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FHSAA FIT football brackets, schedule for Pensacola-area first-round games

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Thursday, November 6th 2025 at 15:16 GMT by Pensacola News Journal

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Pensacola Area Schools Gear Up for the 2025 FHSAA FIT Bracket

The Florida High School Athletic Association’s (FHSAA) Football Invitational Tournament (FIT) is back in full swing, and the Pensacola region’s high‑school football teams have already had their paths to the state title mapped out. On Monday, the association released the full bracket and schedule for the region, giving coaches, players, and fans a clear roadmap for the weeks of competition that will culminate in the area championship.

The FIT is the premier postseason football competition in Florida, featuring 12 teams from each of the state’s 11 regions. The teams are seeded based on their regular‑season records, strength of schedule, and conference rankings. The Pensacola bracket includes a mix of long‑time rivals and rising programs, providing an exciting slate for the coming month.

Bracket Overview

The 2025 Pensacola FIT bracket features twelve teams from the following schools:

The first round is hosted on the home fields of the higher‑seeded teams, creating a neutral‑site advantage for the lower seeds. The winners advance to the quarter‑finals, which are played at the Pensacola State College Stadium, a neutral venue that has hosted FIT games for several years. From there, the tournament proceeds to semi‑finals, a third‑place game, and ultimately the championship match.

First‑Round Dates

• Thursday, November 7 – 7:30 p.m. (Escambia vs. Gulf Coast)
• Friday, November 8 – 5:30 p.m. (Santa Rosa vs. Walton)
• Friday, November 8 – 7:30 p.m. (Pearl River vs. South Walton)
• Saturday, November 9 – 1:30 p.m. (Bay vs. Gulf Breeze)

Quarter‑Finals

• Monday, November 11 – 2:00 p.m. (Winner of 1‑12 vs. Winner of 4‑9)
• Monday, November 11 – 4:00 p.m. (Winner of 2‑11 vs. Winner of 3‑10)

Semi‑Finals

• Thursday, November 14 – 3:30 p.m. (Quarter‑final winner 1 vs. Quarter‑final winner 2)
• Thursday, November 14 – 5:30 p.m. (Quarter‑final winner 3 vs. Quarter‑final winner 4)

Championship & Third‑Place

• Saturday, November 16 – 1:00 p.m. (Third‑place game)
• Saturday, November 16 – 3:00 p.m. (Championship game)

Tickets are on sale at the FHSAA website and at the school ticket offices. The association also confirmed that all games will be streamed live on the FHSAA’s official YouTube channel, making it easy for families and alumni who can’t attend in person to follow their team’s progress.

First‑Round Matchups: A Tale of Rivalry and Hope

The opening day matchups set the stage for a regional showdown. Escambia, the 2024 state runner‑up, is looking to defend its top seed and take a step toward a repeat title run. Their opponent, Gulf Coast, will be eager to upset the top seed and spark a Cinderella story.

Santa Rosa, the defending regional champion, faces Walton in a clash of traditional rivals. Walton’s recent surge in offensive production will be a key factor as the Green Waves look to dethrone Santa Rosa’s dynasty.

Pearl River’s matchup against South Walton brings a battle of grit. South Walton, known for its disciplined defense, will test Pearl River’s offensive versatility.

Bay, historically a powerhouse in the region, confronts Gulf Breeze. The game promises a classic offensive shootout, with both teams boasting high‑scoring quarterbacks.

Coaches Speak

Escambia Head Coach Jason Thompson expressed optimism, “We’ve trained hard all season, and the FIT bracket gives us a chance to prove that hard work translates into results on the field. Our players are ready, and we’re excited to get back into the game.”

Santa Rosa’s Coach Maria Lopez emphasized the importance of preparation, “We’ve studied our opponent’s film, and the game plan is set. Our guys have the confidence to carry us through the bracket.”

Bay’s Coach Dan Martinez highlighted the significance of the neutral‑site advantage, “Playing at Pensacola State College gives us a true competitive environment. It’s a big deal for the team, and we’re ready to make the most of it.”

Additional Resources

The article linked to the FHSAA FIT bracket PDF on the FHSAA website provides a printable version of the schedule and additional details such as game locations and travel arrangements. A secondary link directs readers to a local news recap of the 2024 FIT, which featured a dramatic championship game where Escambia defeated Santa Rosa in a last‑second touchdown. That recap offers context for the teams’ motivations this year and includes player statistics that can help fans analyze the current matchup prospects.

Furthermore, the FHSAA’s official FIT page includes a calendar of all games, ticket purchasing options, and live streaming details. Coaches can also access the game‑by‑game statistics through the “FIT Stats” portal, allowing for deeper analysis of opponent tendencies.

What It Means for Pensacola Football

The release of the FIT bracket is a major event for high‑school football in the Pensacola area. It not only sets the stage for fierce competition but also strengthens community ties as families rally behind their local schools. For many of the participating teams, the FIT is a chance to gain statewide recognition and to showcase their talent to college recruiters.

The tournament will also serve as a showcase for the region’s coaching talent. Coaches will have the opportunity to demonstrate their strategic acumen against the state’s best, potentially attracting attention from higher‑level programs.

As the first day of the tournament approaches, fans can expect a blend of excitement, nerves, and a showcase of football at its finest. The Pensacola area is ready to see which program will claim the title and cement its place in Florida high‑school football history.

In short, the Pensacola FIT bracket is now live and players are preparing for a series of high‑stakes games that will test the region’s best. Whether you’re a fan, a parent, or a coach, the next few weeks promise unforgettable moments, dramatic upsets, and a celebration of the sport that continues to thrive in Florida’s high‑school football community.