Merritt Island Falls to Class 7A Cypress Bay 35-21 in Kickoff Classic, Cocoa Due Up Next Week for Week 1 Matchup
By Space Coast Daily // August 15, 2026
WATCH: Merritt Island Hosts 7A Cypress Bay Tonight in the 2026 Kickoff Classic on Space Coast Daily TV (Facebook)
WATCH: Merritt Island Hosts 7A Cypress Bay Tonight in the 2026 Kickoff Classic on Space Coast Daily TV (YouTube)
WATCH LIVE: Merritt Island Hosts 7A Cypress Bay Tonight in the 2026 Kickoff Classic on Space Coast Daily TV (YouTube)
BREVARD COUNTY • MERRITT ISLAND, FLORIDA – The Merritt Island Mustangs fell to Class 7A Cypress Bay 35-21 in Friday night’s preseason Kickoff Classic.
Despite committing several penalties and turnovers, the Mustangs entered halftime tied with the Lightning at 14-14. Cypress Bay opened the second half with a touchdown and remained in front for the rest of the game.
Merritt Island quarterback Kevin Verpaele connected with tight end Deshaun Thomas for a 65-yard touchdown in the third quarter, cutting Cypress Bay’s lead to 28-21.
The Mustangs had an opportunity to tie the game in the fourth quarter but fumbled at the Cypress Bay 3-yard line.
The Lightning recovered the ball and went on to secure the 35-21 victory.
Merritt Island will open the regular season next week at Cocoa.
The Tigers are coming off a 47-16 loss to Melbourne in their Kickoff Classic.
*Photos by Merritt Island High School*
