The Palmetto High School Tigers have claimed the 2026 Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) Class 5A, District 10 football championship, completing an impressive 9-1 regular season and earning a berth in the state championship playoffs.
Under head coach Eric Sanders, the Tigers finished undefeated in district competition with a 3-0 record, demonstrating a strong combination of offensive production and defensive consistency. Palmetto outscored its opponents 371-138 during the regular season, establishing itself as one of the area’s top high school football programs.
The Tigers secured key district victories over Parrish Community, Manatee and Sumner. Palmetto defeated Parrish Community 52-0 on September 25, followed by a 37-14 victory over longtime rival Manatee High School on October 9. The Tigers completed their undefeated district schedule with a 37-0 shutout of Sumner on October 23.
After opening the season with a narrow 28-24 loss to Clearwater Central Catholic, Palmetto rebounded with nine consecutive victories. The winning streak included games against Key West, Sarasota Riverview, Naples, Bishop Verot and Winter Park. The Tigers concluded their regular season with a 38-20 victory over Winter Park on November 4.
The district championship adds to Palmetto’s longstanding football tradition. The Tigers captured the Class 2A state championship in 1975 under head coach Frank Turner, defeating Hamilton County 13-11. The program returned to the state championship game in 1986 under coach James Goolsby, finishing as the Class 2A runner-up following a 27-21 loss to Jacksonville Bolles.
Palmetto also made a notable postseason run in 2011, advancing through the Class 5A regional playoffs. More recently, the Tigers have maintained their competitive standing, recording undefeated district schedules in both 2024 and 2025.
The City of Palmetto recognized the team’s latest accomplishment, congratulating the players and coaches for their dedication, determination and teamwork. The championship represents another milestone for a football program that has been a source of community pride for generations.
With the district title secured, Palmetto now advances to the FHSAA Class 5A state championship playoffs, beginning with the Region 3 quarterfinals. The Tigers, seeded third in the region, will host the sixth-seeded Royal Palm Beach Wildcats on Friday, November 13, at 7:30 p.m. at Harllee Stadium in Palmetto. Both teams enter the postseason with 9-1 records.
The regional quarterfinals mark the opening stage of the state playoff bracket. Teams must advance through the regional semifinals and regional finals before reaching the state semifinals and ultimately competing for the Class 5A state championship.
For Palmetto, the postseason presents an opportunity to build on an already successful season and continue pursuing the program’s first state football championship since 1975.