Florida High School Athletic Association Class 6A teams kick offfootball season Aug. 21 across the Jacksonville area. Which of the region's Class 6A teams will come out on top?
DISTRICT 1-6A
ATLANTIC COAST
Head coach: Tony Gilbert, first year.
Last year: 4-6.
Key returners: Jayden Cross (DL, Sr., 6-2, 240); Israel Hayward (DE, Sr., 6-4, 215); Desmond Malpress
(DE, Sr., 6-4, 205); Larry Smith III (OL/DL, Jr., 6-0, 250)Key newcomers: Oscar Gongora (LB, Sr., 6-0, 205)
Outlook: This pass rush is a nightmare for opponents in this six-team district, which also includes Flagler Palm Coast. Super 11 edge rusher Malpress, bound for Clemson, and Hayward, committed to Army, collapse the pocket from both sides and could combine for scary sack totals. The question is whether
the offense, which averaged 19.6 points per game in 2025 and must replace numerous starters at the ball-handling positions, can find the end zone enough.
CREEKSIDE
Head coach: Sean McIntyre, 10th year (50-45)
Last year: 4-7; lost to DeLand 70-21 in Region 1-7A quarterfinal.
Key returners: Davis Baldwin (RB, Jr., 5-9, 175); Caleb Brux (DB, Jr., 5-10, 170); Presley Chew (OL, Jr., 6-3, 285); Timmy Goodrich (WR, Jr., 6-0, 180); Sutton Hooker (LB, Sr., 6-0, 205); Kaleb Mayberry (OL/DL, Sr., 6-0, 250); Nixson Poppinga (TE, Jr., 6-5, 210); Trent Porter (CB, Sr., 6-3, 200); Justin Roddy (CB, Sr., 5-10, 165); Rozzi Sperry (QB, Jr., 6-1, 205); Blake Weeks (TE/LB, Sr., 5-9, 185); Tison Zukoski (OL, Sr., 6-1, 270)
Key newcomers: Elijah Belz (DE, So., 6-2, 220); Broc Brinkley (RB, So., 6-0, 215)
Outlook: Defense stands tall for a young Knights team that weathered ups and downs against an unforgiving schedule in 2025. The return of Porter, fully recovered from a Week 2 knee injury last season, further bolsters the unit, and Hooker hit the 100-tackle mark from linebacker. The offense brings back much of its talent, including 1,000-yard all-purpose back in Baldwin. A third consecutive district title is possible.
FIRST COAST
Head coach: Jarvis Parker, second year (5-6)
Last year: 5-6.
Key returners: Aaiden Harrell (WR, Sr., 6-1, 185); Kindred Heard (WR, Sr., 5-10, 165); David Hunter (QB, Jr., 6-3, 170); Isaiah Jackson (OL/DL, Sr. 6-2, 280); Tre'shaun Martin (LB, Sr. 5-7, 165); Marcus Small (OT, Sr., 6-7, 290); Ronnie Williams (TE/LB, Sr., 6-2, 210)
Key newcomers: Khaleb Mitchell (RB, Sr., 5-10, 190)
Outlook: Quarterback Hunter calls the line "the building block of the offense," and at First Coast, it's the biggest strength of the team. Syracuse commit Small is among the top-rated tackles in the Sunshine State, and the Bucs' blocking should be solid elsewhere on the line and at tight end as well.
SANDALWOOD
Head coach: Malik Reaves, first year.
Last year: 1-9.
Key returners: Kevin Bennett (WR/DB, Sr., 6-2, 185); Tre Daniels (WR, Jr., 5-7, 150); AnMario Greene (TE/DE, Sr., 6-4, 215), Ethan Herman (RB, Jr., 5-10, 180); Conner Saslona (OL, Sr., 6-3, 260); Jarelle Sims (QB, Sr., 6-2, 185); Houston Thompson (WR, Sr., 5-10, 160); Brayson Walker (OL, Jr., 6-2, 285)
Key newcomers: Chris Dancy (LB, Sr., 6-2, 220); Terrance Higdon (TE, Sr., 6-4, 235); Michael Hills (ATH, Jr., 5-10, 170); Wilhelm Love (DB, Sr., 5-10, 175); Jordan Washington (RB/DB, Sr., 5-10, 180)
Outlook: After 29 losses in the last 30 games, a skid ended only in last year's season finale, the Saints are confident that they're finally back on the way up. The arrival of Hills, a do-everything two-way weapon from Parker, supplies an instant target for athletic quarterback Sims. Elsewhere, athletes across the field point toward improvement for 2026.
TOCOI CREEK
Head coach: Kevin Doelling, second year (4-6); fourth year overall (16-18).
Last year: 4-6.
Key returners: Karter Alvarez (ATH, Sr., 6-0, 170); Nicholas Chacon (P, Sr., 5-8, 140); Andrew Dolan (RB, Jr., 6-0, 185); Braylon Lawrence (OL, Sr., 6-1, 255); Anthony Raiford (ATH, So., 5-9, 175); Coady Sheils (LB, Sr., 5-9, 190); Tyler Watson (OT, Sr., 6-1, 220); Liam Wilson (DB, Sr., 6-0, 155)
Key newcomers: David Burton (WR/DB, Jr., 5-10, 170); Jathan Dehaven (ATH, Sr., 5-10, 165)
Outlook: Are the Toros in the hunt for a first district title? After they had to shuffle through five quarterbacks in 2025, stability at that position is a must. This offense can lean heavily on Dolan, who emerged with 928 yards on the ground as a sophomore. They'll need to find the optimal roles for versatile players like Alvarez and Mandarin transfer Burton, who already has a college offer from Temple.
Catch Northeast Florida's high school sports season with NFHS Network
The USA TODAY Network is kicking off the high school sports rush with an opportunity for Florida Times-Union readers to get a discount on a yearly subscription to the NFHS Network.
All year, fans will be able to stream their favorite teams live on the platform, while also having a chance to rewatch games on demand—including 2026 high school football.
And now, because you're part of the USA TODAY Network, you'll be able to get 15% off the subscriptions.
How to sign up for NFHS Network
First, head to NFHS Network and hit the Subscribe button located on the top-right corner of the main page. From there, select the yearly plan that works best for you and your family.
Once you have registered, go to the redeem section here, and use this USA TODAY Network promo code: USAT15
How long is USA TODAY Network running this promotion?
The registration period for the NFHS Network PROMO CODE is from August 1 to September 7.
Once you've signed up, you'll have access to the NFHS Network for the entire year — ending in August of 2027.
How to stream games on NFHS Network
Once you have registered, you'll be able to search from the thousands of high school games available on the NFHS Network, from must-see local showdowns to Super 25 matchups and more.
This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Northeast Florida Class 6A football is six-way battle. Who moves on?
