1. Cocoa at IMG Academy
This game is the crown jewel of Florida’s Week 3 matchups. The Cocoa Tigers travel to face the IMG Academy Ascenders in a clash of titans. Despite an early-season stumble, IMG remains the state’s No. 1 team. This showdown features a duel between top-tier quarterbacks: Cocoa’s 2026 Michigan commit Brady Hart , and IMG’s 2025 SMU commit Ty Hawkins. Both teams are stacked with talent, but the outcome may be decided in the trenches.
Players to Watch
Cocoa: Brady Hart (QB), Jayvann Boggs (WR), Javion Hilson (DL), Jaquez Joiner(DL)
IMG Academy: Ty Hawkins (QB), Michael Carroll (OL), Donovan Olugbode(WR), Gavin Nix (LB), Eric McFarland (WR)
2. Lakeland at Lake Mary
All eyes in Polk County will be on this matchup as Lakeland visits Lake Mary. Lakeland, fresh off a bye week and a statement win over Miami Central, faces off against one of the nation’s top 2026 quarterbacks, Lake Mary’s Notre Dame commit Noah Grubbs . Lake Mary’s balanced attack and staunch defense will be tested by a Lakeland squad that is looking to continue its march towards state supremacy.
Players to Watch
Lakeland: Malik Morris (LB), Keon Young(DB), Shanard Clower (ATH), Jadarius Dobie (RB)
Lake Mary: Noah Grubbs (QB), Isaiah Thomas (RB), TJ Clayton (DB)
3. American Heritage at Chaminade-Madonna
This clash of South Florida powerhouses is a must-watch despite the teams’ early-season records. Both American Heritage and Chaminade-Madonna have a reputation for producing 5-star talent and winning big games. With Heritage sitting at 1-1 and Chaminade-Madonna at 0-2, this game carries significant weight for both teams as they seek to right the ship and build momentum for the rest of the season.
Players to Watch
American Heritage: Dia Bell (QB), Malachi Toney (WR), Greg Thomas (DL)
Chaminade-Madonna: Jabari Brady (WR), Koby Howard (WR), Jasen Lopez (WR)
4. Bolles vs. St. Augustine
The top matchup in North Florida pits Bolles against a surging St. Augustine team. After a tough opening loss to Raines, Bolles is looking to bounce back and avoid a second consecutive year loss to St. Augustine. With talent on both sides, this game promises to be a fierce battle.
Players to Watch
Bolles: Naeem Burroughs (WR), Simeon Caldwell (LB), Asher Ghito (DL), Ryan Ingram (OL)
St. Augustine: Locklan Hewlett (QB), Somourian Wingo (WR), Carl Jenkins (DB), Trenton Jones (ATH)
5. Venice at Bishop Verot
In a battle of the West Coast, Venice takes on an undefeated Bishop Verot squad. Both teams boast potent offenses, with Venice looking like a state championship contender. Bishop Verot, with key wins over Jesuit and Tampa Catholic, will lean on their young talent and veteran leadership in this high-stakes game. Watch for a showcase of offensive firepower, headlined by Bishop Verot’s Michigan-bound quarterback Carter Smith and Venice’s nationally ranked wide receiver Winston Watkins .
Players to Watch
Bishop Verot: Carter Smith (QB), Deshon Jenkins Jr (RB)
Venice: Winston Watkins (WR), Jayce Nixon (QB), Asharri Charles (LB)
6. Tampa Bay Tech at Armwood
It’s a classic Tampa Bay showdown as Armwood (2-0) hosts Tampa Bay Tech (1-1) in what could be an early-season statement game. Armwood has been a well-oiled machine so far, coming off a huge road win over Miami Norland, showcasing a defense that clamps down and doesn’t give an inch. They’re rolling with confidence, especially after knocking off a top-tier opponent. On the other side, Tampa Bay Tech has had its ups and downs, navigating through QB changes, but Darryon Jones seems to have found his groove. After a massive 74-0 blowout of Wharton last week, their offense looks dangerous and ready to test Armwood’s stout D.
