JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The Duval Charter Panthers have become one of the fun feel-good Northeast Florida football stories of the 2026 Sunshine State Athletic Association (SSAA) playoffs. With an explosive offense, a young roster and a coaching staff committed to building something special, the Panthers have put together an impressive postseason run.
Under first-year head coach and athletic director Jim Stomps, Duval Charter has transformed into a competitive program with an opportunity to compete for an SSAA championship. The Panthers have defeated Eagle’s View 55-0 and Bishop Snyder 35-7 to advance to the SSAA 11-Man Bound Championship semifinals.
What makes this season even more impressive is the youth of the team. Duval Charter is starting six freshmen, demonstrating the amount of young talent and potential within the program.
For Stomps, the success is about more than winning football games. It is about establishing a culture, developing young players and creating a foundation for sustained success.
Panthers Dominate Their Way Into the Semifinals
Duval Charter opened its playoff run with a convincing 55-0 victory over Eagle’s View on October 30. The Panthers controlled the game on both sides of the football, delivering a dominant performance to advance.
The Panthers followed that performance with another impressive showing against Bishop Snyder on November 6, earning a 35-7 victory.
Freshman running back Daren Manick led the offensive attack with 183 rushing yards and four touchdowns. He averaged more than 10 yards per carry and continued his outstanding season.
Senior Kentrell Smothers provided another highlight, returning a kickoff 80 yards for a touchdown. Smothers also caught a touchdown pass from quarterback Jackson Bauman.
Defensively, the Panthers made life difficult for Bishop Snyder’s offense. Duval Charter recorded seven sacks, with Ethan Dughi leading the way with three.
The victory demonstrated the Panthers’ ability to win with a balanced offensive attack and a defense capable of creating pressure and making big plays.
Coach Jim Stomps Establishes a New Standard
For first-year head coach Jim Stomps, the journey has been rewarding. After taking over the program, Stomps immediately began introducing new standards, expectations and a culture centered on hard work, accountability and commitment.
Stomps expressed how excited he has been about his first season as head football coach and athletic director at Duval Charter.
“It’s been a fun first season, to watch this team grow from week one to now playing in the semifinals of the SSAA 11 Man / Bound Championship,” Stomps explained.
He also emphasized how proud he is of the players for buying into the new direction of the program.
According to Stomps, the players have worked hard at practice every day, believed in the vision and embraced the standards established when he took over as head coach.
That commitment has helped the Panthers earn a third home playoff game this season.
However, Stomps is quick to point out that the program’s success is not the work of one person. He credits the coaches who were already part of Duval Charter and those who joined him in helping establish the new direction.
“It has been an entire group effort for the growth and the success this season,” Stomps said. “This is not a 1 man show.”
Former Christ’s Church Players Join Coach Stomps’ Staff
One of the important additions to the Duval Charter program has been the return of former Christ’s Church Academy football players who once played under Stomps.
Several former players have transitioned into coaching roles, bringing their football knowledge, experience and familiarity with Stomps’ expectations to the Panthers.
Among the former CCA players now on the Duval Charter coaching staff are:
- Ben Anderson – Quarterbacks Coach: Works with the quarterbacks and helps develop the passing game.
- Rowan Collins – Offensive Line Coach: Helps develop the offensive line and establish the physical identity of the offense.
- Ford Setzer – Defensive Coach: Assists with developing the defensive unit and its overall approach.
- Hayden Brown – Linebackers Coach: Works with the linebackers, focusing on defensive fundamentals, positioning and tackling.
These former players are part of a larger group of five former Christ’s Church Academy players who have returned to help Stomps coach at Duval Charter. They went on to play college football before returning to the game in coaching roles.
Their familiarity with Stomps’ coaching philosophy has helped create continuity while introducing a new culture at Duval Charter.
Stomps also recognized the importance of retaining members of the existing Duval Charter coaching staff. Those coaches helped provide a bridge during the transition to new leadership and embraced the vision for the program.
The combination of returning coaches, former college players and experienced staff members has helped create a strong foundation for the Panthers.
Six Freshmen Help Lead the Way
Another major storyline surrounding Duval Charter is the youth of its roster.
The Panthers are starting six freshmen this season, an impressive accomplishment for a team competing in the SSAA postseason.
The willingness to trust young players in important roles speaks to the program’s commitment to player development. Rather than focusing only on immediate results, Stomps and his staff are building a team that can continue to grow and compete in the coming seasons.
The experience these freshmen are gaining during a playoff run could become valuable as they mature and develop within the program.
Panthers’ Top Playmakers
Duval Charter has several standout players who have played important roles in the team’s success.
Jackson Bauman – Quarterback
Bauman has been the leader of the Panthers’ offense. The junior quarterback has accounted for 2,330 passing yards and 2,479 total offensive yards. At 6-foot-3, he provides the Panthers with a strong passing presence and the ability to distribute the football to multiple playmakers.
Daren Manick – Running Back
The freshman running back has emerged as one of the team’s biggest offensive weapons. Manick has averaged 126.6 rushing yards per game and recorded 14 rushing touchdowns in the previously reported season statistics. His 183-yard, four-touchdown performance against Bishop Snyder highlighted his potential.
Kentrell Smothers – Wide Receiver/Defensive Back
The senior playmaker has recorded 772 receiving yards and averaged 85.8 receiving yards per game. His 80-yard kickoff return touchdown and receiving touchdown against Bishop Snyder demonstrated his ability to make an impact in multiple phases of the game.
Kendrick Spann – Wide Receiver
Another young offensive weapon, Spann has recorded 856 receiving yards. His production has given Bauman another reliable target and helped make the Panthers’ passing attack more difficult to defend.
On defense, Jamarion Montgomery has provided a consistent presence at linebacker, while Daniel Santana has contributed seven sacks. Free safety Jayden Anglen has also contributed in the secondary with an interception.
Ethan Dughi’s three-sack performance against Bishop Snyder was another example of the Panthers’ defensive playmaking ability.
Building a Program for Long-Term Success
While reaching the SSAA semifinals is an important accomplishment, Stomps believes the ultimate goal is much bigger.
He credited Duval Charter’s administration, teachers, staff and parents for helping make his first season a positive experience.
Stomps specifically recognized the support of Head of School Mrs. Gilbert and Principal Mrs. Jacquez, along with the teachers and staff who have supported the football program.
He also expressed appreciation for the parents and Panther Nation for welcoming him as the new head coach and supporting the direction of the program.
The coach made it clear that Duval Charter is not interested in building a program around one successful season.
“We are not here for one year success,” Stomps explained. “This program is about sustainable success for these players and striving to make them champions for life in the classroom, on the field, and in the community.”
That statement represents the bigger picture of what Stomps hopes to accomplish at Duval Charter.
One Step Closer to an SSAA Championship
The Panthers now turn their attention to the SSAA 11-Man Bound Championship semifinals against Keswick Christian.
With an explosive offense, a defense that has demonstrated its ability to pressure opposing quarterbacks and six freshmen gaining valuable experience, Duval Charter has plenty of reasons to believe it can continue its postseason success.
For Stomps, the journey has been about building relationships, establishing expectations and getting everyone to believe in a shared vision.
The Panthers have already taken important steps in that direction. Now, they have an opportunity to turn an impressive first season under new leadership into a championship run.
Duval Charter is not simply trying to win football games. The Panthers are building a culture that they hope will last for years to come.
