August is officially here, which means high school football teams are as busy as ever.
Palm Beach County programs are hitting the gymnasium and the field, preparing for the approaching 2026-2027 season. With spring games in the rearview mirror, rosters are taking shape and teams are working on final approaches for the year ahead.
The Palm Beach Post is taking a concentrated look at major positional groups across the local high school football landscape ― tracking the best players in every role while allowing our audience to have their say in who they believe is the best.
Next up: linebackers.
Here is our first look at the top 10 linebackers to know in Palm Beach County for the 2026-2027 season.
Roger Alfernar, Sr., Spanish River
With Ben Lamas having graduated and Jason Mock moving to outside edge in Spanish River’s new defense, Roger Alfernar is prepared to hold down the middle of the field into a key linebacker role for the Sharks. The senior tallied 98 tackles, including 13 tackles for a loss, and added 1.5 sacks, an interception, three fumble recoveries, (two forced), and four blocked kicks.
Cooper Clark, Jr., Cardinal Newman
Cooper Clark had an MVP-candidate game against Chaminade Madonna to help the Crusaders win the Class 1A state title last season, a microcosm of a player that always shows up in big games. On the year, the linebacker had 86 tackles, including 10 for a loss, and a fumble recovery.
Ethan Hook, Jr., Atlantic
Atlantic’s defense graduated some key players, but that will only open up more tackle opportunities for Ethan Hook. As a sophomore last season, the linebacker contributed 50 tackles and forced a fumble. The Eagles loaded up their schedule this year, so despite being heavy district favorites, Hook and the Atlantic defense may have their work cut out for them.
James Ingram, So., Glades Central
James Ingram did not see the field a tremendous amount last season as a freshman, though he contributed five tackles and a sack in just two games played. Coach Omar Haugabook seems to bring out the best in young players, though, the proof being in the pudding with stars like Algernod Crawford. With several key graduating players, Ingram is poised for a breakout year in the heart of the Raiders defense.
Matthew Lucchese, Sr., American Heritage-Delray
Matthew Lucchese was part of a dynamic front-seven that led American Heritage-Delray to an SAA state championship last season. As a junior, Lucchese accumulated 69 tackles, including seen for a loss, and a fumble both caused and recovered. With no Tyler Kovic or Carter Wasko on the field this year, Lucchese’s production will carry even more weight for a team looking to repeat.
Maxwell Reid, Sr., West Boca Raton
Maxwell Reid needs little introduction after helping command the middle of the West Boca Raton defense in each of the last two state championship-winning seasons. Last year, Reid contributed 90 tackles, including 10 for a loss, four sacks, two interceptions, and six passes defended. As a senior, the star defender will once again look to lead the Bulls defense as he racks up recruitment offers.
Jeremiah Sanchez, Sr., Santaluces
Jeremiah Sanchez contributed heavily to the Santaluces defense in his junior year. The front-seven defender accounted for 66 tackles, including 15 for a loss, and added a sack. He will combine with Preston Ricks and Miami commit Jayvon Dawson as Santaluces makes a likely playoff push this year.
Joe Sykes, Sr., Palm Beach Central
It was a busy offseason for Joe Sykes, who moved from West Boca Raton to Spanish River before ending up at Palm Beach Central. A coveted line backer, Sykes dealt with some injuries that limited his playing time to the playoffs, but he was still part of a state championship team. Fully healthy, he is ready to make an immediate impact with the Broncos defense.
Ashton Walker, Jr., Pahokee
Pahokee’s defense is in a period of some transition this season, but the Blue Devils will be glad to have the benefit of players like Ashton Walker returning. Walker accounted for 47 tackles, including 10.5 for a loss, five sacks, and a forced fumble. He’s projected to be a major contributor once again in a central role.
Jack Whelchel, Sr., Saint Andrew’s
A Penn commit, Jack Whelchel played effectively on both sides of the ball for St. Andrew’s last year. The senior may be implemented even more in the offense this year after several key graduations, but he’ll also build upon on a defensive season complete with 59 tackles an interception, and three passes defended.
Alex Peterman is a high school sports reporter for The Palm Beach Post. He can be reached at apeterman@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Meet 10 Palm Beach County linebackers to watch in 2026
Reporting by Alexander Peterman, Palm Beach Post / Palm Beach Post
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By Alexander Peterman, Palm Beach Post | USA TODAY Network
