Daniel Fish inherited a Gadsden County football program searching for stability after a turbulent offseason. Now, the first-year Jaguars coach is focused on rebuilding the culture, developing a talented young roster and positioning the program for long-term success.
Following a 3-5 season in 2025 and FHSAA infractions that contributed to former coach Russell Ellington’s departure, Fish said his immediate priority is creating a championship mindset as Gadsden County enters the 2026 campaign.
“We’re just trying to teach them our way, implementing a new culture here, a championship culture and get the kids to buy in,” Fish told the Tallahassee Democrat.
Fish described the opportunity at Gadsden County as a “breath of fresh air,” citing the area’s reputation for producing high-level athletes as a major reason he accepted the position.
He said the Jaguars possess as much talent as any team he has coached in his five years of coaching.
“I’ve always heard that amazing athletes come through this place, but it’s all about keeping them in Gadsden County,” Fish said. “If you can do that, then you can build something special. I thought it was a great opportunity for me to come in and give everything I got to these young men and teach them more than just football and how to be a man.”
Despite the talent, Fish acknowledged the roster is still young. He believes the foundation is in place to develop players and establish consistency within the program.
“I have faith in our young talent, but we’ve got some dogs out here,” Fish said. “I’m just excited to put these guys in position to be successful and watch them do what they do and play together.”
Among the players who have impressed him most are Class of 2028 standouts Jamarion “J.D.” Davis and Antwon Frost, both of whom earned Division I scholarship offers before Fish arrived.
Fish expects the duo to become focal points for the Jaguars on both sides of the ball.
“I think they are the best two guys in the entire area,” Fish said. “They are two of the best athletes. They can both play cornerback, nickel or free safety, and then come over on offense and play in the slot, running back or outside. Those two guys are going to be our biggest playmakers on both sides of the ball and on special teams.”
Freshman emerges as early favorite in QB position battle
One of the biggest storylines entering preseason camp is the Jaguars’ quarterback competition.
While Fish said the battle remains open, incoming freshman Jordan Evans has positioned himself as the front-runner thanks to his dual-threat skill set and strong performances against varsity competition.
“Not a lot of people feel super comfortable starting a freshman coming in, but this kid right now is the No. 1,” Fish said. “He has proven time after time that he is the guy. It’s his to lose.”
Fish also praised Terry Murphy, who remains firmly in the competition because of his arm strength and passing ability.
“He has a great arm, not much running ability as a young guy, but has great arm talent,” Fish said. “He has to continue to learn the system and continue to work on his mechanics, and he has an opportunity to compete as well.”
Jaguars ready for challenging opening stretch
Fish’s debut season will begin with little margin for error.
Gadsden County opens with a preseason Kickoff Classic against Lincoln on Aug. 14 before traveling to face Wakulla in Week 1, giving the Jaguars two established programs to open the season.
“Obviously, both those teams are talented,” Fish said. “They’ve got big guys up front, but we believe we can match up with them everywhere. They’re two great programs. If you can compete with those guys and have an opportunity to win, then you make a lot of noise and put yourself on the map.”
Before the season begins, Fish said the focus remains on building daily habits and accountability.
“Right now, we want the kids to show up and give us maximum effort every day,” Fish said. “Show up and bring energy, effort, focus and intensity, and practice as hard as you can.”
For Fish, the wins and losses will come later. His first objective is restoring belief in a program that has endured a difficult stretch and convincing a young roster that brighter days are ahead in Quincy
Gadsden County 2026 schedule
Peter Holland Jr. covers Florida State athletics and Big Bend Preps for the Tallahassee Democrat. If you like to pitch a story on a high school athlete, don’t hesitate to get in touch with him via email at PHolland@Gannett.com or on X @_Da_pistol.
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Daniel Fish plans to build a ‘championship culture’ in Gadsden County
Reporting by Peter Holland Jr., Tallahassee Democrat / Tallahassee Democrat
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By Peter Holland Jr., Tallahassee Democrat | USA TODAY Network
