The Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) recently introduced significant adjustments to its football classifications and unveiled new State Series alignments. These changes have prompted a dynamic shift in how high school football programs operate, with some schools opting for the expanded district play and others choosing independent league participation or affiliations with alternative athletic associations. The restructuring reflects an effort to optimize competition, address team shortages, and offer greater scheduling flexibility for various programs across the state.
Florida High School Football Undergoes Significant Restructuring for 2026-2027 Seasons
In a pivotal announcement on Friday afternoon, following an initial revelation two weeks prior, the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) released its comprehensive State Series alignments for district play in the upcoming 2026 and 2027 football seasons. This restructuring is set to redefine the competitive landscape for high school football teams across Florida.
A notable development within this new framework is the expansion of District 6, particularly impacting Orlando Christian Prep (OCP). Originally slated for a district featuring only Father Lopez, OCP's competitive arena has now grown to include three additional formidable opponents: Melbourne Central Catholic, Wildwood, and Pierson-Taylor. Wildwood and Pierson-Taylor, previously part of the Rural division—a category suspended for the 2026 and 2027 seasons due to insufficient team participation—now join a more robust district.
While most teams within the Sentinel's coverage area maintained their existing district placements, Pine Ridge High School in Deltona presented an exception. Its athletic director, John New, confirmed the school's decision to join the Sunshine State Athletic Association (SSAA) exclusively for football, maintaining its FHSAA membership for all other sports. This move highlights a growing trend among schools seeking alternative competitive structures.
Several Orange County Public Schools, including Colonial, Cypress Creek, Freedom, Innovation, Lake Buena Vista, Oak Ridge, University, and Windermere, registered as FHSAA football independents in December. According to Scott Jamison, an FHSAA associate director, these teams have been integrated into the Independent Series list, making them eligible for playoff contention. Jamison indicated that a survey targeting approximately 120 schools, previously independent or outside the FHSAA system, presented three distinct options: participation in the FHSAA State Series, the FHSAA Independent State Series, or affiliation with another athletic association like the SSAA. The district realignments announced on Friday were a direct result of the responses to this survey.
Schools are currently navigating these new options. Mount Dora Christian, a former SSAA member, has decided to transition to the FHSAA Independent Series, a move praised by head coach Kolby Tackett for its alignment with the school's current needs and the opportunity to influence FHSAA policy. Conversely, Legacy Charter's athletic director, Katherine Bernard, confirmed her school would remain with the SSAA for football. Meanwhile, Lake Highland Prep, Central Florida Christian Academy, and Foundation Academy are still weighing their options.
OCP coach Guerschom Demosthenes expressed readiness for the challenges ahead, acknowledging the strength of new district rivals like Melbourne Central Catholic (MCC), which recently hired three-time state champion coach Ryan Schneider. Demosthenes anticipates a more demanding schedule, necessitating adjustments to OCP's pre-arranged 2026 games. However, he also noted the benefit of a larger, five-team district in simplifying future scheduling by reducing the number of non-district games required.
The FHSAA's commitment to accommodating various school sizes and needs was underscored by Tackett, who commended CEO Craig Damon for listening to the concerns of smaller institutions like MDCA, which boasts an enrollment of 270 students in grades 9-12. The FHSAA Independent Series plans to feature championship games at The Villages in the first weekend of December, with considerations for geography to minimize travel burdens. The newly realigned districts across various classes, including 6A, 5A, 4A, 3A, 2A, and 1A, are now publicly available, with provisions for schools to request changes primarily for travel reduction.
The current landscape of high school football in Florida is undergoing a significant metamorphosis, offering both challenges and opportunities for athletic programs. The FHSAA's commitment to flexibility, as evidenced by the introduction of the Independent Series and the accommodation of alternative affiliations, speaks to a broader effort to ensure fair and competitive play for all schools, regardless of their size or existing league preferences. This evolution encourages strategic decision-making from school administrations and coaching staffs, highlighting the importance of adaptability in the pursuit of athletic excellence. Ultimately, these changes aim to create a more dynamic and inclusive environment for high school football, fostering growth and competition across the state.
