West Boca's defensive performance against American Heritage in Week 1 was about as dominant a performance as you'll see.
Elite defense has been the Bulls calling card during their back-to-back state titles, but no one could have predicted what they do against the Patriots.
West Boca beat American Heritage 24-7 in Plantation. The score isn't a fair barometer for how this game went. It was way more lopsided that a 17-point win.
American Heritage — which also has won consecutive state titles, is the No. 1 ranked team in Class 4A, is the No. 5 overall team in the USA Today Florida Super 25 and has a four-star quarterback committed to Texas — was held without a first down for the first two-and-half quarters.
Just think about that for a second.
Not one broken play that resulted in a first down for more than 30 minutes of game time.
West Boca, the No. 2 team in Class 5A, could have scored a lot more too. It missed a field goal and essentially sat on the ball to run out the clock in the red zone to end the game.
As far as statement wins go, this one was about as loud as it gets.
Here are some other thoughts and takeaways from Week 1
DeLand and Lake Wales play an instant classicDeLand held on to beat Lake Wales 35-34 in one of the most exciting games you'll see. The Highlanders fought back from a two-score fourth quarter deficit and had a chance to go ahead with just over two minutes remaining, but DeLand stopped the two-point conversion. And considering how potent DeLand's offense is, going for two certainly seemed like the right call. Lake Wales senior athlete Kaneilius Purdy (UCF commit) had some outstanding plays on both sides of the ball in the loss.
Venice, Dorien Jones score big win in GeorgiaVenice, the No. 1 ranked team in Class 6A, traveled to North Georgia and topped Rabun Gap 42-40 in overtime. Senior running back Dorien Jones scored five total touchdowns and added the two-point conversion in overtime. This was a big win against a very talented Rabun Gap squad that boasts an elite front seven. Taking this game on short notice could be considered a risk, especially with the Open Division this year, but Venice took the game and earned a big win.
Columbia knocks off Bolles 20-19Columbia scored one of the biggest upsets of Week 1, topping Bolles 20-19 on the road. Bolles came into the game ranked No. 14 on the Super 25 but fell short in the season opener. Columbia came out strong from the jump with big plays from Maryland wide receiver commit Kyren Caldwell. This was a nice early win for a Tigers squad that has games against Lakewood, Madison County and Trinity Christian over the next month.
Lake Nona stuns Evans on Hail MaryLake Nona topped Evans 31-27 thanks to a miraculous touchdown on the final play of the game. Two Trojans defensive backs were in position to end the game but bobbled the ball going for the interception in the end zone. A Lake Nona receiver raced in and literally stole the ball and the win. Evans senior athlete Brian Dillard (USF commit) had a big effort in the loss, racking up close to 200 all-purpose yards and two touchdowns.
Quick slantsFlorida's elite wide receivers had some draw dropping catches in Week 1. Mandarin junior Brysen Wright and Carol City senior Nick Lennear (Miami commit) both had one-handed catches despite either being held or interfered with. Godby senior Jamarin Simmons (Clemson commit) made a leaping grab against tight coverage. Just enjoy these guys on Friday nights while you still can.
Jamarin "Waffle House" Simmons (@JamarinSimmons) doing what he do best. 🧇🧇🧇🧇🧇#BigBendPrepspic.twitter.com/wYCrpLbwzj
— Peter Holland Jr (@_Da_pistol) August 22, 2026Give Mosley defensive coordinator Shawn Killets and the Dolphins defense a lot of credit for the team's 15-13 win over Choctawhatchee. The defensive line was dominant, especially in the second half. On Choctaw's final drive of the game, Killets dialed up the pressure that resulted in a long intentional grounding penalty and almost produced a safety.
West Orange junior quarterback AJ Chung's poise and control of the Warriors offense is impressive. In West Orange's 28-24 win, Chung rallied the team from a 10-point second half deficit and threw the game-winning touchdown pass in the fourth quarter. What Chung does so well is he's willing to take what the defense gives him rather than force passes. At the same time, he had a true highlight throw in the first quarter when he rolled out to his left and fired a strike along the sideline.
Columbus senior athlete A'mir Sears (Miami commit) continues to show why Hurricanes recruited him to play both wide receiver and cornerback. He took his first catch for a touchdown and played lock down defense in the secondary. The Explorers routed Miami Southridge 45-7.
It's hard to imagine junior quarterback Brady Quinn having a better start to his career at Chaminade-Madonna. The four-star threw for 330 yards and five touchdowns in the Lions 49-22 win over Monarch. Quinn is the best quarterback Chaminade has had conducting the offense since current NC State starter CJ Bailey graduated after the 2023 season.
Carrollwood Day, the top ranked team in Class 1A, bounced back from its Kickoff Classic loss to Tampa Bay Tech in spectacular fashion, routing Eau Gallie 41-7. This was a big opening win for a Hurricanes squad that was a state semifinalist in Class 1A last fall.
Buchholz and Ed White both scored nice overtime wins. Buchholz beat Vanguard 34-28, while Ed White topped Trinity Christian 42-40. Ed White has one of the most consistently productive offenses in the state over the past calendar year and should be a tough opponent this season. Buchholz is looking to break through after several years of falling in the state semifinals.
Hawthorne, which fell to Vanguard in the Kickoff Classic, scored a big road win. The Hornets beat Bishop Moore 28-25 in Orlando. Considering Bishop Moore was a Class 3A state semifinalist a year ago, this was a really nice win for Hawthorne.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: West Boca's defense dominates nationally ranked American Heritage
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