The domino effect of high school football programs cancelling their seasons right before the 2026 season starts has continued.
And perhaps, one Florida school's announcement could be the biggest of the bunch.
Sarasota Booker, which had gone to three straight Final Fours in Class 3A, announced that they will not be fielding a varsity program for the 2026 season, in a post made to the school's Facebook account on Wednesday, August 12. The news was first reported by the Sarasota Herald-Tribune.
"As we prepare for the 2026 football season, Booker High School has made the decision to field a junior varsity football team rather than a varsity team this year," a statement read from Booker principal Jamal Crook. "This decision was made after careful consideration
of the current needs of our student-athletes and the long-term health of the football program."
The decision comes less than a month after former Booker head coach Carlos Woods was let go and more than 21 players left the program. The Tornadoes announced hiring Lance Hoeltke as head coach on July 29. An FHSAA investigation found that Booker was allowing eighth graders to partake in practices under Woods during the spring football season, leading to his suspension for the kickoff classic. The school was also fined $500 and placed on probation until May 25, 2027, because of those actions.
Booker had put together solid seasons, making the Final Four in Class 3A in back-to-back seasons before falling to Jacksonville Raines in both contests. The Tornadoes also made a Final Four in 2023 before falling to Cocoa.
Follow Sports Reporter Alex Martin on X at @NP_AlexMartin or via email: amartin@usatodayco.com. For additional high school sports coverage, be sure to follow @usatodayhss on Instagram and X.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Florida high school football team cancels season after three straight Final Four runs
