The News-Press and Naples Daily News will get you ready for the 2026 high school football season. Here are previews for the teams competing in the Sunshine State Athletic Association.
LaBelle and Gateway Charter represent the two Southwest Florida teams in the Sunshine State Athletic Association, which will begin its postseason on Oct. 30.
Here are 2026 season outlooks for the programs.
LaBelle
Coach: Maurice McClain (fifth season)
Last year: 10-1, made playoffs (lost to Satellite in SSAA Atlantic first round)
Overview: The Cowboys are reaping the benefits of a historic season that saw the team go unbeaten in the regular season. “It’s been a big morale booster for the program,” head coach Maurice McClain said. The success has helped the program’s numbers and reputation around the school. The team brings back senior starting quarterback Zachary Campbell (904 yards, 10 TDs, 3 INTs) and senior running back Marquay Bradshaw (1,176 yards and 23 TDs on 140 carries). Bradshaw was a remarkably consistent source of offense for the Cowboys last season, and the team will also be counting on receivers Sean Rivas and William Hull. The team returns just two offensive linemen, making that a key area for the team. “Our O-line is very green, very young, but we’re working with them,” McClain said. “We’re going to do our best to get them right.” On defense, the team is deep at linebacker with Bradshaw, Jacobo Perez and Ayden Picard. Senior defensive end Jacquay Bradshaw is another key player after posting 56 tackles last season. After defensive back Arrie Davis Jr. transferred to Bishop Verot, the team will be relying on players like Aldric Meyer and Hull in the secondary. LaBelle will continue in the SSAA for the second straight season and also joined the Heartland Conference with teams like Lemon Bay, DeSoto, Frostproof, Lake Placid, Hardee, and Avon Park. The new conference will allow for the Cowboys to schedule against similar teams.
Season outlook: The Cowboys are bringing back all the key ingredients that should make them a factor once again. McClain’s tenure as head coach has seen the team improve every season, and his teams can be trusted to be physically strong and well-conditioned. LaBelle showed incredible consistency last season with a stingy defense and strong rushing attack – if those elements are established this year, this team should be able to take the next step with a playoff push in the SSAA.
Schedule: Aug. 14 vs. DeSoto; Aug. 21 vs. Frostproof; Aug. 28 at Hardee; Sept. 4 vs. Oasis; Sept. 18 at Lake Placid; Sept. 25 vs. Avon Park; Oct. 2 at East Lee County; Oct. 9 at Lemon Bay; Oct. 16 vs. Palm Beach Christian; Oct. 23 at Bonita Springs
Gateway Charter
Coach: Jack O'Rourke (first season)
Last year: 3-8 (lost to Santa Fe Catholic in SSAA 3A first round)
Overview: The Griffins are undergoing a complete rebuild, and veteran football coach Jack O’Rourke is tasked with laying the groundwork. O'Rourke was hired over the summer to replace Michael Patterson and will be the team’s third head coach in the last three seasons. O’Rourke spent most of his 47-year career coaching in Ohio and most recently was on the staff at Charlotte High. The Griffins only have a few players returning from last year’s team. “We are a very inexperienced team,” O’Rourke said. “Right now, it’s a work in progress.” The program has about 20 to 25 kids coming out.
Season outlook: Expectations should be tempered given the Griffins’ lack of varsity experience. O’Rourke said the goal is to be able to put a quality product on the field. Right now, he is focused on teaching his players fundamentals. If O’Rourke can establish a strong foundation and keep the team’s numbers, Gateway Charter can begin to head in the right direction.
Schedule: Aug. 14 at Sarasota Christian; Aug. 28 at Anclote; Sept. 4 vs. Marco Island; Sept. 18 vs. Oasis; Sept. 25 at Father Lopez; Oct. 2 at ECS; Oct. 16 at Canterbury; Oct. 23 vs. Oxbridge Academy
This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: SW Florida 2026 SSAA Football Previews: LaBelle and Gateway Charter