Could Countryside Be One of the Area’s Surprise Teams in 2026?

After an 0-10 finish in 2024, the Cougars hired AJ Sattinger to lead the program. In his first season, Countryside improved to 3-7, giving the program signs of progress and a foundation to build on moving forward.

Now entering Year 2 under Sattinger, the Cougars have another full offseason behind them, several key players returning and a handful of new additions joining the roster.

The Cougars showed signs of progress during Sattinger’s first season, and with another full offseason to establish the program, expectations are beginning to rise. Countryside returns several important pieces while also adding talent at key positions, giving the Cougars a chance to become one of the Tampa Bay area’s more interesting teams this fall.

The next step will be turning that offseason momentum into results.

Quarterback Cam Waddington returns after throwing for nearly 1,400 yards and 12 touchdowns last season. The 2028 prospect gained valuable varsity experience and now enters another year in the offense as Countryside looks for more consistency on that side of the ball.

One of his returning targets is Kai Johnson, who led the Cougars with 19 receptions for 158 yards. Johnson is expected to take on a larger role in the passing game, which should give him an opportunity to increase that production.

Dontavious Miley, a 2027 athlete, also returns after recording 60 tackles while contributing on both sides of the ball. He is in line for a bigger role this season as one of the Cougars’ most versatile players.

Gabe Lupo, a 2027 prospect, and Cale Boles, a member of the 2028 class, are also expected to see their responsibilities increase in 2026.

Defensively, Countryside returns one of the area’s most productive young linebackers in Zion Poole. The 2028 prospect finished last season with 105 tackles, 21 tackles for loss, four sacks, one interception and four forced fumbles, averaging more than 10 tackles per game.

Poole returns as the leader of the defense and will be a major part of Countryside’s effort to take another step forward.

The Cougars also added several new pieces during the offseason, including 2029 defensive end and tight end Jacob Hilton, 2027 athlete Antwon Brown and 2028 running back Kavion Brown.

Countryside will compete in Class 3A, Region 3, District 11 alongside Anclote, Dunedin, Gibbs, Tarpon Springs and Seminole. With several key players returning and added talent across the roster, the Cougars should have an opportunity to make their presence felt in district play.

If the returning core continues to develop and the new additions make an immediate impact, Countryside could find itself in the district championship conversation.

After taking a step forward in Sattinger’s first season, Countryside enters 2026 with more experience, more depth and a clearer sense of direction.

2026 Schedule

Aug. 14 — vs. Pinellas Park (Preseason)

Aug. 21 — @ Palm Harbor University

Aug. 28 — vs. Dixie Hollins

Sept. 4 — @ Clearwater

Sept. 11 — vs. Dunedin*

Sept. 18 — @ Boca Ciega

Sept. 25 — vs. Anclote*

Oct. 2 — Bye

Oct. 9 — @ Tarpon Springs*

Oct. 16 — vs. Gibbs*

Oct. 23 — @ Seminole*

Oct. 30 — vs. East Lake

*District games