Friday nights in South Florida are basically a religion, but this past year felt different. If you were looking for palm beach county high school football scores this season, you probably noticed the usual suspects dominating, yet the way the postseason shook out caught plenty of folks off guard. It wasn't just about the heavy hitters like Central or Atlantic anymore.
Honestly, the rise of West Boca and the sheer dominance of Cardinal Newman became the story everyone was texting about by November.
The 2025-26 season wrapped up with some massive shifts in the local hierarchy. We saw programs that used to be "just okay" suddenly turning into state title contenders. It makes you wonder if the talent is spreading out or if the coaching in the 561 has just reached a whole new level.
The State Title That Silenced the Doubters
You can't talk about this year's results without mentioning Cardinal Newman. They didn't just win; they went on a tear. Their FHSAA State Championship win over Chaminade-Madonna—a 17-14 nail-biter at Pitbull Stadium—was the kind of game that keeps you up at night.
Most people didn't think they’d pull it off. Chaminade is a literal factory for NFL talent, but Newman’s defense played like their lives depended on every snap.
The road there was a gauntlet. Check out these late-season scores that paved the way for them:
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- Regional Quarterfinals: Cardinal Newman 37, Benjamin 0 (A complete shutout that sent a message)
- Regional Semifinals: Cardinal Newman 45, Community School of Naples 14
- Regional Final: Cardinal Newman 42, St. Petersburg Catholic 13
- State Semifinals: Cardinal Newman 48, Carrollwood Day 33
Then you have the SSAA side of things. Jupiter Christian is basically a dynasty at this point. They went back-to-back, taking down Mount Dora Christian 41-19 to secure another state title. It’s wild because earlier in the season, people were questioning if they had the depth to repeat. Clearly, they did.
What Happened to the Traditional Powerhouses?
It was a weird year for Palm Beach Central. They finished 6-5, which, let’s be real, isn't what that fan base expects. They had some bright spots—like that 49-0 blowout against Dwyer—but then they’d drop a heartbreaker by one point to Santaluces (28-27) or fall to Central (28-27) in the playoffs.
Speaking of Santaluces, that 28-27 win over Palm Beach Central was probably the regular-season upset of the year. It changed the momentum of the entire district.
West Boca Raton was the other big story. They finished with a massive 13-2 record. They were physically punishing teams. Just look at their 50-7 demolition of Palm Beach Central back in August. That wasn't just a win; it was a statement.
Key Matchups and Surprising Scorelines
If you missed the mid-October stretch, you missed some of the grittiest football played in Florida. Here’s a quick look at some scores that defined the middle of the pack:
- Atlantic 33, Coconut Creek 30: A high-scoring affair that proved Atlantic still has that "clutch" gene.
- Spanish River 42, Wellington 0: A lopsided result that showed Spanish River’s upward trajectory.
- Dr. Joaquin Garcia 27, Royal Palm Beach 26: This was a slugfest. Garcia is a newer program, and winning these tight games is how you build a culture.
- Boca Raton 43, Leonard 0: Total dominance by the Bobcats in a game that was over by halftime.
The "Muck" Still Matters
You can't mention Palm Beach County high school football scores without talking about the Muck. Pahokee and Glades Central are still the heart and soul of the county's football identity.
Pahokee had a solid run, finishing 9-4. They had a massive Week 1 win over Palm Beach Central (27-25) where Xavier Mitchell proved he’s one of the best quarterbacks in the state. Even when they lost, like their 26-10 fall to Cardinal Newman, they played with a level of physicality you just don't see in the suburbs.
Glades Central finished 10-2, showing they are officially "back" after a few down years. Their ability to produce elite offensive linemen like Javarii Luckas (a Florida commit) is still their bread and butter.
Who Are the Names to Watch for 2026?
The rankings for the Class of 2026 are already out, and Palm Beach County is absolutely loaded. If you’re a scout, your GPS is probably set to West Boca or Newman every Friday.
Javian Mallory at West Boca is the real deal—a Miami commit who runs like he’s trying to break the stadium. Then you’ve got the Newman trio of Jyron Hughley (West Virginia commit), Phoenix Donghia (James Madison), and Adam Balogoun-Ali (Auburn).
It’s actually kinda crazy how much talent is concentrated in just a few zip codes right now.
Why These Results Matter More Than Just Numbers
High school football scores in this county are about more than just who won a game. They dictate recruiting cycles, coaching hires, and even where families choose to live. When a school like West Boca or Cardinal Newman has a season like this, it changes the gravity of the whole area.
We are seeing a shift where the "Elite" status is no longer reserved for just one or two schools.
Actionable Steps for the 2026-2027 Season
If you want to stay ahead of the curve for next year, here’s how you should track the 561 football scene:
- Watch the Transfers: With the new FHSAA classifications for 2026 and 2027, expect some roster movement as players look for the best fit in the new districts.
- Follow the Muck Media: Sites like Muck City Media Enterprises provide the best boots-on-the-ground coverage for teams in Belle Glade and Pahokee.
- Check MaxPreps Weekly: It sounds basic, but their strength-of-schedule rankings are the only way to tell if a 10-0 team is actually good or just playing "cupcakes."
- Attend the Spring Games: May is when you see the "new" versions of these teams. Pay attention to who is taking the first-team snaps at QB for Palm Beach Central and Atlantic—those positions are currently in flux.
The 2025-26 season proved that in Palm Beach County, any team can be beaten on any given Friday. The scores tell part of the story, but the grit shown in those one-point playoff losses tells the rest.