Booker High School in Sarasota has decided to cancel its varsity football season for the 2026 year, choosing instead to field only a junior varsity team.
The decision comes after the mid‑July dismissal of head coach Carlos Woods, who resigned from Sarasota County Schools following a single season and was suspended before he could serve a preseason suspension.
Rebuilding the Program
More than 21 players left the program in the wake of Woods' exit, adding to the turmoil that also includes an ongoing police investigation and a $500 fine from the Florida High School Athletic Association for improper practices involving eighth‑grade students during spring 2025.
Lance Hoeltke was hired on July 29 to take over the rebuilding effort, emphasizing player safety and development as the school seeks to stabilize the program.
Principal Jamal Crook stated that the school is focused on rebuilding the program and looking ahead, though he declined to detail the reasons behind Woods' termination.
The FHSAA clarified that Booker will not face penalties for the canceled varsity games if the opposing schools agree to forfeit, a concession intended to ease the scheduling burden.
Hoeltke noted the return of several staff members from the previous season and stressed the importance of stabilizing the program amid the legal and administrative challenges.