News Summary
Jacksonville is gearing up to host thrilling high school flag football playoff games on May 1. The Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) has organized these contests featuring teams from Jacksonville and Northeast Florida, all vying for a spot in the state final tournaments. The playoffs include key matchups such as Paxon vs. Choctaw and Blue Devils vs. Leopards, with teams showcasing remarkable talent. Local fans are encouraged to support their teams as they compete for a chance at the state championship.
Jacksonville is set to host a series of high-stakes high school flag football playoff games, starting with the third-round playoffs on May 1. The Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) has organized these playoffs, which will see teams from Jacksonville and Northeast Florida competing to advance to the state final four tournaments held at the AdventHealth Training Center in Tampa.
Kick-off for the playoff games is scheduled for 7 p.m. on May 1, although times may be adjusted and are subject to change according to the FHSAA schedules. Teams will compete in various regions, with notable matchups poised to attract local attention.
Key Matchups in the Playoffs
REGION 1-2A
Among the prominent matchups, the Paxon team will go against Choctaw. Paxon is led by multi-sport athletes Caelyn Carter and Nina Kamma-Hill, who contributed to their recent victory over the White team. Choctaw’s standout player, Diaris Morales, boasts impressive statistics with 3,606 passing yards and 47 touchdowns this season. Additionally, teammate Peyton DiBendetto has made significant contributions with 889 yards and 15 touchdowns. The winner of this face-off will earn a spot in the state semifinal scheduled for May 9.
REGION 2-2A
In another pivotal contest, the Blue Devils will challenge a team known for their strong aerial attack. The Blue Devils have demonstrated strong defensive capabilities, limiting opponents to an average of 30 points throughout their 14-game season. Key defensive players, Charlotte Andrus and Cora Parker, have each achieved double-digit interceptions. The opposing Leopards feature a formidable lineup with Aajyrah Adams (51 catches, 708 yards), Kenderlyn Hart (64 catches, 828 yards), and Alexis Sway (64 catches, 683 yards).
REGION 1-1A
Another intense matchup features the Tornadoes against Florida High. The Tornadoes’ offense is spearheaded by quarterback Ar’nayshia Griffin, who has recorded 3,288 yards passing, along with receiver Nichelle Brown, who has accumulated 2,220 yards receiving. This matchup is anticipated to be a nail-biter as Florida High has previously defeated Bradford with a narrow score of 13-7.
The winner of this encounter is expected to face off in a state semifinal on May 8 in Tampa, setting the stage for a chance to compete in the state championships scheduled for May 8-10.
Recent Developments Leading to the Playoffs
The playoffs are the culmination of district tournaments held across Florida from April 14 to April 17, where teams vied for a place in the postseason. One notable highlight from these tournaments is University Christian School, which achieved the No. 1 seed in their district during their first year participating in flag football.
The third-round playoffs will showcase multiple matchups, including fierce competition as teams strive for advancement. Local fans and community members are encouraged to support their teams as the playoff excitement unfolds across the regions.
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Additional Resources
- Jacksonville Third Round Preview
- Wikipedia: Flag Football
- Florida Girls Flag Football Playoff Matchups
- Google Search: Florida high school flag football
- Jacksonville Second Round Preview
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Football
- Class 1A District Tournament Pairings and Schedule
- Google News: Florida high school flag football playoffs
Author: STAFF HERE JACKSONVILLE WRITER
The JACKSONVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREJacksonville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Jacksonville, Duval County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, Riverside Arts Market, and World of Nations Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce and JAXUSA Partnership, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and entertainment that power the local economy such as CSX Corporation, Baptist Health, and VyStar Credit Union. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
