The Florida High School Athletic Association has barred three football programs from the 2026 postseason after postgame brawls. The message is clear: fighting brings harsh consequences.

Deltona and Matanzas were placed on restrictive probation after a fight on October 1. It started when a Matanzas player pushed a Deltona player in the handshake line after Deltona’s 21-12 win. Multiple fights broke out at once.

Miami Carol City, a nationally ranked team, got a bigger penalty. Fifteen players were suspended after a brawl with Grayson of Georgia on October 2. Four players are out through December 13. The school was fined 1,500 dollars and must host a compliance workshop.

Deltona entered the week 3-3 with a shot at the playoffs. That chance is now gone. Carol City is out of the state playoffs, including the new Open Division, no matter how it finishes.

All three programs can appeal. The FHSAA says it reviewed video evidence before deciding. The crackdown is one of the toughest the association has handed down this season.