10 Pasco County Players to Know Entering the 2026 Season

Kevin Querette | DB/WR | Cypress Creek | 2027

At 6-foot-2 and 190 pounds, Kevin Querette has the versatility to contribute on both sides of the ball for Cypress Creek. He recorded 19 tackles, four tackles for loss and a sack last season from the secondary. With an opportunity to take on a larger role this fall, expect his production to increase while also seeing opportunities at receiver.

Nolan Keirns | DL | Mitchell | 2027

At 6-foot-2 and 285 pounds, Nolan Keirns brings a physical presence to the middle of Mitchell’s defensive front. With several key contributors from last season gone, the returning lineman should have an opportunity to take on an even bigger role. His size and strength make him an important piece of a Mustangs defense that will again look to be one of the tougher units in the county.

Adam Stvalle | WR | Gulf | 2029

Standing 6-foot-3 and 175 pounds, Adam Stvalle is a rising sophomore who could be in line for a breakout season. His length gives Gulf a big target on the outside with the ability to go up and make plays on the football. With quarterback Curtis Scriven returning, Stvalle has an opportunity to emerge as one of the Buccaneers’ more important pass catchers this fall.

Xaveon Bell | QB/ATH | Sunlake | 2027

Xaveon Bell steps into the quarterback role for Sunlake this season after already showing he can impact an offense in multiple ways. The 2027 athlete brings true dual-threat ability, with the arm to push the ball downfield and the athleticism to create when plays break down. After an impressive offseason, Bell enters the fall with an opportunity to make his mark as the Seahawks’ quarterback.

Nehemiah Bultron | OL | River Ridge | 2028

Nehemiah Bultron arrives at River Ridge after transferring from Land O’ Lakes and should provide an immediate boost up front. At 6-foot-3 and 335 pounds, he brings plenty of size to the offensive line. Whether creating running lanes or holding up in pass protection, Bultron has a chance to become an important piece of the Royal Knights’ offense right away.

Chantz Thomas | RB/LB | Fivay | 2027

Chantz Thomas returns as a two-way contributor for Fivay after recording 61 tackles last season, tied for the most on the team. He should also have an opportunity to take on a larger role in the backfield after the Falcons rushed for nearly 2,000 yards as a team a year ago. His ability to contribute at both running back and linebacker makes him a name to watch this fall.

Carson Kantor | DL | Wiregrass Ranch | 2027

At 6-foot-4 and 280 pounds, Carson Kantor gives Wiregrass Ranch size and strength in the middle of its defensive front. He recorded 20 tackles as a junior and returns with an opportunity to take another step this season. His ability to hold his ground inside and force plays away from the middle should make him an important piece of the Bulls’ defense.

Johnathon Jackson | RB | Gulf | 2028

Johnathon Jackson put together a strong spring and enters the fall with an opportunity to earn a larger role in Gulf’s offense. He can run between the tackles, catch the ball out of the backfield and brings a good combination of size and speed. That versatility gives the Buccaneers multiple ways to get him involved and could put Jackson in line for a big 2026 season.

Levi Pavlikovic | QB | Wesley Chapel | 2028

Levi Pavlikovic transferred to Wesley Chapel from Freedom earlier this offseason and got his first opportunity with the Wildcats during the spring. The 2028 quarterback brings dual-threat ability, showing the mobility to move the pocket, extend plays and create with his legs. With several talented weapons around him, Pavlikovic will have an opportunity to show what he can do in a new offense this fall.

Elisha Melendez | RB | Land O’ Lakes | 2028

Elisha Melendez made the most of a limited role last season, rushing 92 times for 519 yards and eight touchdowns as a sophomore. With more opportunities expected this fall, those numbers could take a significant jump. Melendez has continued to get faster and stronger this offseason, and with a strong offensive unit returning around him, he has a chance to become a major part of a Land O’ Lakes rushing attack built to wear defenses down.