Cocoa Beach High School's football team held its first official practice for the 2026 season on July 31, 2026, at the school's athletic complex. Coach Ted Kimmey said the team is focusing on strengthening its defense after finishing 4-7 in the 2025 season. Players worked on tackling techniques and coverage schemes under the hot July sun.\n\nKimmey, who entered his sixth season leading the Minutemen, said the team has 12 returning starters but needs to improve depth. 'We've got talent, but we need more consistency,' he said during a break in practice. The coaching staff has added two defensive line coaches this summer to address weaknesses exposed last season.\n\nThe team's offensive line returns four starters from last year's squad, which averaged 3.2 yards per carry. Senior quarterback Jake Martinez, who completed 58% of his passes in 2025, will lead the offense. 'We're running more zone reads this year,' Martinez said. 'Coach Kimmey wants us to control the clock.'\n\nCocoa Beach faces its first challenge on August 15 with a scrimmage against Satellite High School. The regular season begins August 27 against Melbourne High. Kimmey said the team will play 10 games this year, one more than in previous seasons. 'We're trying to build a stronger program,' he said. 'This is about the kids, not just the wins.'