By Katie Dubnik
Destin High School football players and coaches had a feeling that the 2026 campaign would be momentous. A senior-laden squad, an historic foray into district play, support from a nationally known foundation and playing in memory of an assistant coach — all the ingredients were in place for something special.
So far, coach E.G. Green says the young season is living up to the Sharks’ hopes — but maybe not exactly in the way you might think. Destin opened the 2026 campaign 2-1 with lopsided victories over Port St. Joe (53-13) and North Bay Haven Academy (59-37). But, as far as Green is concerned, the outcomes are not what is driving his squad forward. “The 2026 Destin High School football season is about more than wins and losses. For us, this season represents years of work, growth, sacrifice, and belief from a senior class that has helped build the foundation of our football program,” Green said.
After a two-week break due to a scheduling quirk, the Sharks returned to the field Sept. 24 against Pensacola Catholic. No matter what happens from here, Destin High football knows its future is bright, thanks to a group of players determined to leave a lasting imprint. “Both our upperclassmen and underclassmen have continued to hold the high standard we set for ourselves,” said Green, in his fifth season of helping shape a program that began play in 2021. “We are becoming a player-led football team, and that is something we have emphasized since the offseason.”
Leadership has not been in short supply, due in large part to an impressive senior class — 27 of the 53-player roster — that takes pride in building something new. “There is something special about this senior class, and I am proud to have the opportunity to be their head coach,” Green said. “Players such as Chase Wandrick, Jayson Dickerson, Kellen Ramsey, Brody Hipp, Nate Sills, and the rest of our veteran group have helped set that standard.”
Ramsey’s work on the field has been impressive, with 417 passing yards, eight touchdowns and zero interceptions through three games, along with three rushing touchdowns. His leading receiving targets include seniors Jayden Phillips (nine receptions, 102 yards), Wandrick (eight receptions, 120 yards, five touchdowns) and Cameron Kerns (four receptions, 103 yards, two touchdowns). Senior Donnie Couitt leads the rushing attack with 473 yards and four touchdowns on 40 carries. Destin’s defense is also senior-led, with playmakers including Kynlee Cuchens, Hipp, Tristan May, Sills and Dom Ogletree. “They understand that leadership is about being dependable, showing up every day, working when no one is watching, and doing what is best for the team,” said Green, who has instilled a culture centered on hard work, discipline and putting the team first.
That determination has helped Destin High maintain forward momentum through the challenges of creating a new program. “Destin High School football is still a young program, but we’re excited about where we are and where we’re headed. Since opening our doors in 2021, we’ve been focused on building the program the right way – developing young men of character, creating a culture of accountability, and establishing a standard that will last for years to come,” Destin High School Athletic Trainer Skylar Walden said. “As with any new program, there have been challenges, but each season has brought measurable growth in participation, experience, competitiveness, and community support.”
Support has come from many sources over the years, including from outside the program. This summer, Destin football learned it would be one of three high school programs in Florida to receive a fully funded team outfitting from the Taylor Haugen Foundation.
The Sharks received the foundation’s full support through its YESS© Program (Youth Equipment for Sports Safety), providing the latest protective gear for each team member, including EvoShield Rib Shirts. “The support meant a great deal to the Destin Football Program. As a young school, every opportunity to provide our athletes with better equipment, resources and experiences makes a difference. More importantly, the Taylor Haugen Foundation represents something much bigger than a donation – it stands for character, leadership and putting athletes first,” Walden said. “Knowing that an organization with those values believes in our players is incredibly meaningful, and we’re grateful for their investment in our program and our student athletes.”
The Taylor Haugen Foundation was created to honor the memory of 15-year-old Niceville High School student-athlete Taylor Haugen, who died after sustaining a traumatic abdominal injury during a football game in 2008. Its mission is to protect, inspire and educate young athletes through initiatives such as the YESS© Program, which promotes awareness of abdominal injuries and provides advanced protective equipment to young athletes. The foundation also recognizes and supports outstanding scholar-athletes through scholarships and awards. “We’re honored to partner with the Sharks program to help protect their student-athletes for the football season,” said Ashley Sallee, Director of Programs & Community Development for the Taylor Haugen Foundation. To learn more about the Taylor Haugen Foundation, visit taylorhaugen.org.
While the foundation’s support has been a positive presence, the Sharks are also playing the 2026 season with a greater sense of purpose following the offseason passing of former assistant coach Eric Divens. “We have dedicated this season to coach Divens, which has given our team an even greater sense of purpose,” Green said. “Coach Eric Divens was my brother, a best friend and trusted member of my staff, inner circle and my family. Our players loved coach Divens, and we miss him every day.”
As the season continues, the Sharks hope to maintain the positive momentum that marked their opening weeks. “Football is deeply rooted in Florida communities. So, for a program that’s only a few years old, the support we’ve received has been incredible,” Walden added. “Our students, families, alumni, local businesses and community members have embraced what we’re building from day one. To also have organizations like the Taylor Haugen Foundation recognize our program is both humbling and encouraging. It reinforces that we’re building something special—not just in terms of football, but in developing young men who represent our school and community the right way. “We know we’re still writing the history of Destin High School football; that’s part of what makes this program special. Every season brings new milestones and opportunities to build something lasting.”
