Merritt Island Christian School's football team overwhelmed Florida School for the Deaf and Blind 48-14 in a Friday night game at Port Canaveral Stadium, Sept. 3, 2026. The Warriors scored 28 points in the first quarter alone, capitalizing on three turnovers forced by defensive players like Shane Chandler and Noah Huston. Micah Branch capped the explosive start with a 67-yard touchdown reception from quarterback John Hey, a play that drew cheers from the home crowd of 2,500 fans.
The Warriors' offense kept the pressure on throughout the game, with running back Josh Clark contributing two rushing touchdowns and defensive tackle Korbin Kugler adding a sack that led to a safety. Florida School for the Deaf and Blind's Ivan McAlpin rushed for 102 yards on 18 carries but struggled to contain MI Christian's relentless defense. The Warriors' secondary held the visiting team to just 14 points, despite multiple scoring opportunities.
Coaches from both teams praised the physicality of the game. MI Christian head coach Brad Williams said his team's preparation for the unique challenges of facing Florida School for the Deaf and Blind's offensive strategy paid off. "We focused on communication and gap control," Williams said. "Our kids executed exactly what we practiced."
The game featured several standout moments, including a fourth-quarter fumble recovery by Chandler that led to another touchdown. The Warriors' cheerleaders, who performed between quarters, received loud applause from fans. With the win, MI Christian improves to 3-0 on the season, while Florida School for the Deaf and Blind drops to 0-3. The next game for both teams is scheduled for Sept. 10.