25 Teams in 25 Days: Gulfport Admirals

Eight months ago, the Gulfport Admirals cemented their names in the history books, winning 11 consecutive games and clinching their first-ever Class 7A state championship with a Hail Mary on the final play, with just two seconds left on the clock. That magical moment is truly what Admirals’ dreams are made of. Except for Gulfport, it was reality — and they plan to stay at the top.

“Try your best to stay up there,” said Head Coach Blake Pennock. “The biggest thing for us is trying to be the best possible team we can be. We’ve got guys’ attention, and everybody knows they’ve got a walking, talking reminder of what it’s like to do things the right way. We just keep enforcing those things and reach our potential the best we can.”

And don’t think just because they reached the top that they’re satisfied. The 2026 season is a clean slate for everyone, and the Admirals are all about the chase and finding every possible advantage.

“Just creating the edge and what is it that gets you going as much as possible. Obviously, you’re chasing all the time, so for us, we’re still chasing a title. We’re still chasing a region. We’re still chasing a great performance, so trying to make sure we’re going to be dominant on the line of scrimmage. I feel really good about where we are there, especially on the defensive front. We want to continue to improve and be as elite as we possibly can at the controllables. For us, I think effort, attitude and mindset, and the way we attack each and every day — if we can do that, I think we’re going to be really good,” said Coach Pennock.

One advantage already working in the Admirals’ favor is experience. A whole lot of key pieces are back in the blue and orange, and they’ve also got some exciting new additions ready to anchor down.

“I’ve been playing football, but I kind of lost my love for it a little bit. But over the last two years, just playing basketball, I’ve gained it back. Seeing this football team and how they work, and then the state championship last year, pushed me over the edge. It’s very fun, and I have a versatile role on offense, so I can block, I get to catch the ball and do a little bit of everything,” said junior tight end and defensive back Travor Frost.

“We have eight starters on defense and I think six or seven right there on offense, and some key players like every receiver. We’ve got most of our front seven coming back and some key guys in the secondary coming back, so it’s an experienced team that’s been through the wars and played at the pinnacle. So what you have to do for them is make sure everything else isn’t any less exciting. You still have to pay attention to the details. We’re 16-, 17- and 18-year-old kids, so we’re not taking anything for granted, but you’re excited for the pieces and potential there. Obviously, adding some new guys and some younger guys coming in and trying to see how that mold fits together is the key part of it. But with the 2026 team, they haven’t accomplished anything yet, so our biggest thing right here is, how can we get to max potential?” said Coach Pennock.

And as they strive to reach that max potential, the Admirals will continue to lean on their strengths.

“Our backs and our safeties shut down receivers in the back, our linebackers like to hit, and our defensive linemen get past the offensive linemen so fast,” said free safety and running back Cordarious Payton.

“Our strengths are our defense, throwing the ball, running the ball because we have a good running back in Amijai Frederick. He’s cold. Also, we’ve got a good wide receiver corps that’s very good. We also come together as a team, and it’s a brotherhood,” said Frost.

“Versatility is probably the biggest thing. I think we’re really versatile on offense. We have a lot of playmakers that we can do a bunch of different things with. We have some guys on defense that I think can give us some sub-packages and things we can match personnel with and be just as effective. We have some depth in some key spots that I’m really excited about. Our young quarterback, Jackson Wolverton, is stepping up, and he’s really ahead of where typically a sophomore is at quarterback. As long as his job is just kind of to facilitate to these other dudes, I think we’ll be alright. It’s a group that’s super competitive, and I love their mindset when they come to work each and every day, so hopefully we’ll see that on Friday night,” said Coach Pennock.

And the biggest advantage of all might quite possibly be a place to call home, as the Admirals will be playing at their brand-new, on-site stadium.

“Finally. It’s going to be nice. The stadium is looking great, and it’s coming together. We’ve got just a couple of touch-ups to finish here before September 11th, on our opening day against Laurel, for our home crowd. We really love the venue. It’s really all on you. The lights are going to be exciting, and the video board behind me is exciting. Having something on campus that’s ours is a big deal to this program, so we can’t wait to open it up,” said Coach Pennock.

“I’m really excited about playing at the new field. Instead of us traveling and going to Milner, I like us staying here at our school, and I’m excited to see what it brings from there,” said Payton.

But before the grand reveal, the Gulfport Admirals will hit the road for Week One on August 28th, as they face the Picayune Maroon Tide.