A season of ambition
The 2026 high school football season in Sarasota and Manatee counties is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in recent memory, with several teams scheduling marquee matchups that will test their championship ambitions.
Booker’s Road Trip
Booker High School has crafted one of the toughest non‑district schedules in the region, traveling to Washington D.C. to face the St. Johns Cadets and then heading to Georgia to meet Valdosta, a program renowned for its storied history and national rankings.
Cardinal Mooney’s Title Chase
Cardinal Mooney, the defending Class 2A state champion, is aiming for a second straight title and a third championship in the past four years, a quest fueled by quarterback Davin Davison, who led the team to the 2025 crown and has committed to the University of Florida.
Venice vs. Lakeland
Venice High School, still smarting from a Class 7A state semifinal loss, will test its mettle against nine‑time champion Lakeland in the third week of the season, a rivalry that culminated last year in a 60‑48 defeat for Lakeland.
District Battles and Coaching Changes
Other district battles include a showdown between Booker and Cardinal Mooney, as well as a clash between Parrish Community and Manatee, while Palmetto will meet Clearwater Central Catholic, a program that has reached three straight Class 1A title games from 2022 to 2024.
Running back Mike Peterson topped the Booker offense last season with 544 yards and nine touchdowns, a performance that underscores the team’s depth as they head into a demanding road slate.
Coaches Eric Sanders of Palmetto and Nolan Downes, the new quarterback for Manatee after transferring from IMG’s Jr. National team, bring fresh energy, with Downes already posting 2,175 passing yards and 26 touchdowns in his debut season.
Meanwhile, Parrish Community has appointed Kody McNear as its new head coach, adding another layer of intrigue to a district that promises surprise upsets and breakout performances.
Looking Ahead
The Florida High School Athletic Association will oversee the competition, ensuring that the pursuit of titles remains as rigorous as the schedules themselves.