Florida High School Football Recap: Benjamin, Orange Lutheran Win Big

After a highly eventful Week 0, Florida high school football officially kicked off their regular season this weekend. There were plenty of great games across the weekend, including teams from across the country coming into the Sunshine State to face Florida powerhouses.

I had the chance to attend two more games this weekend: The Benjamin School vs. Jupiter Christian and Miami Northwestern vs. Orange Lutheran. Both matchups showcased impressive play, standout players, and fun environments.

What were the main takeaways from these games, though? Who were the main standouts? If you are wondering about these questions, you are in the right place! We’ll recap both of these Florida high school football games in this breakdown.

Florida High School Football Recap

Benjamin School vs. Jupiter Christian

This may end up being one of the best high school games of the 2025 season. After trailing 21-0 in the first half of the game, the Benjamin Buccaneers clawed back and won by a score of 30-27. It was a frantic, exciting, and ended up going in favor of the home team.

In terms of standouts, we have to start with the quarterbacks. Benjamin’s Charlie Smith was a decisive passer all night, getting through reads and showing solid running ability. Smith had three total touchdowns, including two that came in the fourth quarter.

Smith’s composure, mentality, and overall skill set were impressive. He is a huge asset for the Buccaneers, and should help them win plenty of games going forward. 

Meanwhile, Jupiter Christian quarterback Dorian Fauntleroy showcased upper-level ability. He had impressive speed, good arm strength, accuracy, and an excellent feel for the game. The 2027 prospect also showed the ability to put the team on his back late in the game with his arm and legs. With even more room to grow as a player, Fauntleroy is an exciting player to watch in 2025. 

Outside of the quarterbacks, each team had impressive players all over the field.

Benjamin’s Kamden Gilles and Jupiter Christian’s Cayden Alula were fantastic two-way players. Gilles provided great coverage and impressive YAC ability, showing that he is one of the best athletes on the field. 

Meanwhile, Alula, a recent Navy commit, had an impressive touchdown catch over two defenders. He showed great speed, and flew around the field all night on defense.

Not to be left out, Benjamin’s Kaden Faniel showed his impressive ability as a wide receiver on what ended up being a game-winning touchdown. It was yet another week where he made a big-time play that helped the Bucs win a football game.

The best play of the night, and possibly the season, came from another Benjamin School wideout.

Julian Luiz was extremely impressive in space, displaying great burst and shiftiness whenever he touched the ball. He also made his claim for play of the year with a touchdown that was reminiscent of the “Beastquake.” It’s interesting to see how he develops further as a player, especially while not being a full-time football player. 

Outside of Alula, Jupiter Christian wideouts Luke Beach and Ryder Zuniga were productive. Both showed nice hands, shiftiness, and speed.

Zuniga had the long touchdown late in the game. Meanwhile, Beach was borderline untouchable in space. With even more development, he can be a true offensive weapon. 

Orange Lutheran was impressive all-around on offense, too. Quarterback Reagan Toki showed nice throwing ability and made clutch plays with his legs on a consistent basis.

Receiver Chris Flores Jr. had multiple impressive catches in space, showcasing burst speed, and upper-level athleticism.

Offensive lineman Kayden Utu, a recent Alabama commit, opened up lanes and shut down pass rushers. This unit is going to be fun for the remainder of the season.

On defense, multiple players stepped up in a big way for Orange Lutheran. Chauncey Washington II had multiple great coverage reps, shutting down the impressive receiving group of  Miami Northwestern on multiple occasions. He also recorded an interception late in the first half.

Matthew Zapien and Kiingbaraka Kizzee had key breakups and provided sticky coverage. Kizzee also stuffed upper-level prospect Calvin Russell III on a key third down. Mason Reyes notched a key late-game sack for the Orange Lutheran, and Christian Panapa made some very key tackles.

For Miami Northwestern, Calvin Russell III continuously made tough catches through contact and churned out yardage for the Bulls. Things were not easy for him, whether because of inaccurate throws or tight coverage. However, the Syracuse commit still found a way to make a serious impact. That is the true mark of a star player with the right mentality.

Additionally, wideout Nicolas Lennear showed great speed and hands, especially on his touchdown. Nicsaint Joseph Jr. was impressive overall, too, as a route runner and receiver. Going forward, this unit is going to have the ability to flat out dominate their opposition.

In the run game, Tarvail Mathis had one of the best overall plays of the entire night on his touchdown. Showing off his speed and strength, he should be able to help Northwestern in a big way as a multifaceted player. A

nd while he may be the current backup quarterback for the Bulls, Neiman Lawrence flashed. Between his speed, arm strength, and accuracy, he could end up being a high-level quarterback. And if he gets on the field consistently with this Miami Northwestern group, they could be in store for another great year.

On defense, Jordan Campbell flew around the field all night. He was a major reason why the Bulls were able to stay in this game. Campbell made tackles for loss on such a consistent basis, it could be argued that he single-handedly ended multiple Orange Lutheran drives.

Additionally, Desmond Johnson, Amari Oquendo, Roderic McFadden, and James Johnson stood out for Northwestern’s defense. James Johnson and McFadden had some great pass rush reps, while Desmond Johnson flew around the field to make multiple tackles. Oquendo also provided some big-time hits and solid coverage.