In the world of Florida high school sports, few rivalries rival the intensity of Lake Highland Prep vs. Delray Beach American Heritage—a girls lacrosse showdown that has become an annual tradition with state championship implications.
For seven consecutive years (excluding the pandemic-shortened 2020 season), the Highlanders and Stallions have clashed in the FHSAA state tournament. Six of those meetings have been for the state title, and since 2018, the winner has walked away with the championship trophy. This year, both teams enter as top-ranked favorites, making an eighth straight meeting almost inevitable.
Lake Highland Prep (19-2) faces No. 3 Jacksonville Episcopal (16-3) in the semifinals on Friday at noon in Naples, while top-ranked American Heritage (19-1) takes on No. 6 Community School of Naples (16-5) at 5 p.m. The stage is set for another epic clash.
What fuels this rivalry? Two legendary coaches with deep roots in lacrosse hotbeds. American Heritage's John McClain, a Long Island native, has built a powerhouse through his Florida Select Lacrosse travel program, creating a steady pipeline of college talent. His Stallions have claimed state titles in 2018, 2021, 2023, and 2024—all against Lake Highland.
On the other sideline, Highlanders head coach Chris Robinson is a Maryland lacrosse icon. During his tenure at McDonogh School, he led the team to 177 consecutive wins and nine national championships. Since taking over Lake Highland in 2019, Robinson has won three state titles (2019, 2022, 2025) and finished as runner-up three times.
"We're going against a Delray team full of all-stars," Robinson said of the anticipated final. "Those kids have played together since third and fourth grade. They've got eight Division I college recruits. They're a machine."
USA Lacrosse Magazine ranks the Stallions No. 1 in the South and No. 7 nationally, while Lake Highland is listed among the "also considered" teams. With eight Division I signees on American Heritage's roster, this rivalry continues to showcase the best of Florida high school lacrosse.