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Heritage Panthers Football Eyes Breakthrough Season After Move to Class 4A

By  //  July 1, 2026

Heritage finished 4-6, earned a playoff berth

ABOVE VIDEO: Heritage head football coach, Mykel Benson discusses the summer and 2026 season expectations with Zane Garcia of Space Coast Daily. Seniors Christian Borhi and Anthony Hicks also spoke on how the offseason has been.

Space Coast Daily’s Zane Garcia recently sat down with Heritage head football coach Mykel Benson and several Panthers players to discuss summer workouts and expectations for the upcoming season.

BREVARD COUNTY • PALM BAY, FLORIDA — Space Coast Daily’s Zane Garcia recently sat down with Heritage head football coach Mykel Benson and several Panthers players to discuss summer workouts and expectations for the upcoming season.

The Panthers finished 4-7 last season, with three of their losses coming by a touchdown or less. With a new season comes renewed optimism, and Benson is excited about what the 2026 campaign could bring.

Heritage has consistently fielded competitive teams, reaching the playoffs in four of the past five seasons. However, the Panthers have not advanced past the first round since 2018 and have often faced difficult postseason matchups.

This season, Heritage moves from Class 5A to Class 4A, potentially providing a more favorable path to the playoffs. The Panthers’ district now includes Jensen Beach and Legacy High School, a significant change from competing against Martin County and Westwood in recent years.

There is a renewed sense of confidence surrounding the program heading into 2026, as several key contributors return on both sides of the ball.

Sophomore running back Dreyvon Lee, who led the team in rushing yards last season, is expected to play a major role in the offense.

Incoming transfer quarterback Christian Borhi is projected to be the Week 1 starter. Borhi accounted for more than 2,200 total yards and 20 touchdowns at his previous school.

Although the Panthers graduated several senior offensive contributors, Benson expressed confidence in the talent and potential of the players stepping into larger roles.

Defensively, linebacker Anthony Hicks will anchor the unit and said he believes Heritage will “surprise” many people this season.

The Panthers open the season against Melbourne, Eau Gallie and Viera, a challenging early stretch that should provide an immediate test for Heritage.

Zane Garcia of Space Coast Daily talks with Heritage High School head football coach Mykel Benson about the summer workouts thus far. Coach Benson shows excitement about the upcoming 2026 football season.