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Volume 1 • Issue 11
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August 26 - Sept 16 2015
Woody Barrett
Orange County
High Schools Demetri Burch
Luke Poorman
Marvin Washington
Who Can Take Down Apopka ? West Orange HS ? Dr Phillips HS ?
2015 TOP QUARTERBACKS
ALL PHOTO BY BOB GALL
Woody Barrett – Senior, West Orange HS – The “Blue- Chipper” One of the most physically gifted quarterbacks ever to come out of Central Florida, Barrett has the size, speed, and arm strength to make any defense pay. He exploded onto the scene in his first year operating West Orange’s high-powered spread offense and led the Warriors to an 11-1 record. What will year two look like for him? And more importantly, can he lead the Warriors on a deep playoff run? Demetri Burch – Junior, Apopka HS. The “Athlete” Burch is tailor made for Apopka’s single-wing, run-based attack. A tough, hard-nose athlete who is also as shifty as they come, Burch led the Blue Darters to their 2nd 8A state championship in three years in his rookie campaign as a sophomore. Apopka doesn’t need to change a thing for him, but his continued growth as a passer will make him even harder to stop. Nick Carbone – Senior, Oviedo HS. “Mr. Everything” There are not many things Nick Carbone can’t get done on the field. Carbone was equally as deadly with his arm, as with his legs, during a stellar junior campaign. His play during the first round of the playoffs was almost enough to knock off eventual state champs, Apopka. Carbone will surprise a lot of people this year and put up huge numbers. Luke Poorman – Senior, University HS. “The Pocket Passer.” Luke Poorman is arguably the best pure passer of the group. He’s deadly accurate and had a strong showing during the 7-on-7 circuit this summer. He put together a solid junior campaign as a first-year starter. It will be interesting to see how Poorman does in a new offense under new head coach Jim Pusateri. Nick Sproles – Senior, Winter Park HS. “The Leader” Sproles busted onto the scene last year after an injury sidelined Winter Park’s senior quarterback for the majority of the year. A quarterback that steadily got better and better as the season progressed, Nick now stands at 6’3” and has the size, accuracy and smarts to have an exceptional senior season. With quality play from Sproles, Winter Park is poised for a run at a District Title and playoff push. Marvin Washington – Junior, Dr. Phillips HS. “The Wild-Card” Think about a younger version of Woody Barrett. The same size, dynamic arm, and explosive athleticism that will give opposing defenses nightmares week to week. Washington has the physical ability to end the season towards the top of this list. He saw limited varsity action as a sophomore last season, but now has the keys to the kingdom at Dr. Phillips High School. We will be hearing a lot about Marvin Washington for the next two years.
Page 2 Florida Sporting News • 8/26/15 - 9/16 /15
SCHEDULE 8/28 9/4 9/11 9/18 9/25 10/2 10/9 10/16 10/23 10/30 11/6
Apopka - Home Lake Nona - Away BYE Edgewater - Away East Ridge - Home Hagerty - Home West Port - Home Lake Howell - Away Wekiva - Away Lake Minneloa - Away West Orange – Away
SCHEDULE 8/28 9/4 9/11 9/18 9/25 10/2 10/9 10/16 10/23 10/30 11/6
University - Away Olympia - Home Timber Creek-Away Celebration-Away BYE Liberty - Home Freedom - Home Lake Nona - Away Harmony -Away St. Cloud - Home Wekiva – Home
KEY RETURNERS
Beginning his first year at Ocoee, Head Coach Ben Bullock is ready to start a new season with a new team. He has high hopes of bringing the school a record like his 8-2 mark while coaching at Mount Dora. The fall kickoff will be at Bishop Moore. Five offensive and six defensive starters are returning, including junior defensive back Dorian Jones, who holds an offer from Tulane University. In the team’s first year together, they are working hard to improve every day. With a new head coach and a new district, Ocoee is ready to embrace the changes
Dorian Jones, Jr., DB/WR Jarqavious Graham, Sr., DE Kendrick Shaw, Sr., DB Steven Hogan, Sr., QB Zach Fox, Sr., LB
and get some wins. They are confident in their senior quarterback Steven Hogan’s ability to lead them through the fall.
In the new team’s district they are ready to play Edgewater, Hagerty, Lake Minneola, West Port, East Ridge, and Lake Howell. Ocoee is aware that St. Cloud could be a surprise team. Coach Bullock is prepared to do all he can to get his new team to victory.
The East River Falcons are fresh off a subpar 5-6 season that they look to rebound off of. Head Coach Doug Gabriel will man the helm once again in hopes of finishing above .500 in 2015. Five returning seniors will lead an experienced Falcons team. Tight end Chaise Holley, defensive lineman Giovanni Valcarel, DB Steven Woodberry, linebacker Garret Parker Baird and offensive lineman Isaiah Rodriguez all lead the group of seniors eager to attack the gridiron for East
River.
KEY RETURNERS
Their Chaise Holley, Sr., MLB/TE Fall Giovanni Valcarel, Sr., DT/DE Classic Steven Woodberry, Sr., DB Kickoff Garret Parker Baird, Sr., LB took Isaiah Rodriguez, Sr., OL place August 21 against Lake Howell. The Falcons’ regular season kicks off with a matchup at University High on August 28.
8/26/15 - 9/16/15 • Florida Sporting News
AWWWWW DP! That’s the signature chant of Dr. Phillips students, one that will be heard loud and proud this season given the sustained success DP’s program has had. Head Coach Rodney Wells, going into his 5th season with Dr. Phillips, has produced a 47-5 to this point. Wells has a young but talented squad to work with this season DP graduated a whopping 35 seniors last year but will replace them with an influx of young talent. Dylan Meeks, Junior LB and an AP All American as a Freshman and a Sophomore leads the defense. Along with fellow LB senior Johnathan Bullock and Junior Safety James Green in the secondary. WR duo of senior Jaquarius Bargnare and junior Emare Hogan return 1000 yards recieciving and 18 TDs to Dr. Phillips offense. They’re joined by 6’7” 305 junior Auburn OL commit CalZvin Ashley as key starters returning on offense
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The dynamic WR duo of Bargnare and Hogan will serve as main targets for new starting QB Marvin Washington. Washington had a strong showing in DP’s spring game against Boone throwing for 213 yards and 3 TDs. Key games this year for DP are a muchanticipated matchup at West Orange on September 11th, and Apopka at home the following weekend on September 18th.
Page 4 Florida Sporting News • 8/26/15 - 9/16 /15
SCHEDULE 8/28 9/4 9/11 9/18 9/25 10/2 10/9 10/16 10/23 10/30 11/6
Lake Nona - Home West Orange - Away Freedom - Home Colonial - Away Wekiva - Home Timber Creek - Away BYE - Home University - Home Boone - Home Spruce Creek - Away Olympia – Away
SCHEDULE 8/28 9/4 9/11 9/18 9/25 10/2 10/9 10/16 10/23 10/30 11/6
Winter Park-Away Ocoee-Home BYE Liberty-Away Boone-Away Harmony-Away West Orange-Home East River-Home St. Cloud-Home Celebration-Home University-Away
The Winter Park team has many strengths; one being offensive experience. Head Coach Tim Shifflet, a 9 year veteran coach at Winter Park, is proud to be in charge of his Wildcat team. Ten assistant coaches have helped with the team, and they feel lucky to have received all this help. Senior quarterback Nick Sproles, is confident in the ability of his team and coaches to win some games this fall. Sproles is easily amongst the top quarterbacks in the region. Running a 4-3 defense, junior defensive end Kyle Moss is ready to play hard with senior defensive lineman Antonio Owens, and senior defensive back Tyshaun Ingram. The team’s defense is ready to get on the field and show crowds and scouts what they can do.
Head Coach Anthony Paradiso and the Lake Nona Lions are coming off a stellar 8-3 season in 2014. The odds of putting together a similar record will be against the Lions. “This is a rebuilding year,” Coach Paradiso said. “We lost a state-record setting quarterback and wide receiver. We’re looking for all new starters. There are only a couple kids returning with varsity playing experience.” Four-year starting running back Andre Hale is looked upon as the leader amongst this gridiron gang. His past experience will hopefully ease the pressure off of incoming starters.
KEY RETURNERS Offensive experience is strong Tyshaun Ingram, Sr., RB/DB for the Winter Nick Sproles, Sr., QB Park team. Senior Malik Foy, Sr., RB Nick Ghrighi feels focused to win with Treon Taylor, Sr., WR his team of other Antonio Owens, Sr., DL/OL offensive linemen; seniors Antonio Owens and Dustin Abbott. With the fall kickoff coming up soon, the team is ready to win. They are prepared and feel ready, thanks to their coaches and players.
KEY RETURNERS Hale will be rejoined with senior wide Andre Hale, Sr., RB out Ulice Gillard, Ulice Gillard, Sr., WR/FS defensive back Josh Josh Solomon, Sr., DB Solomon, linemen Christian Morales, Sr., DL/OL Christian Morales and Isiah Dawson. Isiah Dawson, Jr., DL Junior quarterback Michael McFarlane will have big shoes to fill in the upcoming year. The Lake Nona Fall Kickoff Classic was a matchup with Mount Dora. The Lions will open the regular season up at Winter Park August 28.
8/26/15 - 9/16/15 • Florida Sporting News
Going into a season as the defending State Champions is no easy task. The Apopka Blue Darters didn’t even win their district last season, yet they still found a way to win their second Class 8A championship in three years with a 53-50 victory, in a thrilling game against Cypress Bay. Demetri Burch will be at the helm of Apopka’s vintage, distinctive, single wing offense this fall. Burch should be a player to watch after finding the end zone 18 times last season as a sophomore. Burch rushed for 17 touchdowns last season as a sophomore, so the future looks bright. Running back Deshawn Massey has all the momentum heading into the 2015 season. His two scores in the State Championship game has the 5’5” junior and the Blue Darters poised for a solid ground attack. Apopka’s biggest tests will come on the road against fellow Central Florida perennial powerhouse, Dr. Phillips on September 18th, and at home, on October 12th, against West Orange, in a game that may very likely decide the district champion as it has for the past two years. Could the Blue Darters repeat as state champions?
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Page 6 Florida Sporting News • 8/26/15 - 9/16 /15
SCHEDULE 8/28 Winter Springs - Home 9/4 South Sumpter - Home 9/11 Winter Park - Away 9/18 Oak Ridge - Home 9/25 Timber Creek - Home 10/2 Olympia - Away 10/9 East River - Away 10/16 Dr. Phillips - Home 10/23 Cypress Creek - Away 10/30 BYE 11/6 Colonial – Home
Head Coach Jeffery Higgins and the Freedom Patriots are eagerly looking forward to the start of the new football season. The team is relatively young, however, they have experience says Higgins. This mix of young and old is what Higgins is hoping will help improve upon their 4-6 record from last season. Ten starters are returning this year, and among those is Quarterback Justin Schindler. Schindler racked up an impressive 463 yards rushing last season. Darrell Wallace, Evan Noble, Austin Davis and Donnel Francis are also among those standout players.
KEY RETURNERS
Their district Romel Stimphil, Sr., LB sees Olympia Richardson Charles, Sr., RB and Oak Darrell Wallace, Sr., RB Ridge, who Justin Schindler, Sr., QB are both Evan Noble, Jr., DL ranked top five in the district, come in at the expense of Boone and Colonial. Despite this, Higgins sees Dr. Phillips as the front runners in the district. The Patriots faced St. Cloud on May 21st for their Spring Classic, and face Haggerty on August 28th for their Fall Kickoff Classic.
SCHEDULE 8/28 9/4 9/11 9/18 9/25 10/2 10/9 10/16 10/23 10/30 11/6
Bishop Moore - Away Apopka - Away Jones - Home Ocoee - Home BYE West Port - Away Lake Howell - Away Lake Minneola - Home East Ridge - Away Hagerty - Home Boone – Away
Cortez Pembleton and Wide Receiver Buck Watkins, who both worked well with each other last season for the Eagles. There is also Ladarius Payton, who led the Edgewater in tackles last season with 121.
KEY RETURNERS Fresh off his first season with the Edgewater Eagles, Head Coach Rich Bedesem is looking to improve on their respectable 8-4 record from last season. The team has 13 returning starters.
they have a lot of returners, which adds a lot of strength to the team. They want to establish a new offensive game with a lot of weapons in the passing area of the game.
Among the standouts returning are Quarterback
Edgewater sees Hagerty as the top team in district 7A, a district which they moved up to this year. However, Bedesems top player pick in the area is from West Orange, Eddie McDoom. The team won their Spring Classic against Mount Dora 16-7. Edgewater will host Winter Park in their Fall Kickoff Classic on August 21st at 7:30 p.m.
Bedesem explained that
SCHEDULE 8/28 9/4 9/11 9/18 9/25 10/2 10/9 10/16 10/23 10/30 11/6
Lake Brantley- Home Wekiva- Away Lyman High-Away University- Away Lake Nona-Home BYE Jones- Away Timber Creek- Home Winter Park- Away Colonial- Home Edgewater- Home
Craig Rucker, Sr., WR Buck Watkins, Sr., WR Cortez Pembleton, Sr., QB Ladarius, Payton, Sr., SS Marques Bruce, Sr., SS
With the fall kickoff at Oak Ridge, Boone is preparing to put everything they’ve got into this season. Head Coach Andy Johnson is entering his third year with Boone and is ready to improve on Boone’s 6-4 record from last season. Breaking in new quarterback Tommy Verzi, the team is expecting big things to happen this fall. Coach Johnson is anticipating a strong offensive and defensive line. The team is looking tough with three explosive running backs; Brandon Bush, Tray Sims and Layton Wojtas. The team has six offensive and five defensive starters returning, and although they are young in spots on defense, they are confident about the talent in players like junior Jaret Korzenowski, senior
Darius Jackson, and senior Malik Washington. The team’s offensive line returns two of Central Florida’s top players while three of four starting wide receivers returning.
KEY RETURNERS Alex Bergan, Sr., WR Nate Haskins, Sr., OL Sam White, Sr., DE Riley Bell, Sr., WR/DB Tyree Jones, Jr., WR
Boone has moved to a new district with Timber Creek, Winter Park, Colonial and University; which also happens to be the district’s top teams. They are looking forward to getting on the field and gaining as many wins as they can this fall.
8/26/15 - 9/16/15 • Florida Sporting News
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Second-year Head Coach Shaun Lorenzano is aware of the struggling 0-10 in his inaugrual season. He plans to work hard with his team to turn that record around during the upcoming fall.
opportunities for success. Growing in leadership and character, the linebacker’s core is solid in William Everette and Christian Lehman. Along with schedule and district changes, the team is making
The team has a good group of skill players in running backs Fred Walker and Nick Etienne. There were five freshman that started on varsity in 2014 and players are aware that the team is young. Cypress Creek is humble and hungry, while working hard to set the tone and create
an easy switch to the 3-4 defense from being backer heavy in 2014. Jakobe Thomas is ready to show other schools his skills as a young quarterback, especially Lake Mary . Coach Lorenzano is confident in his players to work hard and play hard to change their 0-10 record this fall.
Page 8 Florida Sporting News • 8/26/15 - 9/16 /15
Evans High School will continue to rebuild year after an unexpected a 1-9 record last season. In 2011 and 2012, they enjoyed 10-2 and 9-3 seasons. The departure of Head Coach Richard Turner in July after one season stirs questions in the middle of a rebuilding process. This left the team scrambling for a head coach with summer sessions starting on August 3rd. Despite this, there has been some standout players within the team. Getting most of the attention, SCHEDULE quarterback Kimoni Binder and Dexter Smith. 8/28 Colonial- Away UniversityHome Before his 9/4 resignation, 9/11 Oak Ridge- Home Turner 9/18 Jones - Home OlympiaAway said that 9/25 he had to 10/2 Wekiva- Away implement Cypress CreekHome 10/9 a whole 10/16 West Orange- Away new staff, 10/23 BYE both ApopkaHome 10/30 offensively 11/6 Dr. Phillips- Away and
SCHEDULE 8/28 9/4 9/11 9/18 9/25 10/2 10/9 10/16 10/23 10/30 11/6
Jones - Away Timber Creek - Home Evans - Away Freedom - Away BYE Dr. Phillips - Home University - Away Cypress Creek - Home Apopka – Home Olympia - Away Lyman – Home
SCHEDULE 8/28 9/4 9/11 9/18 9/25 10/2 10/9 10/16 10/23 10/30 11/6
Evans - Home Jones -Away Olympia-Home Winter Park-Home BYE University -Home Gateway-Home Hagerty-Away TimberCreek- Away Boone -Away Freedom-Away
defensively after last years KEY RETURNERS “rebuilding effort.” Turner continued to say that the team has Kimoni Binder, Jr., QB a no quitting attitude and never Merrick Oswald, Sr., DE fails to work hard, something Malick Jackson, Jr., C/LB that will help them in the coming season. The main area of weakness Kintevous Collins, Sr., C/RB Dexter Smith, Jr., WR/DB is their depth on the lines. He believes that they have the hardest 8A district in the State, since they added 8-2 Wekiva and face 12-0 West Orange in addition to the State Champions, Apopka.
As one of the most promising Central Florida high school football teams, the Oakridge Pioneers have had a trying summer as long time offensive line coach Tyrone Sapp took over the football program.
KEY RETURNERS
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to be a head coach,” Sapp said. Sapp has been apart of the Pioneer football family for over four years. During those seasons, gifted athletes such as Jonathan Jones, Tyrek Tisdale, Cycoby Burch, Chris Tooley, DeAndre Weaver, Jaquervious Shepard, and even rising junior Anthony Miranda have showed lots of potential as well as growth.
To accomplish the team goals of winning districts and state championships, the Pioneers have had practices that are, “high energy, include lots of movement, attention to detail, and adverse situations.”
Specifically, Sapp says the seniors hope to “have a legacy.” Senior University of Florida commit, Tyrek Tisdale, says, “I hope when people think of Pioneer Football, they see more than the uniform; they see a family.”
Regardless of the change in coaching the Pioneer football traditions continue to strive and the team is ready for whatever challenges the 2015-2016 football season shall bring.
Colonial Head Coach Michael Short reinforced that his offence will be the strong point this season. They have many returners including QB Kendall Williams.
KEY RETURNERS Cunningham are key pieces in the new Kendall Williams, Sr., QB defensive scheme they will play. With Ramon Gordon, Jr., WR the addition of new Lucien Charles, Sr., LT players, Short hopes Edwin Vega, Sr., RT to put much more Keith Powell, Jr., RB pressure on opposing Brad Massari, Jr., WR/RB offenses. In their district, Short Dre Cunningham, Jr., LB sees Timber Creek Adrian Diaz, Sr., DB and Boone as the Anthony Vazquez, Jr., DL/RB front runners. They played their Spring Classic against First Academy, and play their Fall Kickoff Classic on August 21st when they host Celebration.
“Williams’s ability to extend plays will make him one of the best in the county this year,” said Short. With the help of Williams, who threw for 18 touchdowns last season, Colonial will be looking to improve upon their 3-7 record in the 2014 season. Short also praised other players including WR Ramon Gordon, RB Keith Powell, WR/RB Brad Massari, DL Anthony Vazquez, LB Dre Cunningham and DB Adrian Diaz. Short has seen a lot of promise in these players, and many are unquestioned leaders in the team. Defensively, tackle and interception leader Diaz and
Jonathan Jones, MLB Tyrek Tisdale, ATH Cycoby Burch, FS Chris Tooley, CB DeAndre Weaver, QB
8/26/15 - 9/16/15 • Florida Sporting News
New Head Coach Jim Pusateri starts with a clean 0-0 record as he looks to impress in his first season with the University Cougars. Pusateri was previously the Head Coach for Luther South High School, in Chicago.
“Experience will be the real test,” Pusateri said. “We are a very young team with only seven returning starters from last season.” In the returning players, Pusateri sees QB Luke
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Poorman and his group of wide receivers including Andre Williams and David Troutman as some of the standouts who will help lead the team to success. With the implementation of their new spread system, the offense will progress nicely throughout the season. In the defensive side of the game, the same scheme as last year and the fact that most of the returners play in the defense will help the team be prepared from the first game of the season. They lost their Spring Classic to Ocoee 147, however they play their Fall Kickoff Classic at Lake Minneola to get the season going.
Page 10 Florida Sporting News • 8/26/15 - 9/16 /15
SCHEDULE 8/28 9/4 9/11 9/18 9/25 10/2 10/9 10/16 10/23 10/30 11/6
Oviedo- Home Oak Ridge- Away East River- Home Wekiva- Home Freedom- Away Winter Park- Home BYE Boone- Away Colonial- Home University- AWay Hagerty- Away
KEY RETURNERS With an 87-65 overall school record, including a 7-4 record in 2014, Timber Creek is ready to start the new year. Fourteen-year Head Coach Jimmy Buckridge is working on preparing his team for the Fall Kickoff Class at Winter Springs.
The team is looking strong this season with 12 starters returning, six on offense and six ondefense. Timber Creek is going into the fall with four linebackers, as well as senior quarterback Preston Samoden, and junior center Emanual Jean Pierre. Winter Park, Boone, University, and Colonial are all top
teams in the district Hunter Wilkins, Sr., LB which Timber Creek is Sean Mullins, Sr., DL preparing to take on. Bryce Balasis, Sr., LB With junior Jackson Preston Samoden, Sr., QB Saffold, a running back Marlon Jarrell, Jr., WR for the high school team, and junior Seth Claar, as fullback, the team is confident that the odds will be in their favor in the fall. Aware of the competition, the team is looking forward to playing Boone and Colonial, which the state recently added to their district. Replacing star player Jacques Patrick will be a major task for this team, but Coach Buckridge has faith in his good nucleus of kids coming back on both sides of the ball knowing they have varsity experience.
SCHEDULE 8/28 9/4 9/11 9/18 9/25 10/2 10/9 10/16 10/23 10/30 11/6
Seminole - Home East River - Away Colonial - Away Cypress Creek - Away Evans - Home Freedom - Home Apopka - Away BYE Dr. Phillips - Away Oak Ridge - Home Winter Park – Home
KEY RETURNERS Olympia High School opens the 2015 season with a new district and a new challenge. The Titans will move to a new district with crosstown rival Dr. Phillips, Oak Ridge, Freedom, and Cypress Creek
Head Coach Kyle Hayes is entering his first year as Olympia’s coach and is looking to rebuild the same
SCHEDULE 8/28 9/4 9/11 9/18 9/25 10/2 10/9 10/16 10/23 10/30 11/6
Dr. Phillips-Home Boone-Home University-Home Timber Creek-Away Winter Park-Away Evans-Home BYE Apopka-Away Ocoee-Home West Orange-Home East River-Away
Kenard Lang has been head coach at Wekiva for two years and currently holds a 15-8 record. The team finished 9-3 last, and they are hopeful they will do just as well this year.
The fall kickoff game will be at Oviedo, and the 2015 team is ready even though they are young and thin on the offensive line. Six defensive and three offensive starters are returning, including All-State Junior Tashawn Manning.
program that produced explosive NFL running back Chris Johnson, and where top national recruits Deondre Francois and Dexter Williams got started before transferring.
Khalyn Strickland Sr., QB Taymel Christian Sr., RB/QB Jeff James Sr., WR/SB George Adams Jr., MLB Douglas Howard Sr., TE Demarcus Singleton Sr., TE Jonny Messina Sr., K/P
Coming off a 1-10 season, the Titans will look to improve in 2015. Two key games for Olympia are on the road this season against Apopka on October 9, and Dr. Phillips on October 22. In both games the Titans will look for a season defining upset.
KEY RETURNERS
Wekiva has some Tashawn Manning, Sr., DL of the top teams in Jaylon Fair, Jr., LB Central Florida in their district. Although Carneilous Dennison, Jr., CB Trey McGee, Jr., QB they are aware that Avery Eady, Sr., DL Ocoee could be a surprise team, they are ready to take on Evans, West Orange, and Apopka. Sophomore quarterback Trey McGee is heading into the season with 12 touchdowns and seven interceptions thrown last year. All-State defensive sophomore Jaylon Fair is starting the fall with 106 tackles from last season. Wekiva is ready to take on the competition and will not settle for less than a win.
8/26/15 - 9/16/15 • Florida Sporting News
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The West Orange Warriors did something last year they had not done in a long while…win their district.
powerhouses, Barrett to Auburn and Forsythe to the Florida Gators. McDoom currently has offers from Alabama, Oregon, and Florida.
Key games for West Orange include, Osceola at home on August 23rd, a renewal in the regular season series with Dr. Phillips at home on September 11th, and on the road against defending state champs Apopka on October 12th.
West Orange also boasts depth on defense, returning 7 starters from last season, among them; seniors, Nolan Defranco, a UNC DE commit, and LB Jeremy Samuels, stand out as leaders.
Key players for West Orange this season include the trio of 8A All State honorees from last season returning, QB Woody Barrett, WR Eddie McDoom, and OL Stone Forsythe. Barrett and Forsythe have already committed to SEC
For Head Coach Bob Head, it’s all about living up to expectations this season for West Orange. “We played great in the spring, but can our guys handle the brutal schedule in the first half of the season?” This team is primed and ready to chase an 8A state title.
Page 12 Florida Sporting News • 8/26/15 - 9/16 /15
Eight returning starters on offense and eight returning starters on defense is a good look for the Foundation Lions, so the chemistry is sky high on and off the field. Newest transfers to the Lions are 6’0’”, 180 pound WR/ FS Cory Rahman from East Ridge and 6’0” 185 pound OLB/WR transfer from West Orange. Coach Brad Lord hopes they will produce good numbers on the field and give the Lions the push they need to a District title. All State- 2A FACA First-Team Running Back Gabriel Walker rushed for 1,150 yards
and 14 touchdowns last season and looks to dominate the ground game this year as well. All-District WR/FS Freshman Konrie Brown is one of the best athletes in Central FL. TE/ DE Lui Rivera was All-District as a freshman and is working diligently to improve his game. The Lions start off their regular season August 28 at 7 p.m. against a tough powerhouse West Orange team that went undefeated last year. After that, the Lions square off against The First Academy, who blew out the Lions last season 45-8. The Lions look to seek revenge in this upcoming 2015 season. Victory Christian was a State champion last season and the Lions face them in week six on their own turf. That will be an exciting game to watch.
8/26/15 - 9/16/15 • Florida Sporting News
Head Coach Cameron Duke is entering his second season with the Lake Highland Prep Highlanders with the intent of improving a 1-8 mark from last year. Senior linebacker Clifton Askew, who led the team in both sacks and tackles a season ago, will lead the Highlanders defensively. His ability on the field has gotten him noticed nationwide, also leading to multiple collegiate offers. Joining Askew on the list of returning starters will be the junior defensive end, Harrison Greenhill, who posted a robust 12 tackles during the losing 2014 season. Sophomore tailback Devyn Castor will seek a successful second season after
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averaging an impressive 5.2 yards per carry on the ground last year. Sophomore QB Elijah Lucas will man the offense under center this year after transferring from Lake Nona. “We are a very young team,” Coach Duke said. “But we have a group of players that are committed to building back the reputation of the LHP football program.” Duke will employ a spread uptempo offense to go with his 3-4 and 50 defenses. All of that will equate to a potential high-octane 2015 Highlanders team. The Lake Highland season kicks off August 21 at home versus Windermere Prep.
Page 14 Florida Sporting News • 8/26/15 - 9/16 /15
After an impressive 8-3 finish in the SSAC last season, CFCA welcomes a brand new head coach in John Davis. Davis spent the last few seasons as an assistant coach up in Gallaudet University; a school in Washington D.C. Davis received Division III Assistant Coach of the Year honors in 2014. Landing a coach like John Davis is a major move for the CFCA football program, so could the winning ways continue for the Eagles?
Austin Mathis is a multiple-threat sophomore who has seen time at quarterback, wide receiver and cornerback. The young athlete will be under center leading a team full of talents like linebacker and receiver Luke Noah, lineman Daniel Moore, tight end Caleb Brenyo and receiver Joshua Petty. Davis will make his CFCA debut on August 28 where they open up SSAC conference play at home versus Legacy Charter. All is looking well for the Eagles in 2015.
8/26/15 - 9/16/15 • Florida Sporting News
Head Coach Jarrett Wiggers led the 2014 Legacy Charter Eagles to a 5-6 mark. They still have an extremely young roster that will have quite the challenge in a tough SSAC.
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like Hilton Lamprecht, Dylan Clinger, Jason Dennsion, and Walker Phillips will join Dominguez in pursuit of a winning record.
Legacy Charter will travel to CFCA The Eagles will look to senior on August 28 in their first piece of running back David Dominguez to regular season action. The Battle be a leader on the squad. Dominguez of the Eagles will set off SSAC will have a heavy workload. Players conference play.
Page 16 Florida Sporting News • 8/26/15 - 9/16 /15
A long list of returning upperclassmen highlights the 2015 Orangewood Christian Rams roster. A move to the Sunshine State Athletic Conference (SSAC) highlights their 2015 season. Head Coach Bill Gierke enters his fifth season with the Rams, and his 35th season coaching football. His 278-99-1-career record shows a man with great prior experience. He will be tasked with improving last year’s 2-8 record. “The defense has some depth at linebacker and secondary,” Coach Gierke said. “The offense has returning players, but we had a serious injury to
Bill Gierke
our starting quarterback and his status is unsure.” With the injury to starting junior QB Ethan Bullock and his current unknown status, the Rams will need the next man up to fill the void and shock the SSAC. Senior linemen Evan Pughe and Jacob Siviglia, running back Andrew Habicht and wide receiver Chris Morgan headline the returning starters in the upcoming 2015 season. Orangewood Christian will begin their SSAC journey against Cocoa Beach High on August 20. Much is in store for this experienced team in a tough, new conference.
8/26/15 - 9/16/15 • Florida Sporting News
With a 10-0 record in 2014, there is no doubt that Windermere Prep has put in a lot of practice leading up to the Fall Kickoff Classic at Lake Highland Prep. Head Coach Jacob Doss, 6 year veteran coach at Windermere Prep, is confident that his team will achieve a record like last year. The team is big and physical this season and coaches are ready to put the players out on the field. Although Coach Doss will miss the speed of last years team, he believes they can make up for it with an aggressive offensive line led by center Evan Anderson and standout quarterback Parker Davis. Coaches are ready for a slow-paced possession team this fall with a balanced passing and running attack. Windermere Prep is ready to face top SSAC teams in their district like Orlando Christian Prep and Central Florida Christian Academy. Ten starters are returning with five on offense and 5 on defense, prepared to take on any surprise teams, one who they believe to be Zephyrhills Christian Academy. Ready for the fall, the players are ready to overcome any challenges they face this season.
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Page 18 Florida Sporting News • 8/26/15 - 9/16 /15
The Orlando Christian Prep Warriors had an outstanding 2015 campaign in which they went 10-1 throughout the SSAC. Head Coach Guerschom Demosthenes will return for a third year with the squad. Demosthenes is 18-3 in two prior seasons with the Warriors.
District tight end Kevince Brown, and 2nd Team All-District lineman Kingston Harris.
Junior quarterback Connor Marchionda will lead the Warriors in pursuit of another successful year. Marchionda leads a highly talented group of returners that include running back Tyler Brisgone, lineman JD Ortaliz, 1st Team All-
OCP will get their feet wet against St. Stephens Episcopal on August 21 in a Fall Kickoff Classic. Their first regular season action will take place August 28 when they host Merritt Island Christian.
The Warrior roster is definitely loaded and will battle to finish amongst the top teams in the SSAC.
8/26/15 - 9/16/15 • Florida Sporting News
Lake Mary Prep is in a rebuilding stage. They went 0-7 last season, but the school has faith in Keith Walsh. Walsh explained that they were bringing the team back, literally. At the first practice of the season, they had only seven players. By the last week of the season, they bumped the roster up to 20. He and the staff were proud of this accomplishment and credit the kids for working so hard in the face of adversity. This season, Lake Mary Prep will play in
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the Beach Division in the SSAC. Walsh said that if they show the characteristics he knows they have, they can be successful. Key pieces to the puzzle are running back Austin Dewitt, wide receiver Mitchell Wiginton and defensive back Judah Winfrey. “This is a great time to be a Griffin,” said Welsh. Their Fall Kickoff Classic is on August 21st at 7pm where they will host Cornerstone Charter.
Page 20 Florida Sporting News • 8/26/15 - 9/16 /15
With a 5-5 record last year, Faith Christian Academy coaches and players are determined to gain more wins this season. Head coach Andre Dobson holds an 11-9 career mark at Faith. Returning Senior linebacker Josh Daas is ready to play hard with returning linebacker Alex Briggs, who was named Orlando TD Club Player of the Week during last year’s campaign. Four offensive and four defensive starters are returning including offensive lineman Calvin Nguyen, who started all 10 games for the Lions last season.
There is a lot of excitement from the coaches about the team this year. The team had a tremendous offseason getting stronger in the weight room. Players are really committed to the program and have an overall experience that will be the best since the program started. Starting a new quarterback, Nathan Henderson, coaches are confident in the sophomore’s tools to lead the team for the next three years. Faith plans to tighten their run game and establish a new receiving core in hopes of being the breakout team this fall.
8/26/15 - 9/16/15 • Florida Sporting News
The Comets are looking past a 1-8 record in 2014 and all sights are pointed toward gaining even more of a competitive advantage. Head Coach Stuart Weiss is entering another season with the Comets. His rebuilding process will continue to improve in 2015. Weiss is director of the SSAC and also looking to direct a school toward the top of the conference. The Conkling brothers, Jarrett and Justin, will lead the ICS Comets in the upcoming season. Justin, a sophomore wide receiver, is a
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multi-sport talent for the comets and will be catching passes from his older brother Jarrett this year. Quarterback Jarrett is only a sophomore calling the plays for the Comets offense. Defensive back and receiver Zane Denslow, fullback Luke Schionning and offensive lineman Michael Lawson will join the Conkling brothers as the team’s core players. ICS will kick off regular season play on September 4 when they host Christ’s Church Academy at 7p.m. The Comets took on All Saints’ Academy in their Fall Kickoff Classic.
Page 22 Florida Sporting News • 8/26/15 - 9/16 /15
With only four starters returning, two offensive and two defensive, the Master’s Academy is confident that their new coach will help them get stronger. First year Head Coach Jermel Jones is excited to begin his coaching career with this team. Their fall kickoff oddly enough will be up north in at King’s Ridge Christian School in Atlanta, GA. Quarterback Zack Boivin, Senior, is hopeful to start the season off with a bang by traveling for the first game.
energy from the players. He’s confident that his solid group of defensive lineman will be a strong asset for this season. Returning defensive lineman Alex Bouwman, Senior, and A.J. Sculthrope, Senior, are urging to get back out on the field.
The team has already done their homework, studying up on their opponents and aware of good coaching and talent in the league. They are prepared to open up their offense and pass more than they have in prior seasons. With all the Coach Jones is excited to be on the competition, the Master’s Academy team’s new staff and has already is hoping to surprise the Sunshine seen strong work ethic, effort and State Athletic Conference.
8/26/15 - 9/16/15 • Florida Sporting News
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Page 24 Florida Sporting News • 8/26/15 - 9/16 /15