In less than a month, high school football practices will begin across the state of Florida, and there's already a lot going on.

With head coaches still being announced, players moving around, and schedules fully finalized, high school football in the Sunshine State still dominates the preseason.

Many of the top programs remain in the top tier, but which teams are still under the radar ahead of 2024? We'll go region by region and name the teams we think will be the most underrated in the upcoming summer/fall season.

Florida Panhandle: Escambia

Mike Bennett is not a head coach who flies under the radar because people know the guy can lead a team to the state championship. However, his team is flying under the radar this year because of the noise surrounding neighboring programs. When you factor in some of the Gators' transfers and the fact that he kept his son Brett as offensive coordinator, Escambia is in top form.

Escambia Gators Football Schedule 2024

Large bend: Rickards

At 3-7 last fall, it was a disappointing season for head coach Quintin Lewis and his team. There are plenty of reasons to believe that won't happen again this fall. With Florida-bound Jalen Wiggins anchoring the defensive line, as well as other talent like WR/DB Tyler Walker (2027), who has an offer from Colorado, Rickards will be a team that easily flies under the radar despite having some Power Five talent.

Rickards Raiders football schedule for 2024

Northeast Florida: Julie

Last season was the start of something special under the leadership of head coach Kyle Dougherty. In a region where you typically hear more about Bartram Trail, Bolles, Bradford, Mandarin, Raines and St. Augustine, it's hard to get noticed. The Hornets have the talent, and athlete TJ Williamson (2028) (offers from Florida State, South Carolina, Syracuse, UCF) is leading the youth movement.

Yulee Hornets 2024 Football Schedule

Mid Central Florida: The villages

Since seeing this Buffalo team again in the spring and in 7-on-7 play, the Villages have continued to impress. Memphis-committed Jonathan Harding leads a talented group on offense at tight end and with an overall impressive performance as a team in the FHS Association 7-on-7 tournament, the Buffaloes are a team that will surprise many when games begin in the third week of August.

The Villages Buffalo Football Schedule for 2024

Northern Sunny Coast: Sunny Lake

After a 1-9 season under Jay Fulmer in 2023, the Seahawks are looking for small moral victories this offseason. It's safe to say they'll be better than last season with some of the new players transferring to Sunlake. Grayson Gilmore, who has committed to James Madison, will lead an improved defense at defensive end.

Sunlake Seahawks Football Schedule 2024

Tampa Bay – Statistics & current form Tarpon Springs

Having a quarterback like Joaquin Kavouklis certainly helps improve your football team. That's what Tarpon Springs was able to pick up again in the offseason when Clearwater Academy International shut down its football program. In the program's 100th year, things are looking good for a Spongers team coming off a 9-1 season in 2023.

Tarpon Springs Spongers football schedule for 2024

Central Florida: West Orange

The biggest surprise of the FHS Association 7-on-7 tournament in The Villages a few weeks ago was the West Orange Warriors. Coming off a 3-7 season, Geno Thompson has a young squad with plenty of talent across the board. Players to watch include 2025 defensive back Donova Lanier (Ball State commit), 2026 defensive back Devin Jackson and 2028 quarterback AJ Chung.

West Orange Vikings Football Schedule 2024

Heartland: Winter Haven

When it comes to Polk County, every year it's all about Lake Wales and Lakeland. With those teams winning state championships the past two seasons, it's fair to say that Winter Haven is a team that flies slightly under the radar. Armed with a capable signal-caller in senior John Kostuch, the Blue Devils could be on their way to another strong season in Carl White's sophomore year.

Winter Haven Blue Devils 2024 Football Schedule

Southern Sunny Coast: Port Charlotte

We know the Pirates aren't necessarily a team that no one thinks will slow down anytime soon, but they lost a few players from last year's semifinal group. With new players at quarterback and offensive line, Port Charlotte sometimes lost touch compared to perennial state title contenders Venice, Manatee and Sarasota Riverview.

Port Charlotte Pirates football schedule for 2024

Southwest Florida: Lely

The Trojans have continued to improve under Ben Hammer and there are many reasons to believe they will make a big jump next fall. With players like WR/DB Jayce Cora (2025) along with athlete Jayvian Tanelus (2026) and quarterback Carter Quinn (2026), this Lely team could make a lot of noise in Collier County.

Lely Trojans Football Schedule 2024

Treasure Coast: Martin County

Martin County head coach Rod Harris averaged eight wins over the last three seasons before last fall. The Tigers fell to 5-4 but had to deal with many departures at key positions. Harris's squad will open the season with Sebring, Glades Central and Dwyer, giving Martin County a chance to see where they stand on the Treasure Coast early. The return of talent like offensive lineman Jake Jocks (2025), running back Paul Hendrix (2026) and quarterback Kellen Cockrell (2027) suggests things are looking up for the Tigers.

Martin County Tigers Football Schedule 2024

South Florida: Flanagan

In arguably one of the toughest regions in the entire country for high school football, it's hard to go unnoticed as a team. Given the amount of transfers that have taken place between Broward and Dade counties, one club that has seen its fair share of them is the Flanagan Falcons. Coming off a four-win season, the Falcons have seen several player transfers, including athlete Jaden McGee (2027), running back Carl Lake Jr. (2026), wide receiver Ezekiel Burrell (2025) and safety Nathan Williams (2025). The new additions could lift the team above the .500 mark this fall.

Flanagan Falcons Football Schedule 2024

— Andy Villamarzo | [email protected] | @sblivefl