FLORIDA POWER RANKINGS INDEX: Southwest Florida Region Flag Football Preseason Preview: Top 10 Rankings & Analysis

The 2026 Florida flag football season is just 12 days away, and Southwest Florida brings 32 teams into the new season across all four classifications plus independents with several Fort Myers and Bradenton-area programs ready to make their mark. The region features competitive programs with state championship aspirations.

North Fort Myers leads the way as the region’s top-rated program, while Parrish and Riverdale provide strong Class 3A depth. Lakewood Ranch represents the region’s Class 4A contingent, and Estero leads a competitive Class 2A field. The region’s mix of coastal programs from Fort Myers, Cape Coral, and Sarasota creates compelling local rivalries throughout the season. Here’s a look at the top 10 teams heading into 2026, based on the Florida Power Rankings Index’s two-year historical blend.

Southwest Florida Region covers Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Glades, Hardee, Hendry, Highlands, Lee, Manatee & Sarasota counties

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SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PRESEASON TOP 10

Region Rank	Team	Class	Rating
1	North Fort Myers	3A	52.19
2	Parrish	3A	44.20
3	Riverdale (Fort Myers)	3A	43.82
4	Lakewood Ranch (Bradenton)	4A	39.66
5	Estero	2A	37.39
6	Manatee (Bradenton)	3A	33.58
7	Bishop Verot (Fort Myers)	2A	30.74
8	Bonita Springs	2A	28.48
9	Gateway Charter (Fort Myers)	3A	27.64
10	Mariner (Cape Coral)	3A	26.81

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ANALYSIS

North Fort Myers: Enters 2026 as Southwest Florida’s highest-rated program at 52.19 and the region’s top Class 3A contender. The Red Knights are solid playoff contenders and the clear favorite in the region.

Parrish: Sits second in the region at 44.20, providing strong Class 3A competition. The Bulls are emerging as one of the region’s most consistent programs.

Class 3A Dominance: Southwest Florida’s strength lies in Class 3A, with six of the top 10 teams competing in the classification. North Fort Myers (#1), Parrish (#2), Riverdale (#3), Manatee (#6), Gateway Charter (#9), and Mariner (#10) create a deep and competitive 3A field throughout the region.

Lakewood Ranch: Leads the region’s Class 4A programs at #4 overall with a 39.66 rating. The Mustangs represent the region’s best chance for success in the state’s largest classification.

Class 2A Competition: Estero (#5, 37.39) leads a strong Class 2A contingent that includes Bishop Verot (#7, 30.74) and Bonita Springs (#8, 28.48). All three programs are capable of competitive playoff runs.

Fort Myers Area Strength: The Fort Myers metropolitan area dominates the regional rankings, with North Fort Myers, Riverdale, Bishop Verot, Gateway Charter, and Fort Myers (#11, 26.19) all placing in or near the top 10. The area’s concentration of talent creates compelling district races.

Bradenton-Sarasota Programs: Parrish, Lakewood Ranch, and Manatee provide strong representation for the Bradenton-Sarasota area, ensuring the region’s competitive balance extends beyond just the Fort Myers corridor.

The region’s depth in Class 3A and competitive programs across multiple classifications give Southwest Florida a solid presence in statewide competition. While the region may not feature elite championship contenders, its balanced competition ensures compelling district races and playoff qualifiers throughout the season.

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SEASON TICKET CONTENT

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