The 2026 high school football season kicked off across North Central Florida with a mixture of excitement and caution as thunderstorms rolled through the region.
Union County, based in Lake Butler, managed to break through the inclement conditions, defeating Lafayette of Mayo 21-7 in a rain‑soaked SSAA matchup.
The weather took a heavier toll elsewhere, forcing the scheduled contest between Dixie County and Bell to be called off after lightning was detected in the area.
Trenton, despite a narrow 10-7 victory over Interlachen, saw its game postponed to August 28, illustrating how the elements can reshape the early schedule.
Fernandina Beach opened its season with a dominant 63‑14 win over Keystone Heights, providing a bright spot amid the gloom.
Chiefland’s squad, known as the Blue Devils, claimed a 34‑24 triumph over Santa Fe Catholic from Lakeland in a Kickoff Classic that drew a sizable crowd.
Bradford, representing Starke, delivered a shutout of Menendez from St. Augustine, winning 46‑0 and showcasing a potent offensive display.
Gainesville’s quarterback Armarien Hubbert orchestrated a 34‑0 blanking of Ridgeview from Orange Park, throwing for multiple touchdowns and controlling the tempo.
Meanwhile, Buchholz edged defending state champion Lake Mary 26‑17 in another Kickoff Classic, adding another layer of competition to the opening weekend.
Weather's Toll on the Opening Week
The cascade of delays and cancellations — affecting games such as Eastside versus Newberry and Williston versus Santa Fe — underscores the unpredictable nature of early‑season play when nature intervenes.
Coach Robby Pruitt, a Hall of Fame inductee, continues to guide Union County’s Tigers, while Andrew Thomas, returning to Dixie County after a brief stint elsewhere, hopes to finally taste victory.
Looking ahead, Chiefland is slated to open its 2026 campaign next Friday against rival Williston in the Levy County Cup, a matchup that promises renewed intensity.