Perhaps the most ironic thing about the Kickoff Classics is celebrating a win or lamenting a loss that doesn’t even count.
High school football teams in Florida will wake up this weekend with a 0-0 record regardless of what happened in the preseason game.
Then again, just because the games don’t count doesn’t mean they don’t matter.
They do.
Exactly how much they matter depends on your perspective. Most teams don’t open the playbook, and schemes tend to be pretty vanilla. But there’s a reason why these games are played and it’s a lot more than just hitting someone in a different color jersey.
Here are five takeaways — or complete overreactions — from the Kickoff Classics.
1. St. Thomas Aquinas is the best team in the state
This is hardly a hot take considering Aquinas opened the season at No. 1 in the USA Today Florida Network Super 25. The Raiders are the first team other than IMG to open the year in the top spot of the rankings. But a 49-0 win at Cardinal Mooney? Didn’t really see that coming. A win? Likely. A dismantling of a defending state champion? Not as likely. This one had a running clock when the second half kicked off. This could be the most complete team coach Roger Harriott has had at Aquinas. This is a team with national title aspirations — the Raiders have a great chance to make their case against DeSoto (Texas) in two weeks — and they started the year the way in an way worthy of a national contender.
2. Carol City gets a statement win …
The Chiefs have been one of the most hyped teams in the state this season and for good reason. Despite winning six games in 2025, this is a team with a new head coach in Toro Wallace and some of the top transfers in the state, led by Nick Lennear and Za’Kari Johnson and Jailen Hill. But it’s one thing to be hyped and another thing to make it happen on the field. Going on the road to West Boca, which has won back-to-back state titles, and win 24-23 in overtime was very impressive. This could definitely be the springboard Carol City was hoping for this season.
3. … but don’t be surprised if West Boca plays Carol City again
The only way Carol City and West Boca play again is if both teams advance to the Open Division. Both teams opened the season in the top eight in the MaxPreps rankings, and staying there certainly won’t be easy. But this game felt much bigger than a preseason game, primarily because it was so close throughout. Both teams will be a bit frustrated when they watched film. Too many penalties, turnovers and passes falling incomplete to open receivers. But that’s to be expected at this time of the year. But is it a stretch to think they could play again? Not at all.
4. Vero Beach’s Champ Monds might be the most complete QB in the state
The Notre Dame commit wasn’t perfect against Cardinal Newman in Vero Beach’s 28-7 win, but he was awfully impressive. He showcased so much of what makes him one of the top quarterback recruits in the country. Touch. Accuracy. Arm strength. Command of the offense. Poise. Perhaps Monds’ best play was a touchdown run after he somehow escaped being sacked. The play got called back because of a penalty, but it was a special effort. Monds is an interesting player because he missed almost all of last year with an ankle injury then reclassified to the 2027 class. But when he’s healthy, he’s truly special.
5. Quick thoughts
Trinity Christian had one of the most impressive wins Friday, routing Manatee 42-7 on the road. Both teams are ranked in USA Today Florida Super 10 their respective classes, but this was still a loud win for the Conquerors.
Miami Palmetto isn’t getting talked about enough. The Panthers opened the season at No. 5 in Class 6A, but not a lot of people are mentioning this team as a contender. They are, and the 34-3 win at Archbishop McCarthy is proof of that.
Speaking of teams getting slept on, Tampa Bay Tech scored a dominant win at Carrollwood Day. The Titans went to Carrollwood, the top ranked team in Class 1A, and won 38-14. Sophomore quarterback Martavius Conway Jr. and Co. could have a special season.
Vangaurd beating defending Rural Class champion Hawthorne 25-6 was nice. Hawthorne has moved up to Class 1A now that there is no Rural Class, but this is a program used to punching above its weight. It’s a good win for the Knights.
Miami Central’s defense is going to be a problem for a lot of teams. The Rockets beat Jones 28-17. It wasn’t as close as the score would indicate. There’s a reason why Central opened the season as a legitimate Open Division contender and probably will move into the No. 1 spot in Class 3A next week.
Dunbar had a huge second half in its 50-29 win at Riverdale. Dunbar trailed 29-28 at the half but scored 16 points in the fourth quarter to pull away.
Mainland’s 27-9 win at Osceola was a good warmup for the season opener. The Buccaneers host Carol City in Week 1.
Cypress Bay going on the road and beating Merritt Island 35-21 was a good win. The Lightning are looking for their first playoff appearance since winning eight games in 2023.
Ed White’s offense is as potent as it was last season. The Commanders scored 30 points in a weather shortened game against Nease. Ed White scored 590 points in 2025, with only St Augustine holding the Commanders under 41 points.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: 5 takeaways from Florida’s Kickoff Classic football games
Reporting by Jon Santucci, USA TODAY NETWORK – Florida / Palm Beach Post
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Jon Santucci, USA TODAY NETWORK – Florida | USA TODAY Network
