Florida and Texas High School Football: Spotlight on Top Players and Key Storylines for 2024

Historic Showdown: St. Thomas Aquinas and Chaminade-Madonna Face Off After 43 Years

No. 9 St. Thomas Aquinas faces No. 29 Chaminade-Madonna for the first time in 43 years, setting the stage for one of Florida's most anticipated high school football matchups. With both teams in top form, this game promises to be a close contest between state powerhouses.

1 week ago

Bekkem Kritza Joins Chaminade-Madonna: New Chapter for the Penn State Commit

Highly-touted QB Bekkem Kritza has transferred from Miami Central to Chaminade-Madonna, aiming for a fresh start ahead of his Penn State career. The 2025 commit brings his pro-style play and leadership to a program known for producing top-tier talent.

2 weeks ago

WR Malachi Toney Reclassifies to 2025 Class, Set for Final Season at American Heritage

Miami commit Malachi Toney, a 5’10” 4-star wide receiver, has reclassified to the 2025 class, fast-tracking his journey to the collegiate level. The American Heritage (FL) standout is poised to make a huge impact in his final high school season, solidifying his status as one of the top WR prospects in the nation. Toney’s move strengthens Miami’s recruiting class and puts him on the fast track to becoming a key offensive weapon for the Hurricanes.

4 weeks ago

Florida High School Football: The Stars to Watch Florida high school football continues to produce elite talent, with several players making headlines in the 2024 season. At IMG Academy, 5-star safety KJ Bolden is dominating the defensive side of the ball. Already committed to Florida State, Bolden is a versatile player with the ability to disrupt offenses and make key tackles in space. His presence on the field has led to IMG Academy maintaining its status as one of the top programs in the country. Bolden isn’t just fast and powerful—he’s a leader who anchors the team’s defense and is considered one of the best safeties in the nation.

Over at Chaminade-Madonna (Hollywood), wide receiver Jeremiah Smith continues to showcase why he's the top WR recruit in the 2024 class. Committed to Ohio State, Smith has been torching defenses with his elite route-running and hands. In the opening weeks, he has racked up numerous touchdowns, often making highlight-reel catches that have drawn attention nationwide. Smith's ability to consistently stretch the field and burn defenses makes him a pivotal part of Chaminade’s offensive scheme.

Quarterback Colin Hurley of Trinity Christian Academy (Jacksonville) is another name making waves this season. Only a junior, Hurley has already committed to LSU and is known for his cannon of an arm and poise in the pocket. In early games this season, Hurley has thrown for over 1,000 yards, putting him on track to break numerous school records. With his leadership and arm strength, Trinity Christian is a strong contender for another deep playoff run.

Texas High School Football: Elite Performers Leading the Charge In Texas, powerhouse programs like Duncanville, North Shore, and Westlake are as dominant as ever. One of the most talked-about players is David Stone, a 5-star defensive tackle from IMG Academy who transferred to Texas powerhouse Duncanville for his senior season. Stone, a Oklahoma commit, is a game-changer on the defensive line with his explosive first step and ability to disrupt the backfield. His addition has bolstered an already stout Duncanville defense, which is expected to make a deep playoff run.

Micah Hudson, a 5-star wide receiver from Lake Travis, has been lighting up defenses across Texas. Hudson, who remains uncommitted but has offers from top programs like Texas, Alabama, and USC, is a versatile receiver capable of lining up outside or in the slot. His combination of speed and route-running precision has made him nearly impossible to defend, and he’s already tallied multiple 100+ yard games this season. As Lake Travis pushes for a state title, Hudson will continue to be the focal point of their offense.

On the defensive side, Ethan Nation of North Shore (Houston) is making a strong case as one of the top cornerbacks in the country. Known for his physical style of play and elite ball skills, Nation has already intercepted several passes this season, often shutting down the opponent’s best receiver. His leadership and ability to make game-changing plays are crucial for North Shore as they chase yet another state championship.

Rising Stars and Impactful Moments Several underclassmen are also beginning to emerge as future stars. In Florida, Desmond Ricks, a 5-star cornerback at IMG Academy, is quickly becoming one of the most sought-after recruits in the 2025 class. Ricks is already drawing comparisons to elite corners like Patrick Surtain due to his size, instincts, and ability to lock down receivers on an island. His presence in the secondary has made IMG's defense nearly impenetrable.

In Texas, D.J. Lagway, a highly-touted junior quarterback from Willis High School, is proving that he is the real deal. Already committed to Florida, Lagway has impressed scouts with his dual-threat capabilities. In just a few games this season, Lagway has passed for over 1,200 yards and rushed for nearly 300 more, proving to be one of the most exciting quarterbacks in the nation.

What’s at Stake: Playoff Implications and Beyond As both Florida and Texas high school football powerhouses continue their seasons, the stakes only get higher. For programs like St. Thomas Aquinas, Lakeland, and Duncanville, the goal is clear: win a state championship. But individual players also have much on the line. For many, these performances will solidify or boost their college prospects, with top recruits like Jeremiah Smith, KJ Bolden, and Micah Hudson looking to solidify their future as college football stars.

For players on the rise, this season represents an opportunity to make a name for themselves. High school football in Florida and Texas not only serves as a proving ground for talent but also sets the stage for future college football and NFL stars.

With numerous teams vying for championships and players competing for national recognition, the 2024 high school football season in both states is shaping up to be one for the ages. Keep an eye on these top players and programs as the race for state titles intensifies.