Lake Mary sweeps Florida Dairy Farmers Mr. Football awards

Noah Grubbs and Lake Mary High School coach Scott Perry were honored Jan. 14, 2026, in a statewide vote that capped a dominant season for Seminole County’s program. Grubbs was named the 2025 Florida Dairy Farmers Mr. Football after throwing for 3,250 yards and 40 touchdowns, and Perry received the 2025 Florida Dairy Farmers Coach-of-the-Year award following Lake Mary’s Class 7A state championship.

A panel of coaches and media across Florida determined the awards, which are among the highest recognitions in high-school football in the state. The selections reflect both individual performance and team achievement: Grubbs’ statistics anchored an offense that carried Lake Mary through the playoffs, while Perry’s leadership culminated in a title that drew attention to the program’s consistency and coaching stability.

For Seminole County, the double honor highlights more than athletic success. High-school football is tightly woven into local identity, and Lake Mary’s run brought increased community engagement, ticket revenue for playoff games, and business at restaurants and retailers on game days. The visibility also has direct implications for student-athletes: statewide awards can amplify college recruiting interest and scholarship opportunities, shaping life trajectories for graduating players.

At the same time, the awards raise questions about equity and access within local school sports. Programs that reach state finals often do so with sustained investment in facilities, coaching staff, strength and conditioning, and travel budgets. For families and neighborhoods across Seminole County, disparities in resources can determine whether students get comparable chances to develop athletically and benefit from the protective effects of organized sport on mental and physical health.

Public officials and school leaders face policy choices as a result. Prioritizing broad-based athletic participation, ensuring maintenance of aging facilities in underfunded schools, and supporting coaches with professional development are practical steps that would help translate Lake Mary’s success into wider community benefit. Expanding after-school programming and transportation options can also reduce barriers for students who live farther from the county’s athletic hubs.

The recognition for Grubbs and Perry is a cause for celebration in Lake Mary and across Seminole County, but it also serves as a reminder that elite outcomes rest on systems and investments. As spring training and the college recruiting cycle begin, local leaders and parents will be watching how the county builds on this moment to make sports participation safer, more equitable, and more accessible for all students.