VALRICO, Fla. — It was a season of firsts for the Foundation Christian Academy Panthers. A season that ended with the school’s first state championship.

The Panthers won the Sunshine State Athletic Association 8-Man Football 2A state title. And they celebrated making school history.

But before they even hoisted the trophy, there were other firsts the Panthers accomplished. They played under the bright lights on their home field for the first time. And they ran through a banner during pregame introductions for the first time.

When you’re building something, it’s the little details that can up into big things.

“We talked about, before the season started, about the potential,” Head Coach Jeremy Shore said. “And I took a light bulb and smashed it onto the ground and we’re like, let’s not waste the potential this team has to be great.”

That potential produced triple the amount of wins this season than the previous three combined. And in their final game, a 34-0 shutout over Academy at the Lakes, a team that had won back-to-back 8-man titles in 2017 and 18, the Panthers served notice. And they shined a spotlight on a brand of football that features less players.

“I just encourage y’all to come give 8-man football some love,” Panthers quarterback Tyndale Pittman said. “There’s plenty of good athletes out here. Plenty of good O-lineman. And we just get to it.”

Just because eight-man football plays with less players doesn’t mean they care less. Or practice less. Or aspire less. Just like other football teams across the state, Foundation Christian began the season with dreams of winning a championship. And that dream came true.

“We were able to change the culture and shift things to a winning mentality and it’s special to be a part of something that’s never been done,” Shobe said. “It’s the beginning of what’s going to be a great thing here.”