FHSAA Announces 2025 Playoff Pairings; Orlando Teams Predicted to Shine

UPDATE: The Florida High School Athletics Association (FHSAA) is set to unveil the highly anticipated 2025 high school football playoff bracket pairings today at noon via the association’s YouTube channel. As excitement builds, projections suggest that four Orlando-area teams could emerge as region No. 1 seeds, including DeLand, Edgewater, Jones, and Bishop Moore.

In a bold forecast, a critical win for Edgewater against Lakeland on Friday night may propel them into the coveted No. 1 overall seeding in Class 5A. This shift would not only elevate Edgewater (10-0) but also secure four top seeds for the Orlando area: DeLand (7A), Jones (4A), and Bishop Moore (3A). Last week, Lakeland held the overall No. 1 rank in 5A with 21.651 points, while Edgewater was positioned at No. 3 with 18.012 points.

With the FHSAA power rankings indicating a potential reshuffle, the Eagles’ victory over Boone (9-1) alongside Lakeland’s loss may be enough to leapfrog both Lakeland (8-2) and No. 2 Delray Beach Atlantic (9-1). Should these projections hold true, fans can expect four rematches of regular-season games in the 7A bracket, including key matchups like Hagerty at Lake Mary and Winter Park at Boone.

A significant development looms regarding The First Academy (TFA), which is currently under a playoff ban pending a judge’s ruling. The outcome of the legal proceedings could allow TFA to secure a playoff spot, potentially boosting them to a No. 3 seed after their stunning upset against Lakeland. This would set up a first-round home game against Lakeland Christian (8-2), while Father Lopez would be eliminated from contention.

Here is a breakdown of the projected first-round matchups for November 14:

Class 7A, Region 1:
– 8 Creekside (4-6) at 1 DeLand (10-0)
– 7 Hagerty (6-4) at 2 Lake Mary (7-3)
– 6 Seminole (5-5) at 3 Spruce Creek (8-2)
– 5 Winter Park (5-5) at 4 Boone (9-1)

Class 7A, Region 2:
– 8 Ridge Community (5-5) at 1 Venice (6-3)
– 6 Ocoee (5-5) at 3 West Orange (9-1)

Class 5A, Region 2:
– 8 Wesley Chapel (6-4) at 1 Edgewater (10-0)
– 7 Lake Gibson (5-5) at 2 Lakeland (8-2)

Class 4A, Region 2:
– 8 Lecanto (6-4) at 1 Jones (8-2)

Class 3A, Region 2:
– 8 Hernando (7-3) at 1 Bishop Moore (9-1)

FHSAA rankings show a total of 22 Orlando teams poised to make the playoffs, highlighting the competitive spirit of the region. As fans await the official announcements, the anticipation continues to build for what promises to be an exhilarating playoff season.

Stay tuned for updates as the FHSAA reveals the official playoff pairings later today. The stakes are high, and the implications for local teams could be monumental!