The 2025–2026 state championship will showcase one of Florida’s most anticipated rematches: the Raines Vikings versus the Miami Northwestern Bulls. One year ago, Northwestern overpowered Raines 41–0, delivering a decisive statement and raising the bar for the Vikings’ offseason overhaul. Now, the stage is set for a far different battle. Both teams arrive loaded with high-level talent, major college signees, statistical firepower, and a season’s worth of momentum driving them toward a title.
Raines: A Resurgent, High-Powered Contender
Raines enters the championship with one of the most explosive and balanced offenses in the state. Led by standout quarterback Timothy Cole II, the Vikings have produced points at an elite level all season. Their offense averages more than 34 points per contest.
Cole enters the title game with 2,609 passing yards and 39 touchdowns, along with 407 rushing yards and 3 rushing touchdowns. His dual-threat command of the offense has earned him a commitment to Florida A&M University and has driven the Vikings’ identity all year.
The ground attack features two reliable scoring threats. Ta’Darius Washington has totaled 842 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns, while Tisean Haynes adds another 676 yards and 14 touchdowns, giving Raines a two-headed backfield capable of controlling tempo and extending drives.
Cole’s receiving weapons are among the most productive units in Florida.
• Ziyon Butler leads the team with 1,020 receiving yards and 17 touchdowns and will continue his career at Middle Tennessee State.
• Fellow MTSU signee Ethan Sherman follows closely with 733 yards and 9 touchdowns.
• Kelvin Brown Jr, a Boston College signee, adds another 467 yards and 8 touchdowns, making Raines’ WR corps one of the deepest in the championship field.
Defensively, the Vikings show similar balance with speed, range, and physicality at all three levels. Their defense allows fewer than 12 points per game—one of the top scoring-defensive marks in Florida this season. A year after being shut out in the championship, the Vikings have rebuilt their identity around explosive scoring, rugged line play, and a defense that thrives on creating turnovers.
The linebacker room features three standout producers:
• Travis Williams – 64 tackles, 11 TFL, 6 sacks
• Troy Butler – 64 tackles, 23 TFL, 9 sacks, and a fumble-return TD
• Tony Williams – 56 tackles, 7 TFL, 2 fumble-return TDs (Illinois signee)
The secondary is opportunistic and dangerous. Jucoby Marion and Makhel Smith-York each have two interceptions, while Mercer signee Shareef Jackson has delivered a pick-six, kick-return TD, and punt-return TD. Jy’Tye Flornoy also owns a pick-six, further showcasing Raines’ big-play ability.
Up front, DE Cameron Washington, a Charleston Southern signee, anchors the defensive line. And few defenses in Florida can match Raines’ scoring production: the Vikings boast eight defensive fumble-return touchdowns, with scores from Johdeem Jones, Geterius Brown (Charleston Southern), Makhel Smith-York, and Chenaniah Doran.
Raines’ top wins this season include convincing victories over Trinity Christian, Lake Mary, and Madison County. Their 28-8 domination over Booker in the State semifinals demonstrated their strength against playoff-caliber competition, something many criticized them for during the regular season.
Northwestern: The Defending Standard of Excellence
Miami Northwestern once again enters championship weekend as the powerhouse program many expected. Their offense is led by elite playmaker Neiman Lawrence, one of the top quarterbacks in the entire country and a nationally recruited prospect holding offers from Alabama, Colorado, Georgia, Michigan, and Ohio State. Just a sophomore, Lawrence has thrown for 1,971 yards and 32 touchdowns, directing an offense built on size, speed, and mismatches.
Miami Northwestern TD!
— Jon Santucci (@JonSantucci) November 30, 2025
Neimann Lawrence 48 yards to Nick Lennear
5:32, 1st
Bulls 15, Central 0@NEIMANLAWRENCE1 @_youngshiner_n1 @mnw_fb pic.twitter.com/vKwOt6r0fv
Northwestern’s rushing attack features the senior duo of Irwin James and Tarvail Mathis, both holding major offers, including Nebraska, West Virginia, and Pitt. Their experience and playoff composure make them essential in controlling the pace.
The receiving corps is equally dangerous:
• Calvin Russell Jr (6’5, Syracuse signee) provides a towering red-zone target.
• Nicholas Lennear, with offers from Georgia, LSU, Miami, Indiana, and others, stretches defenses vertically.
• Marcus Dumont adds reliability and route discipline.
• Nicsaint Joseph Jr (6’3, FAU signee) gives the Bulls yet another long, explosive perimeter threat.
Defensively, Northwestern plays with the same aggression that powered last year’s championship run.
• LB Demarcus King leads with 13 sacks and brings a 6’3, 210-pound frame to the middle of the defense (Tennessee State commit).
• LB Desmond Johnson, a Pitt signee, and LB Shane Rochelle (Middle Tennessee St signee) strengthen the unit with range and physicality.
The secondary features elite talent as well.
• Tedarius Hughes a four-star DB and Florida State commit, stands 6’3 and has two interceptions.
• Keondre Ponton, with offers from USF, Liberty, FAMU, Fresno State, and New Mexico, also owns two interceptions.
Northwestern (13-0) has had top victories this season include major wins over Miami Central, Columbus, and Miami Norland. Their victories in the playoffs including downing Bishop Moore 52-21 continued to —reinforce their status as one of the Country’s premier Prep programs.
What to Expect in the Rematch
This championship game offers contrasting narratives: Raines’ redemption arc versus Northwestern’s road to repeat. The Vikings bring upgraded offensive firepower, veteran leadership, and one of the state’s most productive skill groups. Northwestern brings proven championship pedigree, elite recruits at every position group, and young but unique athleticism that overwhelmed Raines last year through the air.
The result may come down to:
• Control of the line of scrimmage- Will Northwestern’s size, particularly on defense, stifle Raines ability to convert short yardage?
• Quarterback decision-making- Can a sophomore at quarterback for Northwestern out-play a veteran signal caller of Raines?
• Turnovers and defensive scoring- Both teams rely on opportunistic playmakers. Calvin Russell Jr plays offense and safety on defense. Will this be an X-Factor in the game?
• Special teams impact- Can Raines gain a significant big-play advantage on special teams that has lifted them all year? Possibly a kickoff return by Shareef Jackson.
Jaquatin Victrum serves as head coach for Miami Northwestern. He’s a graduate of Clark Atlanta University where he played after starring at Miami Northwestern in High School.
Donovan Masline is the head coach for Raines. He is a graduate of Alabama State University, where he played after starring at Raines in High School. Two HBCU graduates will lead two Historically Black High Schools in a rematch on the gridiron.
The 2025–2026 state final is not just a rematch—it is a validation opportunity for Raines and a legacy- moment for Northwestern.
The Bulls look to win their ninth state title. Northwestern defeated Raines 8-7 in 2014, and 25-7 in 2013 in their only regular season matchups. Northwestern won their first state title defeating Sandalwood (Jacksonville)12-7 in 1995.
Raines looks to win their fourth state title, their first since 2018. The Vikings won their first State Championship in 1997.
With elite talent on both sidelines and championship urgency driving both teams, this year’s title game promises to be far more competitive and far more dramatic than the last.
