The new league was created to provide independent football programs across Florida with a competitive postseason pathway while preserving the flexibility to schedule regular-season opponents that best fit each school's program.

Windermere Prep will compete in Pool B (schools with enrollments of 859 students and below) as a member of the South Region, joining a statewide collection of independent schools committed to high-level competition and student-athlete development.

"This is an exciting step forward for our football program," said Patrick Hollern, Director of Athletics at Windermere Prep. "The FHSAA Independent League recognizes the unique needs of independent schools while creating meaningful postseason opportunities. It provides flexibility during the regular season, allows us to continue building a competitive schedule, and ultimately gives our student-athletes the opportunity to compete for an FHSAA championship."

Series Structure

The FHSAA Independent Series consists of two enrollment-based divisions:

• Division A: Schools with enrollments of 900 or more students
• Division B: Schools with enrollments of 859 students and below

Each division is divided into North and South Regions, with Windermere Prep competing in the Division B South Region.

Unlike traditional district play, schools will continue to independently schedule their regular-season opponents, allowing programs to maintain long-standing rivalries while seeking competitive opportunities that support their growth.

Postseason Format

The Independent League postseason will feature a 16-team playoff bracket in each division:

• The top eight teams from both the North and South Regions qualify.
• MaxPreps rankings at the conclusion of the regular season will determine playoff seeding.
• The higher-seeded team will host each round of the playoffs.
• Regional champions will advance to the FHSAA Independent League Championship Game, held at The Villages Charter School.

Schools that do not qualify for the postseason will remain eligible to participate in postseason bowl games.

Windermere Prep enters the inaugural season looking to build upon the momentum of recent success. The Lakers captured the 2025 SSAA Class 1A Championship and now look forward to competing on Florida's newest statewide stage.

"Our goal remains unchanged," Hollern added. "We want to provide an outstanding experience for our student-athletes while competing against exceptional programs from across the state. We are excited to help shape the future of this league and represent Windermere Prep with pride."

The FHSAA has indicated that league participants will reconvene following the 2026 season to evaluate the inaugural year and continue refining the structure of the Independent League.