WEST BOCA RATON, FLA. – The year of the Bulls continues strong as West Boca finds themselves with the best of the rest in the country, this time more specifically, with the rest of the state.
This week MaxPreps has been announcing their Preseason Top 25 lists for each state, just weeks after announcing their National Top 100.
When it came to the state of Florida, it was no surprise how many familiar household names made their way into the Top 10, however, no one thought that a public school fresh off a state championship out in the marshlands of West Boca Raton would find themselves among the names of football giants.
After landing in the Top 50 nationally, West Boca received more love from MaxPreps by being placed as the seventh best team in the state, a surprise to many in the state, except those who have to compete with West Boca year after year.
West Boca represents Palm Beach County in a big way, often dubbed as a county with “no football culture” by those in Broward and Miami-Dade, despite having an immense history of championships thanks to The Muck, Dwyer, and American Heritage. West Boca looks to join these programs and add a new chapter to the overlooked but rich history of football in Palm Beach County.
With West Boca at 7, here’s how the rest of the Preseason Top 10 looks in the state of Florida;
- IMG (Bradenton)
- Chaminade-Madonna (Hollywood)
- American Heritage-Plantation
- St. Thomas Aquinas (Ft. Lauderdale)
- Miami Northwestern
- Miami Central
- West Boca (Boca Raton)
- Jones (Orlando)
- Lakeland
- Venice
Cardinal Newman also joins the Top 25 as the other representative for Palm Beach County, the Crusaders sneak into the rankings at 24, just two spots below Clearwater Central Catholic who they ultimately lost to in the State Final Four in overtime last November.
Success for West Boca wasn’t built overnight, in fact it was a long process, let’s dive into how far West Boca has come in the time Coach Dylan Potts has taken the reigns.
Changing the Culture: A Proper Rebuild
Just three and a half years ago, Dylan Potts took on the challenge of reviving a West Boca Raton football program that hadnβt made a playoff appearance since 2017. Since then, the transformation has been nothing short of remarkable.
In his first three seasons at the helm, Potts has guided the Bulls to three consecutive winning seasons, amassing a 30-7 record. Most notably, he led West Boca Raton to its first-ever state title last season, capturing the Florida Class 6A championship. And the Bulls are showing no signs of slowing down.
Potts has always had a clear vision: elevate West Boca Raton to national prominence. That vision is taking shape in 2025 as the Bulls gear up for their toughest schedule yet, one that pits them against some of the countryβs most respected programs. To be in the national conversation, you have to beat teams already there. Potts understands this, which is why the Bulls have assembled one of the most ambitious regular-season schedules of any South Florida team.
Challenge Accepted: Facing Heavy Hitters
It starts with a preseason showdown against nationally-ranked and second ranked in the state Chaminade-Madonna in the Kickoff Classic, a game that promises to test West Boca in every way.
But itβs the Week 3 matchup that could truly turn heads. On September 5, West Boca will host New Jersey powerhouse Bergen Catholic in the Adidas Football Classic, a marquee matchup that could serve as a launching pad into the national rankings.
All Eyes on Them: Who to Look out for This Year
The Bulls arenβt just scheduling tough, theyβve got the roster to match. Leading the charge is 2026 four-star running back Javian Mallory, a Miami Hurricanes commit whoβs healthy and ready to return to form after missing part of last season due to injury. Also returning on offense is wide receiver Zacharias Walls, who will be looking to breakout and lead the charge through the air as WR1 with the departure of Mark Hanniford.
Along with returning QB Trey Moran who shared reps with the recently transferred Mason Mallory who will be taking snaps under center at St. Thomas Aquinas this season. Moran will look to step up in a big way and help take charge. But along with Moran taking snaps under center he will be joined by Blanche Ely transfer Omari McNeal. With two very talented QB’s on the roster, we will likely see another rendition of the West Boca double QB set which we saw plenty of last year.
Defensively, West Boca might boast one of the top units in Florida. The strength of the team lies in its defensive front, anchored by a trio of Division I-bound linemen. Among them is 2027 four-star defensive tackle Jamar Thompson, who teams up with 2026 three-star and Liberty commit Xavier Reid to form one of the most formidable duos in the state. Along with a coverage team that contains Louisville commit Jaydin Broadnax and Army commit Taegan Briskey.
Deepening Resources
Off the field, the program is investing in its future with the unveiling of the Frank A. Barbieri Athletics Facility. Located next to the schoolβs Medical/Exercise Science Academy, the new Sports Management Academy building features eight classrooms, a 40-yard turf strip, 16 full weight racks, and multiple coachesβ offices, serving as a hub for all West Boca athletics.
All or Nothing
With a challenging schedule, elite-level talent, and top-tier facilities, West Boca Raton is gearing up for its biggest season yet. And if things go according to Pottsβ plan and vision for the program, the Bulls wonβt just be knocking on the door of the national Top 25, theyβll be ready to kick it down.
