Four teams, two days, one trophy, and no room for error. The 2025 FHSAA Rural Division State Softball Final Four is set to unfold at Boombah-Soldiers Creek Park in Longwood, and the bracket is stacked with both heavy hitters and quiet contenders ready to make noise.

Let’s get into it.

Liberty County (1-seed) vs. Trenton (4-seed)

Tuesday, 10:00 a.m.

Don’t let the seed fool you, Trenton isn’t your typical underdog, and they are the returning State Champions. The Tigers clawed their way into the semifinals with a gritty 2-1 win over Williston after steamrolling Moore Haven 10-0. Trenton’s pitching is battle-tested, and their defense has been razor-sharp in tight spots.

But they’re up against a Liberty County squad that’s looked downright surgical. The top-seeded Bulldogs haven’t allowed a single run in the postseason, outscoring their opponents 19-0. They dismantled Cottondale and Franklin County with the ease of a team that’s been here before, and knows exactly what it takes to win in May.

For Trenton to pull the upset, they’ll need timely hitting and to capitalize on any crack in Liberty’s armor, which, so far, hasn’t shown. Trenton has the arms to go at them, should be a great game!

Northview (2-seed) vs. Branford (3-seed)

Tuesday, 12:00 p.m.

This one feels like a coin flip on paper, but dig a little deeper and you’ll see two very different paths to the semifinals.

Northview has embraced the grind. A 1-0 squeaker over Holmes County followed by a 4-1 upset victory against Jay shows a team that thrives in low-scoring duels. Pitching and poise are the name of their game.

Branford, on the other hand, has been explosive. After blanking Fort White 6-0, they put up 13 runs on Madison County in a semifinal that turned into a statement. If Branford’s bats stay hot, they could force Northview to play at a pace they’re not used to.

This game may come down to tempo, can Northview slow things down, or will Branford turn it into a track meet?

What’s at Stake

Compared to Florida’s bigger school brackets, the Rural Division often flies under the radar, but make no mistake, these teams can ball. There’s pride, legacy, and program-defining moments on the line. For small-town schools with tight-knit communities, a state title means everything.

All four semifinalists bring something different: Liberty County’s dominance, Trenton’s scrappy grit and the fact that they are the defending champs, Northview’s composure, and Branford’s firepower. It’s a recipe for chaos, or greatness, depending on who rises to the moment.

Championship Outlook

The winners of Tuesday’s semifinals will meet on Wednesday at 1:30 p.m. for the Rural Division crown. If Liberty County keeps playing clean, they’ll be tough to beat. But this bracket feels ripe for an upset. Don’t be surprised if a lower seed makes a run, because in late May, the only thing predictable about softball is its unpredictability.

Buckle up. The road to rural royalty runs through Longwood.

1A 

The semifinals kick off on Tuesday, May 20, with the championship game slated for Wednesday, May 21 at 4:30 p.m.

Semifinal Matchups:

  • 2:00 p.m.: Evangelical Christian (1-seed) vs. North Florida Christian (4-seed)

  • 4:00 p.m.: Geneva (2-seed) vs. Miami Christian (3-seed)

Evangelical Christian vs. North Florida Christian

Evangelical Christian enters the semifinals as the top seed and defending champs, boasting a dominant postseason performance. They opened the regional quarterfinals with a commanding 19-0 victory over Seacrest Country Day and continued their dominance with an 11-1 win against Southwest Florida Christian in the semifinals. Their offense has been explosive, and their pitching staff has kept opponents at bay.

North Florida Christian, the fourth seed, has showcased resilience and determination. They secured a 13-3 win over Christ’s Church Academy in the quarterfinals and edged out St. John Paul II with a 2-1 victory in the semifinals. Their ability to win close games could be crucial against the high-powered offense of Evangelical Christian.

Geneva vs. Miami Christian

Geneva, the second seed, has been impressive throughout the postseason. They defeated Foundation Christian Academy 9-1 in the quarterfinals and narrowly beat Master’s Academy 3-2 in the semifinals. Their balanced approach and clutch performances have propelled them to the semifinals.

Miami Christian, the third seed, has been on a tear. They crushed Merritt Island Christian 18-1 in the quarterfinals and followed up with a 10-0 shutout against Westminster Academy in the semifinals. Their potent offense and solid pitching make them a formidable opponent for Geneva.

Championship Outlook

The winners of Tuesday’s semifinals will clash on Wednesday, May 21 at 4:30 p.m. for the Class 1A state title. Evangelical Christian aims to continue its dominant run and repeat as a state champion, while North Florida Christian looks to capitalize on its momentum. On the other side, Geneva and Miami Christian both have the tools to claim the championship.

With all four teams showcasing talent, determination, and postseason prowess, the Class 1A Final Four promises thrilling matchups and unforgettable moments. Fans can expect a showcase of high school softball at its finest.