The landscape of high school football in Indian River County and the surrounding Treasure Coast is set for a significant shake-up. The Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) has officially released the finalized football classifications for the 2026-27 and 2027-28 school seasons. For local fans, parents, and athletes in Vero Beach and Sebastian, these changes mean new rivalries, altered districts, and a fresh path to the playoffs.
Vero Beach High School Remains a Powerhouse in the New 6A
For the Fighting Indians, the goal remains the same, even if the classification label has changed. With the elimination of Class 7A, Vero Beach High School will compete in the newly formed District 8-6A. Fresh off a thrilling season that saw the team finish as state runners-up, Vero Beach is looking to extend its dominance and secure a third consecutive district title.
Fortunately for local traditionalists, the core rivalries remain intact. The district remains unchanged regarding its participants, meaning Vero Beach will continue to battle familiar foes: Fort Pierce Central, St. Lucie West Centennial, and Treasure Coast. This continuity ensures that the intense Friday night atmospheres at the Citrus Bowl and across the region will continue without interruption.
Significant Shake-ups for Sebastian River and District 13-4A
While Vero Beach sees stability, neighboring schools are facing major adjustments. Sebastian River High School remains in District 13-4A, but the roster of opponents has shifted. The district will no longer be comprised strictly of Treasure Coast area teams, as Heritage joins the fold.
Notable changes to this district include the addition of Fort Pierce Westwood, which moves down from Class 5A, and Legacy, which joins after a season as an independent. However, John Carroll Catholic and Okeechobee have departed this district, changing the competitive dynamic significantly.
The drive toward a district title will look different for a few high school football teams on the Treasure Coast.
Private Schools and Independent Changes
The reshuffling extends to the area’s private and smaller schools as well. John Carroll Catholic, having moved out of their previous district, drops to District 4-1A. In a unique alignment, they will compete in a two-team district against Melbourne Central Catholic.
Meanwhile, Okeechobee High School has opted to leave the FHSAA competition entirely. The Brahmans will join the Sunshine State Athletic Association (SSAA), placing them in the same league as local Vero Beach private schools St. Edward’s School and Master’s Academy. This move consolidates several regional programs under the SSAA banner, offering a different competitive environment outside the traditional state series.
2026-2027 Treasure Coast District Breakdowns
Here is a look at where our local and regional teams have landed for the upcoming cycle:
District 8-6A
District 13-4A
District 4-1A
SSAA (Independent)
District 8-2A
As teams begin their offseason preparations, these new classifications provide the roadmap for the next two years of high school football. For Vero Beach, the path is clear: navigate District 8-6A and make another run for the state championship.
