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Volusia & Flagler High School Soccer Teams Prepare for FHSAA Five Star Tournament

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Tuesday, January 6th 2026 at 9:01 GMT by The Daytona Beach News-Journal

Volusia & Flagler High School Soccer Teams Gear Up for the FHSAA Five Star Tournament – A Look at Brackets and Prospects

The Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) Five Star Tournament, a significant competition showcasing some of the state’s top soccer talent, is fast approaching. The News-Journal has released bracket information for Volusia and Flagler County teams participating in this year's tournament, providing fans with a roadmap to follow as their favorite squads battle for regional supremacy. This article breaks down the key matchups, seeds, and storylines surrounding these local teams’ chances.

Understanding the Five Star Tournament Structure

The FHSAA Five Star Tournament is designed to provide a platform for high school soccer teams from across Florida to compete at a higher level. It's structured with distinct brackets for different classifications (1A, 2A, 3A, and 4A), ensuring that schools are competing against peers of similar size and resources. The tournament features multiple rounds – district tournaments leading into regional playoffs, culminating in the state championships. The News-Journal article focuses specifically on the brackets impacting Volusia and Flagler County teams within these classifications.

Volusia County Teams: A Mixed Bag of Seeds and Expectations

Several Volusia County schools are vying for success in the Five Star Tournament. Here's a breakdown, categorized by classification and seed:

• DeLand (3A): The DeLand High School boys soccer team is seeded 6th in their district and faces a challenging first-round matchup against Seabreeze. DeLand has had a season of mixed results, requiring them to overcome significant hurdles to advance. Their performance will likely hinge on strong defensive play and capitalizing on scoring opportunities.
• Flagler Palm Coast (3A): Flagler Palm Coast’s boys team is seeded 4th in their district. They'll be looking to leverage that seeding advantage as they navigate the tournament. Their success depends heavily on maintaining consistent offensive pressure and preventing opponents from establishing a foothold in the game.
• Pine Ridge (3A): Pine Ridge has secured the top seed in their district, placing them as strong contenders. Their high ranking reflects a season of impressive victories and solid team cohesion. They'll be favorites to advance deep into the tournament but will face increasingly tough competition with each round.
• Deltona (4A): Deltona High School’s boys soccer team is seeded 3rd in their district, setting up a potentially exciting first-round game. They are known for their energetic play and ability to generate scoring chances. Their success will depend on converting those opportunities into goals while maintaining defensive solidity.
• Mainland (4A): Mainland High School's boys team is seeded 2nd in their district, a testament to their consistent performance throughout the season. They are considered a serious threat for advancing and could be poised for a deep tournament run if they can maintain their form.

The article highlights that while some Volusia teams have secured favorable seeds, all face formidable opponents, underscoring the competitive nature of the Five Star Tournament. The News-Journal’s coverage (and linked articles) emphasizes the importance of team chemistry and strategic execution in navigating these challenging matchups.

Flagler County Teams: A Focus on Consistency and Resilience

Flagler County schools are also well-represented in the FHSAA tournament brackets. While smaller than Volusia in terms of overall teams, their squads demonstrate a strong commitment to soccer excellence.

• Matanzas (3A): Matanzas is seeded 5th in their district. Their journey through the tournament will require them to overcome adversity and exhibit resilience. They'll need to play with exceptional focus and determination to upset higher-seeded opponents.
• Flagler Palm Coast (3A): As mentioned previously, FPC’s boys team holds a 4th seed, indicating a reasonable expectation of advancement, but also acknowledging the challenges ahead.

The article notes that Flagler County teams often demonstrate remarkable grit and determination, making them unpredictable contenders in any tournament setting. Their ability to adapt to different playing styles and maintain composure under pressure will be crucial factors in their success.

Key Storylines & Factors to Watch

Beyond the bracket breakdowns, several overarching storylines are shaping the Five Star Tournament landscape:

• Injuries: As with any sports competition, injuries can significantly impact team performance. The News-Journal’s coverage acknowledges this and encourages fans to stay informed about player availability.
• Goalkeeping Performance: Solid goalkeeping is often a deciding factor in tight matches. Teams with reliable goalies are generally better positioned for success.
• Offensive Consistency: Scoring goals consistently can be challenging, particularly against strong defensive teams. The ability to create and convert scoring opportunities will be vital.
• Defensive Solidity: Preventing the opposition from scoring is just as important as finding the back of the net yourself. Strong defensive organization and disciplined tackling are essential.

The News-Journal’s article serves as a valuable resource for fans eager to follow their local high school soccer teams in the FHSAA Five Star Tournament. With detailed bracket information, team profiles, and insights into key storylines, it provides a comprehensive overview of what promises to be an exciting competition. Fans are encouraged to attend games or follow online updates to support their favorite squads as they strive for tournament glory. The article also links to previous coverage throughout the season which can provide deeper context on individual teams’ strengths and weaknesses.