Here is our final set of predictions of the 2023 Florida high school football season, with this week’s state championship slate turning our usual “Pick 6” in a “Pick 9.”
Miami Columbus vs. Mandarin
Beginning with Class 4M, defending state champion Miami Columbus (12-2) seeks its second consecutive title in the classification. The Explorers and the Mandarin Mustangs (11-3) last met in the 2018 Class 8A state title game, where Mandarin came away with a 37-35 victory.
Prediction: Miami Columbus 30, Mandarin 28
Venice vs. Lakeland
The Class 4S title will be decided in one of the state’s more anticipated matchups, as Venice (12-2) collides with defending state champion Lakeland (11-3). This is a rematch of last season’s 4S championship game, which Lakeland won 21-14.
Prediction: Venice 24, Lakeland 23
St. Thomas Aquinas vs. Homestead
Arguably the most intriguing matchup of the week comes in Class 3M, where St. Thomas Aquinas (13-1) squares off with Homestead (12-1) in a rematch of the 2022 state title game. The Raiders won last season’s matchup by a final score of 38-21.
Prediction: St. Thomas Aquinas 33, Homestead 26
St. Augustine vs. Mainland
Class 3S sees St. Augustine (13-0) try to complete an undefeated season against Mainland (13-1). The Buccaneers finished the 2022 campaign as the 3S state runner-up.
Prediction: Mainland 30, St. Augustine 24
Norland vs. Berkeley Prep
The Class 2M title will be decided between Norland (14-0) and Berkeley Prep (12-2), with the latter coming off a big 17-14 win over American Heritage last week.
Prediction: Norland 33, Berkeley Prep 17
Cocoa vs. Bradford
Two impressive defenses face off in the Class 2S title game, as Cocoa (13-1) meets Bradford (14-0). The Tigers are allowing an average of 9.2 points per game, while Bradford is giving up only 5 PPG.
Prediction: Cocoa 20, Bradford 14
Chaminade-Madonna vs. Clearwater Central Catholic
Another rematch from last season takes place in Class 1M, where defending state champion Chaminade-Madonna (13-0) faces off against Clearwater Central Catholic (13-0) in a battle of unbeatens. The Lions won the teams’ last meeting, a 48-14 decision in 2022.
Prediction: Chaminade-Madonna 38, Clearwater Central Catholic 21
Cardinal Mooney vs. Trinity Catholic
Class 1S will be decided between the Cardinal Mooney Cougars (11-2) and the Trinity Catholic Celtics (6-7). The Celtics finished last season as the 1S state runner-up, while Cardinal Mooney fell in the regional semifinals a year ago.
Prediction: Cardinal Mooney 24, Trinity Catholic 23
Hawthorne vs. Madison County
Our Florida high school state championship predictions conclude with Class 1R, where the Hawthorne Hornets (12-0) put their undefeated record on the line against the Madison County Cowboys (10-1). The games is a rematch of the 2021 Class 1A state title game, when the Cowboys defeated Hawthorne 13-12. That contest marked the last time the defending 1R state champions lost.
Prediction: Hawthorne 24, Madison County 17
