Mike Ridaught and Hank Rone will open the 2026 high school football season with a live broadcast of the Buchholz versus Vanguard matchup on 106.9 FM I Am Country at 7 p.m. The game marks the first of many weekly contests that the duo will deliver across radio and the Mainstreet Daily News audio platform.
A Season Defined by Rivalries and New Coaches
The weekly broadcasts, now in their seventh year on radio and sixth on the Mainstreet Daily News audio feed, feature two games each week, spotlighting teams with playoff aspirations and historic matchups. Notable contests include the Alachua County versus Marion County showdowns, such as Santa Fe at Newberry, and the long‑running Buchholz versus Eastside series, where Buchholz has won twelve straight meetings.
Coaching changes add another layer of intrigue. Ashour Peera takes the helm at Gainesville High School, while Ross Baker assumes duties at Bradford, bringing fresh strategies to the field. Their appointments follow previous roles that have already begun to reshape team dynamics early in the season.
Among the historic rivalries, the Buchholz versus Vanguard contest stands out as the opening night clash, a series that has seen Buchholz dominate with an 8‑1 record since 2004. This season’s meeting is the first since 2020, heightening anticipation among fans and players alike.
Beyond the scores, the broadcasts aim to capture the community spirit that surrounds high school football in the region. By pairing radio play‑by‑play with the audio stream of Mainstreet Daily News, the coverage connects listeners to the excitement of each drive, each touchdown, and each pivotal moment that defines the season.