The Nantucket Whalers football program, long accustomed to modest expectations, is now basking in the glow of its most successful campaign in nearly a decade.
Fernando Jones, who spent two years at Cyrus Peirce Middle School from 2022 to 2024, was announced as the team’s new head coach for the 2026 season, bringing a fresh perspective and a commitment to discipline.
Jones expressed gratitude for the opportunity, stating that he wants to build a disciplined team that the entire Nantucket community can be proud of, while also capitalizing on the momentum generated by last year’s near‑perfect record.
A New Chapter for the Whalers
The Whalers finished the previous season 9‑1, dropping only a 35‑15 loss to Pentucket Reg Sr (Mass.), and climbed to No.108 in the final 2025 Massachusetts High School Football Massey Rankings.
Having been below .500 for three straight years before 2025, the program’s resurgence now hinges on returning key contributors and translating that success into sustained competitiveness.
Heading into the 2026 campaign, the coaching staff and players are focused on maintaining the upward trajectory, with Jones emphasizing a culture of accountability and community pride.