LAND O' LAKES, Fla. - Eight-man football is getting the recognition it deserves this season.

Thanks to Covid-19, more teams have played with less players this season. Academy at the Lakes, winners of two of the past three state championships are grateful the spotlight is being shined on their kids.

“These kids have the same dreams as an 11-man kid does,” Academy at the Lakes head coach Shaun Brown said. “The only difference is, we don’t have three kids on the field. The biggest misconception is it’s not real football, but it is.”

Academy at the Lakes quest for a third 8-man football title ended with a loss to All Saints in the state semifinals. All Saints will play for the state championship next week.