Week 1 of the 2022 Florida high school football season is in the books, and it was an action-packed few days that brought upsets, statement wins, and more. Here are some of the biggest takeaways from the week.
Down Goes IMG
Widely considered Florida’s top team entering the season, IMG Academy was upset on its home field in Week 1, falling to Miami Central 20-14. The loss to the Rockets marked the first time IMG has dropped a regular-season game to an in-state team since 2013.
Miami Central was boosted by some outstanding performances in the contest, including 3 sacks from four-star defensive lineman Rueben Bain and a go-ahead pick-6 by LaWayne McCoy in the fourth quarter. The Rockets certainly made their case to be labeled the top team in Florida. Based on the win in Bradenton on Friday night, no team state-wide has a better argument at the moment.
Interstate Success
Previously we talked about how Week 1 in Florida high school football provided a spotlight for state teams against some top out-of-state opponents. As it turned out, Florida teams did not shrink from that spotlight. St. Thomas Aquinas kicked off the festivities on Saturday by topping St. Joseph’s Prep (PA) 48-37. American Heritage followed right behind with a 56-27 win over Los Alamitos (CA) on the same field. Chaminade-Madonna also picked up a big interstate win as the Lions topped St. John’s (DC) 35-28, and Western was another a notable performer as the Wildcats defeated John’s Creek (GA) 33-14.
American Heritage Offense Impresses
American Heritage’s offense was one of the biggest talking points at the conclusion of its Saturday afternoon matchup with Los Alamitos. The Patriots offense was already considered one of the best in Florida entering the game, and it did nothing but confirm that thought as names such as Mark Fletcher, Blake Murphy, and Brandon Inniss each found the end zone.
Rockledge Makes a Statement
One of the results that may have gone a bit unnoticed on Saturday was from Class 3S’s Rockledge. The Raiders began their season on a high note, topping Gulliver Prep 38-0 in an impressive showing. This team is one of the best in Class 2M.
