The countdown to Kickoff Classics and the return of Bay County high school football continues.
This edition of players to watch ahead of the 2026 season features arguably the deepest position group in the area in both production and talent: the defensive line.
Here are the defensive linemen poised to make an impact and wreak havoc this season.
Cole Archambeau, Mosley
Archambeau finished second in the sack race a season ago and returns looking to claim the crown. As a junior, Archambeau totaled 64 tackles and 14 sacks.
Jarret Gay, Bozeman
Gay was one of the areas most dominant edge rushers a season ago, totaling 84 tackles, 23½ tackles for loss and 10½ sacks.
Daelyn Davis, Arnold
Davis was one of the state’s most productive tacklers last season, totaling 114 tackles, 20 tackles for loss and four sacks.
Hayden Garrette, Bay High
Garrette had a breakout season last year, totaling 61 tackles, 17 tackles for loss and five sacks. It wouldn’t be surprising to see him reach double-digit sacks in 2026.
Hayden Lowrey, Bay High
Lowrey is a stalwart in the middle of the Tornadoes’ defensive line with a great combination of size and speed and will be a problem yet again for opposing offensive lines.
Tyler Stewart, Arnold
Stewart stands 6-foot-1 and weighs 219 pounds. He had 12 tackles in six games last season and has shown he can be productive. In the 2024-25 season, he totaled 41 tackles and a sack.
Armondo Cruz, Arnold
Standing 5-foot-11, Cruz returns after a productive sophomore season in which he totaled 36 tackles, five tackles for loss and a sack.
Elijah Waldrop, Mosley
Waldrop pairs with Archambeau on the other edge of the defensive line after totaling 46 tackles and five sacks as a junior at Rutherford.
Braylin Brantley, Bay High
At 5-foot-10 and 290 pounds, Brantley is a run stopper and gap filler who will be crucial in the middle, closing off the A-gap.
Melvin Monds, Bay High
Monds was primarily a running back before transferring to Bay High, but he also saw some action on defense, where he recorded three solo tackles. His 6-foot-1, 190-pound frame could prove versatile along the defensive front.
Jyquin Aytch, Rutherford
As a freshman Aytch totaled 31 tackles and two pass deflection and stands at 5-foot-10, 240 pounds.
Tristian Lafrance-Williams, Rutherford
As a freshman Lafrance-Williams totaled 14 tackles and a sack as just a freshman and returns with th capability to get even more this season.
Joseph Alvarez, North Bay Haven
Alvarez stands at 6-foot, 180 pounds and returns after 47 tackles, five sacks and six tackles for loss.
Justin Diaz, North Bay Haven
Diaz is critical at nose tackle, standing at 6-foot-4, 330 pounds, he totaled 24 tackles and 3 tackles for loss.
Elijah Howard, North Bay Haven
At 6-foot-3, 200 pounds Howard returns after playing limited snaps in 2025, he totaled 3 tackles in 2 games played.
Kingstun Dawson, Mosley
At 5-foot-8, 210 pounds, Dawson returns at defensive tackle after totaling 22 tackles and 2 sacks last season.
Adebanji Bamidele is a sports reporter for the Panama City News Herald. He can be reached at abamidele@gannett.com or through X, formerly known as Twitter, @AdebanjiBamide1.
This article originally appeared on The News Herald: 16 Bay County high school football defensive linemen to watch in 2026
Reporting by Adebanji Bamidele, Panama City News Herald / The News Herald
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Adebanji Bamidele, Panama City News Herald | USA TODAY Network
