Round 2: QB Matchups That Could Decide the Playoffs

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Patrick Harding | 2026 | Zephyrhills | @patrickbeballin</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Harding enters Round 2 playing some of the best football of his high school campaign. The 2026 QB has been steady, efficient, and productive, leading Zephyrhills to a 1-0 postseason start after a strong undefeated regular season. He's elevated the entire offense and continues to look like a legitimate top-tier QB in his class. His next test is a big one: Lake Wales..</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Vs</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Kingston Loydd | 2029 | Lake Wales | @KingstonL50761</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Thrown into the fire as a freshman and handling it with veteran composure. Loydd throws with touch, shows confidence in the pocket, and continues to grow each week. Still early in his development, but his upside is clear — and he's already giving Lake Wales a stable presence in the biggest games of the year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Kelin Hendrix | 2027 | Lakeland | @HendrixKelin</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the most electric young quarterbacks in Florida. Hendrix is the engine for Lakeland's offense — a legit dual-threat with real arm talent and the ability to stretch the field. Polk County Player of the Year Watch.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Vs</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2044614' first='Ryan' last='Browning'] | 2028 | Gaither | @RyanbrowningQb1</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Browning is a hidden gem polished young QB in the 2028 class. He's already helped Gaither to a near-perfect regular season, showing poise, arm strength, and the ability to deliver in structure. Another underclassman proving he can win real varsity games.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1263588' first='Darryon' last='Jones'] | 2026 | Venice | @DarryonJonesQB</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Venice added a major piece with Howard commit [player_tooltip player_id='1263588' first='Darryon' last='Jones']. His size, athleticism, and running ability have lifted the offense to another level. West Orange is getting one of the tougher matchups in the bracket — Jones is a proven playmaker who thrives in big games.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Vs</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>AJ Chung | 2028 | West Orange | @AjChungQB</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Chung is one of the fastest-rising 2028 quarterbacks in the state. Accurate, fundamentally sound, and confident in the pocket. A Player of the Year candidate, his decision-making continues to improve, and he's shown he can make throws to every level of the field. With more experience, he's on track to be a high-level recruit.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='212269' first='Jaden' last='Weatherly'] | 2026 | Bolles | @jadenweatherly_</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Weatherly plays the position with polish — timing, anticipation, and accuracy. He rarely forces throws and stays in control even under pressure. Bolles leans on him as the steady hand steering the offense into the tougher rounds.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Vs</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Cannon Cowhey | 2026 | FSUHS</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Cowhey brings legit size and a much-improved frame after adding needed weight in the offseason. His arm strength stands out, and his pocket movement has leveled up. An intriguing prospect who's growing into his physical tools at the right time. One to watch headed into Round 2</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>King Boylston | 2027 | Ed White | @KingBoylston</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Boylston has been one of the more productive 2027 QBs in North Florida. Over 2,000 passing yards, 25 TDs, plus another 688 yards and 13 TDs on the ground. He's a true dual-threat with leadership and poise, guiding Ed White to a strong 9-2 season and a playoff win.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Vs</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2044080' first='Brenton' last='James'] | 2027 | [player_tooltip player_id='1640270' first='St.' last='Augustine']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>James keeps stacking efficient, mistake-free football. 2544 passing yards, 36 total TDs, 7 INTs tells the story — stays within the offense, and delivers under pressure. A QB rising at the right time for a [player_tooltip player_id='1640270' first='St.' last='Augustine'] team looking to make a run.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='405300' first='Dereon' last='Coleman'] | 2026 | Jones | @DereonColemanQB</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Coleman continues to look like one of the most polished quarterbacks nationally. The Miami commit made it look easy in Round 1, showing off his effortless release, mobility, and advanced understanding of the offense. When he's in rhythm, Jones' offense becomes extremely hard to stop.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Vs</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Terrence Lewis | 2027 | Vanguard (Ocala) | @TerranceLewis_</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lewis is one of North Central Floridas more dynamic dual-threats. His legs are the difference-maker, but he's also improving as a passer. Coming off a gritty Round 1 win, he's the type of QB who can stress a defense every snap.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Edward Jordan | 2026 | @eddie_11k</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Stats: 2,500+ total yards | 34 total TDs</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jordan's been one of the more productive QBs in the region. A true pocket passer with clean mechanics and sharp decision-making, he's a big reason his team finished 7-3 and opened the postseason with a strong win. Jordan has a chance to elevate his profile with another efficient, high-impact performance heading into Round 2.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Vs</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='928369' first='Cole' last='Rosendahl'] | 2026 | Ponte Vedra | @RosendahlCole</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Stats: 2,707 yards | 26 TD | 7 INT</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Rosendahl has been steady and reliable all season. His ball placement stands out — consistently throwing to spots only his receivers can make plays on. If he keeps this trend going through the postseason, he could solidify his high school campaign and raise his college stock. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->