What are the biggest high school football games in Florida this season?

Some games are so anticipated, so intense that they cross over from athletic contest to can't-miss event.

That's certainly the case on Friday nights in Florida.

Here are some of the biggest high school football games around the state this season.

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Big Bend

Miami Edison at Rickards (Sept. 23) 

I could easily say the game to watch is Godby/Rickards, but that's common knowledge in the Big Bend. The game you're going to want to circle, underline and bold this season is when Miami Edison travels to Rickards, not at Gene Cox, but on the blue turf on Jim Lee Rd. There's a ton of talent on both sides of the ball in senior defensive back Tristen Sion, senior wide receiver Rico Watkins, senior wide receiver Nathaniel Joseph, and defensive lineman Dinellson Exume to name a few. It should be an electric environment! — Jack Williams, Tallahassee Democrat

Find out more: 10 Big Bend football matchups you're not going to want to miss this fall

Bradenton-Sarasota

St. Frances Academy at Venice High (Sept. 15)

St. Frances Academy of Baltimore, Maryland, will make the trip south to visit Venice High in a game televised on ESPN2. It will be the Panthers' second trip to Venice. A national power, they also were here in 2019 and handed Venice a 49-7 loss. Last year, St. Frances made two trips to the Sunshine State, losing at St. Thomas Aquinas, 38-23, on the first week of the season and handing IMG Academy its only loss of the season, 34-24, on the final week of the regular season.

The other must-see game also involves Venice, but it is the fall classic when IMG Academy visits Venice High on Aug. 19. — Dennis Maffezzoli, Sarasota Herald-Tribune

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Daytona Beach

DeLand at Mainland (Aug. 26)

DeLand enters this season as one of the most intriguing teams around as it undergoes a huge stylistic shift under first-year head coach Rick Darlington, who won three FHSAA state championships at Apopka. The Bulldogs will run out of a wing scheme, which could suit budding stars Javon Ross and TJ Moore in the ground and aerial game.

Mainland harbors championship dreams and enters the season as one of the favorites in its reconfigured region within Class 3S. Damarcus Creecy and E'Zaiah Shine will compete for the opening-night start at QB for the Bucs, whose stacked junior class includes WR James Randle, DB Zavier Mincey and DE/TE LJ McCray. — Chris Boyle, Daytona Beach News-Journal

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Fort Lauderdale

Broward County vs.the USA (Aug. 25-27)

Ok, so it's cheating to pick seven games instead of one. Deal with it. This will be three amazing days of football. Just check out the lineup: Stranahan vs. Life Christian (Virginia), Western vs. Johns Creek (Georgia), Dillard vs. Rock Creek (Maryland), Cardinal Gibbons vs. Dematha (Maryland), St. Thomas Aquinas vs. St. Joseph's (Pennsylvania), American Heritage vs. Los Alamitos (California) and Chaminade-Madonna vs. St. John's (Washington D.C.). If this needs a whole lot of explanation or analysis, you just don't get it. — Jon Santucci, USA Today Network 

Fort Myers

St. Thomas Aquinas at Fort Myers (Sept. 2)

Headlining a loaded slate of Week 2 contests is a rivalry renewed between the Raiders and the Green Wave. This game carries a lot of meaning for Sam Sirianni Jr. and those who have been involved in the Fort Myers football program over the past 40 years. The matchup comes nearly 20 years since Sam Sirianni Sr. passed away in 2002, and 30 years since their 1992 state semifinal contest where both teams were ranked inside USA Today's top 10 nationwide. Expect this game to be a sentimental one for the Sirianni family on Sam Sirianni Night, where longtime Aquinas head coach George Smith is expected to partake in the pregame coin toss with Sirianni's widow, Margaret. — Alex Martin, The News-Press

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Gainesville

Lake City Columbia at Buchholz (Aug. 25)

Fortunately for us folks here in Gainesville, we don't have to wait around for a postseason-caliber matchup. In fact, what I'm calling the one "can't miss game" of the season comes in the very first regular-season game played in the Gainesville area: a Week 1, Thursday night showdown between the Columbia Tigers and Buchholz Bobcats. What's so exciting about this matchup is the number of blue chip prospects on each roster. But making matters more interesting is the fact that many of those blue chip prospects will directly battle each other. Columbia boasts a stingy secondary with guys like Amare Ferrell (Indiana commit) and Jaden Robinson (South Carolina commit) in the defensive backfield. Meanwhile, Buchholz's offense is loaded with talent with Creed Whittemore (Florida commit) under center and Jaren Hamilton, who is weighing offers from Alabama, Tennessee, USC and Michigan, at receiver. Pair all this with the fact that this matchup will be played under the lights of Citizens Field and it makes for a perfect opener to the high school football season. — Ainslie Lee, The Gainesville Sun

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Jacksonville

Columbia at Trinity Christian (Sept. 23)

The two-time defending champion Conquerors defend their home turf against a Columbia squad that's even more loaded than usual after a slew of impact transfers in the summer. The ground game duo of Treyaun Webb and Darnell Rogers combines with 2025 mega-prospect Colin Hurley in a Trinity offense that's always hard to slow down. But if anyone can do it, it might be Columbia. Jaden Robinson and Amare Ferrell will be playing defense on Saturdays, and a now-healthy Tray Tolliver brings the electricity to turn any play into a touchdown. Rogers and Webb combined for 231 yards last year as Trinity won 26-13 in Lake City. — Clayton Freeman, Florida Times-Union

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Lakeland

Lake Gibson at Lakeland (Sept. 30)

In 42 years of football, Lake Gibson had never defeated Lakeland at home. All three of the Braves' wins ('88, '90, '95) were on the road at Bryant Stadium. That changed when Lake Gibson held on for a 38-32 victory over Lakeland at home last season then for good measure, defeated the Dreadnaughts in the playoffs again at home. In the offseason, several high-profile Lake Gibson players transferred to Lakeland. Although Lakeland will be favored, there will as they have 10 Super 16 players, including the state No. 1 player Cormani McClain and wide receiver Tyler Williams, Lake Gibson still is expected to contend for a playoff game, and this also is a district game. — Roy Fuoco, The Ledger

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Leesburg

Vanguard at Belleview (Sept. 30)

Belleview had a breakout season in 2021, winning eight games, finishing as the district runner-up and advancing to the regional playoffs. The Rattlers are in a new district this fall (5-3S) but they're paired with Vanguard, a perennial power. Vanguard won last year's game 42-7 in Ocala. This time, Belleview gets Vanguard at home — and the Rattlers were undefeated at home last season. Belleview returns a strong senior class, led by quarterback Ernest Flythe (31 total touchdowns in 2021) and edge rusher Brandon Frietag. — Jon Santucci, USA Today Network 

Miami

Miami Central at Miami Northwestern (Oct. 7)

Does this really need a lot of explanation? This one of the fiercest rivalries in the state pitting two schools that are less than three miles apart. It also just so happens to feature two of the most talented rosters in the state, if not the nation. Central won both meetings last year. Northwestern won't forget that anytime soon. As an added bonus, this could be a preview of the Region 4-2M championship game. — Jon Santucci, USA Today Network 

Naples

American Heritage at Naples (Oct. 21)

Having the chance to face Brandon Inniss, a top-five receiver in the nation who happens to be committed to Ohio State, is something the Golden Eagles secondary is fired up for. American Heritage also features fellow Ohio State running back commit Mark Fletcher, 4-star defensive back Damari Brown, North Carolina State defensive back commit Daemon Fagan, and Louisiana-Monroe commit Blake Murphy at quarterback. This has the pieces to be a classic. — Alex Martin, Naples Daily News

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Northeast Florida

Fleming Island at Bartram Trail (Sept. 30)

It's Clay County against St. Johns County, the west side of the river against the east side, and two of the premier suburban-county schools in Northeast Florida matching up in a game that might go a long way toward deciding a playoff berth in a District 3-4S that also comprises Buchholz, Creekside and Oakleaf. Major college prospects are on hand for both teams: Super 11 cornerback Sharif Denson (committed to Florida) and 2024 QB recruit Riley Trujillo for Bartram Trail, and Super 11 tailback Samuel Singleton and linebacker Abram Wright (Rutgers) among a host of top Golden Eagles. Bartram Trail is 9-1 in an all-time series enlivened by several memorable encounters, notably a come-from-behind 51-42 win in 2018 that included 615 yards of total offense for the Bears. —Clayton Freeman, Florida Times-Union

Northwest Florida

Niceville at Choctaw (Sept 23)

The area's best two teams on the Emerald Coast (Remember us? Yes, Baker snapped the area's 25-year state championship drought in 2020.) square off in front of a crowd that could reach 10,000 people. Niceville will surely be a fixture in the 4S state playoffs. Choctaw the same in 3S. So from this matchup emerges two narratives: Is Choctaw's resurgence under Frank Beasley, former FHSAA Executive Director, legit after the Big Green went from 0-8 to 6-4 in his first year? And has Niceville once again found lightning in a bottle at QB? Choctaw hasn't scored a point on Niceville in three seasons and hasn't defeated the Eagles since Dominik Jordan's game-expiring field goal in 2012, but the Big Green return 6-6 quarterback Jesse Winslette, a near-2,000-yard back in Cole Tabb, wideout Jayce Brown and a defense led by Jashawn Armstrong and David Pettway. Niceville, meanwhile, slots all-stater Harrison Orr over to quarterback and welcomes an underrated future D-I star in linebacker Christian Caballero to help shoulder the defensive load alongside Power 5-bound Jayden Sheppard. - Seth Stringer, Northwest Florida Daily News

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Ocala

North Marion at Vanguard (Oct. 7)

The matchup at Booster Stadium will feature arguably the two best teams in Marion County facing off with arguably the two best quarterbacks in the county — North Marion's AJ Cussins and Vanguard's Fred Gaskin — leading the way. Gaskin was the Star-Banner's all-county overall player of the year for the 2021 season.

North Marion could be 6-0 entering this matchup, but Vanguard is one of those programs that seemingly reloads every year. The Knights should be solid again, but they have a challenging schedule with the first four games on the road at Gainesville, Niceville, Dunnellon, and Leesburg. — Ocala Star-Banner staff report

Orlando

Seminole at Osceola (Sept. 2)

Jones beefed up its schedule with Texas powerhouse Duncanville and IMG Academy. Edgewater also gets a prominent out-of-state opponent in September when Don Bosco Prep travels down from New Jersey.

However, few all-Central Florida games feature the caliber of Division I talent as this one. Seminole and Osceola will both fancy their championship chances in their classifications (4M and 4S, respectively).

Luke Rucker (FAU commit) and Goldie Lawrence (FSU) power Seminole's passing attack, but the Kowboys have a tremendous defense anchored by defensive linemen John Walker (UCF) and Derrick LeBlanc (Oklahoma) and defensive back Ja'Keem Jackson (Florida). — Chris Boyle, Daytona Beach News-Journal

Palm Beach

Cardinal Newman at Pahokee (Aug. 25) 

Two of Palm Beach County's most exciting prep football programs kick off the 2022 campaign with a Thursday showdown on the banks of Lake Okeechobee.

Emmanuel Hendrix's rural Blue Devils welcome Jack Daniels' metro Crusaders in a matchup sure to produce an early claim as the top team in Palm Beach County.

Fresh off a 9-2 finish, Pahokee returns more top playmakers from last season than Cardinal Newman.

Quarterback Austin Simmons continues to rise as one of South Florida's top quarterback prospects in the Class of 2025. He's flanked by talented playmakers like 2021 Post Defensive POTY Deejay Holmes Jr. and ex-IMG Academy receiver Hardley Gilmore IV.

Meanwhile, Cardinal Newman needs to replace touted quarterback prospect Davi Belfort as well as offensive playmaker Tovani Mizell, who recently committed to Georgia after transferring to Dematha High in Maryland.

In their stead, state champion sprinters Kevin Levy and Josh Philostin are sure to bring elite speed to Daniels' new-look Crusaders. — Emilee Smarr, Palm Beach Post 

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Panama City

Mosley at Niceville (Oct. 27)

The last time these two teams met it was in the 2021 kickoff classic in Panama City. The next time they face off on Oct. 27 in Niceville, the stakes will be significantly elevated. The Dolphins are coming off of their best season in four decades when they went 11-2 and advanced to the region finals, while the Eagles notched their third consecutive 10-win season. Now in the same district, the Week 10 faceoff could end up being a de factor district championship game between two teams with state aspirations, as former Niceville assistant and current Mosley head coach Tommy Joe Whiddon faces his former school for the first time in a regular season game. — Dustin Kent, Panama City News Herald

Pasco

Wiregrass Ranch at Mitchell (Sept. 16)

The intrigue behind this game has grown over the last few years because of each team’s ability of getting just a little bit better than the previous year. Oh, and also for bragging rights purposes for Pasco County, it’s become a bit of a rivalry between the Bulls and Mustangs. This time, though, the clubs will meet and be in the same district for the first time. If you want star power, Wiregrass Ranch features Ohio State commitment Bryson Rodgers and Mitchell has the proverbial Swiss Army knife-type player in quarterback/safety Chris Ferrini. Throw in the litany of trash talk via social media between the schools and both vying to get back into the postseason, this is one to watch if you’re in the Trinity area come fall time. — Andy Villamarzo, Special to the USA Today Network 

Pensacola

Niceville at Pine Forest (Oct. 7)

Each named the Eagles, the two perennial Panhandle powers haven't faced off since 2016.

Pine Forest was 12 minutes away from capturing the 6A state title last season. Despite key losses from its front seven, the team enters 2022 with more than enough firepower to be a serious contender and claim the 3S crown.

Those parts include senior running back Kobe Johnson, junior running back Miequle Brock and senior quarterback T.J. Wilson, who was named PNJ's Co-MVP in 2021. That trio combined for 48 rushing touchdowns. Plowing holes up front is junior offensive lineman Jonathan Daniels, who since mid-June has received offers from Auburn, Georgia, Michigan State and Louisiana State. Meanwhile, senior wide receiver and Minnesota commit Donielle Hayes is the team's most dangerous option on the outside and in the return game. Defensively, Pine Forest's best player is Elijah Douglas, a massive defensive tac who committed to Georgia Tech in June. He is supported by senior cornerbacks Cam Kelly and Tyrese Thomas, each of whom possess the talent to play at the Division 1-level.

On the other side, as noted in the Northwest Florida section, 4S Niceville has plenty of next-level pieces as well. This meeting is six years in the making, and on sheer talent alone, it has the potential of being a classic at Lon R. Wise Stadium — Patrick Bernadeau, Pensacola News Journal

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St. Augustine

Flagler Palm Coast at Ponte Vedra (Sept. 30)

District 4-4S is wide open for the taking between three area teams — Nease, FPC and Ponte Vedra. The latter duo will set the tone in Week 6 with first place on the line, and a leg up on securing an automatic postseason spot.

Flagler Palm Coast is loaded at the linebacker spot with a terrific tandem of senior Ashton Bracewell and junior Rodney Hill, a consensus four-star recruit. Offensively, Dennis Murray Jr. brings exceptional speed to the QB spot, and Daniel DeFalco is a reliable target at tight end.

Ponte Vedra could be poised for a resurgent year, armed with an impressive group in the trenches on both sides of the ball. Junior tackle Jake Guarnera collected nearly a dozen offers in the spring. — Chris Boyle, St. Augustine Record

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Space Coast

Rockledge at Cocoa (Nov. 4)

Brevard County has several intense rivalries, including some going back decades. For now, the one that most affects the statewide scene is the Barbecue Bowl. Cocoa and Rockledge play on the final Friday night of the season, although lightning delayed the 2021 game to Saturday. — Brian McCallum, Florida Today

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Tampa-St. Petersburg

Jesuit at Wharton (Aug. 26)

What better way to kickoff the 2022 season than having the best game of the year between two Hillsborough County powers? Jesuit is coming off a banner year, winning the Class 6A state championship over Pensacola-Pine Forest and brings back Troy Bowles (Georgia commit), Joquez Smith (Temple commit) and starting quarterback Luke Knight. Wharton has bolstered its roster over the off-season through a series of impact transfers like quarterbacks Noah Bryant (from Chamberlain), Jackson Jensen (Carrollwood Day) and running back Stacy Gage (IMG Academy). When looking for what might be the vibe game this 2022 season in, this may be it. — Andy Villamarzo, Special to the USA Today Network 

Treasure Coast

St. Thomas Aquinas at Treasure Coast (Sept. 23)

Hosting one of the country's best programs is an easy choice for the top game involving a team from Treasure Coast.

In 2021, it was the season opener for Treasure Coast that presented the opportunity to play nationally ranked Plantation American Heritage in Naples. The Titans put the state on notice with a 29-21 victory.

The matchup against the Raiders at South Count will come just past the midway point of the season, which will allow Titan head coach Irv Jones to establish who he can rely on to be trusted to produce on offense after many key players graduated.

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The running back spot will have a number of names to rotate through that will include juniors Jamison Davis and George Roberts and senior Emonte Brown, who transferred in from Jupiter this summer.

Among several nationally ranked recruits St. Thomas Aquinas will feature include Penn State defensive back commits King Mack and Conrad Hussey, Michigan linebacker commit Jayvant Brown and touted junior wide receivers James Madison II and Chance Robinson. - Bryan Cooney, Treasure Coast Newspapers

This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Florida high school football: What are the biggest games in 2022?