After the state underwent reclassification during the offseason, what are the deepest regions entering the 2022 Florida high school football season? We look at the top five, along with the best teams in each.
1. Class 2M-Region 4
Notable Teams: Miami Central, Miami Northwestern, Killian, Gulliver Prep
We begin with Class 2M-Region 4, arguably the deepest of Florida high school football regions in 2022. With teams all based around the talent-rich area of Miami, the region is headlined by defending 5A state champion Miami Central, which will again be among Florida’s best.
Miami Northwestern, Killian, and Gulliver Prep also are expected to be strong again this season, and Booker T. Washington, Edison, and Monsignor Pace add to the region’s depth. No game against an opponent within 2M-Region 4 will be easy by any means, not even for Miami Central.
2. Class 3M-Region 1
Notable Teams: Tampa Bay Tech, Edgewater, Jones, Wharton
While the gap between spots 2-5 is perhaps a little slimmer than that of 1-2, the choice here at the No. 2 spot goes to Class 3M-Region 1. 2021 Class 7A state runner-up Tampa Bay Tech leads the way, but the Titans are not the only noteworthy team in 3M-Region 1 entering the season.
Jones also reached the Class 6A state semifinal round a year ago, while both Edgewater and Wharton were among 7A’s top teams. Throw in a few other teams such as Armwood and Oviedo and it’s clear that no win will be easy against a team in 3M-Region 1 this season, especially any of the ones listed above.
3. Class 4S-Region 1
Notable Teams: Buchholz, Nease, Niceville, Bartram Trail
With arguably no clear-cut top team entering the season, Class 4S-Region 1 might be the deepest in the state. Yes, there are anywhere from four-to-five teams that could be labeled as the best in 4S-Region 1 as we approach the fall.
While there is no clear favorite, Buchholz could might have the best argument for that distinction, while teams such as Nease, Niceville, and Bartram Trail also are among the best in the region entering the fall. Don’t sleep on other teams in 4S-Region 1, such as Fleming Island or Creekside, either, because in a region as deep and talented as this is, any of these easily could be the best.
4. Class 4M-Region 4
Notable Teams: Miami Columbus, Miami Palmetto, Western, Doral Academy
Another region consisting of teams from the Miami area, Class 4M-Region 4 comes in at No. 4 on this list. However, 4M-Region 4 sets itself apart from the others mentioned so far due to the fact that there are four clear top teams entering the 2022 season.
Miami Columbus is arguably the headliner of the group, having reached the Class 8A state semifinals a year ago, with Miami Palmetto and Western are the teams the Explorers beat in the regional semifinal and final, respectively. Doral Academy could also be a big player in 4M-Region 4, with the Firebirds coming off a Class 7A playoff appearance last season.
5. Class 2S-Region 1
Notable Teams: Florida State, South Walton, Wakulla, Walton
The final spot on this list of deepest Florida high school football regions in 2022 goes to Class 2S-Region 1, a region that is potentially wide open entering the year – anywhere from four to five potential teams could be labeled as the best at this point.
Florida State probably is the most notable team of the bunch after reaching the Class 3A state semifinals a year ago. South Walton and Wakulla also turned in playoff runs. Throw in Walton and West Florida to the mix and it’s clear just how deep 2S-Region 1 really is.
