Florida High School Top 25: Classes 1R, 1S, 1M, 2S, 2M

Final Rankings – Updated 12/18/22

As a result of No. 1 Miami Central defeating No. 3 American Heritage by a final score of 38-31 last Friday night in the Class 2M state title game, there is no change in the final 2022 Florida high school football rankings for Classes 1-2. The Rockets conclude the year in the top spot. The final rankings for state champions in Classes 2M, 2S, 1M, 1S, and 1R are listed immediately below, followed by the final Top-25.

• 2M – Miami Central (No. 1)
• 2S – Cocoa (No. 5)
• 1M – Chaminade-Madonna (No. 2)
• 1S – First Baptist Academy (No. 10)
• 1R – Hawthorne (No. 8)

1. Miami Central (2M) E
2. Chaminade-Madonna (1M) E
3. American Heritage (2M) E
4. Cardinal Gibbons (2M) E
5. Cocoa (2S) E
6. Florida State (2S) E
7. Miami Northwestern (2M) E
8. Hawthorne (1R) E
9. Clearwater Central Catholic (1M) E
10. First Baptist Academy (1S) E
11. Trinity Catholic (1S) E
12. University Christian (1M) E
13. Trinity Christian (1M) E
14. Cardinal Newman (1M) E
15. Norland (2M) E
16. Booker T. Washington (2M) E
17. Bradford (2S) E
18. Northview (1R) E
19. John Carroll Catholic (1S) E
20. Lakewood (2M) E
21. Bolles (2M) E
22. Pahokee (1R) E
23. Bishop Verot (2S) E
24. South Sumter (2S) E
25. Calvary Christian (2M) E

State Finals Week – Updated 12/12/22

Entering the final week of the 2022 Florida high school football season, here are our latest Top-25 rankings following the state title games for Classes 2S, 1M, 1S, and 1R. The Class 2M title game between Miami Central and American Heritage will be played this week.

Two teams, Cocoa and First Baptist Academy, moved up this week, with the latter jumping eight spots after claiming the Class 1S state title. Cocoa rose one spot into the top-5 after winning the Class 2S state title. 

1. Miami Central (2M) E
2. Chaminade-Madonna (1M) E
3. American Heritage (2M) E
4. Cardinal Gibbons (2M) E
5. Cocoa (2S) +1
6. Florida State (2S) -1
7. Miami Northwestern (2M) E
8. Hawthorne (1R) E
9. Clearwater Central Catholic (1M) E
10. First Baptist Academy (1S) +8
11. Trinity Catholic (1S) -1
12. University Christian (1M) -1
13. Trinity Christian (1M) -1
14. Cardinal Newman (1M) -1
15. Norland (2M) -1
16. Booker T. Washington (2M) -1
17. Bradford (2S) -1
18. Northview (1R) -1
19. John Carroll Catholic (1S) E
20. Lakewood (2M) E
21. Bolles (2M) E
22. Pahokee (1R) E
23. Bishop Verot (2S) E
24. South Sumter (2S) E
25. Calvary Christian (2M) E

 

State Finals Week – Updated 12/5/22

Ahead of this week’s state championship games, here is the latest update to our 2022 Florida high school football rankings for Classes 1-2. The Top-25 remains unchanged through the first 16 spots; Northview and First Baptist Academy jump to Nos. 17 and 18, respectively, followed by some up or down movement from other teams below those spots. Here are the state title matchups for Classes 2M, 2S, 1M, 1S, and 1R:

• 2M: No. 1 Miami Central vs. No. 3 American Heritage
• 2S: No. 5 Florida State vs. No. 6 Cocoa
• 1M: No. 2 Chaminade-Madonna vs. No. 9 Clearwater Central Catholic
• 1S: No. 10 Trinity Catholic vs. No. 18 First Baptist Academy
• 1R: No. 8 Hawthorne vs. No. 17 Northview

1. Miami Central (2M) E
2. Chaminade-Madonna (1M) E
3. American Heritage (2M) E
4. Cardinal Gibbons (2M) E
5. Florida State (2S) E
6. Cocoa (2S) E
7. Miami Northwestern (2M) E
8. Hawthorne (1R) E
9. Clearwater Central Catholic (1M) E
10. Trinity Catholic (1S) E
11. University Christian (1M) E
12. Trinity Christian (1M) E
13. Cardinal Newman (1M) E
14. Norland (2M) E
15. Booker T. Washington (2M) E
16. Bradford (2S) E
17. Northview (1R) +6
18. First Baptist Academy (1S) +7
19. John Carroll Catholic (1S) -2
20. Lakewood (2M) -2
21. Bolles (2M) +1
22. Pahokee (1R) -3
23. Bishop Verot (2S) +1
24. South Sumter (2S) -4
25. Calvary Christian (2M) -4

 

State Semifinals Week – Updated 11/28/22

As we enter the state semifinal round of the 2022 Florida high school football playoffs, the latest update of our Classes 1-2 Top 25 rankings features a few significant rises due to results last Friday night, as well as four new teams entering at Nos. 22-25.

University Christian sees the biggest jump – eight spots – after their 36-27 win over Trinity Christian, while Lakewood also sees a notable rise following their 63-42 win against Calvary Christian. As for those four new teams, Bolles returns at No. 22 after falling out earlier this year, while Northview, Bishop Verot, and First Baptist Academy round out the Top 25.

1. Miami Central (2M) E
2. Chaminade-Madonna (1M) E
3. American Heritage (2M) E
4. Cardinal Gibbons (2M) E
5. Florida State (2S) +1
6. Cocoa (2S) +1
7. Miami Northwestern (2M) +1
8. Hawthorne (1R) +1
9. Clearwater Central Catholic (1M) +1
10. Trinity Catholic (1S) +4
11. University Christian (1M) +8
12. Trinity Christian (1M) -7
13. Cardinal Newman (1M) -2
14. Norland (2M) -2
15. Booker T. Washington (2M) E
16. Bradford (2S) +5
17. John Carroll Catholic (1S) +5
18. Lakewood (2M) -7
19. Pahokee (1R) -2
20. South Sumter (2S) -5
21. Calvary Christian (2M) -5
22. Bolles (2M) NR
23. Northview (1R) NR
24. Bishop Verot (2S) NR
25. First Baptist Academy (1S) NR

Regional Finals Week – Updated 11/20/22

As we enter the regional final round of the 2022 Florida high school football playoffs, the latest update to our Classes 1-2 Top 25 rankings is headlined by two new teams, as well as one significant rise.

The Norland Vikings jumped 13 spots to No. 12 after their 14-7 win over a previous Top 10 team, Booker T. Washington. As for the two new teams, North Florida Christian (11-0) remained unbeaten with a 42-14 win over Maclay, while Lakewood (8-4) returns to the Top 25 after its 42-41 regional semifinal win over Tampa Catholic, which was previously ranked in the Top 25.

1. Miami Central (2M) E
2. Chaminade-Madonna (1M) E
3. American Heritage (2M) E
4. Cardinal Gibbons (2M) E
5. Trinity Christian (1M) E
6. Florida State (2S) E
7. Cocoa (2S) +2
8. Miami Northwestern (2M) -1
9. Hawthorne (1R) +1
10. Clearwater Central Catholic (1M) +1
11. Cardinal Newman (1M) +1
12. Norland (2M) +13
13. Booker T. Washington (2M) -5
14. Trinity Catholic (1S) -1
15. South Sumter (2S) -1
16. Calvary Christian (2M) -1
17. Pahokee (1R) -1
18. Lakeland Christian (1S) -1
19. University Christian (1M) -1
20. Suwannee (2S) E
21. Bradford (2S) E
22. John Carroll Catholic (1S) +1
23. West Florida (2S) -4
24. North Florida Christian (1S) NR
25. Lakewood (2M) NR

 

Regional Semifinals Week – Updated 11/15/22

With the regional quarterfinal round of the 2022 Florida high school football playoffs having now officially passed, here is the latest update of our Class 1-2 Top 25 rankings, in which there was a minimal amount of movement. 

In fact, the lone movement this week comes in the No. 21-25 spots, with each of Pensacola Catholic, John Carroll Catholic, and Tampa Catholic rising a spot due to previously ranked Gulliver Prep falling out. Class 2M’s Norland rounds out the rankings by making their return to the Top 25 at No. 25 coming off their 37-6 regional quarterfinal win over Jackson. 

1. Miami Central (2M) E
2. Chaminade-Madonna (1M) E
3. American Heritage (2M) E
4. Cardinal Gibbons (2M) E
5. Trinity Christian (1M) E
6. Florida State (2S) E
7. Miami Northwestern (2M) E
8. Booker T. Washington (2M) E
9. Cocoa (2S) E
10. Hawthorne (1R) E
11. Clearwater Central Catholic (1M) E
12. Cardinal Newman (1M) E
13. Trinity Catholic (1S) E
14. South Sumter (2S) E
15. Calvary Christian (2M) E
16. Pahokee (1R) E
17. Lakeland Christian (1S) E
18. University Christian (1M) E
19. West Florida (2S) E
20. Suwannee (2S) E
21. Bradford (2S) E
22. Pensacola Catholic (2S) +1
23. John Carroll Catholic (1S) +1
24. Tampa Catholic (2M) +1
25. Norland (2M) NR

Regional Quarterfinals Week – Updated 11/06/22

As we enter the regional quarterfinal round of the 2022 Florida high school football playoffs, the latest update of our Classes 1-2 Top 25 rankings is headlined by the debut of two new teams, Suwannee and Tampa Catholic. Suwannee (8-2) enters the rankings at No. 20 after handing Bradford its first loss of the season, with the Tornadoes dropping nine spots after their 10-7 defeat. Tampa Catholic (8-1) becomes the latest team from Class 2M to make an appearance in the Top 25 this season; the Crusaders are coming off a noteworthy 20-19 win over Jesuit.

1. Miami Central (2M) E
2. Chaminade-Madonna (1M) E
3. American Heritage (2M) E
4. Cardinal Gibbons (2M) E
5. Trinity Christian (1M) E
6. Florida State (2S) E
7. Miami Northwestern (2M) E
8. Booker T. Washington (2M) E
9. Cocoa (2S) E
10. Hawthorne (1R) E
11. Clearwater Central Catholic (1M) E
12. Cardinal Newman (1M) +1
13. Trinity Catholic (1S) +1
14. South Sumter (2S) +3
15. Calvary Christian (2M) +3
16. Pahokee (1R) +3
17. Lakeland Christian (1S) +3
18. University Christian (1M) +3
19. West Florida (2S) +4
20. Suwannee (2S) NR
21. Bradford (2S) -9
22. Gulliver Prep (2M) -7
23. Pensacola Catholic (2S) +1
24. John Carroll Catholic (1S) +1
25. Tampa Catholic (2M) NR

 

Week 11 – Updated 10/30/22

Entering the final week of the 2022 Florida high school football season, here is the latest update to our Classes 1-2 rankings, with a pair of new teams entering the fold. Class 2S’s West Florida enters at No. 23 after their big 38-14 win over Pensacola Catholic, while John Carroll Catholic comes in at No. 25. The Rams have been one of the top teams in Class 1S most of the season and currently sit at 7-1 overall.

1. Miami Central (2M) E
2. Chaminade-Madonna (1M) E
3. American Heritage (2M) E
4. Cardinal Gibbons (2M) E
5. Trinity Christian (1M) E
6. Florida State (2S) E
7. Miami Northwestern (2M) E
8. Booker T. Washington (2M) E
9. Cocoa (2S) E
10. Hawthorne (1R) E
11. Clearwater Central Catholic (1M) E
12. Bradford (2S) +1
13. Cardinal Newman (1M) +1
14. Trinity Catholic (1S) +1
15. Gulliver Prep (2M) +1
16. Lakewood (2M) +1
17. South Sumter (2S) +1
18. Calvary Christian (2M) +2
19. Pahokee (1R) +2
20. Lakeland Christian (2S) +2
21. University Christian (1M) +3
22. Andrew Jackson (2M) +3
23. West Florida (2S) NR
24. Pensacola Catholic (2S) -5
25. John Carroll Catholic (1S) NR

 

Week 10 – Updated 10/23/22

After a week that was headlined by one notable result, here is the latest update of our 2022 Florida high school football rankings for Classes 1 and 2. Previously unranked Calvary Christian enters the list at No. 20 after handing 12th-ranked Lakeland Christian its first loss of the season, 41-14. As a result, numerous teams within the bottom half of the rankings each saw a small rise, with Class 2S’ Pensacola Catholic seeing the biggest jump up to No. 19.

1. Miami Central (2M) E
2. Chaminade-Madonna (1M) E
3. American Heritage (2M) E
4. Cardinal Gibbons (2M) E
5. Trinity Christian (1M) E
6. Florida State (2S) E
7. Miami Northwestern (2M) E
8. Booker T. Washington (2M) E
9. Cocoa (2S) E
10. Hawthorne (1R) E
11. Clearwater Central Catholic (1M) E
12. Bolles (2M) +1
13. Bradford (2S) +1
14. Cardinal Newman (1M) +1
15. Trinity Catholic (1S) +1
16. Gulliver Prep (2M) +1
17. Lakewood (2M) +1
18. South Sumter (2S) +1
19. Pensacola Catholic (2S) +2
20. Calvary Christian (2M) NR
21. Pahokee (1R) +1
22. Lakeland Christian (1S) -10
23. Raines (2M) E
24. University Christian (1M) E
25. Andrew Jackson (2M) E

Week 9 – Updated 10-16-22

Despite not much movement, there were still a few takeaways in the latest update of our 2022 Florida high school football Classes 1-2 Top 25 rankings. Miami Northwestern moves up a spot within the Top 10 after defeating Booker T. Washington on Saturday, while the only other team to rise in the Top 25 was Raines moving up one spot to No. 23. The only newcomer was Class 2M’s Andrew Jackson (6-1) at No. 25.

1. Miami Central (2M) E
2. Chaminade-Madonna (1M) E
3. American Heritage (2M) E
4. Cardinal Gibbons (2M) E
5. Trinity Christian (1M) E
6. Florida State (2S) E
7. Miami Northwestern (2M) +1
8. Booker T. Washington (2M) -1
9. Cocoa (2S) E
10. Hawthorne (1R) E
11. Clearwater Central Catholic (1M) E
12. Lakeland Christian (1S) E
13. Bolles (2M) E
14. Bradford (2S) E
15. Cardinal Newman (1M) E
16. Trinity Catholic (1S) E
17. Gulliver Prep (2M) E
18. Lakewood (2M) E
19. South Sumter (2S) E
20. Wakulla (2S) E
21. Pensacola Catholic (2S) E
22. Pahokee (1R) E
23. Raines (2M) +1
24. University Christian (1M) -1
25. Andrew Jackson (2M) NR

 

Week 8 – Updated 10/9/22

As we enter Week 8 of the 2022 Florida high school football season, here are our updated Top-25 rankings for Classes 1 and 2. The two most notable takeaways were small drops by Miami Northwestern and Norland, both coming off losses, while one new team, Class 2M’s Raines, entering the rankings at No. 24. The Vikings (5-1) are coming off a 30-19 win over Ribault, and they entered the week having won four straight games.

1. Miami Central (2M) E
2. Chaminade-Madonna (1M) E
3. American Heritage (2M) E
4. Cardinal Gibbons (2M) E
5. Trinity Christian (1M) +1
6. Florida State (2S) +1
7. Booker T. Washington (2M) +1
8. Miami Northwestern (2M) -3
9. Cocoa (2S) E
10. Hawthorne (1R) E
11. Clearwater Central Catholic (1M) E
12. Lakeland Christian (1S) E
13. Bolles (2M) E
14. Bradford (2S) E
15. Cardinal Newman (1M) E
16. Trinity Catholic (1S) E
17. Gulliver Prep (2M) E
18. Lakewood (2M) E
19. South Sumter (2S) E
20. Wakulla (2S) E
21. Pensacola Catholic (2S) +1
22. Pahokee (1R) +1
23. University Christian (1M) +1
24. Raines (2M) NR
25. Norland (2M) -4

Week 7 – Updated 10/4/22

Our Florida high school football Class 1-2 Top 25 rankings see a notable amount of movement in this week’s update, headlined by a change within the top five and a new team entering at No. 24. 

American Heritage moves up a spot to No. 3 with their 21-2 win over Cardinal Gibbons, while Pahokee dropped two spots after they were defeated by Class 3M’s Dwyer 14-12. The lone team to enter the rankings this week is University Christian at No. 24, with the Christians currently sitting undefeated at 6-0 overall as one of the top teams in Class 1M.

1. Miami Central (2M)
2. Chaminade-Madonna (1M)
3. American Heritage (2M) +1
4. Cardinal Gibbons (2M) -1
5. Miami Northwestern (2M)
6. Trinity Christian (1M)
7. Florida State (2S)
8. Booker T. Washington (2M)
9. Cocoa (2S)
10. Hawthorne (1R)
11. Clearwater Central Catholic (1M)
12. Lakeland Christian (1S)
13. Bolles (2M) +1
14. Bradford (2S) +1
15. Cardinal Newman (1M) +1
16. Trinity Catholic (1S) +1
17. Gulliver Prep (2M) +1
18. Lakewood (2M) +1
19. South Sumter (2S) +1
20. Wakulla (2S) +2
21. Norland (2M) +2
22. Pensacola Catholic (2S) +2
23. Pahokee (1R) -2
24. University Christian (1M) NR
25. Madison County (1R)

 

Week 6 – Updated 9/25/22

As we enter Week 6 of the 2022 Florida high school football season, which teams saw the most notable rises and falls in our Top 25 rankings for Classes 1-2? This week’s update was one of the most action-packed of the season so far, with numerous teams having dropped in the middle half of the rankings. In addition to that, two new teams entered the Top 25 in Norland and Pensacola Catholic, both of which entered the week undefeated. 

1. Miami Central (2M) E
2. Chaminade-Madonna (1M) E
3. Cardinal Gibbons (2M) E
4. American Heritage (2M) E
5. Miami Northwestern (2M) E
6. Trinity Christian (1M) E
7. Florida State (2S) E
8. Booker T. Washington (2M) +1
9. Cocoa (2S) +1
10. Hawthorne (1R) +1
11. Clearwater Central Catholic (1M) +4
12. Lakeland Christian (1S) +5
13. Berkeley Prep (2M) -5
14. Bolles (2M) -2
15. Bradford (2S) +6
16. Cardinal Newman (1M) +6
17. Trinity Catholic (1S) -3
18. Gulliver Prep (2M) -5
19. Lakewood (2M) E
20. South Sumter (2S) +4
21. Pahokee (1R) +4
22. Wakulla (2S) -6
23. Norland (2M) NR 
24. Pensacola Catholic (2S) NR 
25. Madison County (1R) -7

Week 5 – Updated 9/18/22

After a week full of intriguing matchups in Classes 1 and 2, which Florida high school football teams were the biggest movers in this week’s update of our 2022 Top 25 rankings? Madison County and Bolles both fell in the rankings after losing their Week 4 contests, while American Heritage also dropped a spot within the top 5 after falling to Chaminade-Madonna 42-34. Class 1R’s Pahokee, now 3-1 on the year, entered the rankings after a big win over Palm Beach Central, which was ranked in our Top 25 at the time of the matchup.

1. Miami Central (2M) E
2. Chaminade-Madonna (1M) E
3. Cardinal Gibbons (2M) +1
4. American Heritage (2M) -1
5. Miami Northwestern (2M) E
6. Trinity Christian (1M) E
7. Florida State (2S) E
8. Berkeley Prep (2M) E
9. Booker T. Washington (2M) +1
10. Cocoa (2S) +1
11. Hawthorne (1R) +1
12. Bolles (2M) -3
13. Gulliver Prep (2M) +1
14. Trinity Catholic (1S) +1
15. Clearwater Central Catholic (1M) +1
16. Wakulla (2S) +1
17. Lakeland Christian (1S) +1
18. Madison County (1R) -5
19. Lakewood (2M) E
20. Killian (2M) E
21. Bradford (2S) E
22. Cardinal Newman (1M) +1
23. South Walton (2S) +1
24. South Sumter (2S) +1
25. Pahokee (1R) NR

 

Week 4 – Updated 9/11/22

As we enter Week 4 of the 2022 Florida high school football season, which teams rose and fell in our latest Classes 1 and 2 Top 25 Rankings? The biggest stories from the past weekend included Cocoa, Madison County, and Killian each dropping in the rankings; however, none of those three fell very far since their Week 3 losses came against tough opponents. Week 4 is sure to bring more movement, thanks to a number of intriguing matchups on tap, including  Chaminade-Madonna vs. American Heritage and Trinity Christian vs. Bolles.

1. Miami Central (2M)
2. Chaminade-Madonna (1M)
3. American Heritage (2M)
4. Cardinal Gibbons (2M)
5. Miami Northwestern (2M)
6. Trinity Christian (1M) +1
7. Florida State (2S) +2
8. Berkeley Prep (2M) +3
9. Bolles (2M) –1
10. Booker T. Washington (2M) +2
11. Cocoa (2S) –5
12. Hawthorne (1R) +2
13. Madison County (1R) –3
14. Gulliver Prep (2M) –1
15. Trinity Catholic (1S)
16. Clearwater Central Catholic (1M)
17. Wakulla (2S)
18. Lakeland Christian (1S) +2
19. Lakewood (2M)
20. Killian (2M) –2
21. Bradford (2S)
22. Baker County (2S)
23. Cardinal Newman (1M)
24. South Walton (2S)
25. South Sumter (2S)

Week 3 – Updated 9/4/22

With one big upset headlining the week, our Florida high school football Classes 1-2 Top 25 rankings receive an update entering Week 3 of the 2022 season. Week 2 was distinguished by Trinity Catholic’s 35-27 defeat of Clearwater Central Catholic to enter the Top 25 for the first time this season. The Celtics sit in the No. 15 spot, while Clearwater Central Catholic took the biggest fall of the week, from No. 11 down to 16.

1. Miami Central (2M) E
2. Chaminade-Madonna (1M) E
3. American Heritage (2M) E
4. Cardinal Gibbons (2M) E
5. Miami Northwestern (2M) E
6. Cocoa (2S) E
7. Trinity Christian (1M) E
8. Bolles (2M) E
9. Florida State (2S) E
10. Madison County (1R) E
11. Berkeley Prep (2M) +1
12. Booker T. Washington (2M) +1
13. Gulliver Prep (2M) +1
14. Hawthorne (1R) +2
15. Trinity Catholic (1S) NR
16. Clearwater Central Catholic (1M) -5
17. Wakulla (2S) +1
18. Killian (2M) -3
19. Lakewood (2M) -2
20. Lakeland Christian (1S) -1
21. Bradford (2S) -1
22. Baker County (2S) -1
23. Cardinal Newman (1M) -1
24. South Walton (2S) -1
25. South Sumter (2S) -1

Week 2 – Updated 8/28/22

With Week 1 of the 2022 Florida high school football season having officially passed, our Classes 1R, 1S, 1M, 2S, and 2M Top 25 Rankings receives its first update of the year. Miami Central takes over the No. 1 spot in this week’s update after the Rockets upset IMG Academy 20-14, while previous No. 1 Chaminade-Madonna falls to No. 2. Teams such as Clearwater Central Catholic, Florida State, and Madison County also saw notable rises, while three new teams entered the Top 25, headlined by 2M’s Booker T. Washington at No. 13.

1. Miami Central (2M) +1
2. Chaminade-Madonna (1M) -1
3. American Heritage (2M) E
4. Cardinal Gibbons (2M) E
5. Miami Northwestern (2M) E
6. Cocoa (2S) E
7. Trinity Christian (1M) +2
8. Bolles (2M) +2
9. Florida State (2S) +3
10. Madison County (1R) +3
11. Clearwater Central Catholic (1M) +4
12. Berkeley Prep (2M) -4
13. Booker T. Washington (2M) NR
14. Gulliver Prep (2M) -7
15. Killian (2M) -4
16. Hawthorne (1R) E
17. Lakewood (2M) E
18. Wakulla (2S) E
19. Lakeland Christian (1S) E
20. Bradford (2S) NR
21. Baker County (2S) -7
22. Cardinal Newman (1M) -2
23. First Baptist Academy (1S) -2
24. South Walton (2S) E
25. South Sumter (2S) NR

Preseason Rankings

The second half of our preseason Top 25 rankings for the 2022 Florida high school football season comprises Classes 1R, 1S, 1M, 2S, and 2M (Metro, Suburban, and Rural divisions).

1. Chaminade-Madonna (1M)

The defending 3A state champions, Class 1M’s Chaminade-Madonna claims the top spot in our Florida Classes 2M/S, 1M/S and 1R rankings by a very slim margin entering the 2022 season. The Lions will have one of the state’s most talented offenses, returning names such as Cedrick Bailey, Davion Gause, Duane Thomas Jr, and Jeremiah Smith, while also adding a key transfer in wide receiver Joshisa Trader.

2. Miami Central (2M)

Defending 5A state champion Miami Central is right there in the conversation for the top spot alongside Chaminade-Madonna, and the Rockets are one of the preseason favorites in Class 2M. They return a talented roster led by one of the state’s top defensive linemen, edge rusher Reuben Bain.

3. American Heritage (2M)

Despite a regional semifinal playoff exit a year ago, American Heritage still enters the 2022 campaign as one of the most talented teams in Florida. The Patriots return quarterback Blake Murphy after missing a majority of last season due to injury, adding to a roster that also returns names such as Brandon Inniss and Mark Fletcher.

4. Cardinal Gibbons (2M)

The defending 4A state champions, Cardinal Gibbons is yet another team to watch for in a deep Florida Class 2M. The Chiefs return multiple names from a year ago, most notably the offensive trio of Dylan Rizk, Kamari Moulton, and Jesse Anderson.

5. Miami Northwestern (2M)

The Bulls reached a 6A state semifinal a year ago and return a number of names who will contribute to one of the state’s top passing offenses. Leading that group will be one of the state’s top quarterbacks, senior Taron Dickens, as well as others such as Jamari Ford and Andy Jean.

6. Cocoa (2S)

Cocoa fell in the 4A state title game a year ago, and now enter 2022 as arguably the preseason favorite in Class 2S. The Tigers return a talented roster led by one of the state’s top safeties in Cedrick Hawkins.

7. Gulliver Prep (2M)

Last season Gulliver Prep fell 36-33 in a regional final to eventual 4A state champion Cardinal Gibbons. The school will be a big player in Class 2M this season. The 2022 Raiders offense will feature one of the state’s top wide receivers in senior Jalen Brown.

8. Berkeley Prep (2M)

The Buccaneers went undefeated a year ago before falling to Chaminade-Madonna in the 3A state title game. They should be among the better teams in Class 2M this season. Headlining Berkeley Prep’s 2022 roster is five-star Keon Keeley, arguably the top defensive lineman in Florida.

9. Trinity Christian (1M)

Trinity Christian enters the 2022 season after an impressive 2021 campaign in which the Conquerors won 10 games to capture the 2A state title. Headlining the 2022 roster is a talented offense that features quarterback Colin Hurley and the running back duo of Treyaun Webb and Darnell Rogers.

10. Bolles (2M)

The Bulldogs round out the top 10 teams in our 2022 preseason Top 25 look at Florida Classes 2M/S, 1M/S and 1R. They reached the 4A state semifinals a year ago and return a few notable names from that team, including two key pieces along the offensive front in lineman Brendan Black and tight end Connor Cox.

11. Killian (2M)

12. Florida State (2S)

13. Madison County (1R)

14. Baker County (2S)

15. Clearwater Central Catholic (1M)

Killian is a potential sleeper to watch for in Class 2M after reaching a 2021 regional final in which the Cougars fell to eventual 5A state champion Miami Central. Defending 1A state champion Madison County enters the season as a favorite in Class 1R, while Baker County and Florida State are coming off notable playoff runs – both reached state semifinals a year ago.

16. Hawthorne (1R)

17. Lakewood (2M)

18. Wakulla (2S)

19. Lakeland Christian (1S)

20. Cardinal Newman (1M)

After falling in the 1A state title game in 2021, Hawthorne will be among the favorites in Class 1R this season. Class 2M’s Lakewood is also a notable team to watch for, as the Spartans return one of Florida’s top quarterbacks in senior Anthony Colandrea.

21. First Baptist Academy (1S)

22. The Villages Charter (2S)

23. Benjamin (1M)

24. South Walton (2S)

25. Orlando Christian Prep (1M)

A few of these teams made notable playoff runs a year ago, with First Baptist Academy and Orlando Christian Prep both reaching the 2A state semifinals. South Walton returns a key player in Pearce Spurlin, one of the top tight ends in the state.