The Florida high school football season is set for a historic regional showdown as the Port Charlotte Pirates and the Venice Indians face off this Friday, September 12, 2025, at 7 PM local time. This highly anticipated matchup brings together two formidable programs with very different starts to their 2025 campaigns. Port Charlotte, a perennial powerhouse, is coming into the game with a perfect 3-0 record after dominant wins over North Fort Myers, Island Coast, and Lehigh, outscoring their opponents by a significant margin. The Pirates are a well-coached team with a history of winning in high-pressure situations and are looking to continue their dominant streak. On the other side, Venice is looking to bounce back from a tough 1-1 start to the season with a decisive 27-12 win over Bishop Verot, but are coming off a tough 7-29 loss to a strong Tampa Bay Tech team. The Indians, a tough, disciplined team, are determined to get a major home victory to prove they are a force to be reckoned with this season. This game is a pivotal moment for both programs, as the winner will gain significant momentum and a boost in their respective state rankings. The atmosphere at the stadium is sure to be electric, with a packed crowd and a fierce competition on the field. The outcome of this game will be crucial for both teams’ standings and their momentum heading into the rest of the season.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: High School Football
Who: Port Charlotte vs Venice
When: Friday, Sep. 12, 2025
Local time: 7 PM
Location: Florida
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Who Will Win This Matchup?
This is a very difficult game to predict, as both teams are coming in with different records and levels of talent. However, based on their recent history and their performance, the edge goes to Venice. The Indians are a consistently dominant program with a long history of success, having finished the 2024 season with a strong record and a reputation for winning in high-pressure situations. In a head-to-head matchup in 2024, Venice defeated Port Charlotte with a decisive 49-41 victory, showcasing their superiority on both sides of the ball. While Port Charlotte has also had a strong start to their 2025 season with a 3-0 record, their recent games show they have some work to do. Venice’s superior talent and depth give them a significant psychological and strategic advantage. The Indians’ overall team strength and their experience in high-pressure games should lead them to a victory.
Team Records and History
Both the Port Charlotte Pirates and the Venice Indians have a long history of competitive football. The Venice Indians have established themselves as one of the state’s most successful programs, with a long history of deep playoff runs and state championships. The Indians’ program is known for its discipline, physical play, and ability to compete at the highest level. They finished the 2024 season with an impressive 4-0 record. The Port Charlotte Pirates also have a solid history, though their recent record of 3-0 in 2025 shows that they have had their struggles. However, the Pirates are known for their resilience and ability to make big plays. This rivalry is built on a foundation of mutual respect and a history of hard-fought games.
Team Recent Results and Scores
Here is a look at the recent results and scores for both teams to provide context for this upcoming matchup.
Port Charlotte Recent Results
The Pirates have had a great start to their 2025 season.
Date | Opponent | Score |
Sep 5, 2025 | vs. Lehigh | W, 49-13 |
Aug 29, 2025 | vs. North Fort Myers | W, 63-7 |
Aug 22, 2025 | at Island Coast | W, 62-0 |
Venice Recent Results
The Indians have started their 2025 season with a mixed bag of results.
Date | Opponent | Score |
Sep 5, 2025 | vs. Bishop Verot | W, 27-12 |
Aug 29, 2025 | at Northwestern | Postponed |
Aug 22, 2025 | at Tampa Bay Tech | L, 7-29 |
Port Charlotte Team Upcoming Games Schedule
Following their game against Venice, the Port Charlotte Pirates will continue their challenging schedule as they aim to improve on their record.
Date | Opponent | Location |
Sep 19, 2025 | vs. First Baptist Academy | Home |
Sep 26, 2025 | at South Fort Myers | Away |
Oct 10, 2025 | at Dunbar | Away |
Oct 17, 2025 | vs. Charlotte | Home |
Oct 24, 2025 | vs. Naples | Home |
Venice Team Upcoming Games Schedule
The Venice Indians will look to continue their winning ways with a series of difficult conference matchups.
Date | Opponent | Location |
Sep 19, 2025 | vs. The First Academy | Home |
Sep 26, 2025 | vs. Lehigh | Home |
Oct 3, 2025 | vs. IMG Academy National | Home |
Oct 10, 2025 | vs. Riverview | Home |
Oct 17, 2025 | vs. Clearwater Central Catholic | Home |
Final Word
The Port Charlotte vs Venice matchup is a classic Florida high school football rivalry that promises a great game. While Venice is the clear favorite based on their impressive history and winning record, Port Charlotte will be playing with a sense of urgency as they look to get a major road victory. This game will come down to which team can execute their game plan and avoid mistakes. Both teams are well-coached and have the talent to win, but Venice’s experience in big games will likely be the deciding factor.