- Union County won the FHSAA Rural State Championship on May 14 with a 10-9 walk-off win over Trenton, their first state title since 2012.
- Trenton finished as state runner-up with a 23-6 record and placed four players on the 2026 Bosshardt Realty Small School All Area Baseball team.
- Saint Francis Catholic Academy placed three players on the team after posting a 22-6 record and winning district and a playoff game for the second year in a row.
Editor’s Note: This is the second of five stories unveiling the 2026 Bosshardt Realty All Area Softball and Baseball Teams. Click here to read about the Small School Softball Team.
Two Mainstreet Daily News-area schools played a classic for the FHSAA Rural State Championship on May 14 at Hammond Stadium in Fort Myers.
Union County (Lake Butler), down to its last out and strike, rallied for three runs in the bottom of the seventh to tie Trenton and then walked it off with a sacrifice fly in the bottom of the eighth to give Union County a 10-9 win and its first baseball state title since 2012.
Those two teams make up more than half of the 2026 Bosshardt Realty Small School All Area Baseball team.
Leading the way is state runner-up Trenton, which finished 23-6 and just missed out on its first baseball state title since 2017.
The Tigers, who advanced to Fort Myers for the third straight year by sweeping Williston in the Region-4 Final, placed four players on the team
Leading the way was junior pitcher Mason VunCannon, who also helped lead the Trenton boys basketball team to its first final four in February.
“Mason has been a complete player for our team, excelling in every aspect of the game,” Trenton coach Chris Marlo said. “Defensively, he has been dependable and consistent, making key plays and providing a strong presence on the field.”
The junior went 5-1 with a 1.79 earned run average (ERA) with 49 strikeouts in 43 innings. He batted .383 with 23 hits, 23 runs, 14 runs batted in (RBI), seven doubles and three triples.
“Offensively, he has been a productive hitter who consistently contributes and delivers in important situations,” Marlo said. “On the mound, Mason has been a fierce competitor, giving our team quality innings and helping lead us to success. His versatility, work ethic and dedication make him an invaluable part of our program.”
Joining VunCannon is junior infielder Brant Bivens, who was also 7-2 with a 3.39 ERA and 48 strikeouts in 41.1 innings on the mound.
“Brant has been one of the most valuable players on our team, making an impact in every phase of the game,” Marlo said. “As our shortstop, he provides steady leadership and exceptional defense, while also serving as a reliable pitcher who consistently competes and gives us a chance to win.”
Bivens batted .367 with 36 hits, a team-leading 29 runs, 22 stolen bases, 11 doubles and was fourth with 26 RBIs.
“As our leadoff hitter, he sets the tone for the offense with his ability to get on base, create opportunities and energize the team,” Marlo said. “His versatility, toughness, and commitment to excellence make him an indispensable part of our program.”
Catcher Zane McArdle and first baseman Pierson Weatherilt also represent Trenton on the All Area team.
McArdle batted .403 with 31 hits, 28 RBIs and 10 doubles. The sophomore also threw out 13 of 22 runners attempting to steal against him (.591 CS%).
“Zane has been an outstanding catcher and a huge part of our team’s success,” Marlo said. “His ability to handle the pitching staff, control the game behind the plate and make big plays in key moments sets him apart. He is a leader on and off the field and his toughness, work ethic and baseball IQ make him one of the best catchers around.”
Weatherilt led the Tigers with a .404 average, 38 hits and 34 RBIs.
“Pierson has been a cornerstone of our defense at first base and a tremendous asset to our team,” Marlo added. “His soft hands, quick reactions and ability to make difficult plays look routine but have saved countless outs throughout the season.”
The junior, who went 5-2 on the mound with a 2.41 ERA in eight appearances, was second on the team with a .987 fielding percentage.
“Beyond his defensive skills, his work ethic, leadership and team-first attitude set a great example for everyone around him,” Marlo said. “Pierson’s consistency and reliability make him a player his teammates and coaches can always count on.”
State champion Union County (24-7) placed two players on the small school team.
Leading the way was senior outfielder Jeffrey Brugh, the Florida Dairy Farmers Rural Player of the Year (POY).
Brugh batted .385 with 31 runs and he led the Tigers with 37 hits, 26 RBIs and 21 stolen bases.
“Brugh is one of the hardest working kids we had in our program,” Union County coach Jiwan James said. “Showing up to 6 a.m. workouts in the fall, taking extra swings after practices, being at the front of the line during conditioning. It’s no surprise he had a great senior season. Everything that comes to him has been earned.”
Brugh’s teammate, junior infielder Kendall Carter, joined him on the team after leading the Tigers with a .457 batting average and 37 hits, and he added 24 RBIs, 23 runs and 10 steals.
He also went 2-0 with two saves and a 0.00 ERA with 27 strikeouts in 18.1 innings pitched in relief.
“Kendall had a really special year,” James said. “He’s another one that works his butt off and just refuses to lose. I think him being the ultimate competitor is what drives his success. What he did for us both offensively and on the mound this year was amazing.”
For the second year in a row, Saint Francis Catholic Academy won its district and a first-round Class 1A playoff game while finishing with a 22-6 record.
The Wolves placed three players on the All Area team, led by freshman pitcher Carson Long.
Long had video game numbers, batting a team-high .523 and leading the Wolves with 33 runs, 34 hits, 33 RBIs and 28 stolen bases. He added six doubles, five homers and three triples.
“Carson is everywhere and is the beast of the pack,” Saint Francis Catholic coach Chris Santamarina said. “His nonstop effort and heart for the game are at an elite level, and he is truly a player you are fortunate to have in your program. His humble approach, combined with his talent and presence, is contagious and elevates everyone around him.”
On the mound, the Florida Athletic Coaches Association (FACA) District 7 Class 1A POY was 7-2 with a 2.94 ERA and in 52.1 innings had a team-high 71 strikeouts and only 20 walks.
“Carson’s mound and defensive presence is unmatched, especially for his age, showing a level of mental maturity that is typically seen much later in a player’s career,” Santamarina said. “He brings out the best in his teammates and consistently demands nothing less than their best effort. Carson is a major reason why this program will continue to grow and succeed in the years ahead.”
Senior outfielder Nate Muir and sophomore infielder Andy Janelle, who were both team captains, are the other two Wolves representatives.
Muir had a .412 average with 32 RBIs, 28 hits, 25 runs, 14 steals, five doubles, five triples and two home runs.
“His heart, determination and commitment set the standard for our program and are why Nate was the leader of the pack,” Santamarina said. “His success was a major part of our season and a huge reason for our record-breaking year. Chasing down fly balls, crashing into fences and even bending the centerfield foul pole are moments that will definitely be missed next season.”
Santamarina said his “effort, toughness and determination” have left a lasting impression on the program and “his impact will be felt for years to come.”
“Nate represented everything Wolves baseball stands for—accountability, selflessness, toughness and an unwavering commitment to his teammates,” Santamarina said. “His leadership helped shape our culture, and the example he set will continue to influence our program.”
Janelle hit .430 with 34 hits, 27 runs, 24 RBIs,16 steals and four doubles.
“Andy is the hardest worker on and off the diamond, with a level of consistent commitment that is unmatched by any player I have come across,” Santamarina said. “He is the type of player who always wants one more rep and is never completely satisfied with the outcome because he is constantly striving to improve. Andy is a true machine—always learning, growing and finding ways to win. His work ethic, determination and passion for the game set the standard for everyone around him.”
Santamarina said his 13-pitch, 2-RBI hit this season at P.K. Yonge on March 9 “was a true testament to all the hard work and countless hours he has devoted to his craft.”
Sammy DePaul was pitching for the Blue Wave, who were only down 1-0 heading into the final inning. Because of Janelle’s at-bat, DePaul was chased from the game in an 8-1 win for the Wolves, who snapped a 26-game losing streak to P.K. Yonge.
“Moments like that don’t happen by accident,” he said. “They are earned through preparation, perseverance and an unwavering commitment to excellence. As only a sophomore, Andy’s impact on our program has already been tremendous, and his best baseball is still ahead of him.”
The final two members of the team are Hawthorne junior outfielder Caleb Jacobs and Williston junior utility player Aiden Phillips.
Hawthorne (11-10) continued to improve in its second year under coach Matt Surrency and Jacobs was a major reason why.
He batted .493 with 36 runs, 36 RBIs, 34 runs, eight doubles, three triples, two home runs and a .783 slugging percentage.
“Caleb has led our team in just about every category offensively,” Surrency said. “He was also named the FACA District 7 Rural POY. “He has a great baseball IQ and instinct.”
Phillips helped lead Williston to an 18-13 record and a region final appearance as he hit .329 with 32 RBIs, 28 hits, 23 runs and added 10 steals.
He was 5-0 with a 2.01 ERA on the mound and allowed only 14 runs in 48.1 innings and added 32 strikeouts.
2026 Bosshardt Realty All Area Small School Baseball (Rural & Class 1A)
C – Zane McArdle, Trenton (SO)
INF – Andy Janelle, Saint Francis Catholic Academy (SO)
INF – Brant Bivens, Trenton (JR)
INF – Kendall Carter, Union County (Lake Butler) (JR)
INF – Pierson Weatherilt, Trenton (JR)
OF – Jeffrey Brugh, Union County (Lake Butler) (SR)
OF – Nate Muir, Saint Francis Catholic Academy (SR)
OF – Caleb Jacobs, Hawthorne (JR)
Utility – Aiden Phillips, Williston (JR)
P – Carson Long, Saint Francis Catholic Academy (FR)
P – Mason VunCannon, Trenton (JR)
Honorable mentions
Bell – Jordi Gonzalez (SR), Brayden Smith (SR), Dean Glass (JR), RJ Leffler (JR), Jackson Philman (SO)
Branford – E’Nalee Perry (SR), Jackson Skinner (SR), Colby Beard (JR), Kyler Williamson (JR), Keaton Brown (SO)
Bronson – Cooper Howard (SR), Tyler Petrokowski (SO), Braden Bower
Chiefland – Jolan Doty (SR), Hunter Boyd (SR), Payton Gulledge (SR), Tobias Cunigan (SO), Braxton Rain (8th)
Countryside Christian – Hunter Burgess (SR), Brayden Dalton (SR), Lucas Gruenwald (SO)
Dixie County (Cross City) – Gray Wampler (SR), Mason Jones (SR), Boone Wicker (JR), Joel Lord (JR), Connor Corbin (SO), Matthew DeMille (FR)
Fort White – Matthew Pitts (SR), Carson Capallia (SR), Aaron Parnell (SO)
Hawthorne – Tison Thomas (JR), Connor Flinchum (JR), Branson Byrd (JR), Wyatt Jacobs (FR)
Oak Hall – Darius Medley (JR), Brayden Farmer (SO), Fischer Green (SO), Chase Wilson (FR)
Saint Francis Catholic Academy – Sander Williams (SR), Cyrus Fariborzian (SR), Chris Durstine (SR), Collin Kuruppacherry (JR), Sawyer Williams (JR)
Trenton – Noah Owens (JR), Logan Marlo (SO), Gabriel Cobb (SO)
Union County (Lake Butler) – Jasen Sullivan (SR), Evan Christmas (SR), Erick Lasseter (SR), Nate Robertson (SR), Wesley Crockett (SR)
Williston – Harlan Cole (JR), Will Conquest (JR), Colby Jansen (SO), Kenan Bellamy (SO)