Friday Night Hits kickoff special returns with a statewide look at Central Florida’s high school football scene, spotlighting a renovated Lake Mary Rams program, Cocoa’s continued dominance, and the region’s deep pool of talent and storylines.
Season kickoff highlights
– Lake Mary High School has unveiled Doug Peters Field after nearly $700,000 in upgrades, fueling anticipation as the Rams aim to go further than ever after reaching the state championship game in the largest Florida classification last year. The program’s leadership remains stable, with head coach Scott Perry citing continuity from veteran assistants and the return of star quarterback Noah Grubbs, who is entering his final year and is already drawing national attention as one of the top quarterbacks in the state. Grubbs is a Notre Dame commit, adding to the Rams’ high-profile profile as they prepare for a title push.
– Cocoa’s Tigers enter the season riding a historic three-year state championship run. They’re eager to reload after losing high-profile weekend stars like Brady Hart (now at Texas A&M) and Javin Boggs (Florida State). The program emphasizes a strong defensive back end and a talented but younger lineup on offense. Head coach Ryan Schneider, a former UCF quarterback, says Cocoa remains “Cocoa” and is dedicated to maintaining its standard of excellence, no matter which players step onto the field. The Tigers’ depth and culture are viewed as enduring advantages for another deep playoff run.
– Central Florida’s power programs remain deep and diverse. Osceola and Jones are among the teams to watch, with Osceola eyeing another deep run and Jones fielding one of the state’s top quarterbacks in Darian Coleman, who has committed to the University of Miami. Lake Mary isn’t the only program counting on national-caliber talent; the region is home to two of the state’s most highly regarded quarterbacks and a whole roster of players set to make an impact at the college level next year.
– The season preview also looks at the broader coaching landscape in the area. Edgewater and Apopka have integrated new leadership, while Lake Brantley introduced Garrett Kruzeck, fresh off success at Masters Academy, to steer the Patriots. Kruzeck’s approach centers on building a culture of commitment, winning, and family—an increasingly common theme as programs reshuffle head coaches across the region.
– First Academy’s program, led by Garrett Kruzeck’s colleague and mentor, is also in the national spotlight as IMG Academy’s schedule features a demanding, multistate slate. IMG’s roster and schedule promise high-profile matchups, even as Jeff Conaway is suspended for the season and cannot coach on game days. The Royals’ 21-player roster highlights the program’s growth and the high level of competition in Central Florida.
Key matchups and what to watch
– Kickoff classics pit Edgewater at Bishop Moore and Apopka at Lake Mary in high-stakes early-season tests for new leadership teams.
– Lake Mary travels to Oviedo, with both programs aiming to showcase depth on offense as they set the tone for the year.
– In Daytona Beach, Osceola faces Mainland in a marquee clash, highlighting the area’s ongoing rivalry culture.
– Jones hosts Seminole, with both teams expected to feature standout quarterbacks and a high level of playmaking talent.
– The First Academy vs IMG Academy matchup remains one of the season’s marquee tests for a national-caliber program in the region.
Two standout quarterbacks to watch
– Noah Grubbs (Lake Mary) – Notre Dame commit, returning for his senior season as the program’s leader.
– Darian Coleman (Jones) – Miami commit, picked early as one of the nation’s top quarterbacks in Central Florida.
player development and culture
– The region’s schools emphasize the ties between offseason work and in-season performance: players are expected to attend workouts at a near-perfect rate, and coaches stress discipline, physicality, and a relentless work ethic.
– The Friday Night Hits crew notes that high school football remains about more than the final score: bands, cheerleaders, Pop Warner connections, and family culture all contribute to a community experience that fans look forward to every fall Friday.
Why this season matters
– Central Florida remains a hotbed of football talent, with multiple programs regularly sending players to top college programs. The area’s coaching turnover reflects broader national trends, but the focus remains on building sustainable programs that develop players into leaders on and off the field.
– The combination of stacked rosters, new coaching staffs, and a slate of high-profile games promises a season with plenty of national attention on local talent, including two of the country’s top quarterbacks in Grubbs and Coleman.
Bottom line for fans
– The countdown to fall football is on, with some of Florida’s strongest programs returning with fresh energy, upgraded facilities, and a shared hunger to win at the highest level. Central Florida fans can expect a season of high-powered offenses, tough defenses, and storylines that extend beyond the Friday night lights.
Notes for readers
– Friday Night Hits airs every Friday at 11:15 PM on WESH 2, delivering in-depth previews, updates, and postgame analysis from around the region’s best programs.
Summary
– Central Florida’s high school football season is set to be a showcase of elite programs, top-tier talent, and coaching stories that underscore the region’s depth. From Lake Mary’s upgraded field and Noah Grubbs’s senior year to Cocoa’s quest to extend its dynasty and the broader coaching shifts across Edgewater, Apopka, and Lake Brantley, fans have a lot to watch as Friday nights return.
Additional value
– For readers, consider following live previews and postgame recaps on the site, plus checking program pages for updated rosters and injury reports as the season progresses.