The winning tradition continues for the Venice Indians! On Friday night, the Venice Varsity Boys Football team delivered a decisive 41-22 victory over the Sumner Stingrays in the FHSAA Class 7A, Region 2 Final. 

 

This commanding win marks the program's sixth consecutive trip to the state semifinal round, continuing their run as one of Florida's premier high school football powerhouses.

 

The game was a fierce contest, but the Indians' consistent offensive pressure and strong defensive performance proved too much for the Stingrays, whose season ended with a respectable 10-3 record.

 

For Venice, the victory bumps their record to 9-3 and extends their winning streak to six straight games heading into the Final Four.

 

The Venice offense showcased its dynamic versatility, with several key players making significant impacts:

• Darryon Jones (QB/RB): A dual-threat force, Jones was the engine of the offense. He leads the team in Rushing Yards Per Game (93.8) and Passing Yards Per Game (181.6), showcasing his ability to lead a balanced attack.
• Tyree Mannings (WR/KR/PR): The sophomore wide receiver proved to be a major vertical threat and playmaker, leading the team with 122.0 Receiving Yards Per Game. His speed and sure hands were crucial in keeping the Sumner secondary honest.
• Tristen Neeley (MLB): Anchoring the defense, Neeley led the team with 10.8 Tackles Per Game, showcasing his aggressive, sideline-to-sideline range.
• A. Charles (DE): On the defensive line, Charles was a constant disruptive force, leading the team with 12.5 Sacks on the season, pressuring the opposing quarterback and forcing quick decisions.

 

 

Next Stop: State Semifinals vs. Lake Mary

 

The Venice Indians now advance to the FHSAA Class 7A State Semifinals where they will face the Lake Mary Rams. Lake Mary defeated DeLand 40-31 in the Region 1 Final to earn their spot.

 

The highly anticipated semifinal game is scheduled for Friday, December 5th, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. The location will be played at a site determined by the FHSAA between the two schools. Fans can check the official FHSAA State Series brackets for the finalized venue details.

 

This matchup is a rematch of the 2024 Class 7A State Championship, where Venice defeated Lake Mary 52-19. The Indians will look to repeat their success and punch their ticket to the State Championship game in Miami.