The 2026 football season in Florida’s Tri‑County region is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated in recent memory, as four local programs — Bell, Bronson, Dixie County and Trenton — prepare to compete under the newly expanded Sunshine State Athletic Association.
New Coaches and Key Players
Adding to the buzz, three fresh head coaches have taken the reins this year. Andrew Thomas, a former standout at Trenton and Union County, returns to the area to lead Dixie County after guiding Union County to the state semifinals. Cedderick Daniels, a longtime assistant, steps up at Williston, while Joey Whittington, a seasoned strategist, makes his debut at Bell.
Among the players to watch, Bell’s senior Landin Williams and Trenton’s senior Wyatt Vanlandingham are expected to anchor their respective offenses. Both athletes have drawn praise for their speed, vision and leadership, and they will be central to their teams’ early‑season ambitions.
Opening Week Showdowns
The first regular‑season test arrives on August 14, when Bell hosts Dixie County in a marquee matchup that will also serve as Thomas’s debut on the sidelines. A week later, Williston travels to Chiefland for its season opener, a game that could set the tone for the Levy County Cup race.
Later in the month, the schedule promises several rematches and district showdowns. Bell meets Branford on September 4 in a repeat of last year’s victory, while Williston faces Bishop Verot on September 11 before turning its focus to Hawthorne on September 25, a contest that could decide the Class 1A‑District 4 title. With playoff berths on the line, the SSAA postseason is slated for October 30, featuring the region’s top contenders.