Florida high school football fans are in for a treat as the Gulliver Prep Raiders face off against the King’s Academy Lions on Thursday, September 4, 2025.¹ This highly anticipated non-district matchup pits two competitive programs against each other in what promises to be an exciting game.² Both teams are looking to establish momentum early in the season, making this a pivotal contest for their respective campaigns. The Raiders, hailing from Miami, and the Lions, representing West Palm Beach, are known for their strong football traditions and dedicated fan bases. The game will be a true test of skill, strategy, and mental fortitude as both squads vie for victory. The outcome of this game could set the tone for the rest of their seasons, with a win providing a significant boost in confidence and a loss prompting a reevaluation of their game plan. Fans can expect a hard-fought battle from start to finish, with standout players from both sides leaving it all on the field.

Who will win this matchup?

This matchup is shaping up to be a tight contest, with both teams coming in with something to prove. Gulliver Prep enters the game with a record of 0-1 after a tough 26-21 overtime loss to Monsignor Pace.³ While they came up short, their performance showed resilience and an ability to compete against a formidable opponent. The Raiders’ offense, led by quarterback Brendan Beery and wide receiver Luc Carroll, has shown flashes of potential.⁴ On the other side, King’s Academy is looking to bounce back from their own recent loss to Saint Andrew’s. Their 24-28 defeat was a narrow one, indicating they are a tough team to beat. With both teams having lost their season openers, this game takes on added importance as they seek their first win of the season. Ultimately, the outcome may come down to which team can capitalize on the other’s mistakes and execute under pressure. Given the close nature of their last games, predicting a winner is a challenge, but the home-field advantage for King’s Academy could be a slight factor.

Team Records and History

The Gulliver Prep Raiders and the King’s Academy Lions are both storied programs with a history of success in Florida high school football. The Raiders, coached by Earl Sims, have consistently been a strong contender, with recent seasons boasting records like 7-4 in 2023 and a formidable 10-1 in 2019.⁵ Their program has produced numerous collegiate athletes and is known for its disciplined and competitive style of play. They are currently ranked 142nd in Florida by MaxPreps, a testament to their consistent performance.⁶

The King’s Academy Lions also have a rich football tradition. The team has been a perennial playoff contender, with an impressive 12-2 season in 2018 and an 8-4 finish in 2024.⁷ The Lions are currently ranked 177th in Florida. This matchup is a testament to the high-level competition that defines Florida high school football. Both teams have a history of overcoming adversity and competing at a high level, setting the stage for a compelling game between two proud programs.

Team Recent Results

Both Gulliver Prep and King’s Academy are looking to get their first win of the season after tough losses in their respective season openers. Here is a look at their recent results:

Gulliver Prep Raiders Recent Results

King’s Academy Lions Recent Results

Gulliver Prep Raiders Upcoming Games Schedule

Following their matchup against King’s Academy, the Gulliver Prep Raiders have a challenging schedule ahead of them. They will continue their non-district play before entering their district games later in the season. Their schedule is as follows:

King’s Academy Lions Upcoming Games Schedule

After their game against Gulliver Prep, the King’s Academy Lions will face a number of opponents as they navigate their non-district and district schedules.⁸ Their upcoming games are as follows: