Florida has over 550 varsity football teams, but only a few will make the playoffs. Yet, seven local teams have made it into the latest FHSAA rankings. This makes Friday nights in our area important and sets up a thrilling race to the playoffs.
This post follows the progress of these teams as the playoffs draw near. The FHSAA table shows each team’s ranking, class, and more. These details decide who plays at home and who has to travel.
Statewide, the High School Football America Florida Top 25 remains unchanged. IMG Academy leads, and DeLand is at No. 25. Local teams are also preparing, knowing their chances in the playoffs.
Fans can keep up with scores and bracket updates on this FHSAA bracket live blog. The official playoff brackets will be released on Thursday, Nov. 6, at noon. Until then, teams will be watching their ratings closely.
FHSAA playoff rankings snapshot and what’s at stake
The race to the florida high school football playoffs is getting tighter. The fhsaa playoff rankings are now set, deciding home fields and at-large paths. Every point in rating and strength matters, as it can change the seed line. A single upset can flip parts of the fhsaa football brackets every week.
How the FHSAA power rankings and regions work
The top eight programs in each region move forward after power ratings are set. Each listing in the official table shows rank, class rank, record, class, region, district, plus rating and strength. These metrics drive the fhsaa playoff rankings, sorting contenders within regions and districts.
Numbers are key. In 7A-1, DeLand has a rating of 21.601, while Spruce Creek has 18.123. Vero Beach leads 7A-3 with 22.901. These figures show who you beat and when, not just wins and losses. Coaches track these numbers daily during the florida high school football playoffs.
Top seeds, district champions, and automatic bids
District champions get automatic bids, even if they’re not in the top eight of their region. This rule can push a higher-rated non-champion out of the field.
Two examples: Creekside, at 4-5, won the 7A District 1 crown and will bump No. 8 Lake Brantley, despite its 6-3 record. In 7A-2, Ridge Community at 4-5 secured District 6 and will squeeze out the eventual No. 8. Regions and districts are key in the fhsaa playoff rankings and fhsaa football brackets.
Reading strength of schedule and rating in the FHSAA table
To understand the table, look at rating and strength alongside record. A tough schedule can lift a team above a rival with more wins. Osceola remains top-3 in 6A-2 because a strong schedule offsets a recent loss to 4A Lake Wales.
Use the snapshot below as a guide to how rating and strength interplay with seeding during the florida high school football playoffs.
| Region | Team | Record | Rating | Strength | District Status | What It Means |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7A-1 | DeLand | 8-0 | 21.601 | High | Contender | Power number sets a top seed inside regions and districts, boosting home-field. |
| 7A-1 | Spruce Creek | 7-1 | 18.123 | Strong | Contender | Close gap to No. 1; path depends on closing wins and stable rating and strength. |
| 7A-1 | Creekside | 4-5 | N/A | Moderate | District Champion | Automatic bid displaces Lake Brantley, reshuffling fhsaa football brackets. |
| 7A-1 | Lake Brantley | 6-3 | N/A | Solid | At-Large Hope | Bumped by champion; needs help elsewhere in the fhsaa playoff rankings. |
| 7A-2 | Ridge Community | 4-5 | N/A | Moderate | District Champion | Secures a berth and squeezes the region’s No. 8 bubble. |
| 7A-3 | Vero Beach | 9-0 | 22.901 | Elite | Top Seed Track | Leads its region and sets the pace for florida high school football playoffs seeding. |
| 6A-2 | Osceola | — | N/A | Very Strong | Top-3 Region | Strength of schedule offsets a setback, underscoring rating and strength value. |
Where the seven local teams stand in the florida high school football playoffs
The picture is sharp but moving. Seven teams face different paths in the fhsaa football playoffs. Power ratings, district champions, and head-to-head results will shape the bracket reveal.
Locks, bubble teams, and district implications
DeLand is a lock in 7A Region 1, with a 21.601 rating and an 8-0 record. Vero Beach controls 7A-3 with a 22.901 rating and 9-0 record. In 6A-1, Buchholz is 8-1 at 21.500, with Mandarin 8-1 at 20.138 right behind.
In 5A-2, Lakeland is 8-1 and No. 1 regionally and statewide in 5A. Edgewater is 9-0 at No. 2, and Gaither is 8-1 at No. 3. All three look steady for the florida high school football playoffs if they finish clean.
Bubble territory is tight. Lake Brantley is 6-3 at No. 8 in 7A-1, but Creekside sits No. 9 at 4-5 and holds the automatic bid as District 1 leader. In 7A-2, Winter Haven is 6-3 at No. 8, yet Ridge Community at 4-5 would slide in as District 6 champion.
How district winners can bump higher-ranked teams
District champions get priority in the fhsaa football playoffs. This rule explains why Creekside can leap a higher-rated Lake Brantley for 7A-1’s final seat. The same squeeze hits Winter Haven, with Ridge Community poised to take the eighth slot as a district winner.
These scenarios ripple across stringer brackets as the software locks in automatic bids first, then fills at-large spots by rating. A strong rating helps, but district champions change the order and can flip matchups after the bracket reveal.
Live scoreboard, brackets reveals, and timeline
High School Football America will post a live scoreboard through Round 2, keeping updates current as results land. The official FHSAA bracket reveal is set for Thursday, Nov. 6, at noon, when seeding and travel pairings become real.
Two local games carry weight before the release. DeLand’s District 2 title resumption against Spruce Creek affects the top line. East Ridge must beat Tavares to hold 7A-3’s No. 8. Each result could shift paths inside the florida high school football playoffs and the final stringer brackets.
| Team | Class/Region | Record | Power Rating | Status | Key Implication |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DeLand | 7A-1 | 8-0 | 21.601 | Lock | District title resumption vs. Spruce Creek can cement No. 1 |
| Vero Beach | 7A-3 | 9-0 | 22.901 | Lock | Top seed pace; eyes on East Ridge for No. 8 dynamics |
| Buchholz | 6A-1 | 8-1 | 21.500 | Leading | Controls district; strong at-large floor if needed |
| Mandarin | 6A-1 | 8-1 | 20.138 | Leading | Neck-and-neck with Buchholz for top regional seed |
| Lakeland | 5A-2 | 8-1 | — | No. 1 in 5A | Statewide No. 1 in 5A; bracket reveal shapes travel |
| Edgewater | 5A-2 | 9-0 | — | No. 2 regional | Chasing Lakeland; sets up high-stakes regional path |
| Gaither | 5A-2 | 8-1 | — | No. 3 regional | Positioning for home-field edge early rounds |
| Lake Brantley | 7A-1 | 6-3 | — | Bubble | At-large hopes blocked by Creekside’s district title |
| Winter Haven | 7A-2 | 6-3 | — | Bubble | Vulnerable to Ridge Community as district champions |
| East Ridge | 7A-3 | — | — | On the line | Must beat Tavares to keep the No. 8 seed |
State context: High School Football America Florida Top 25 highlights
The statewide board stays steady as Round 2 opens. The fhsaa playoff rankings mirror that calm. The High School Football America Florida Top 25 features heavyweights leading the way.
This stability puts more focus on how this week’s results could rearrange paths to the state quarterfinals.
Unchanged Top 25 heading into Round 2 of the 2025 FHSAA playoffs
High School Football America reports no movement before Round 2, powered by NFL Play Football. At the top sit IMG Academy, St. Thomas Aquinas, and Chaminade-Madonna. Northwestern (Miami) remains unbeaten on the field.
Undefeated risers like Vero Beach, Edgewater, DeLand, and St. Augustine keep pressure on the upper tier. The fhsaa playoff rankings line up with that picture, keeping the High School Football America Florida Top 25 in tight alignment as the bracket narrows toward the state quarterfinals.
Key Top 25 regional semifinals: Lakeland vs. Gaither; Tampa Bay Tech vs. Edgewater
Two marquee Class 5A Region 2 games headline the slate: Lakeland vs Gaither and Tampa Bay Tech vs Edgewater. Lakeland carries depth and tradition, while Gaither brings balance and a stingy defense.
Edgewater’s clean record faces a tested Tampa Bay Tech attack that plays with pace. Both matchups sit at the heart of the High School Football America Florida Top 25, and both weigh heavily on Round 2 momentum inside the fhsaa playoff rankings.
| Matchup | HSFA Rank | Record | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lakeland vs Gaither | No. 6 vs No. 16 | 9-2 vs 10-1 | Winner strengthens resume and leverage for seeding ahead of state quarterfinals. |
| Tampa Bay Tech vs Edgewater | No. 19 vs No. 21 | 9-2 vs 11-0 | Contrast in styles; outcome could swing regional order and impact statewide placement. |
| Vero Beach watch | No. 11 | 11-0 | Perfect mark keeps pressure on peers and shapes cross-region matchups if chalk holds. |
| DeLand trajectory | No. 25 | 11-0 | Stays in the mix for a higher-value path if other contenders stumble in Round 2. |
Implications for seeding and possible state quarterfinals
Results from Lakeland vs Gaither and Tampa Bay Tech vs Edgewater will echo through the seeding board. Margin, health, and turnover battle trends could nudge positions inside the fhsaa playoff rankings.
With an unchanged High School Football America Florida Top 25, any upset in Round 2 may recalibrate regional brackets. That, in turn, sets the tone for balanced state quarterfinals pairings and how elite defenses and explosive offenses are matched across 5A.
Regional rundown: 7A movers and contenders to watch
Power ratings meet automatic bids, and the ripple shows across every bracket line. The picture shifts by the hour, yet a few trends hold steady. Balance matters, but so do district crowns. This mix defines the fight for spots in 7A Region 1, 7A Region 2 Venice, and 7A Region 3 Vero Beach.
7A Region 1: DeLand at No. 1 and the Lake Brantley–Creekside wrinkle
DeLand leads with an unbeaten record and the highest rating. Spruce Creek follows closely, with Boone and Lake Mary holding district titles.
The eighth line is the twist. Lake Brantley owns the spot today, but Creekside can claim entry as a district winner and push the Patriots out. It is a stark reminder that 7A Region 1 is ruled by both numbers and bylaws.
7A Region 2: Venice on top with West Orange, Ocoee in the mix
7A Region 2 Venice features a steady leader in Venice, followed by Sarasota Riverview and Sumner. West Orange adds depth with a strong record and big-game reps. The middle tier is crowded, where one result can flip home field.
Ocoee sits in a dangerous lane, steady but not safe. Winter Haven’s hold on the eighth seed is thin, as Ridge Community’s district ticket would replace the final at-large. Margin counts in every snap for this group.
7A Region 3: Vero Beach leads; East Ridge hanging on at No. 8
7A Region 3 Vero Beach continues to set the pace, with Jupiter and Fort Pierce Central chasing. Dr. Phillips and St. Cloud carry district clout, tightening the bracket for at-large hopefuls.
East Ridge hangs on at No. 8 after a rough stretch and likely needs one more result to breathe easier. With limited room below the cut, every series matters as the field closes and seeds lock into place.
| Region | Top Seed | Key Challengers | Bubble Watch | Notable Twist |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7A Region 1 | DeLand | Spruce Creek, Boone, Lake Mary | Lake Brantley | Creekside can enter as district champ and displace the No. 8 seed |
| 7A Region 2 Venice | Venice | Sarasota Riverview, Sumner, West Orange | Ocoee, Winter Haven | Ridge Community’s automatic bid threatens the last at-large slot |
| 7A Region 3 Vero Beach | Vero Beach | Jupiter, Fort Pierce Central, Dr. Phillips, St. Cloud | East Ridge | At-large margin tight as ratings compress near the cut line |
5A storylines: fhsaa football brackets shaping up with Lakeland, Edgewater, Gaither, Tampa Bay Tech
In 5A Region 2, the competition is heating up. Lakeland, Edgewater, Gaither, and Tampa Bay Tech are pushing each other to new heights. Every game is a chance to check their seeds and impact the fhsaa football playoffs.
Region 2 seeds: Lakeland, Edgewater, Gaither, Tampa Bay Tech at the top
Lakeland leads with a 21.660 rating and is the No. 1 team statewide. Edgewater follows closely with a 17.795 rating. Gaither and Tampa Bay Tech round out the top with ratings of 16.065 and 14.247, respectively.
Seeds in 5A Region 2 show a deep field. Sebring is at 8.442, and Lake Gibson is at 3.973. Winter Springs and Wesley Chapel also have strong ratings. This means tough games for lower seeds.
| Team | Record | Rating | Current Seed Outlook | Notable Edge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lakeland | 8-1 | 21.660 | Top seed in 5A Region 2 | State No. 1 and physical front seven |
| Edgewater | 9-0 | 17.795 | Firm top-two position | Unbeaten form with balanced offense |
| Gaither | 8-1 | 16.065 | Top-four lock | Explosive skill threats and steady defense |
| Tampa Bay Tech | 7-2 | 14.247 | Top-four lock | Quarterback play and tempo |
| Sebring | 4-5 | 8.442 | Mid-seed tier | Battle-tested in close games |
| Lake Gibson | 5-4 | 3.973 | Lower-seed tier | Upset |
| Winter Springs | 6-3 | 3.724 | Lower-seed tier | Run-first identity |
| Wesley Chapel | 5-4 | 1.980 | Lower-seed tier | Disciplined defense |
Strength-of-schedule notes and
Strength-of-schedule is key in 5A Region 2. It protects seed rankings and can influence home-field advantages. This is similar to how it played out in 6A-2 with Osceola.
High School Football America highlights two big games. Lakeland vs. Gaither and Tampa Bay Tech vs. Edgewater are set to be intense. These matchups reflect the high stakes in the fhsaa football brackets before Thanksgiving.
How these seeds affect statewide paths to a title
Lakeland, Edgewater, Gaither, and Tampa Bay Tech are all in the Florida Top 25. This makes the 5A title race very competitive. The path out of 5A Region 2 will shape the fhsaa football playoffs, with the top seeds likely favored statewide.
Seeding has big implications. A top seed can mean less travel, better kick times, and more home support. In this region, every point counts when the games are on the line.
Programs on the rise: st augustine high school football, mainland high school football, and more
St. Augustine’s unbeaten streak is catching attention. Mainland is also making a strong move. In the Florida Panhandle, teams are showing the importance of a tough schedule and district wins.
St. Augustine’s 10-0 run sets a clear model: build a tough slate, stack wins, and let the rating rise. Mainland follows this with disciplined defense and clean special teams. These strategies help other teams aim for safer seeds.
How regional power ratings impact Choctaw’s path
For choctaw football, regional power ratings are key. A strong record is important, but the strength metric is what really matters. It’s what separates No. 6 from No. 9.
So, choctaw needs to play tough opponents and win in their district. A late loss can be okay if they have shown they can beat tough teams.
Comparisons with pine forest high school football and pensacola catholic high school
Pine Forest focuses on defense to boost its rating. Pensacola Catholic goes for non-district games to increase strength. Both strategies work in the Florida Panhandle, but each week’s opponent is critical.
Against common foes, small differences and road wins can make a big difference. Choctaw can follow this by going after teams that are likely to make the playoffs and winning close games.
Scheduling notes tied to the south walton high school football schedule
The south walton high school football schedule shows the value of careful planning. Playing tough teams outside of district games can help even if they lose.
This strategy, when seen alongside St. Augustine and Mainland, can improve seeding chances in the Florida Panhandle. It also helps teams prepare for November.
Bracket mechanics: fhsaa playoff rankings, fhsaa football playoffs, and stringer brackets explained
Every week, the fhsaa playoff rankings set the board. Teams are sorted by performance into regional lists. The top eight teams in each region get a spot. But, district champions get in automatically, which can bump a higher-ranked team out.
This creates tension. Fans watch rating and strength closely on Mondays. And they follow the scores on Fridays.
Creekside edging in at 4-5 over Lake Brantley at 6-3 in 7A-1 shows how district champions change the math. Ridge Community doing the same in 7A-2 underscores it. These changes affect the official fhsaa football playoffs layout. They keep teams on the bubble alert late into the night.
How seeding flows into stringer brackets and official fhsaa football playoffs
Seeding starts with regional order from the fhsaa playoff rankings. Then, auto bids for district champions are added. The final eight per region fill early stringer brackets, showing likely paths.
Once confirmed at the Nov. 6 noon reveal, these brackets become the fhsaa football playoffs. They set travel, matchups, and dates.
Because rating and strength can change, late upsets can flip teams. This is why coaches watch margin, opponent records, and common foes before the reveal.
FIT additions and what happens to teams outside the main brackets
Miss the cut and the season continues. The FHSAA added two FIT tournaments with 16-team fields for non-qualifiers. These events extend competition, give seniors another stage, and feed more data into rating and strength models.
Programs use FIT tournaments to evaluate depth, test young quarterbacks, and build momentum for spring. A solid run can stabilize offseason plans and raise expectations.
Why ratings, strength, and district status matter week-to-week
Ratings reward wins, but strength adjusts for who you beat and where. This is how Osceola held a top-3 seed in 6A-2 despite a loss. One swing game can redraw a bracket line, as East Ridge near No. 8 in 7A-3 learned with Tavares looming.
Live updates from High School Football America keep fans synced as results arrive. By Sunday, the picture tightens; by Monday, stringer brackets echo the math; by reveal day, the fhsaa football playoffs grid is set.
| Factor | What It Does | In-Bracket Impact | FIT Impact | Recent Example |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| District champions | Guarantee entry regardless of rank | Can displace a higher-rated No. 8 seed | Push strong non-champs to FIT tournaments | Creekside over Lake Brantley in 7A-1 |
| Rating and strength | Blend results with schedule quality | Moves teams line-to-line on seeding | Improves FIT seeding and matchups | Osceola stays top-3 in 6A-2 after loss |
| Late-week upsets | Recalculate regional order | Flips 4/5 or ejects a bubble No. 8 | Elevates FIT placement and path | Tavares spoiler threat vs. East Ridge |
| Stringer brackets | Pre-map probable pairings | Visualizes travel and rematch risk | Guides prep for non-qualifiers | Tracks adjustments before Nov. 6 |
Conclusion
Seven area teams are set for the fhsaa playoff rankings, and every detail counts. DeLand leads 7A-1, and Vero Beach is at the top of 7A-3. This sets a clear pace for the competition.
Automatic bids in 7A-1 and 7A-2 are changing who hosts and who travels. In 5A Region 2, Lakeland, Edgewater, Gaither, and Tampa Bay Tech are in a tight race. They all have high stakes for the state championship.
The Top 25 statewide rankings remain the same for Round 2. This keeps the paths to the semifinals clear. For teams like choctaw football, the key is to build a strong schedule and win the district. This strategy reduces risk and improves chances for the playoffs in December.
As the fhsaa football brackets take shape, numbers will decide more than just headlines. Fans can follow the live scoreboard. They should get ready for Thursday, Nov. 6, at noon, when all seeds, home fields, and matchups will be official.
This roundup ends with a simple message: win now, schedule wisely, and let the fhsaa playoff rankings take care of the rest.
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