FHSAA announces new football classifications

The East County’s three high school football teams will be moving into unfamiliar territory next fall after the Florida High School Athletic Association unveiled its new football districts.

Braden River, previously in 3A-10, will now be in 7A-10 along with Manatee, Sarasota and Venice. Lakewood Ranch, formerly in 4A-11, will now be in 6A-10 along with Bartow, Lakeland Kathleen, Lakeland Lake Gibson, Palmetto, Sebring and Winter Haven. Meanwhile, The Out-of-Door Academy, previously in 1B-6, will move up to 2A-6 along with Bradenton Christian School, Naples Community School, Fort Myers Evangelical Christian, Moore Haven, Naples First Baptist, Southwest Florida Christian, St. John Neumann and St. Stephen’s.