Spring football practice starts Monday in Brevard County, but only 9 of the county's 18 high school programs will host jamboree games this season. The rest will focus on intrasquad scrimmages or skip spring games entirely. Teams can conduct up to 20 practices during the season, but participation in jamborees has declined sharply. Of the 16 varsity programs and two eight-man teams, seven schools have intrasquad games planned, while three schools have no spring games or jamborees scheduled.
Astronaut High School will host both an intrasquad scrimmage and a jamboree game in May. Two teams have new coaches this spring. Ryan Schneider, who led Cocoa to three state championships, has moved to Melbourne Central Catholic. Schneider's former school, Cocoa, is now coached by Nate Hooks, a former Holy Trinity and MCC head coach. Willie Tillman, MCC's previous coach, has been named the school's athletic director.
Intrasquad scrimmages are scheduled for May 8-20 across the county. Holy Trinity, Astronaut, Titusville, Cocoa Beach, Merritt Island, Satellite, and Melbourne Central Catholic will host events. Jamboree games will take place May 13-22, with matchups including Viera vs. St. Cloud, Melbourne vs. FP Westwood, and Astronaut's game on May 22. The schedules were compiled by FLORIDA TODAY from athletic directors at each school.
Seven schools have chosen not to hold spring games. The shift away from jamborees may reflect changing strategies among coaches and administrators. Some schools prioritize intrasquad work to avoid injuries, while others skip spring games altogether. The number of jamborees has dropped from previous years, though no official reason has been cited by county athletic directors.