This past week featured a key round in the 2024 Florida high school football playoffs as the classifications across the state dwindled down from eight teams remaining to four. Here is a look at some of the state’s top performers from the regional finals of the 2024 FHSAA football state playoffs.
James Perrone, Quarterback – Miami Southridge Spartans
James Perrone completed 17-of-25 passes for 400 yards and five touchdowns in Southridge’s 51-21 win over West Broward. The sophomore also rushed for 42 yards on three attempts.
Brady Hart, Quarterback – Cocoa Tigers
Brady Hart, a four-star prospect who recently flipped from Michigan to Texas A&M, completed 20-of-36 passes for 299 yards and four touchdowns in Cocoa’s 40-3 win over Newberry. Hart also rushed for 22 yards on four attempts.
Malachi Toney, Athlete – American Heritage Patriots
Malachi Toney completed 9-of-13 passes for 122 yards and three touchdowns in the Patriots’ 35-14 win over Norland. The athlete also rushed for 103 yards and a touchdown on six attempts.
Noah Grubbs, Quarterback – Lake Mary Rams
Despite throwing an interception, Noah Grubbs completed 8-of-14 passes for 184 yards and three touchdowns in Lake Mary’s 42-3 win over Seminole.
Dereon Coleman, Quarterback – Jones Fightin’ Tigers
Dereon Coleman completed 17-of-24 passes for 284 yards and two touchdowns in Jones’ 27-13 win over Vanguard. The Miami commit also rushed for 57 yards on four attempts.
Taevion Swint, Running Back – Osceola Kowboys
Taevion Swint rushed for 147 yards and two touchdowns on 18 attempts in Osceola’s 17-7 win over Armwood. The UCF commit also had a reception for 5 yards.
Dylan Bennett, Linebacker – American Heritage Patriots
Dylan Bennett compiled 10 tackles, three tackles for loss, one sack, and one forced fumble in the Patriots’ 35-14 win over Norland. The junior also rushed for 8 yards on two attempts.
Vernell Brown III, Wide Receiver – Jones Fightin’ Tigers
Vernell Brown III, a five-star Florida commit, had six receptions for 112 yards and one touchdown in Jones’ 27-13 win over Vanguard.
Julian Mendez, Linebacker – Western Wildcats
Julian Mendez had nine tackles and one TFL in Western’s 27-25 loss to Miami Columbus.
Noah Sidan, Kicker – Chaminade-Madonna Lions
Noah Sidan was a perfect 7-for-7 on extra point attempts in Chaminade-Madonna’s 49-6 win over Edison.
