Florida High School Football State Title Favorites
As the 2021 Florida high school football playoffs are fast-approaching, here is a look at which team should be considered the favorite to win the state title in each classification.
8A – Venice
While you could also make an excellent argument for defending 8A state champion Seminole, how about make one for Venice as the favorite? The Indians sit at 8-1 on the season having outscored opponents a combined 375-106, and own many impressive wins over the likes of Edgewater, Cocoa, and Riverview Sarasota. While Seminole is not a bad choice either, what Venice has done this season has cemented the Indians as the arguable state title favorite in Class 8A.
7A – St. Thomas Aquinas
While Tampa Bay Tech is another potential selection, it is hard to bet against defending Class 7A state champion St. Thomas Aquinas. The Raiders finished the regular season at 9-1 with their lone loss coming to undefeated Jesuit, and have been impressive on both sides of the ball, in-particular with an offense averaging 41 PPG. Holding wins over prominent Florida high school teams such as Dillard, Cardinal Gibbons, and American Heritage, St. Thomas Aquinas should be the favorite from a deep Class 7A.
6A – Jesuit
Class 6A will crown a new state champion in 2021, with Jesuit as arguably the clear favorite. Undefeated at 9-0, the Tigers own impressive wins over the likes of St. Thomas Aquinas and Clearwater Central Catholic, and have outscored opponents a combined 313-76 this season. While Jesuit is the favorite, don’t necessarily rule-out a few others such as Naples, Pine Forest, or Miami Northwestern either.
5A – Miami Central
An excellent case can be made for others such as defending 5A state champion American Heritage, Killian, and Rockledge, but defending 6A state champion Miami Central is the clear favorite. The Rockets sit at 7-2 on the season, and have won seven straight after dropping both of their first two games to St. John Bosco (CA) and Bishop Gorman (NV). Miami Central has outscored opponents a combined 353-102, and should be a favorite to win another state title in 2021.
4A – Cocoa
One of the toughest to call is Class 4A as Gulliver Prep, defending 4A state champion Cardinal Gibbons, Bolles, and Lakewood could all play a role, as well as potential favorite Cocoa. At 7-1, the Tigers lone loss came to 8A’s Venice by one point, while Cocoa has also beaten numerous notable teams including Osceola, Treasure Coast, and Spruce Creek. The Class 4A playoffs will be one of the most-unpredictable in the state, but don’t be surprised if Cocoa plays the role of favorite.
3A – Chaminade-Madonna
Arguably the biggest favorite of all comes from Class 3A in Chaminade-Madonna. One of the top overall teams in the state of Florida, the Lions sit at 7-1 on the season, while holding numerous impressive wins over the likes of Miami Columbus, Buford (GA), Seminole, and Gulliver Prep. Chaminade-Madonna is the clear favorite, but teams such as Berkeley Prep and Florida State cannot be overlooked either.
2A – Trinity Christian
Despite moving down in classification this season, defending 3A state champion Trinity Christian is arguably the clear favorite in Class 2A. Standing at 6-3 on the season, the Conquerors have looked impressive this season on both sides of the ball while holding impressive wins over the likes of American Heritage and Clearwater Academy International. While Trinity Christian may be the arguable favorite, defending 2A state champion Champagnat Catholic is not too far behind at all.
1A – Hawthorne
Class 1A holds many potential options such as Union County, Madison County, and defending state champion Baker, but you could make an excellent argument that Hawthorne is the favorite. Undefeated at 7-0, the Hornets have outscored opponents a combined 236-56, and have one of the top overall defenses in Class 1A led by defensive end Jailen Ruth. Hawthorne has looked dominant for the entire season, and has showed no signs of slowing down as we enter the playoffs.
Written by: Matt Melton
