Friday night in Lakeland brings together two of Florida high school football’s biggest names, and the stakes are bigger than just a late-season rivalry. The First Academy and Lakeland meet in a game that carries major weight for the Florida High School Athletic Association’s first-ever Open Division bracket.
The matchup is set for Friday, Oct. 30 at 7:00 p.m. ET at Bryant Stadium in Lakeland, Fla.
The First Academy enters at 7-1 and has put together a strong 2026 season, with its only blemish coming against IMG Academy a month ago. The Royals also won last year’s meeting with Lakeland in a double-overtime battle.
Talent runs deep on The First Academy’s roster. Freshman quarterback Anthony “Deuce” Williams headlines the offense, while senior offensive lineman Reed Ramsier, an Auburn commit, and sophomore defensive lineman JD Jackson are among the team’s 4-star players. Other college commits on the roster include cornerback Kamauri Whitfield, who is headed to Florida, defensive lineman Jeau-Pierre Furtado, a Bowling Green commit, safety Jaiziah Battle, who has pledged to USF, and punter Vance Fones, a Florida State commit.
Lakeland comes in at 8-1 and carries the kind of heavyweight profile that has made it a perennial force in Florida. The Dreadnaughts have won nine Florida state championships, and their only loss this season came early at home against Venice. Since then, they’ve ripped off seven straight victories.
The Dreadnaughts are led on offense by senior dual-threat quarterback Kelin Hendrix, who threw for 1,796 yards and 22 touchdowns in 2025. Up front, the defensive line features senior Santana Harvey, a Clemson commit, while Colorado pledge Drew Sapp has been out for the season with an injury. Lakeland’s list of college signees also includes cornerback Jordan Young, a Pitt signee, and safety Deonte Fielder, who is headed to Marshall.
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