When non-Bolles students and faculty hear the words Bolles Football, there’s an immediate sense of respect attached to the name. The program has built its reputation over decades and has high expectations. Every season carries pressure, but it also carries pride. This past year reminded everyone why Bolles remains one of the most respected football programs in the state of Florida. The Bulldogs finished with a 13-2 record, going 9-1 in the regular season and making it to the State Finals. Beyond the numbers, the season told a story of resilience, growth, and unforgettable moments.
The year began with a long trip to Miami for the Broward County Showcase against Monarch High School. Opening games often reveal a team’s identity, and Bolles handled business. The Bulldogs controlled the pace of the game. Senior Athlete Naeem Burroughs ‘26 executed greatly on both sides of the ball, turning a 5-yard route into a house call using his athleticism to find the end zone, and also an interception in the same night. The team earned a strong 34-15 win. Starting the season with a road victory against quality competition immediately gave the team momentum and belief.
Week 2 brought the home opener against Trinity Christian Academy, and the energy in the stadium reflected the excitement around the team. Bolles fed off the home crowd and delivered another convincing performance. Their offense moved the ball efficiently, and the defense limited big plays, leading to a 35-12 win. Two weeks into the season, the Bulldogs looked sharp and focused. Corbyn Fordham ‘26, Malakhi Dunn ‘27, and Camden Tietzi ’27 all had receiving touchdowns in this game to help earn the win.
The first real challenge came in Week 3 against St. Augustine. In a competitive matchup that stayed close throughout, both teams traded big plays. Despite a strong effort, Bolles suffered its only regular-season loss, falling 35-40. Losses are never easy, but they often reveal character. Instead of letting the defeat linger, the Bulldogs used it as motivation. Players and coaches treated it as a lesson, not a setback.
That response was clear the following week in a rivalry game against Bishop Kenny. Many students had circled this matchup on their calendars, and the atmosphere felt intense before kickoff. Bolles responded with one of its most dominant performances of the year. Running back Xander Edwards ‘28 had four rushing touchdowns, and Santana Starks ‘26 had 11 tackles, shutting out Bishop Kenny 36–0. The win sent a message that the Bulldogs were mentally tough and capable of bouncing back stronger.
Momentum continued into Week 5 with a 38-6 victory over Oakleaf. In this game, Christian Hayes ‘27 had a strip sack, and Asher Ghioto ‘28 recovered the fumble and took it to the house for a touchdown.
Then came one of the most memorable moments of the entire season Week 6 at Baldwin. In a high-scoring offensive battle, Edwards delivered a historic performance, breaking NFL Star Derrick Henry’s high school record by scoring eight touchdowns in a single game. The Bulldogs won 73-49 in a game that showcased their explosive potential and offensive depth.
The next stretch of games confirmed Bolles’ consistency. The Bulldogs defeated Andrew Jackson, Riverside, Wolfson, and Columbia in dominant fashion. Their defense was especially impressive, refusing to allow Andrew Jackson or Columbia to score at all. Leading up to the game, Columbia talked down on about the whole Bolles team in their school newspaper, saying things like “Bolles lets up a lot of points on defensive.” Bolles responded to this by putting up 31 points against them offensively, and now even allowing the defense to score. In this game, Hayes got an interception early in the game andChance Faucheaux ‘26 had three sacks. These wins weren’t just victories — they showed a complete team, playing disciplined football week after week, and didn’t allow the words of lesser teams affect theirperformance.
By the time November arrived, playoff expectations were high. Inside the locker room, players believed they had a legitimate shot at a state championship. That confidence showed on the field. Bolles stormed through the first four playoff rounds, winning each game by at least 22 points. Every performance added to the feeling that the Bulldogs were peaking at the right time.
The season ultimately ended on the biggest stage: the state championship game against Cardinal Mooney. Despite a hard-fought effort, Bolles came up short. While the loss was disappointing, it did not erase what the team had accomplished. The season proved that Bolles remains a championship-caliber program capable of competing with the best teams in Florida.
Looking ahead, the question isn’t whether Bolles football is still elite — the season already answered that. The real question is how the program will build on this experience. With young talent, proven leadership, and a culture built on accountability, this season may not be the peak. It could be the foundation for something even greater.
