Round 3 of the FHSAA football playoffs highlights a showdown with seven Orlando area teams still fighting for state glory. Unbeaten Jones (12-0) leads the pack as the No. 2 seed in Class 4A, hosting Ocala Vanguard (11-1). Lake Mary (10-2) also plays at home against rival Seminole (10-1), while Dr. Phillips (11-1) looks to secure victory on its turf. West Orange, Kissimmee Osceola, and Bishop Moore face tough road challenges. Winners will advance to regional finals next week, with state championship games set for December 11-14 at Florida International University in Miami.

By the Numbers
  • Jones has a 12-0 record and is seeking to improve from a 4-1 record in regional finals over the last six seasons.
  • Lake Mary quarterback Noah Grubbs has thrown 31 touchdowns this season, reaching a career total of 97.
State of Play
  • Jones is in its sixth consecutive region final, aiming for a strong playoff run after finishing as state runner-up in 2019.
  • Lake Mary leads its all-time series against Seminole 4-2, making this matchup particularly significant.
What's Next

As the playoffs continue, teams will focus on solidifying their strategies and performances to reach the state championships. The results from the regional finals on December 1 will set the stage for potential matchups in the subsequent state semifinal round.

Bottom Line

The playoff intensity heightens with multiple teams vying for a shot at the state title. Local teams must leverage home-field advantages and past experiences as they battle formidable opponents in critical matchups.