We tell you everything you need to know about the 2026 Fitzgerald High School football team in this preview, including roster changes and what fans can expect from the Purple Hurricane this season.
2025 Season Stats
- Overall Record: 9-4
- Points Scored: 394
- Points Allowed: 176
Key Roster Losses
Fitzgerald head coach Wesley Tankersley will attempt to build on last year’s quarterfinals finish as the Purple Hurricane move to Class 2A.
They will be without several key members from the 2025 team, including leading receiver and scorer Victor Copeland. He rushed for 922 yards with 15 touchdowns last year and caught 20 passes for 440 yards and six touchdowns. He also passed for 157 yards with a touchdown. Copeland signed with Hutchinson Community College.
Other key players not returning in 2026 include linebacker and running back Tyson King, who is now at Fort Valley State; defensive end Bryce Smith, who signed with Savannah State University; and free safety Daniel Harris. Kicker Griffin Cox, a three-time All-Region selection, has also graduated.
Key Players Returning
Fitzgerald will have plenty of talent returning in 2026.
Watch out for junior running back LaTavis “LJ” Devine, an All-Region, 1,000-yard rusher. He will have an experienced offensive line to run behind as All-Region linemen Ja’mikel Smith, Jake Clements, David Ford, and Liam Luke all return. Wide receiver Jalin Jackson will also be back.
On defense, Tankersley welcomes back All-Region linebackers Eduan Carter and RJ Stanley. Defensive linemen Blayden Stephens and Tyson Gilbert will return, and joining them up front will be All-Region defensive end Trayvis Wallace.
In the defensive backfield, safety Braylon McCray returns, as does a player to watch out for: cornerback Darryon Devine. The sophomore has already received an offer from Florida State University, and there will likely be many more before the year is over.
What to Expect From the Fitzgerald Purple Hurricane in 2026
Tankersley will be returning top talent in just about every area this year.
“We are returning experience on the offensive, defensive line, and linebacker,” Tankersley said as he begins his second season with the ‘Canes.
He’ll have an experienced group returning up front along the offensive line this year, and Tankersley said that could be one of the keys for the Purple Hurricane this season.
“The offensive line will be beneficial in opening up running lanes for LJ Devine, who had a really solid sophomore season for us at running back last year,” he said.
2026 Season Prediction
This year’s Fitzgerald team could be one of the best they’ve fielded in a few years. Look for a 10-4 season in 2026.
Game to Watch
Season opener on Aug. 21 at Clinch County
Fitzgerald’s 2026 Football Schedule
- 8/21 at Clinch County
- 9/04 vs. Irwin County
- 9/11 at Dodge County
- 9/18 at Worth County
- 9/25 vs. Jeff Davis
- 10/02 at Bacon County
- 10/09 vs. Thomasville
- 10/16 at Cook
- 10/23 vs. Berrien
- 10/30 at Brooks County
