Florida Teams Shape Playoff Picture During Week 8 Football

Florida high school football teams changed the playoff landscape during Week 8, with key victories across Palm Beach, Jacksonville and Central Florida. Results reported on October 10, 2026 showed Chaminade-Madonna, Lake Wales and several Jacksonville-area programs strengthening postseason positions. According to the Palm Beach Post, Chaminade-Madonna defeated Cardinal Newman 20-7 in West Palm Beach, likely securing a place in the Open Division.

The victory avenged last year’s Class 1A state championship loss against the same opponent. The Palm Beach Post reported Lake Wales earned the District 7-4A championship after a 28-6 win over Jones in Orlando on Thursday, October 8. The Highlanders entered the game ranked No. 2 in Class 4A.

Lake Wales has outscored its previous six opponents 270-23 after opening the season with a 35-34 loss to DeLand, according to the Palm Beach Post. The run has positioned the team among Florida’s leading Class 4A contenders.

Armwood also improved its playoff position with a 14-7 win over Tampa Bay Tech, according to the Palm Beach Post. A third-quarter special teams error by Tampa Bay Tech gave Armwood possession inside the 20-yard line before the deciding touchdown. News4JAX reported weather disruptions affected several Week 8 games as rain and lightning forced postponements. Middleburg led Orange Park 15-13 when their game was stopped, while Clay led Fleming Island 11-6 before play was delayed.

In Jacksonville-area results reported by News4JAX, Ed White defeated Ribault 52-7 to set up a Week 9 matchup with unbeaten Columbia for the District 3-4A title. Nease defeated Fletcher 31-27 in a key District 2-5A contest. News4JAX also reported Mandarin beat Ponte Vedra 34-10 and Bradford defeated Newberry 34-17 to claim the District 4-2A championship. Bradford entered the next week with an 8-0 record under first-year head coach Ross Baker.

Other Florida results from the week included St. Augustine’s 55-0 win over Ridgeview, Bolles’ 70-0 victory over KIPP Bold City and University Christian’s 59-6 win over Williston, according to News4JAX. The Florida coverage also highlighted upcoming Week 9 games, including Columbia visiting Ed White on October 16 at 6:30 p.m. and University Christian traveling to Bradford at 7:30 p.m., as reported by News4JAX.

Outside Florida, Friends of Football reported updated New Zealand National League standings after weekend matches. Miramar Rangers and Ferrymead Bays led the men’s table with four points each after two matches.

Friends of Football reported Auckland United topped the Women’s National League table with three points and a plus-five goal difference after one match. CF Waterside Karori recorded a 2-0 win with goals from Natalie Orellana and Sophie Burchfield.