TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV) – One of the most storied high school football programs in the Big Bend will not field a football team at the high school level this fall.
WCTV confirmed with athletic director Eddie Metcalf Wednesday that due to lack of participation, there will be no varsity or junior varsity football teams at Jefferson County this season.
Metcalf said they are fielding a middle school team this year, which boasts over 20 kids. The AD added he is hopeful that those on the middle school team will be used to field a high school program within the next few years.
Jefferson County hosted a meeting last week to gauge student interest in the football program. Metcalf said less than ten kids attended the meeting, several of which had never played football, which aided in the decision to cancel the season. He added they have informed the Sunshine State Athletic Association of the decision to not play this fall.
The Tigers have won six state championships, the most recent coming in 2011. NFL Hall of Famer Jack Youngblood attended the school before playing college football at the University of Florida. He was taken 20th overall in 1971 NFL Draft.
Jefferson County went 2-9 last year in Eric Bright’s first season as head coach. They were set to open the 2026 season against Cottondale on Friday, August 14th.
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