When states such as California, Texas, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Louisiana and Georgia talk about how great their football is – and there are several hotbeds across the country in those states – when all is said and done, the state of Florida stands alone.
From the Panhandle to the southern tip of Florida, there is no getting around the fact that football is king and athletes and teams continue to prove that every year.
When the 14 teams headed to Pitbull Stadium on the campus of Florida International University over a four-day period, you had prospects, several of them, who will be headed to the next level. Elite talent that fans in nearly every state will have the opportunity to cheer on at the collegiate and professional level.
While fans see these prospects every year and are impressed at the level they compete at, they do not understand the work that goes into become difference makers over a four-month period.
While many of us see the finished product, they have no idea what happens over those eight plus months that these student/athletes aren’t in the spotlight.
From camps to combines, 7-on-7 events, workouts, conditioning and other positives to improving, this is all done when the cameras are not rolling or the media is calling attention to it.
Having been involved in recruiting and the development of football prospects for six decades, the one thing that has not changed is how players work and put in the time to getting better.
One day after the season had officially come to an end, high school football players were back at it – enhancing their craft, competing and already looking at the 2026 season.
As many casual fans will put football on the backburner until next August, those who make this sport special will watch firsthand why Florida continues to keep an edge over the rest of the country.
Here is a look back at the four days in Miami for the 2025 state football championships:
1A
No. 2 West Palm Beach Cardinal Newman (11-3) 17, No. 1 Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna (11-2) 14. The Crusaders had been building toward this state championship for several years – and on their first try – they knocked off the Lions in their 10th consecutive appearance.
2A
No. 1 Sarasota Cardinal Mooney (14-1) 52, No. 2 Jacksonville Bolles (13-2) 28. There was no doubt that Cardinal Mooney was one of the best teams in Florida, and when all seven games were completed, the consensus from the media and analysts on hand, they were the best team of the 14 who competed.
3A
No. 2 Jacksonville Raines (14-0) 23, No. 1 Miami Northwestern (13-1) 22. While this was a shocker, let’s keep in mind that the Vikings were soundly beaten in this contest a year ago, and they made a commitment to getting better – and turned out to be the only perfect team this season. The Bulls had their chances.
4A
No. 3 Plantation American Heritage (9-5) 33, No. 1 Orlando Jones (12-3) 28. You can put away your pens and ballots; Mike Smith is the overwhelming Coach of the Year. Losing two of their best players and several other obstacles along the way – with the toughest schedule in the state. Five losses or not, the Patriots defended their title.
5A
No. 1 Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas (14-1) 29, No. 3 Lakeland (12-3) 0. Seven straight state titles for one of the premier programs in the country. The Raiders never start the season hoping to win. They know they have a huge advantage in every game they play.
6A
No. 3 West Boca Raton (13-2) 31, No. 4 Pembroke Pines West Broward (12-3) 0. After losing to Bergen Catholic, New Jersey and 1A state champion Cardinal Newman, there was no way the Bulls would be able to repeat at state champs. One of the best defenses in the state of Florida said otherwise!
7A
No. 2 Lake Mary (12-3) 28, No. 1 Vero Beach (14-1) 27. By now, you watched the final play of the game over and over again, and keep asking yourself, how did the Rams pull this game out. One of the most exciting finishes ever gives this program its first ever state title.
COMPLETE ROAD TO THE 2025 FLORIDA HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS. https://larryblustein.com/news/2025-road-to-miami-the-villages-charter
MIAMI-DADE/BROWARD INFORMATION YEAR-ROUND. https://larryblustein.com/
For the past 55 years, we have spent more time on football fields than anyone in the country. From games to practices, camps, combines and 7-on-7 events, we get to as many events as possible to see the athletes LIVE. Follow us on Facebook (Larry Blustein), Instagram (OurBoyBlu) and Twitter (@PrepRedzoneFL). Contact us at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..