Port Charlotte QB and receiver duo split for Florida State, Florida rivalry

PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. (WINK) — Two of Florida's top high school football stars made their college commitments official, and they did it together in front of their school and community.

Logan Flaherty and Elias Pearl helped lead the Port Charlotte Pirates to the first regional title and Final Four appearance in program history last season. The electric quarterback-wide receiver duo is now becoming part of college football's biggest rivalry.

Flaherty and Pearl have spent Friday nights in the same huddle, but now they'll line up once a year on very opposite sidelines.

They grew up just minutes apart in Charlotte County.

"There's not a whole lot to do here in Port Charlotte, but if we are doing something, it's usually together, so very, very cool," Flaherty said.

The two played against each other as kids before becoming one of the most dangerous quarterback-wide receiver duos in the state.

"It's kind of funny now that I think about it, because you know, when we started getting the offers, we always wanted to go to the same school, but you know, it's great that we both get the opportunity to go play college ball," Pearl said.

Their football journeys are staying close to home, just with different colors on Saturdays. Flaherty is heading to Florida State, while Pearl is taking his talents to the Florida Gators.

"It's been a dream since I was a little kid, and now it's unbelievable," Flaherty said. "Words can't even describe how I feel, because now it's finally come true."

Flaherty comes from a Seminole bloodline, with his parents meeting there. Pearl's connection to Florida runs just as deep.

"I used to travel up to Gainesville every weekend to get my blood drawn," Pearl said.

As a child, Pearl would frequent Shands Hospital for treatment while battling health issues. His commitment to the Gators marks a full-circle moment for his family.

"My sister graduated from there in 2019, so Florida just always had a special place in my heart," Pearl said.

While Florida and Florida State may be rivals, the friendship between these two stars isn't changing anytime soon.

"At the end of the day, I think we'll be able to take our helmets off and still give each other a big old hug at the end of the game," Flaherty said.