STANDOUTS</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In addition to the 4A race for a state title, the final week of the regular season also produced some elite prospects:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2026 – Alex Brant, OL/DL, 6'1, 300, Jupiter – 3.3 GPA. </strong>In moving to a perfect 10-0 in the regular season, the Warriors have benefitted from this two-way standout, who has opened holes and has provided pass protection on offense – and defensively, he has had 25 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, 2 sacks and 2 fumble recoveries.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>TAPE: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/18247502/Alex-Brant">https://www.hudl.com/profile/18247502/Alex-Brant</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2027 – Ashton Callahan, RB, 5'10, 200, Havana Gadsden County. </strong>The gifted junior went over 1,000 yards with three touchdowns and 247 yards rushing.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>TAPE: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/19279332/Ashton-Callahan">https://www.hudl.com/profile/19279332/Ashton-Callahan</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2026 – Edison “Slick Rick” Delgado, WR, 5'9, 163, Winter Garden West Orange – 3.4 GPA. </strong>In helping the Warriors finish the regular season 9-1, he came up with 4 catches for 157 yards and 1 touchdown.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>TAPE: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/17713924/6904f992d10a11090ba17649">https://www.hudl.com/video/3/17713924/6904f992d10a11090ba17649</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2029 – Nolan Downes, QB, 6'0, 180, Bradenton IMG Academy. </strong>Completed 18 passes for 267 yards and two scores.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>TAPE: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/19088175/Nolan-Downes-2029-QB">https://www.hudl.com/profile/19088175/Nolan-Downes-2029-QB</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2026 – [player_tooltip player_id='1206194' first='Justice' last='Fitzpatrick'], WR/DB, 6'2, 200, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas.</strong> In knocking off 1A power Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna, he played a key role on both sides of the ball with several catches and a game-ending interceptions. The University of Georgia commitment has been huge for all four seasons with the Raiders.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>TAPE:</strong> <strong><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/17955822/Justice-Fitzpatrick">https://www.hudl.com/profile/17955822/Justice-Fitzpatrick</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2029 – Jakobe Gilyard, RB, 5'10, 175, Niceville. </strong>The 14-year-old freshman sparked the Eagles to a regular season finale win with 176 yards and 2 touchdowns and another 60 yards through the air.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>TAPE: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/26888413/Jakobe-Gilyard">https://www.hudl.com/profile/26888413/Jakobe-Gilyard</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2027 - Jordan Gould, LS/LB, 5'10, 185, Lake Worth Park Vista – 4.87 GPA. </strong>In his last two games of the season, he was impressive. Against Greenacres John I. Leonard he was 8/8 FG/PAT Snaps. Against West Palm Beach Forest Hill: - 3/3 Punt Snaps - 6/6 FG/PAT Snaps - 1 Tackle in Coverage (Punt) - 2 Tackles at LB - (3 Total Tackles).</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2027 – Damien Grant, RB, 5'8, 175, Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy – 3.3 GPA. </strong>What a tremendous regular season for this quality junior as he helped to lead the Mavericks to a district title as he ran for 1,062 yards, 11 touchdowns and 3 catches. This team will be the No. 1 seed in the region!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>TAPE: <a>https://www.hudl.com/profile/20312279/Damien-Grant</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2026 – Patrick Harding, QB, 6'3, 195, Zephyrhills – 3.6 GPA.</strong> In leading his team to a perfect 10-0 season, he was 21 of 28 for 405 yards and 6 touchdowns.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>TAPE: </strong><a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19125389/66caa9742e2fb8af79f5128d"><strong>https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19125389/66caa9742e2fb8af79f5128d</strong></a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2027 – Ezekiel Herring, Athlete, 5'10, 170, Miami Killian – 4.0 GPA. </strong>In leading the Cougars to a complete turnaround, he came up with 4 interceptions, 4 touchdowns, 6 pass break ups, 2 forced fumbles, 1 pass breakup and 20 solo tackles.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>TAPE: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19947332/68c580c3204a332489f03214">https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19947332/68c580c3204a332489f03214</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2027 – [player_tooltip player_id='1258721' first='Tre' last='Kelly'], QB, 6'0, 185, Groveland South Lake. </strong>In moving to 9-1 and winning another district title, this talented young man completed 19 passes for 308 yards and 5 touchdowns, adding to his season total of 32.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>TAPE: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/19414105/Tre-Kelly">https://www.hudl.com/profile/19414105/Tre-Kelly</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2028 – Jeremiah Lattier, QB, 6'3, 220, St. Cloud – 3.1 GPA.</strong> This young man's outstanding continues as the Bulldogs head to the playoffs with an 8-2 record. Speaking about records, his 2,722 yards set a school single season record for passing.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>TAPE: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/20689762/67142858510872ddafc101d8">https://www.hudl.com/video/3/20689762/67142858510872ddafc101d8</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2026 – [player_tooltip player_id='212286' first='Sabby' last='Meassick'], QB, Kissimmee Tohopekaliga – 3.9 GPA. </strong>Congratulations to four-year starter for his 13,193 passing yards and becoming one of best to ever do it in Florida.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>TAPE: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/14606861/Sabby-Meassick">https://www.hudl.com/profile/14606861/Sabby-Meassick</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2027 – Karl “Trey” Monroe, DB, 5'11, 155, Fort Lauderdale NSU University School – 3.0 GPA.</strong> As his team moves to the second round of the Sunshine State Athletic Conference playoffs, he has had a tremendous season with 15 Solo Tackles, 41 Total Tackles, 3 tackles for loss, 2 interceptions, 2 forced fumbles and 3 pass break ups.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>TAPE: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/17861684/Karl-Monroe">https://www.hudl.com/profile/17861684/Karl-Monroe</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2027 – Trey Moran, QB, 5'11, 170, West Boca Raton.</strong> Ended the regular season with 175 yards, 3 touchdowns and several key punts in a win against previously unbeaten Delray Beach Atlantic.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19314418/Trey-Moran</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2027 – [player_tooltip player_id='1870802' first='Bryson' last='Morris'], Athlete, 5'10, 145, Jay – 3.1 GPA. </strong>This three-sport (football, basketball and baseball) athlete ended the season with 2 touchdown receptions and 113 yards.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>TAPE: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/20226698/69068c20c00a74106a212314">https://www.hudl.com/video/3/20226698/69068c20c00a74106a212314</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2026 – Oscar Sager, Athlete, 5'11, 175, Coconut Creek Monarch – 3.8 GPA.</strong> Had a huge season for the district champions with a pick 6, several pass breakups and multiple tackles games.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>TAPE:</strong> <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/26324555/68cf4000207c6efe13f6a654"><strong>https://www.hudl.com/video/3/26324555/68cf4000207c6efe13f6a654</strong></a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2027 – Keith Smith, RB, 5'7, 170, Bradenton Manatee – 3.0 GPA. </strong>Track &amp; Field. Ended the regular season with 4 touchdowns and ignited the Hurricanes as they are gaining momentum in time for the state playoffs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>TAPE: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/19707564/Keith-Smith">https://www.hudl.com/profile/19707564/Keith-Smith</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2026 – Tevin Sutherland, Edge, 6'1, 225, Coconut Creek – 3.7 GPA. </strong>Track &amp; Field. Heading into the playoffs, this has been a tremendous year for this impressive senior. How about 14.5 Sacks, 15 tackles for loss, 1 interception return for a score, 37 Tackles, 24 QB Pressures, 3 Forced Fumbles, 1 Fumble Recovery and 1 pass break up.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/21846239/Tevin-Sutherland</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2028 – [player_tooltip player_id='1715303' first='Roman' last='Turner'], RB, 5'8, 180, Wesley Chapel – 3.56 GPA. </strong>What an outstanding sophomore season with 644 Total Yards (5.6 Yards Per Carry), 31 Broken Tackles, 5 Touchdowns and 1 Reception.<strong></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>TAPE: <a href="https://x.com/i/status/1984843536383037820">https://x.com/i/status/1984843536383037820</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2026 – Brycen Volz, QB, 6'1, 205, Parrish Community. </strong>Came up with a solid performance with 15 completions for 255 yards and 4 touchdowns to move to 9-1, heading into the state playoffs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>TAPE: </strong><strong><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/15617664/Brycen-Volz" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.hudl.com/profile/15617664/Brycen-Volz</a></strong><strong></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2030 – Anthony “Deuce” Woods Jr., QB, Orlando The First Academy – 3.8 GPA.</strong> How about this 13-year-old 8^th grader who stepped up in a double overtime win against state-rated Lakeland with 19 completions for 255 yards and 3 touchdowns.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Congratulations to the St. Petersburg Catholic Barons football teams and head coach <strong>Jesse Chinchar</strong> for leading the team to the first ever unbeaten (10-0) regular season. Heading into the 1A state playoffs, the team has outscored the opposition, 516-40 with an amazing four shutouts.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2026 PREP REDZONE FLORIDA STOCK UP EVENT. Nobody Provides EVERY Athletes Exposure Like This Event - Guaranteed!</strong> <a href="https://events.prepredzone.com/e/2137/register/stock-up-showcase-florida"><strong>https://events.prepredzone.com/e/2137/register/stock-up-showcase-florida</strong></a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Statewide Coverage Daily. <a href="https://prepredzone.com/florida/">https://prepredzone.com/florida/</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>You Can Contact Larry Blustein with prospect or team information at: Floridakids1@aol.com.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>COACHES, PLAYERS: Do You Have A Subscription? Contact us for a savings code so you can see what everyone has been talking about! <a>Floridakids1@aol.com</a>.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->