What if the computers didn't decide the FHSAA Open Division field?
The inaugural FHSAA Open Division field will be determined solely by the MaxPreps rankings, which have fluctuated wildly just over the past
two weeks.
As of Sunday, Sept. 27, the field would be St. Thomas Aquinas, Columbus, West Boca, Chaminade-Madonna, Cardinal Newman, Cardinal Mooney, Miami Central and Armwood.
But what if the FHSAA didn't just use the computer rankings. What if there was a human element? What if there were people who had to explain who is in the field and why?
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Would that make for a perfect field every time? Not a chance. Would it possibly be better than a secret computer formula where seemingly no one is accountable? Absolutely.
All that being said, I don't think media should be the ones picking the field either. Too many people not seeing enough games. Too much regional bias.
But are there enough knowledgeable people in Florida who could watch games and come up with a list of eight deserving teams? Yes.
In that spirit, here's who I would put in the Open Division after the first six weeks of the season.
1. St. Thomas Aquinas
This doesn't need any explanation. The only team to give Aquinas a real game this season is Columbus. The Raiders defense is elite. Tyler Reid and Julius Jones lead an offense that has scored at least 31 points in every game. Aquinas is the team to beat.
2. Columbus
Not only did the Explorers beat national power Bishop Gorman (Nevada) 33-28, but the score wasn't a fair indication of the game. That's how good this team is. A week later, Columbus took Aquinas to the edge in a 31-24 loss. A'mir Sears is the headliner, but this a talented team overall.
3. West Boca
Convincing wins against American Heritage (2025 Class 4A state champion) and Cardinal Newman (2025 Class 1A state champion) were impressive. The Bulls 15-14 loss against St. John's (Washington D.C.) took some shine of the resume, but this is still a dominant defensive squad with championship pedigree.
4. Chaminade-Madonna
Other than struggling in a loss against Sierra Canyon (California) in Week 2, the Lions offense has been dominant. Chaminade has double-digit wins against Monarch, American Heritage and True North. The Lions have a very difficult second half schedule with Aquinas and Cardinal Newman in back-to-back weeks.
5. Venice
The Indians should have two resume builders with overtime road wins against Rabun Gap (Georgia) and Lakeland. It also doesn't hurt that running back Dorien Irving-Jones has a real claim as first half MVP for the state. If Venice goes to Raines and wins in Week 7, Venice should be a lock. The computer doesn't seem to like Venice right now. Some of that is because Rabun Gap is 2-4 because of an insanely difficult schedule.
6. Miami Central
MaxPreps is maddeningly inconsistent in how it views the Rockets. They've been at No. 23 and No. 8 in the same week without the team playing a game in-between. Of course, the computers don't see games. Miami Central opened the season with an impressive win in California against Orange Lutheran and routed rival Miami Northwestern. The only loss was a hard fought 18-7 defeat in Georgia against Buford, the 2025 national champion.
7. DeLand
No defensive coordinator wants to have to prepare for Rick Darlington and the vaunted single-wing offense. As for the resume, the Bulldogs beat Lake Wales in the season opener (not that the MaxPreps computers can seem to get any kind of a consistent read on the Highlanders) and gave national power St. Frances (Maryland) all it could handle in a 49-35 loss. It's the most points St. Frances has allowed since 2023.
8. Armwood
Feels like the Armwood-Tampa Bay Tech game in Week 8 will be a true Open Division elimination game. With the exception of losing on the road at the top-ranked team in New Jersey (Don Bosco Prep), the Hawks have been their typical dominant self. In their five wins, they've outscored opponents 212-13. The defense is exceptional and will keep them in most games, even against the state's elite offenses.
Hardest teams to leave out: Carol City, Columbia, The First Academy, Lakeland, Carrollwood Day
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Forget the computers. Here's who should be in Florida football Open Division
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