Booker High cancels 2026 varsity football season, will only play JV

Booker High School announced on Wednesday, August 12 that it will not have a varsity football team in 2026, opting instead to field only a junior varsity squad. Principal Jamal Crook made the decision in a Facebook post following several recent changes within the program. The school cited the need for time to rebuild consistent student participation, trust, and commitment, resulting in the cancellation of the varsity season.

Former head coach Carlos Woods was dismissed in mid-July, and four-time state champion teams cancelled their games against Booker, leaving the Tornadoes without opponents for the first three weeks of the season. Woods was also suspended from coaching and attending preseason games after eighth graders participated in spring football practices, violating FHSAA rules.

The school was fined $500 and placed on administrative probation until May 25, 2027. Booker recently hired Lance Hoeltke as the new head coach, with the focus shifting to developing a strong team culture, student-athletes, and relationships.