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The Mighty Dragons' New Era: 5 Things You Must Know About Stranahan High School Football's 2025 Season And Beyond

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The Stranahan High School Mighty Dragons football program in Fort Lauderdale, FL, is navigating a pivotal new era, with the 2025 season highlighting a renewed focus on team development, key player recruitment, and the pursuit of district dominance. As of December 2025, the program, under the guidance of Head Coach Jacky Candy, is building on the legacy of recent powerhouse alumni while integrating a new crop of talented student-athletes. This deep dive provides the most current information, breaking down the coaching staff, the top players to watch, and the historical context that defines the Mighty Dragons' place in the competitive landscape of Broward County football.

The 2025 campaign, which saw action against formidable opponents like Miami Central and a decisive win over Pompano Beach High School, has set the stage for the future. The team is currently competing in the challenging FHSAA District 3A-15, where every game is a battle for a playoff spot. Understanding the current roster and the program's rich history is essential for any fan following the Mighty Dragons as they aim to climb the Florida high school football rankings.

Stranahan Football Program: The 2025 Roster and Coaching Staff

The foundation of any successful high school football program rests on its leadership and the talent it cultivates. For the Stranahan Mighty Dragons, the 2025-2026 season is defined by a consistent coaching presence and a promising, albeit young, roster ready to make an impact in District 3A-15.

Coaching Staff: Stability Under Candy

  • Head Coach: Jacky Candy
  • Key Assistants: Antoine Tharpe and Coach Williams

Head Coach Jacky Candy continues to lead the program, focusing on developing both the athletic and academic potential of his players. The stability provided by Coach Candy and his staff, including Assistant Coaches Antoine Tharpe and Coach Williams, is crucial for a team that often sees intense recruiting pressure from major college programs. Their focus has been on cultivating a cohesive "team effort," which is the mantra for the 2025 season, preparing players not just for the next game, but for college careers.

Key Players to Watch in the 2025-2026 Season

The roster features a mix of experienced upperclassmen and dynamic underclassmen who are already drawing attention from college recruiters. While the team relies on collective effort, several names stand out:

  • Opious Knox Jr. (Athlete/CB/WR/QB): A versatile prospect in the Class of 2025/2026, Knox Jr. is a true athlete capable of playing multiple positions, including cornerback, wide receiver, and even quarterback. His Hudl profile showcases his dynamic playmaking ability, and he maintains a strong 3.0 GPA, making him an attractive target for college scouts.
  • Joziaah Eason (Cornerback): A promising sophomore cornerback, Eason is a key component of the Mighty Dragons' defensive backfield. His development will be critical to Stranahan’s ability to shut down high-powered passing offenses in Broward County.
  • Cris Thornton: Another impactful player on the 2024-2025 roster, Thornton, along with teammates like Jarvaris Miller and Jaeden Phillips, contributes to the depth and versatility of the Stranahan squad.

The Historic Rivalry: Stranahan vs. Fort Lauderdale High School

No discussion of Stranahan High School football is complete without mentioning its most storied and intense rivalry. The Mighty Dragons' annual showdown with the Fort Lauderdale High School Flying L's is one of the most significant traditions in South Florida sports.

Broward County's Longest Continuous Rivalry

The rivalry between Stranahan and Fort Lauderdale High School is officially recognized as the longest continuous high school football rivalry in Broward County. Dating back to its first meeting in 1958, the two teams have faced each other over 60 times, a testament to the deep, decades-long history and geographical proximity between the two Fort Lauderdale schools. The game is a massive community event, often dictating bragging rights for the entire year.

While Fort Lauderdale High (often called the Flying L's) has held the edge in some recent years, the intensity of the matchup never wanes. This historical context adds a layer of significance to every Stranahan season, as the rivalry game is circled on the calendar by players, coaches, and the entire alumni base.

Stranahan's Recruiting Pipeline and College Success

Stranahan High School has a strong reputation as a breeding ground for college football talent, particularly in the defensive back and wide receiver positions. The program consistently develops athletes who go on to play at the NCAA Division I level, proving its ability to compete with the best in the state.

Recent Alumni and Recruiting Success

The most prominent recent example of Stranahan's recruiting power is Hykeem Williams, who was one of the nation's top wide receiver recruits in the Class of 2023 and went on to a major college program. His success story serves as a powerful motivator for current Mighty Dragons.

The program also saw a player transfer to the FIU (Florida International University) program in the 2024 signing class, demonstrating a clear pipeline to in-state universities. This continuous flow of talent, including current prospects like Opious Knox Jr. and Joziaah Eason, keeps the Stranahan name relevant in national recruiting discussions. The focus on a "team effort" in 2025 is designed to showcase multiple players, increasing the visibility of the entire roster for college coaches.

The Challenge of District 3A-15

Competing in the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) is incredibly difficult, and Stranahan's placement in District 3A-15 means they face elite competition every week. The 2025 schedule included tough matchups, such as a game against the powerhouse Miami Central, which prepares the team for the intensity of the playoffs. A close 7-0 loss against the Coral Glades Jaguars highlights the razor-thin margins in district play. However, a dominant 44-4 victory over Pompano Beach High School shows the team's potential when their offense and defense click simultaneously. The goal for Head Coach Candy is to turn these flashes of dominance into consistent, week-to-week performance.

The Future of the Mighty Dragons Football Program

Looking ahead, the Stranahan Mighty Dragons are poised for continued growth. The presence of key underclassmen, including sophomores Joziaah Eason, Jermaine Ponder, and Lucan Green, suggests a strong foundation for the 2026 and 2027 seasons. The team is focused on maximizing the potential of its current athletes, including Brian Stewart, Leroy Cooks, and Brandon Jordan, who are expected to take on leadership roles.

The program’s ability to consistently produce top-tier talent, maintain a historic rivalry, and compete in one of the toughest high school football regions in the country ensures that Stranahan High School football remains a must-watch team in Fort Lauderdale and throughout Broward County. The coaching staff's commitment to development, combined with the raw talent on the roster, makes the Mighty Dragons a program on the cusp of re-establishing itself as a major state contender.

The Mighty Dragons' New Era: 5 Things You Must Know About Stranahan High School Football's 2025 Season and Beyond
stranahan high school football
stranahan high school football

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