When the 2026 Florida high school football season kicks off down in the Sunshine State, two of the state’s top teams from this past season will clash in a preseason classic.
Orlando Jones (Fla.) official football handle on X shared that they’ll be facing off against the 9-time state champion Miami Central (Fla.) in a preseason contest on Saturday, August 15 at Traz Powell Stadium down in south Florida. The game has a slated game time of 7 p.m. Eastern Time.
Jones is coming off a 2025 high school football season which saw the program reach the state championship game for the third time under the watch of head football coach Elijah Williams, with 2019 and 2024 being the other years the Tigers reached the FHSAA final.
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The Tigers have yet to win a state championship under Williams and it might be a little harder in 2026 to accomplish the feat with the graduations of Miami quarterback signee Dereon Coleman, Nebraska enrollee Larry Miles and Colorado signee Xavier Payne.
Miami Central finished up its first season under head coach Derrick Gibson, who guided the Rockets to a 9-2 record and reached the Class 3A region final, falling to state runner-up and rival Miami Northwestern, 50-29.
Both teams facing off against each other in preseason action provides easily the most interesting contest scheduled to date as programs are currently searching around for preseason and regular season matchups.
The Rockets finished as the No. 9 ranked team in the state while the Tigers are listed at No. 24, according to the final Florida 2025 High School Football Massey Rankings.
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More about Jones High School
Jones High School, located in Orlando, Florida, is a respected public school known for its strong academics, competitive athletics, and vibrant extracurricular programs. Offering a range of AP and honors courses, the school prepares students for higher education and future careers. Jones’ athletic teams are successful, frequently achieving regional and state recognition. Emphasizing leadership, community involvement, and personal growth, the school ensures students are well-rounded and ready for future challenges.
How to Follow Florida High School Football
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