Sarasota Booker, St. John's College to Play in 2026 Football Matchup

The Tornadoes will travel to Washington D.C. to face the DMV powerhouse Cadets next season.

Mar. 11, 2026 at 6:37pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Sarasota Booker High School's football team will take on Washington D.C.'s St. John's College High School in a national matchup during the 2026 season. The game is scheduled for September 19 in the nation's capital, giving Booker's players a chance to compete against elite competition and gain valuable experience.

Why it matters

This game represents an opportunity for Sarasota Booker to challenge its players against a top-tier program and raise the profile of its own football team. Facing off against a DMV powerhouse like St. John's College will be a valuable test for the Tornadoes as they aim to build on recent deep playoff runs in Florida.

The details

Booker High School head coach Carlos Woods confirmed the matchup with St. John's College to Rivals on Wednesday. The Tornadoes are coming off back-to-back state semifinal appearances in Florida's Class 3A division, falling both times to eventual state champion Jacksonville Raines. This will be Booker's second straight season opening with an out-of-state opponent, having traveled to Alabama to face Auburn in 2025.

  • The Sarasota Booker vs. St. John's College game is scheduled for September 19, 2026.
  • Booker High School finished the 2025 season with a 13-2 record and was ranked #27 in the final Florida High School Football Massey Rankings.

The players

Carlos Woods

The head football coach of Sarasota Booker High School.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Anytime you get the opportunity to play a program with the tradition and national reputation of St. John's College High School you take it. Our goal at Booker High School is to challenge our players against elite competition, and this trip to Washington, D.C. will be a great experience for our team and community.”

— Carlos Woods, Head Football Coach, Sarasota Booker High School (Rivals)

What’s next

The Sarasota Booker Tornadoes will also face off against the Valdosta Wildcats from Georgia on October 2, 2026 at Bazemore-Hyder Stadium.

The takeaway

This high-profile matchup between Sarasota Booker and St. John's College represents an exciting opportunity for both programs to showcase their talent and compete against elite competition. For Booker, it's a chance to further establish their football program on the national stage.