Rivalry games. Reunions. Rematches. There are a number of quality matchups in this week’s preseason games (kickoff classics) that serve as a tune up before the regular season openers. Here are 20 games involving area teams worth checking out. 

Jesuit at Largo, 7

This is the second straight year defending state champion Jesuit is facing Largo in the preseason. One of the best matchups will be the Packers’ dynamic linebacking duo of Adarius Hayes and Zayvion McCluster trying to stop Tigers’ running back Joquez Smith, who rushed for more than 1,900 yards last season. 

Tampa Bay Tech at Sarasota Riverview, 7

Tampa Bay Tech, a defending state finalist, has an experienced roster that can contend for another title. To do that, the Titans put together a challenging schedule that starts with a preseason matchup against Sarasota Riverview, which went 9-3 and reached the region semifinals last season. 

Calvary Christian at Northeast, 7

The offenses for both teams have enough playmakers to put up points in this contest. Among those to keep an eye on are Calvary Christian quarterback Jacob Drackett and Northeast running back Markese Norfleet. 

Bradenton Southeast at Newsome, 7

During the offseason, Newsome retooled its rushing attack to compensate for the loss of Jason Albritton, now at USF. The Wolves first test drive comes against an improved Southeast squad. 

River Ridge at Pasco, 7

The battle of first-year coaches with River Ridge’s Greg Miller going up against Pasco’s Alphonso Freeney. The key will be how well the Royal Knights’ defense stacks up against Pasco running back Tayshaun Balmir. 

Zephyrhills at Land O’ Lakes, 7:30

This is the chance for both teams to get game experience for their first-year starting quarterbacks (Zephyrhills’ Brendyn Colella and Land O’ Lakes Mason Clarke). The big matchup will be the Bulldogs’ revamped secondary, led by Fred Adams and DJ Pickett, facing off against Land O’ Lakes’ stellar receiver, Kennen Ayala. 

Nature Coast at Citrus, 7

After going 8-4 and reaching the region semifinals last year, Nature Coast is trying to take the next step and make an even deeper run in the playoffs. The Sharks’ veteran roster, led by running back Christian Cromer and linebacker/tight end Brady Nowlan, gets a test against an improved Citrus squad. 

Zephyrhills Christian at Jacksonville University Christian, 7:30

For the past few years, Zephyrhills Christian has been a consistent playoff contender. The Warriors’ goal is now to contend for a Class 1 state title in the newly formed Suburban Division. The preseason contest against Jacksonville University serves as a good gauge to see where Zephyrhills Christian stands. The Warriors also are looking to exact revenge after losing 34-19 in last year’s regular season matchup. 

Palmetto at Lakewood, 7:30

Last year, Lakewood reached the state semifinals for the third time under coach Cory Moore. The Spartans are once again loaded with talent and are primed to take the next step. That’s why Moore put together another tough schedule starting with the matchup against Palmetto.  

East Bay at Sumner, 7:30

Given the proximity of the two schools, this could turn into a great rivalry. Both teams are coming off playoff appearances last year and have plenty of returners. Check out the running games, which could be heavily featured. 

Mitchell at Steinbrenner, 7:30

An intriguing cross-county battle between perennial playoff contenders. Mitchell has made eight straight playoff appearances, including six straight district titles. Steinbrenner has been to the postseason the past three seasons, highlighted by a state semifinal appearance in 2019. 

Clearwater Central Catholic at Wiregrass Ranch, 7:30

This is the sixth straight meeting between the teams in the preseason. It also is a chance for fans to watch two college-bound receivers, CCC’s Nate Johnson (Boston College) and Wiregrass Ranch’s Bryson Rodgers (Ohio State). Johnson, a two-way standout, could even be matched up against Rodgers on defense. 

Plant City at Lake Gibson, 7:30

Former Tampa Bay Buccaneers receiver Michael Clayton took over at Plant City in the offseason. His first game is a tough one against defending state semifinalist Lake Gibson. 

Wekiva at Pinellas Park, 7:30

Max Smith makes his debut as Pinellas Park coach and gets to test out his new pass-friendly offense against a formidable opponent. 

Berkeley Prep at Bloomingdale, 7:30

After reaching the state final for the first time last season, Berkeley Prep is trying to get back to the title game with a revamped lineup. Traveling to play Bloomingdale, which made the state semifinals two years ago, gives the Buccaneers the challenge they need heading into the regular season. 

Hillsborough at Clearwater, 7:30

A rematch from the preseason a year ago. Clearwater stayed with Hillsborough throughout much of last season’s contest but came up short. Both teams then went on to reach the region final. 

Armwood at Lakeland, 7:30

Two of the top teams in the state meet in an anticipated matchup. Armwood has a young but talented team that is in a loaded district that includes Tampa Bay Tech and Wharton. To get ready, the Hawks will play a star-studded Dreadnaughts squad that got a boost in the offseason with a number of high-profile transfers. 

Wharton at Plant, 7:30

This is a reunion for Wharton coach Mike Williams, who was a standout at Plant before going to USC and becoming a first-round NFL draft pick. Both teams are going through a quarterback battle and will use this game as an evaluation tool to determine who starts in the regular season opener. 

St. Petersburg Catholic at St. Petersburg, 7:30

The private-public city rivalry likely will be won in the trenches considering both teams have plenty of returners up front on both sides of the ball. 

Hernando at Fivay, 7:30

Another matchup between new coaches with Hernando’s John Scargle facing Fivay’s Tyrone Hendrix. Scargle has a defensive background and will try to devise a plan to stop the Falcons’ 1-2 running punch of Ty Wilson and David Williams.