From High School On SI · · 1m 30s
Florida High School Football’s Biggest Surprises
Four Florida teams turned around their seasons in one year.
In brief
Four Florida teams turned around their seasons in one year. Four Florida high school football teams improved their records significantly in 2026. Originally reported by High School On SI.
Hilliard’s turnaround
Hilliard won three games last season but now has nine victories and a chance to finish unbeaten.
Fort Lauderdale’s improvement
Fort Lauderdale went from three wins to eight, with a narrow loss ending their unbeaten start.
Lake Weir’s success
Lake Weir improved from five wins to eight, with an eight-game winning streak this fall.
Hardee’s new coach impact
Hardee doubled its wins under new coach Jeff Smothers, finishing 9-1 with a perfect district record.
Hilliard’s recent wins
Hilliard beat Old Plank Christian Academy 35-32, won 28-22 at Dixie County, and held off Cornerstone Classical Academy 60-55.
Fort Lauderdale’s defense
Fort Lauderdale allowed 72 points through nine games, compared with 250 last season.
Lake Weir’s offense
Lake Weir scored 184 points in 11 games last season and 345 through nine games this fall.
Hardee’s comeback
Hardee reversed a 56-0 loss to Frostproof last season with a 37-6 win earlier this month.
Lake Weir’s upcoming game
Lake Weir hosts Trinity Catholic on Friday with a chance to reach nine wins and respond to their first loss.
Hardee’s playoff game
Hardee returns home to face Frostproof in the SSAA playoffs Friday after a 38-3 loss to Hawthorne.
The essence
Four Florida high school football teams improved their records significantly in 2026.
