Middleton, Fla. — State championship football is coming to The Villages.

The Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) announced Wednesday that The Villages High School will serve as host of two state championship games for its Rural classification, featuring a pair of matchups on Friday, Dec. 6, from The Range at H.G. Morse Stadium in Middleton. 

This is the first time in school history that VHS has served as a state championship host site. 

For more information on the selection, click here: https://fhsaa.com/news/2024/8/21/about-us-the-villages-charter-school-to-host-2024-florida-high-school-rural-classification-football-state-championships.aspx

FHSAA Executive Director, Craig Damon: "Just last night, we were able to reach an agreement to bring our Rural championships here to The Villages, their spectacular stadium and all they have to offer, and to give our student-athletes an opportunity to play in this great environment. ... Being centrally located in the state where there's turnpikes and interstates that come in here, it makes it very easy for our schools and our fans to access this facility. ... Student-athletes from the Rural classification will definitely love this venue and the great atmosphere here."

VHS Athletic Director and Head Football Coach, Richard Pettus: "First and foremost, thank you to Craig Damon and the FHSAA for giving us this opportunity. When we started planning our new school five years ago, this was on the radar — what could we do to bring state championships to our facilities? Being able to seal the deal with the (FHSAA) and its staff members, it's just awesome. We're excited and there's more to come hopefully in the future." 

VHS Principal, Rob Grant: "It's just an honor to be able to showcase what we have and to be able to be the host. When I heard the news, I was super excited and I couldn't wait to get to work. We're really excited for what the future brings."



Cody Hills can be reached for questions or comment at cody.hills@tvcs.org or by calling (352) 259-6890.