Week 7 of high school football delivered thrilling matchups and standout performances across the Southeast and Midwest on September 25, 2026.
Why it matters: As the season progresses, teams are vying for playoff positions, making every game increasingly important. Undefeated teams are particularly under the spotlight as they aim to maintain their perfect records.
Thomas County Central (4-0) defeated Lee County (4-0) 49-26 in a nationally ranked matchup according to MaxPreps.
In Florida, Suwannee (5-0) convincingly beat Wakulla (4-1) 37-7, marking a strong start to their district play.
Peach County Trojans continued their unbeaten streak, overpowering Spalding 62-21 in Central Georgia.
In Iowa, Van Meter triumphed over Clarinda 41-14, scoring 21 points in the first quarter alone.
Driving the news: The action-packed Friday night featured several marquee games that showcased the talents of high school athletes across various states.
Week 7 of Football Friday Night saw Peach County and Troup both remain undefeated, with Troup edging Mary Persons 24-21.
Florida's scores included notable victories from Bradford (5-0), which defeated Madison County (3-2) 52-24, and Maclay (5-0) beating FAMU DRS (2-3) 56-22.
In Northwest Arkansas, Bentonville West faced Fayetteville in a highly anticipated game, highlighting the competitive nature of local high school football.
In Western North Carolina, North Buncombe secured a win against McDowell 49-27, demonstrating the region's talent.
State of play: The standings are tightening as teams push toward the playoffs, with several undefeated teams establishing themselves as frontrunners.
In Florida, Franklin County (6-0) crushed Graceville (0-4) 51-6, solidifying their status as a top contender.
Georgia's Thomas County Central and Lee County were both undefeated prior to their matchup, emphasizing the stakes of their clash.
Iowa's Nolan Kriegel leads with an impressive 21 rushing touchdowns and 8 passing touchdowns through five games, marking him as a player to watch.
In Arkansas, the Friday night games are a staple, with fans eagerly following their local teams' performances.
The big picture: The high school football season is heating up, with teams across the country making their final pushes toward playoff qualification.
As the season progresses, each game becomes a potential turning point for teams aspiring to advance.
The competition is fierce, particularly among undefeated teams, as they seek to maintain their momentum heading into the postseason.
With multiple teams still unbeaten, the upcoming weeks will be decisive in determining playoff brackets.
Fans are encouraged to stay updated through local broadcasts and social media for real-time scores and highlights.
What they're saying: Coaches and players are feeling the pressure as the playoff race intensifies.
“Every game counts now,” said Thomas County Central coach. “We need to keep our focus and execute.”
Wakulla's coach expressed disappointment after their loss, stating, “We need to regroup and come back stronger next week.”
Peach County's coach praised his team's performance, noting, “We’re playing well, but we can’t get complacent.”
Van Meter's coach highlighted the importance of their victory, saying, “Starting strong in the first quarter sets the tone for the entire game.”
By the numbers: This week’s scores highlight the competitive nature of high school football.
Suwannee scored 37 points against Wakulla, with a defense that only allowed 7 points.
Peach County’s 62 points against Spalding exemplified their offensive strength this season.
In Iowa, Van Meter scored 41 points, with 21 of those coming in just the first quarter.
Florida High defeated Lafayette with a score of 49-7, demonstrating their dominance in the game.
What's next: As teams prepare for their upcoming matchups, the stakes continue to rise.