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DeLand leads Orlando-area Class 7A teams in playoff hunt | FHSAA football rankings

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Monday, October 27th 2025 at 3:46 GMT by Orlando Sentinel
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Deland tops the Orlando‑area 7A list

Deland’s 2025‑26 squad, known for its disciplined defense and dynamic offense, sits at the pinnacle of the Orlando‑area 7A ranking. The 6‑1 Deland Knights entered the poll after a hard‑fought victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the 23‑20 win that snapped their two‑game losing streak. Coach Derek Ramirez, who has led the Knights to two playoff appearances in the last four seasons, attributes the climb to a “focus on fundamentals and a strong work ethic” that the team has displayed throughout the season.

Ramirez notes, “The guys have been grinding hard in every practice. We’ve put a lot of emphasis on situational football, and it’s paying off. Our defense has been outstanding in the red zone, and the offense is finally finding its rhythm.” The Knights’ offensive line, in particular, has been lauded for its protection schemes, allowing quarterback Jordan Davis to post a career‑high 2,400 passing yards and 25 touchdowns.

Deland’s top‑ranked status is corroborated by the FHSAA’s official ranking methodology, which weighs win‑loss records, strength of schedule, and point differentials. The Knights’ 6‑1 record—across a roster that has outscored opponents 312–145—has earned them the highest weighted score in the Orlando‑area bracket.

The rest of the Orlando‑area 7A leaders

Following Deland, the Orlando area’s 7A gridiron landscape is dominated by three other formidable squads:

1. Lake Nona Eagles – Ranked #2, the Eagles (5‑2) have a strong defensive front that has forced five turnovers this season. Their star linebacker, KJ Thompson, has accumulated 78 tackles and 12 sacks, earning him a preseason All‑Florida first‑team nod. Coach Emily Sanchez highlights the Eagles’ “high‑pressure defense” that has stifled opposing quarterbacks.

2. Orlando Panthers – Ranked #3 with a 4‑3 record, the Panthers have shown resilience in close games. Their senior running back, Miguel Ramirez, has averaged 112 yards per game and scored nine touchdowns. Panoramic photo coverage from the Panthers’ home opener, featuring a 42‑21 victory over the Daytona Beach Huskies, underscores their balanced attack.

3. Apopka Spartans – The Spartans, at 3‑4, are tied for #4 but are seen as an underdog that could swing the playoff race. Head Coach Carlos Ramirez has praised the Spartans’ “versatility” and their ability to adapt to different offensive schemes, particularly their use of a spread‑option offense that has rattled their opponents.

Key games that shaped the rankings

The article highlights several critical matchups that have defined the 7A playoff race in Orlando. The Deland‑Lake Nona showdown on September 25 saw the Knights edge out the Eagles 31‑24, with Deland’s defense forcing a critical fourth‑down stop in the fourth quarter. Meanwhile, the Panthers’ 27‑21 upset over the St. Augustine Stingers was a turning point for Orlando’s top‑ten teams.

Coach Ramirez of Deland explained the importance of that game: “It was a battle of wills. The Eagles are always a tough matchup, and we had to come out on top. That win gives us confidence moving forward.”

FHSAA’s playoff seeding and next steps

According to the FHSAA’s playoff criteria, the top eight teams in each of the five 7A conferences receive automatic berths. The Orlando‑area conference’s top four—Deland, Lake Nona, Orlando, and Apopka—will be automatically seeded. However, the FHSAA’s ranking system also considers regional performance, so teams outside the top four could still receive at-large bids if they have strong records and metrics.

The article notes that the playoff field will likely see Deland’s Knights as a #1 seed, with Lake Nona as #2. The Panthers and Spartans could both secure #3 and #4 slots, respectively, provided they maintain their current momentum. The FHSAA’s committee will review all 7A teams by the end of the regular season to finalize the playoff bracket.

Looking ahead

With only a handful of games left in the regular season, the Orlando‑area 7A teams have ample opportunity to solidify or shake up the rankings. Deland’s defense is looking to stay healthy as injuries can derail even the most promising squads. Meanwhile, Lake Nona’s coaching staff is focusing on offensive play‑calling to balance their high‑scoring offense with the robust defense that has been their hallmark.

Coach Sanchez of Lake Nona shared a glimpse into the Eagles’ next steps: “We’re going to keep working on our transition game. We want to finish the season strong and enter the playoffs ready. The guys are hungry for a title.”

As the FHSAA releases updated rankings weekly, the Orlando‑area football community will be closely watching how these five teams perform. Whether Deland can maintain its lead, or if a surprise from a lower‑ranked school can surge into the playoff conversation, remains to be seen. The playoff race in Orlando’s 7A division promises excitement, high‑stakes competition, and, for many, the potential for a new championship story in the 2025‑26 season.

For more information, readers can visit the official Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) website and the Orlando Sentinel’s full coverage of the 7A rankings.