Winter Park, FL — The 2025 high school football season kicks off with a marquee matchup as the Winter Park Wildcats host the Jones High School Tigers on Friday night at Showalter Field. Both teams enter the season with high expectations and rosters stacked with talent, setting the stage for a thrilling opener.
Winter Park, led by senior quarterback Madden Boone and bruising running back Decorie Johnson, will look to establish a balanced offensive attack. The Wildcats boast a deep receiving corps including Tristan Gunn and Kaulen Liberty, while their defense is anchored by linebacker Giacamo Sanfilippo and edge rusher Nick Lovre.
“We’ve got a veteran group that’s hungry,” said head coach Tim Shifflet. This game will be a great test of where we stand early in the season.”
Standing in their way is a juggernaut in the form of Jones High School. Coming off a dominant 14-1 campaign, the Tigers return a fearsome defensive front led by Fred Ards and Savion Brooks, along with a massive offensive line featuring Ronnie Woulard and Xavier Payne. Senior quarterback Dereon Coleman and running back Daunte Wallace headline a dynamic offense that can strike quickly.
“This team has championship aspirations,” said Jones head coach McAdams. “We respect Winter Park, but we’re focused on executing our game plan.”
With both teams eyeing deep playoff runs, Friday’s showdown could set the tone for the season. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 PM, and fans are expected to pack Showalter Field for what promises to be one of Central Florida’s most exciting early-season matchups.