For eight Florida high school football teams entering the 2022 season, the biggest question is whether they can win back-to-back state championships. We take a look at each of those 2021 champions and assess their chances to repeat.
Venice
Venice went 14-1 a year ago to capture the 8A state championship. The Indians are now in Class 4S, where they’re among the preseason favorites to win another state title. Led by a defense featuring the duo of edge rusher Damon Wilson and safety Elliot Washington, the Indians should be in a position to make a deep run again this fall, likely reaching at least a regional final.
St. Thomas Aquinas
The Raiders, the defending 7A state champions, will easily be among the state’s best again this season, and they are one of the preseason favorites in Class 3M. A team loaded with talent on both sides of the ball, St. Thomas Aquinas is arguably a lock to reach at least a regional final and likely has an excellent chance to play for a state title again.
Jesuit
St. Thomas Aquinas isn’t the only defending state champion in Class 3M this season as Jesuit is also coming off a 5A state title a year ago, as well as an undefeated season in which the Tigers defeated the Raiders 24-21 early in the year. With a talented returning roster featuring names such as linebacker Troy Bowles and running back Joquez Smith, Jesuit, similar to St. Thomas Aquinas, will certainly be in the mix in 3M late in the year.
Miami Central
Miami Central is poised to be among Florida high school football’s best again in 2022. The Rockets are coming off a season in which they won the 5A state title while not losing to an in-state team. Led by standout defensive lineman Rueben Bain, they are as talented as almost any team in the state and should reach a state semifinal this season. However, it will not be an easy road through a Class 2M that is as tough as any classification in the state.
Cardinal Gibbons
Speaking of that deep Class 2M, Cardinal Gibbons is another of the defending 2021 Florida state champions who could repeat. The Chiefs captured the 4A state title a year ago, and based on the fact that they return numerous key names such as quarterback Dylan Rizk, running back Kamari Moulton, and more, Cardinal Gibbons should have a strong chance to contend for a state title again in 2022.
Chaminade-Madonna
The Lions captured the 3A state title a year ago and are arguably the clear favorite in Class 1M entering the new season. Boasting one of the most talented offenses in Florida, Chaminade-Madonna was the No. 1 preseason team in our Class 2-1 Top 25 rankings and could easily end the year in that same spot, along with adding a state title along the way.
Trinity Christian
One of the biggest threats to Chaminade-Madonna winning the Class 1M state title this season could be Trinity Christian, the defending 2A state champion. The Conquerors also return a notable amount of production on the offensive side of the ball in the trio of quarterback Colin Hurley and running backs Treyaun Webb and Darnell Rogers. They should be among the best in 1M this season.
Madison County
The final entry on the list of eight Florida state champions from 2021, Madison County captured the 1A state title last season with a 13-12 win over Hawthorne. The Cowboys certainly could repeat. They should at least reach a Class 1R state semifinal, where a potential rematch with Hawthorne could await.
Now that you’ve seen a short peek at how the 2021 Florida high school state champions look entering the 2022 season, who do you think has the best chance to repeat?
