NO SHORTCUTS: Port Charlotte sets sights on state championship

PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. - After the deepest playoff run in program history, Port Charlotte High School football is not interested in simply getting back to where it was last season.

The Pirates reached the state semifinals in 2025, but head coach Jordan Ingman said the standard entering a new season is even higher.

“You know, people talk about it, it was a good season and it was, but we didn't win it all. We came up short, and we're aware of that, and we're focused on, not just getting there,” Ingman said. “You know, we weren't just satisfied getting there. We wanna take the next step.”

That next step has shaped the Pirates’ offseason.

Ingman said there is no secret formula behind Port Charlotte’s approach. The focus has been on consistent work in the weight room and on the field, with a message centered around taking no shortcuts and outworking potential.

“It's every day, working. That's all it is. There's no secret. Everybody looks for a magical solution, but it's a daily grind is what it is,” Ingman said.

For senior quarterback and Florida State commit Logan Flaherty, the motivation is also personal. The sting of last year’s state semifinal loss is still fresh.

“I don’t think words can explain it,” Flaherty said.

He said that disappointment has fueled the returning players throughout the offseason.

“We're hungry, we want to win, and I think that's been the goal. Ever since we lost that game, we sat down after last year and said, this is what we need to do to win that game. And that's what we've been working on ever since,” Flaherty said.

Port Charlotte returns a core of players who experienced last year’s historic run and now know how close the program came to reaching the state championship game.

Flaherty said that has created a sense of urgency as the Pirates prepare to take the field again.

“We're ready, and we're itching to get back on that field and go win a lot of games this year.”

Port Charlotte opens its preseason schedule next Friday on the road against Sarasota Riverview.