Merritt Island High School football players conducted a short practice and scrimmage on August 7, 2026, the first official team activity of the season. The session took place at the school’s practice fields near the Brevard County line, with players working on fundamentals under the watchful eyes of coaches and fans. The practice lasted less than two hours, according to observers at the field.
Coaches focused on blocking and tackling drills during the session, which ended before sunset. Senior linebacker Jalen Carter said the team is aiming to improve on last year’s 4-6 record. 'We’re starting strong,' he said. 'We know we have work to do, but this is a good first step.'
The scrimmage included players from both the varsity and junior varsity teams. Assistant coach Marcus Reyes emphasized the importance of teamwork during the session. 'We’re building chemistry,' Reyes said. 'This is about getting everyone on the same page before games start.'
The Mustangs’ first official game of the season is scheduled for September 2 against Palm Bay High School. The team has faced challenges in recent years, including injuries and roster turnover, but coach Tony Martinez expressed confidence in the group. 'We’ve got talent and determination,' Martinez said. 'This is just the beginning.'