The 2026 Florida high school football season began with a burst of excitement as five marquee matchups took the field across the state, drawing packed crowds and national attention.
Opening Weekend Highlights
West Orange secured a dramatic victory over Archbishop Hoban, an Ohio powerhouse, in a game that swung on a final‑second pass. AJ Chung threw for more than 300 yards and three touchdowns, the last of which came with just seconds left on the clock, delivering a thrilling interstate win.
Brady Quinn, a transfer from Lely, made an immediate impact for Chaminade‑Madonna, passing for over 350 yards and five touchdowns in his debut. His performance has already positioned him among Florida’s top young quarterbacks, drawing praise from coaches and analysts alike.
Columbus rolled past Southridge 45‑7, with Kai Moore accounting for three of the team’s scores. The victory underscored the depth of talent in the Miami rivalry and set a high bar for the competition.
Dillard also impressed, as Anthony Jenkins contributed multiple touchdowns that helped the Panthers pull away from Piper. The win highlighted the Panthers’ balanced attack and defensive improvements.
The Seminoles demonstrated defensive grit, forcing three turnovers while Tyree Howard added two touchdowns in a victory over Mountain Vista, the Class 5A runner‑up from Colorado. The performance reinforced the team’s reputation for resilience and disciplined play.
Overall, the opening weekend set a tone of high energy and competitive balance, with teams emphasizing resilience, defensive stops and explosive offensive displays. As the season progresses, these early results will be closely watched to gauge which programs can sustain momentum and which emerging stars will shape the narrative of Florida high school football in 2026.