Built on Chemistry: Inside the 2026-27 Season
Photo by Jason Bretado
After a tough season-opening loss to West Nassau, Paxon football rallied behind a powerful sense of brotherhood and teamwork to spark a four-game winning streak, outscoring opponents with both dominant victories and clutch, down-to-the-wire finishes.
By Tania Washington, Ariel Okor, Dylan Watkins
For the football team, success comes from more than just what happens during a game. The players rely on hard work, preparation, motivation, and teamwork to help them succeed on and off the field. Players say they balance football with schoolwork, learn from their mistakes, and depend on each other throughout the season.
Photo by Jason Bretado
The players described different ways to stay focused and contribute to the team. “It’s kind of just become natural, but I just do most of my stuff after school and during class when I have time,” senior defensive end Derrick Williams said.
While Williams focuses on managing his responsibilities, senior running back Kendrick Palmer said they use tough losses as an opportunity to improve.
“Just try to keep my head up,” Palmer said. “After the games, I try to watch film and see what I could do better.”
Studying film is one way players prepare to improve, but they also believe that the team’s camaraderie is really important. “Really, the best part of the team is that we have a bunch of good chemistry,” senior Braylon Jenkins said. Chemistry also helps players stay motivated when games become difficult.
The team’s chemistry isn’t just important on offense. Defensive back William Montelongo also said the defense benefits from the experience and connection between returning players. “I would say just the way everybody flies to the ball and how physical we are and also the chemistry we have,” Montelongo said.
How the football team stays focused and committed is more than just practicing; it’s also about how they reflect and keep their heads up. Senior linebacker Javon Johnson said his motivation comes from within. “I keep myself motivated,” Johnson said. “It’s really just self-driven.”
Photo by Jason Bretado
For offensive lineman Robert Stanley, staying focused means taking responsibility for his own assignment instead of worrying about everyone else’s. “Everybody has their own assignment, and as long as I execute mine, that's all I can do,” Stanley said.
The players also have goals they want to accomplish throughout the season. Offensive lineman Bryson Hicks said his biggest goal is to continue working toward the next level. “Ultimately I’m trying to get to stay in the SSA [Sunshine State Association], and that's pretty much it,” Hicks said.
No matter what happens during the season, the players want people watching from the stands to understand how much work goes into being part of the team. “We work hard. We grind, and we have a strong brotherhood too,” junior wide receiver Nasir Hughes said. “Like we really work hard to get where we are.”
Photo by Jason Bretado
Something people also may not understand is that the players have a bond on the field, but off the field as well. Once they have a true brotherly bond, it allows them to connect on game days and improve their execution. “Three words to describe the team?” Palmer said. “I would describe them as hardworking, diligent, and optimistic.”
After a hard reflection on their team's chemistry, they began to realize and understand the problems they had to overcome so they could be the best team possible. Once they started working harder than ever, remembered to keep their head up, and grew their brotherhood, they've had an astonishing season so far.
If they continue to grow in every way and remember not to stray, they'll end this season extremely proud of the work they put in.