##  Palm Beach County Gridiron Ready: Teams, Transfers, and Top Plays to Watch

Get your game face on! High school football is back in Palm Beach County, bringing with it the promise of Friday night lights, nail-biting games, and rising stars. 


**A New Era Under Center**

Several teams are experiencing a quarterback shakeup this season:  At Santaluces, Jorris Shepard takes the reins, while Inlet Grove welcomes a new signal caller alongside a fresh coaching staff. Can these transitions lead to victory on the field?

**Equipment Boost for Hurricanes**

Inlet Grove's football program received a significant equipment boost thanks to support from other Palm Beach County programs. Will this influx of resources translate into wins and success for the Hurricanes?


**Bold Predictions for 2025**

Seven bold predictions for the upcoming season are locked behind our subscriber content, offering an inside look at potential game-changers and standout performances.  Don't miss out on these exclusive insights!

**Transfers to Watch**

The offseason saw a flurry of impactful transfers across Palm Beach County high schools. Check our subscriber-only content to learn about the 20 players who could reshape the landscape of this season's competition.


**Player Powerhouses**

From quarterbacks and wide receivers to pass rushers, we've got you covered with positional breakdowns highlighting the top talent in Palm Beach County.  Discover which athletes are poised to make their mark on the gridiron this year.

 **Beyond the Field:** 

Get ready for a season filled with thrilling rivalries, breakout performances, and unforgettable moments.   



**Subscribe Today:**

Unlock all of our premium content, including team previews, bold predictions, and in-depth player analyses by subscribing to The Palm Beach Post today.


##  Palm Beach County Gridiron Ready: Teams, Transfers, and Top Plays to Watch

Get your game face on! High school football is back in Palm Beach County, bringi

Under the lights: An essential guide to Palm Beach County hi

Under the lights: An essential guide to Palm Beach County high school football

## Warriors Seek Historic Runs in Golf Season

Chillicothe — The high school golf season is heating up, with teams across the region showing early promise. 

Two programs, Adena's boys and girls squads, along with the Paint Valley boys team, are looking to make their mark this year.


### Adena Warriors Aim High

**Boys:**  Third-year coach Jeff Postage leads the Adena boys into the season, aiming for a sectional berth for the first time since 2016. Returning starters include Justin Brown (Senior), Broden Souers (Junior), James Graves (Junior), and Ryder Cheesebrew (Sophomore). Newcomers to watch are Ben Meyers (Senior), Corban Timson (Sophomore), Braxton Jadwin (Freshman), and Kicston Smith (Freshman).

**Girls:** The Adena girls team is aiming for a historic run, hoping to become the first team in school history to advance out of sectionals. Coach Postage emphasizes discipline and passion, stating, "Warrior Golf — built on discipline, driven by passion, defined by every shot we take.” 
Senior Sadie Penney, Junior Payton Wells, and Sophomore Avery Ater lead the charge after a successful season that saw Ater qualify for districts as an individual, finishing 12th out of 71 golfers.

Adding depth are newcomers Gwen Pierce (Junior), Grace Lawhorn (Junior), Makenna Hernandez (Junior), and Dixie Grigsby (Sophomore).


### Paint Valley Bearcats  Seek Experience

First-year coach Kameron Reed steps into the leadership role for the Paint Valley boys, guiding a team that finished seventh in the Scioto Valley Conference last season. Returning starters include Mack Leasure, Aiden Cooper, and River Mettler.  Newcomers Bentley Morris and Rexton Williamson look to contribute immediately. 

Coach Reed acknowledges the youthfulness of his team: "We are a younger team, having one senior, two sophomores and two freshmen. We plan on gaining experience this year and continuing to get better after every match.”






## Warriors Seek Historic Runs in Golf Season

Chillicothe — The high school golf season is heating up, with teams across the region showing early promise. 

Tw

High school golf preview: A closer look at Adena boys and gi

High school golf preview: A closer look at Adena boys and girls, Paint Valley boys

## Volleybrawl: Top Performers Heat Up the Coastal Bend Court

**Early Season Standouts Make Their Mark**

The first week of high school volleyball action saw some impressive performances across the Coastal Bend. 

Lola Fisher dominated for Flour Bluff, racking up 27 assists alongside 10 kills and 1.5 blocks in a victory over Calallen. Grace Martinez countered for the Wildcats with 28 assists and 11 digs against the Hornets. Hailey Burch led Sinton to a win against King with 24 kills and two aces, while Taylor Skrobacek contributed five aces and 26 assists to the effort.  

Soraya Tobias was a force for West Oso, tallying 26 digs, 15 kills, and seven aces in their triumph over Robstown. Kayla Washington anchored Miller's offense with 16 assists in their win against the School of Science & Technology.

**Cherokee Standout Sparks Tuloso-Midway Victory**

Bella Garcia spearheaded Tuloso-Midway's success with a powerful performance: 14 kills and 17 digs in their win against Gregory-Portland. Vivian Alexander responded for the Wildcats with 16 kills and 16 digs of her own. Isabella Kieschnick proved vital for Santa Gertrudis Academy, contributing 10 kills and 14 assists in their victory over Robstown.

**More Victories Across the Court**

Audree Vasquez propelled Skidmore-Tynan to a win against Banquete with 15 kills, 10 assists, three aces, and one dig. Myah Lichtenberger guided London's offense with 15 assists and 17 digs in their triumph over Veterans Memorial. Parker Malone led the charge for Veterans Memorial with 16 kills and eight digs.





## Volleybrawl: Top Performers Heat Up the Coastal Bend Court

**Early Season Standouts Make Their Mark**

The first week of high school volleyball action saw s

Lola Fisher sparks Flour Bluff to season-opening win, plus h

Lola Fisher sparks Flour Bluff to season-opening win, plus high school volleyball top performers

##  Who Reigns Supreme? Palm Beach County's Top Offensive Lineman Showdown

The gridiron in Palm Beach County is teeming with talent, and the offensive line is no exception.  As the 2025 season looms, six standout players are poised to anchor their teams' trenches. But who reigns supreme?

**Readers Weigh In: The Race for Best O-Lineman**

After analyzing last year's performances and expectations for 2025, one question stands out: Who is the area's most dominant offensive lineman?  The Palm Beach Post has put the power in your hands.

**Cast Your Vote Now!**


The poll closes at 12 p.m. on Monday, August 18th. Don't miss your chance to crown the king of the line.

 **Fuel Your Football Fix:**



USA TODAY Network-Florida readers can get a 25% discount on a yearly NFHS pass in 2025. Use promo code USATODAY25 when you go through our NFHS Network link before Sept. 7 to see top high school football action.




##  Who Reigns Supreme? Palm Beach County's Top Offensive Lineman Showdown

The gridiron in Palm Beach County is teeming with talent, and the offensive line is 

Vote! Cast your vote on Palm Beach County&#39;s top offensiv

Vote! Cast your vote on Palm Beach County&#39;s top offensive lineman ahead of the 2025 season

## County Runners Gear Up for Cross Country Season

The starting gun fires August 18th as Wayne/Holmes County high schools take to the cross country course. With a postseason culminating in the state finals on November 1st, anticipation is building for another exciting season.   

### Boys: Returning Standouts

**Judah Hershberger (Dalton):** After placing 79th at last year’s Division III state meet – the highest of any Dalton boy runner – Hershberger is poised to lead his team as a senior.  

**Tripp Wingate (Norwayne):**  A Division II state qualifier last year, Wingate finished 92nd overall with a best time of 15:59.80. The Norwayne senior looks to improve on that performance this season.

**Luke Snyder (Rittman):**  Snyder is a name to watch in Division IV. The reigning back-to-back Division III state champion, he dominated the competition with wins in 2023 (14:58.13) and 2024 (15:23.10). His quest for a three-peat will be one of the season’s most compelling storylines.

**Caleb Bolender & Bryen Valerio (Rittman):** These Rittman teammates played crucial roles in their team's ninth-place finish at last year’s Division III state meet.  Valerio placed 61st with a best time of 16:30.87, while Bolender finished 109th (17:06.28).

**Jackson & Jaydon Varner (Waynedale):**  These senior brothers are known for their consistency. Jackson earned All-Ohio honors with a 16th-place finish at the Division III state meet, while Jaydon came in 43rd.

**Wyatt Moore (Waynedale):** Along with the Varner brothers, Moore helped Waynedale secure a sixth-place overall team finish at last year’s state meet.


### Girls: Returning Stars

**Lillith Dreibelbis (Norwayne):** Dreibelbis aims to lead Norwayne as their top runner after placing 51st at last year's Division III state meet.

**Adyson Fosen & Annabelle Snyder (Rittman):** These sophomore teammates both earned All-Ohio honors with podium finishes last season. Fosen placed 15th, and Snyder came in 18th.  

**Brooke Bowlby & Selah Amos (Rittman):** Both played key roles in Rittman’s third-place finish at the Division III state meet last year. Bowlby placed 41st, while Amos finished 85th. The team looks to build on their success with a strong return.

**Kaitlyn Carr (Smithville):** A three-time track and field state champion, Carr’s only missing achievement is a cross country title.  After placing third at the Division III state meet in both 2023 (18:02.70) and 2022 (17:49.86), she has another shot at the crown as a senior.

**Maryn Erdman (Smithville):** Carr’s track teammate, Erdman is also poised for success in Division IV. After placing 27th at last year's Division III state meet and earning All-Ohio honors, she aims to climb the podium this season.


**Piper Polen (Waynedale):**  Polen made a strong debut as a freshman, qualifying for the Division III state meet and finishing 95th. Her best time was 19:46.20.

**Iriel Mena (West Holmes):** As a freshman, Mena made the Division II state meet, placing 69th and contributing to West Holmes' tenth-place team finish.





## County Runners Gear Up for Cross Country Season

The starting gun fires August 18th as Wayne/Holmes County high schools take to the cross country course. Wit

Top returning boys and girls high school cross country runne

Top returning boys and girls high school cross country runners in Wayne/Holmes County

##  Beaver County Cross Country: Fans Choose Preseason Stars

The whistle blows, the leaves crunch, and the 2025 season is about to kick off! But before the first race, it’s time to crown Beaver County's top cross country runners. 

**Last Year's Standouts**

West Allegheny's Grace Fritzman made waves last year, snagging silver at the WPIAL Championships and placing 11th at PIAA. She's one of many impressive young athletes poised for another stellar season.

**Vote for Your Favorites**

Think you know who deserves to be crowned? Cast your vote by August 14th at noon for the best boys and girls runners in the county. The results will be revealed on Tuesday, August 19th.  


 **VOTE:** Who are the Beaver County Times preseason high school cross country runners of the year? 


##  Beaver County Cross Country: Fans Choose Preseason Stars

The whistle blows, the leaves crunch, and the 2025 season is about to kick off! But before the fir

Vote for the Beaver County Times high school cross country p

Vote for the Beaver County Times high school cross country preseason runners of the year

## Who Reigns Supreme? Vote for the Shore's Top Rising Volleyball Star

The countdown to next year's season is on, and that means one thing: uncovering the next generation of volleyball superstars. Among the Shore Conference's Class of 2027 juniors, who stands out as the top prospect?  You decide!

**Vote Now for Your Choice:**

Head over to the poll below and cast your vote for the rising junior you think will dominate the court. Polls close on August 21st at 10 PM sharp.


[Poll embedded here] 

 **Technical Notes:**
If the poll doesn't load immediately, try refreshing the page. Voting issues within the app?  Switch to a mobile or desktop browser for a smoother experience. 





## Who Reigns Supreme? Vote for the Shore's Top Rising Volleyball Star

The countdown to next year's season is on, and that means one thing: uncovering the next

VOTE: Who is the Shore girls volleyball No. 1 prospect among

VOTE: Who is the Shore girls volleyball No. 1 prospect among rising juniors?

## Mississippi's High School Football Phenoms: Cast Your Vote!

Who reigns supreme in the gridiron? Mississippi high school fans have their say as they vote for the top football athlete entering the 2025 season.

**The Contenders:**

* **Braylen Bedford, Vardaman**: A freshman force to be reckoned with, Bedford racked up 1,260 all-purpose yards and a staggering 15 touchdowns last year. His defensive prowess added another layer, as he amassed 67 tackles. Powerhouse programs like Ole Miss, Mississippi State, Texas A&M, and Tennessee are already vying for his talent.

* **Zialis Blackmon, Biggersville**: This three-star recruit according to 247Sports dominated the field with an impressive 2,137 all-purpose yards and a jaw-dropping 29 total touchdowns in his previous season.

* **Quentin Carter, Charleston**:  A multi-faceted threat, Carter contributed 1,486 all-purpose yards and 15 touchdowns while also leading the defense with 28 tackles and two interceptions.

* **Javarious Griffin Jr., Cleveland Central**: This dynamic athlete showcased his skills on both sides of the ball, recording 756 all-purpose yards, including seven receiving touchdowns and five rushing TDs.  His talents have caught the attention of Ole Miss, Tulane, Vanderbilt, and Mississippi State among others.

* **Gavin Howard, Holmes County Central**: This three-star recruit made a significant impact with nine total touchdowns and an impressive 1,599 all-purpose yards. His special teams prowess added another dimension, as he recorded 24 total returns.

* **Jeremiah Harkins, New Hope**: Committed to Middle Tennessee State, this three-star recruit and the No. 64 player in the state helped lead New Hope to an 8-3 record last season.

* **Ian Harlan, Ocean Springs**: Harlan showcased his versatility with 245 all-purpose yards, eight tackles, and three total touchdowns.


**...and More!**

The competition continues with a host of talented athletes vying for the top spot:  Jermaine Jackson, O'Mari Johnson, DJ McNair, Ja'Kayden Moore, Liam Schwartz, Khylan Sinegal, Jaiden Taylor, Justin Verner, Jordan Virgess, Landon Thompson, Xzavier Webber, and Drew Winfun.

**Cast Your Vote:**


[Poll embedded here]



_Voting closes at noon on Sunday.  Vote once per hour per device._ 


## Mississippi's High School Football Phenoms: Cast Your Vote!

Who reigns supreme in the gridiron? Mississippi high school fans have their say as they vote for

Vote for top Mississippi high school football athlete for up

Vote for top Mississippi high school football athlete for upcoming 2025 MHSAA, MAIS season

## High School Football Kicks Off: Players to Watch in the Gaylord Area

**Season Opener Set For August 28th**

GAYLORD — Summer is winding down, which means one thing: high school football season is just around the corner! With kickoff scheduled for Thursday, August 28th, teams across Michigan are gearing up for another exciting year.  All three Gaylord-area squads will be playing at home to start the season. Gaylord takes on North Branch, Johannesburg-Lewiston hosts Burton-Bendle and Gaylord St. Mary welcomes Rudyard.

This new season brings fresh faces and emerging talent. Fans will see all three teams sporting new quarterbacks, alongside playmakers looking to make their mark alongside returning starters. 


**Gaylord Blue Devils:**

* **Jaron Bensinger, Linebacker:** The name "Bensinger" is synonymous with Gaylord athletic success. Jaron follows in his older brother Ty's footsteps, who was a state champion wrestler and All-State football player. After winning the D2, 144-pound wrestling state title at Ford Field this past March, Jaron now aims to conquer the gridiron. A second-team All-Big North linebacker last season, he will likely lead the Blue Devils' defense, which allowed just 16.2 points per game in 2024 despite a 3-6 overall record.

* **Kaven Cole, Receiver/Linebacker:** Gaylord found its offensive rhythm late last season, especially in the passing game, thanks in part to sophomore Andrew Szymoniak at quarterback. Cole emerged as a key target for Szymoniak and will likely be the new QB's favorite option in 2025.  He capped off the season with a breakout performance against Escanaba, helping Gaylord come back from a fourth-quarter deficit to win 19-15 on a last-second touchdown pass from Szymoniak to Cole. He finished the game with 5 receptions for 65 yards and 2 touchdowns. Cole also earned honorable mention All-BNC at linebacker.

**Johannesburg-Lewiston Cardinals:**

* **Joey Smokevitch, Running Back/Fullback/Defensive Back:**  After years of watching his father's teams in the Northern Michigan Football Conference, junior Joey Smokevitch is poised to become a key player and leader for the Cardinals seeking success. Smokevitch returns as the team's leading rusher with 282 total yards and 175 yards in NMFC-Legacy games, earning All-NMFC Legacy Honorable Mention in 2024. He will step up to fill the void left by graduating seniors Nate Hummel and Kyler Nowak. Smokevitch is also a first-team All-NMFC Legacy defensive back and an MHSAA Advisory Council selection, bringing both talent and experience to the Cardinals.

* **Wyatt Konkle, Offensive/Defensive Line:** To run Coach Joe Smokevitch's Wing-T, run-heavy offense effectively, you need big bodies up front who are also athletic enough to move in space. Senior Wyatt Konkle provides that for JoBurg. He was JoBurg’s lone first-team All-NMFC Legacy selection on both sides of the ball in 2024, earning a spot among the first-team offensive and defensive linemen.  He will be relied upon even more as he enters his senior season, hoping to lead JoBurg back to its pre-2021 success.

**Gaylord St. Mary Snowbirds:**

* **Nathan O'Connell, Quarterback/Defensive Back:** After a few years of established upperclassmen at key positions, Gaylord St. Mary is ushering in a youth movement. Sophomore Nathan O'Connell is set to take over as the starting quarterback for his dad, Kevin O’Connell. "Chummy," as he's known around GSM, was thrust into action late last season when seniors Daniel Jacobson and Hogan McKinley went down with injuries during their 7-2 regular season. After earning first-team All-Ski Valley honors as a freshman, O'Connell looks to become one of the go-to players for the Snowbirds in 2025.

* **Logan Greenier, Charlie Cameron, David Wahl, Jackson Vernier, Offensive/Defensive Line:**  Standing out as a lineman in 8-player football can be tough. Last season, GSM’s line was among the best in the entire Ski Valley. All four of their regular offensive and defensive linemen earned either first-team or honorable mention honors, led by sophomore Logan Greenier as a first-team defender and Charlie Cameron as a first-team on the O-line. With all four returning, GSM’s new backfield should feel protected and secure.






## High School Football Kicks Off: Players to Watch in the Gaylord Area

**Season Opener Set For August 28th**

GAYLORD — Summer is winding down, which means on

Here are the Gaylord-area football players we are looking fo

Here are the Gaylord-area football players we are looking for this fall

##  Who Will Rule the Gridiron? Vote for Section V's Top Class A Football Star!

The countdown to the 2025 high school football season is on, and a new generation of stars is ready to shine in Section V.  Faber Builders presents your chance to predict who will emerge as the top player in Class A.

**A Battle for Division Dominance:**

Class A will be divided into Class A1 and Class A2. 

* **Class A1:** Brighton, Churchville-Chili, Greece Olympia/Odyssey, Hilton, Irondequoit, Spencerport, Webster Schroeder, Webster Thomas, Victor.
* **Class A2:** Brockport, Canandaigua, East/World of Inquiry, Eastridge, Gates Chili, Greece Arcadia, Greece Athena, Wilson/Early College.

**The Contenders:**

Nominees were carefully selected based on their outstanding performances as returning All-Greater Rochester football players or members of the 2024 Section V All-Stars first team.


**Cast Your Vote!**

Help decide who will claim the title of best Class A player in 2025 by voting now! The poll closes at 8 p.m. on Friday, August 8th.  You can vote multiple times for your favorite.  The winner will be announced on Monday, August 11th.

[Poll]


**Vote Now and Stay Tuned!** 


##  Who Will Rule the Gridiron? Vote for Section V's Top Class A Football Star!

The countdown to the 2025 high school football season is on, and a new generati

Vote: Who will be the best Section V football player in Clas

Vote: Who will be the best Section V football player in Class A in 2025?

##  Delaware's Top High School Football Star is Crowned! 🏈🏆

**Cast Your Vote for Preseason Player of the Year**

Over eight weeks, Delaware fans have spoken! You've chosen your favorites at every position – quarterback, running back, offensive lineman, wide receiver, defensive lineman, linebacker, defensive back, and kicker or punter.  

Now it’s time to crown Delaware's top high school football star for the 2025 season!

**Vote now in our FREE poll presented by Delaware Orthopaedic Specialists:** [Insert Poll Here]

The winner will be announced this Friday.  Meet the nominees:

[List of Nominees]


**Can’t see the poll?** Refresh your page or try opening it in a different browser. Some mobile app users may need to open this page in a browser instead of in the app to register their vote. 


##  Delaware's Top High School Football Star is Crowned! 🏈🏆

**Cast Your Vote for Preseason Player of the Year**

Over eight weeks, Delaware fans have spoken!

Free vote: Pick the preseason Player of the Year in Delaware

Free vote: Pick the preseason Player of the Year in Delaware high school football, presented by Delaware Orthopaedic Specialists

##  Clash of the Titans: District 10 Linemen Battle for Preseason Honors

The trenches are always where football battles are won and lost, and District 10 is brimming with talent this season. These behemoths pave the way for offensive juggernauts and anchor defenses against relentless attacks. Who will reign supreme? Cast your vote now in our preseason lineman of the year poll! Voting closes Thursday night.

**District 10's Top 10 Linemen:**

* **Luke Lewis, Hickory:**  Lewis, a junior, is already a force to be reckoned with, earning District 10 lineman of the year honors last season. He boasts offers from Carnegie Mellon, Cal (Pa.), and Slippery Rock.
* **Jack Adams, Cathedral Prep:** This 6'3", 280-pound all-district standout is a true powerhouse for the Ramblers.
* **Jacob Coulter, Wilmington:**  A junior and all-district selection, Coulter terrorizes opposing offenses as a defensive menace for the Greyhounds. 
* **Delathian Boanes, Grove City:**  Boanes brings his senior year experience to the field with an impressive career tally: 173 tackles, seven sacks, and four fumble recoveries. 

* **Edwin Guzman, Erie:** This junior standout has already caught the eye of Syracuse University with an offer, and many expect him to attract even more attention this fall.
* **Rowan Szuba, McDowell:**  Szuba was voted to the all-region team last season in a region known for its exceptional linemen. 
* **Landon Plyler, Meadville:** This all-region first-team selection is poised to lead a young Meadville squad this fall.

* **Carlao Lowe, Farrell:** The tight end and defensive lineman leads the charge for the prolific Farrell offense.
* **Maddox Snyder, Reynolds:**  Snyder anchors both sides of the ball for the experienced Raiders team. 
* **Logan Latimore, North East:** A true two-way threat, Latimore dominates on both defense and offense for the North East squad.

**Vote Now!**





##  Clash of the Titans: District 10 Linemen Battle for Preseason Honors

The trenches are always where football battles are won and lost, and District 10 is br

#High-school