FSN #14

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Volume 1 • Issue 14

Oct 19 - Oct 26 2015

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Woody Barrett

Lives up to the hype!

Apopka Dr Phillips Winter Park Foundation Lake Highland Prep Bishop Moore Football

West Orange takes #1 Top Spot in Super 16 ALL PHOTOS BY BOB GALL

NFL Alumni of Central Florida is a 501c3 non profit organization composed of former professional football players who have joined together to support local Orlando youth charities. Our “Caring for Kids” mission is achieved with fundraising, community service and social events. Please visit NFLalumnicf.org and like us on facebook.com/nflalumnicf. Call 848.218.9009 for more info.

Page 2 Florida Sporting News • 10/19/15 - 10/26/15

Dr Phillips and West Orange Football Programs: Classy!

by Michael Attardi

I’ve been covering high school football for over 23 years. During that time, I have come across 7 NFL players, 15 undefeated football teams, 9 back-to-back state champions, 5 Hall of Fame head coaches and officiated over 100 varsity football games.

Once in a while, you come across some really special players. Once in a blue moon, you come across a classy football program. I can’t say enough about West Orange and Dr. Phillips High school football programs. Coach Wells and Coach Head are fearless competitors who strive for the commitment of excellence.

It’s not always about the wins and

losses but how a team deals with their don’t need to talk about how good wins and losses that matters. One team they are. They show it on the playing field. As the old saying goes. Talk is cheap and actions are louder than words.

The athletic directors, coaches, Players, cheerleaders, boosters and fans have all been able to show sportsmanship and respect for their opponents this football season. The parents of these two programs should be extremely proud of their student-athletes. Please take the time to reward your sons and daughters with a thank has one loss this season as the other team has three. You would have never you. I personally want to thank these known when you see these two teams two programs for making this season play powerhouse programs and come one of the best in 23 years of covering high school football. up on top. These are two teams that

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10/19/15 - 10/26/15 • Florida Sporting News

Page 3

Bishop Moore Remains Unbeaten and Looks Unstoppable

by Jason Negron

ORLANDO – The Hornets of Bishop Moore (7-0, 3-0 in 5A District 13) are undoubtedly one of the top-tier football teams in Central Florida with their still unblemished 7-0 record. Led by Coach Matt Hedrick and Quarterback Collin Hartmann, this Bishop Moore team could easily contend with and beat any team in Central Florida.

The Hornets proved that notion in the October 8 matchup in Bushnell, Florida with the unbeaten South Sumter team (7-1, 2-0). South Sumter was riding a recordsetting 39-game winning streak heading into the matchup, but Bishop Moore put an abrupt halt to that streak with their 34-14 victory.

Bishop Moore capitalized on the 11 penalties called on South Sumter by building a 21-7 firsthalf lead and never looking back. Collin Hartman threw for 123 yards and three touchdowns for the win, with wide receiver Joe Wallace caught two of those scores from Hartmann.

The statement victory kept Bishop Moore undefeated with a lot of momentum heading into an October 16 district matchup with Tavares (0-8, 0-2 in 5A District 13). Bishop Moore’s 56-0 win would all but wrap up a spot in the district playoffs.

Wallace added three more touchdowns in the win over Tavares, and Rayshad Lewis got the blowout going with a punt-return for a touchdown.

Bishop Moore already looks poised for a playoff run, but despite their undefeated record and being the only team with a winning record in District 13, they have yet to win the district.

Following an October 23 meeting with Bartow (4-3, 1-1), Bishop Moore could officially win the district with a Senior night win against district opponent Eustis (2-5, 2-0 in 5A District 13) on October 30.

Wrapping up the season with an undefeated mark is a daunting task, but a special accomplishment to say the least. It’s unfortunate that one of these two schools will not be able to fulfill that feat. Undefeated Bishop Moore takes on unbeaten Lake Brantley (7-0, 4-0) to end the regular season in high-powered matchup featuring two of the best football teams in the state.

Page 4 Florida Sporting News • 10/19/15 - 10/26/15

Meet the Athlete: Doug Nikhazy

by Greyson Everidge

Central Florida has produced some great baseball players over the years, including Zack Greinke of the LA Dodgers, Jason Varitek, formerly of the Boston Red Socks, and of course the well-known Johnny Damon, who has always been an influence in the Orlando area. For ball player Doug Nikhazy, he sees no reason why he cannot follow in their footsteps, playing at the top level of baseball, and creating a class of his own among high school ball players.

Nikhazy is a sophomore at West Orange High School in the graduating class of 2018. Despite his age, he has been getting constant attention since he was in middle school almost 4 years ago. In addition to the West Orange Varsity team, he plays for the Florida Burn. More notable, is the fact that he plays for the Team USA Baseball squad.

“My greatest achievement would have to be getting the chance to go to Mexico and represent my country,” said Nikhazy. “It was an

experience that was really cool, and I’ll always remember it.” Yet flashback 10 years, and you would see Nikhazy throwing a ball with his dad

in the backyard, just like any young ball player.

He said that he owes a lot of his success to the days spent with his father all those years ago.

“My dad was the first person to get me into baseball, and ever since then it has just taken off.” Nikhazy wasn’t always the best, but like all great athletes he realized that the more he put

in, the more he got out. “I do something baseball related almost every day,” said Doug. “When I do something with so much repetition, it always ends up clicking and for me that is how I improve.”

There is no doubt that Nikhazy is a very successful player, yet he said he doesn’t think like that. Nikhazy is verbally committed to Ole Miss.

In addition to being a Division 1 NCAA school for baseball, they have arguably one of the best programs and facility’s that the sport can get at the collegiate level.

“Going to the MLB (Major League Baseball) is my biggest goal of all. For me, it’s the light at the end of the tunnel and something that I dream about every day. I think about it constantly because it helps me work harder. Making it pro one day is everything to me.”

The future is certainly bright for Nikhazy, and with his current work ethic and attitude there is no doubt that he can achieve anything that he sets out to do.

10/19/15 - 10/26/15 • Florida Sporting News

Page 5

Dr. Phillips JV Volleyball Takes a Loss to Winter Park

by Andrea Lerner

The Dr. Phillips JV Volleyball team (10-3), left their home court this month, losing to Winter Park. The girls anticipated a win but came up short. They are hoping not to make the same mistakes as they finish up the season.

“The team started to forget our skills,” said Emily Davis, freshman.

For the JV team, the most important goal is to keep playing on the skills they possess.

In this game, the team admits to losing that aspect. The girls started to play down their skills instead of use them to their advantage.

The team feels that as the game went on, they forgot how to play smart.

“We need to play as a team the entire time,” she explained.

In order to win a game, the Dr. Phillips team knows that they need to stick together throughout the whole match, and not just parts of it. The girls agree that they need to communicate with

each other more and have a stronger level of trust for the next game. Davis admits to learning that giving up is never the answer when it comes

to a game. “I struggle because I know I can be better,” stated Davis.

With all the competition this season, it starts to take a toll on star players. Davis, who had nine kills in the match against Winter Park, is fully aware of the mental strength needed to keep

going. She informed us that she needs to stay confident in herself when it comes to her skills.

When her attitude gets down, she feels as if it creates a negative chemistry for everyone on the court. She says “The sport has definitely increased my mental strength.”

A sport that takes time, dedication, and passion, is bound to impact the players in many different ways. For most girls on the Dr. Phillips team, volleyball has taught them how to push hard in life until they reach their goals.

Balancing what they love to do along with their education has also helped teach time management skills for some, if not all of them.

The JV girls are taking their loss to Winter Park with heads held high. With their improved winto-loss record, they plan to keep moving forward for the rest of the season. They will finish up the regular season at West Orange this month. This will be a game to look forward too, as both sides are competitive and ready to win.

Page 6 Florida Sporting News • 10/19/15 - 10/26/15

Sproles, Winter Park Dominate as Playoff Push Begins

by Jason Negron

WINTER PARK – The Winter Park Wildcats (4-3, 2-1 in 8A District 3), found themselves losing two games in a row heading into a crucial October 16th district matchup with University (3-5, 1-2 in 8A District 3), that could have put Winter Park’s playoff hopes in jeopardy.

Sproles played as high a level of quarterback as anyone has seen this season. Completing

An outright dominating 55-10 homecoming victory over University put those worries to rest for another week.

Both teams were 1-1 in district play heading into the matchup, so it was vital for both teams’ playoff chances.

In a battle of two of the top pocket passers in Central Florida, it was Winter Park’s Nick Sproles who would prevail over University’s Luke Poorman.

The game was never really close as the Wildcats took a 38-point lead into the half.

15 of his 16 passes for 399 yards and 6 touchdowns proved that Sproles was simply putting on a QB clinic against the University Cougar defense. Four of his touchdowns were 50-plus yards. Sproles and the Wildcats made a statement in their homecoming victory.

While Timber Creek (5-2, 2-0 in 8A District 3) appears to be sitting comfortably atop the district standings, the second district playoff spot is still up for grabs.

Contenders to grab the final spot are Winter Park and Boone (4-4, 1-1 in 8A District 3). The two schools in contention will face off on October 23 in a matchup that could decide playoff fates.

If Winter Park could clinch a playoff berth in a win against Boone, their final two contests will come against Spruce Creek (5-4, 1-3), on October 30, and a tough November 6 matchup with Olympia (5-2, 2-0) before the playoffs kick off.

A potential playoff appearance would be the Wildcats first since 2013.

10/19/15 - 10/26/15 • Florida Sporting News

Page 7

West Orange Senior Night Volleyball Brought Out A Win

by Andrea Lerner

The West Orange Varsity girls’ volleyball team (20-3), had a big win this month on the annual senior night. The game was intended for fun, to honor the senior girls and how much they have dedicated over the past four years.

“There were a few bad passes and some miscommunication,” said Paige Gravely, senior. The West Orange girls played well since everyone was having fun during the game. Although there were a few issues throughout the game, the team brought themselves back together during timeout huddles. The girls admit to realizing that even though they were having fun, they could change a few things to actually pull out a win. “When you’re having fun, you naturally play better,” explained Gravely.

For most girls on the team, they learned that once they loosened up and enjoyed the game, they started playing better than normal. The team was not focusing on messing up a play or

pass. Instead, they were able to play a match without constantly being in each other’s heads.

The underclassmen agreed to use this informa-

making more mistakes. She and the girls know full well that they must ignore the possibility of making a mistake, and move on with the next play.

“This sport has made me go after what I want,” said Gravely. In addition to mental strength, this sport has created a new level of emotional capacity for some. It has taught many of the West Orange girls how to endure and overcome obstacles physically and emotionally. For the seniors like Gravely, it has given them the ability to make their dreams happen instead of sitting back and watching someone else live them.

tion to their advantage next year.

“My biggest opponent is myself,” stated Gravely. Whenever mistakes are made in sports, the athlete tends to blame him or herself. For Gravely, volleyball makes her do just that. She states that she constantly gets inside her own head which makes her even more tense on the court,

The West Orange Lady Warriors have had an amazing season so far. Their impressive record has kept them strong and they plan to go as far as possible. Next, they will host Dr. Phillips.

The girls are hopeful and positive they will pull out another win, and succeed in achieving all the goals they set at the beginning of the season.

Page 8 Florida Sporting News • 10/19/15 - 10/26/15

Dr. Phillips Wins Two Straight After Losing Three in a Row

by Greyson Everidge

DR.PHILLIPS- The Panthers (4-3, 2-0 in 8A District 5) battered Oak Ridge Pioneers (7-1, 2-1 in 8A District 5,) in a district game which saw Dr. Phillips put up an impressive offensive and defensive performance after 3 straight loses to ranked teams.

the Pioneers broke down the defense ended in a 78-yard touchdown pass to give Oak Ridge the 7 points they earned for the night. That touchdown was quickly forgotten however, as Doctor

Everything went right for the Panthers again when they took on the Patriots and dominated with a 42-0 homecoming win.

The Panthers started scoring about halfway through the first the quarter, when Jaquarius Bargnare finished a good set of drives, where the Panthers took the 7-0 lead.

The second quarter saw them extend their lead to 21 points thanks to Kenneth Palmer and then Tanner Ingle.

Ingles, who is a sophomore, scored a touchdown from an intercepted pass, which he then ran for 36 yards to not only score the second touchdown of the quarter, but to pull within 2 interceptions of the school’s all- time leader Roderick Ryles record of 7 interceptions.

Defensive players Nigel Alexander, Marcus Tillman, and Robert Porcher put up big tackles against the Pioneer’s offense as they struggled to get anything going, especially after Alexander got his second sack of the night in Oak Ridge’s opening drive of the second half. The only time

The defensive line played well after the tackles by the defensive trio of Alexander, Tillman, and Porcher, gave them the edge needed to beat Oak Ridge.

Five different Dr. Phillips players (DJ Charles, Chance Bush, Kenneth Palmer, Demaria Washington, Jaquarius Bargnare, and Arvis Evans), combined to score the six touchdowns in the Panther’s dominating district win.

Phillips moved in and scored a pair of touchdowns to bring the score to the final of 34-7.

The Panthers returned to action against Freedom (1-7, 0-3 in 8A District 5), in a crucial district game to set them on the right path to make that playoff run that many still expect to them to join.

The Panthers will face off against a familiar opponent, but a new district foe, in an October 22 matchup with the Olympia Titans (5-2, 2-0 in 8A District 5). The rivalry will take a brand new form since a district title is on the line. Both teams are tied atop the 8A District 5 with their mirror 2-0 records.

The Panthers and Titans game will be one of the more highly anticipated games of the season.

10/19/15 - 10/26/15 • Florida Sporting News

Page 9

West Orange Playing the Most Dominant Football in Central Florida

by Jason Negron

WINTER GARDEN – Ever since their disappointing loss in Jacksonville, the West Orange Warriors (7-1, 2-0 in 8A District 4), have been playing unbelievable football in a quest for their first state championship.

West Orange at the top of the Class 8A District 4 standings with their 2-0 record in district. By beating Apopka, they also put the Blue Darters in tough situation where playoff chances are on the line.

Four consecutive dominating wins have the Warriors poised for a 2015 playoff run. The second of their four straight wins came against a tough district rival, and defending state champion, Apopka Blue Darters (7-1, 1-1). West Orange’s defense was stingy and held Apopka’s high-powered running offense to just a field goal in a stunning 28-3 win. Quarterback and Auburn-commit Woody Barrett put together three touchdowns (2 rushing, 1 pass).

West Orange followed up the huge district win over Apopka with a 49-13 rout

The huge win over the defending champs puts

over Lake Nona (2-5, 2-1 in 7A District 5). The Warriors got off to a 28-0 lead in the first quarter, 42-0 lead by the half. West Orange cruised to a win.

All the momentum in the world was with Warriors and carried over on October 16 when the Warriors hosted their second district opponent Evans (1-7, 0-2) on homecoming night.

Though Evans did strike first, that would be all the striking Evans would do in a game that saw West Orange compile 273 yards rushing in route to an overpowering 49-8 district win. Standout wide receiver, Eddie McDoom caught four passes for 111 yards and a touchdown in the blowout win.

Everything seems to be firing on all cylinders for the what looks like the best team in Central Florida.

The incredible season will continue after West Orange’s bye week October 23. Their final two matchups will be an important district road game at Wekiva (5-2, 1-1) October 30, then the Warriors will celebrate Senior Night at home against the Ocoee Knights (4-3, 2-2 in 7A District 4).

It remains to be seen how this magical West Orange season will end.

Page 10 Florida Sporting News • 10/19/15 - 10/26/15

Apopka Playoff Hopes Stay Alive After Beating Olympia, Wekiva

by Greyson Everidge

APOPKA- The defending champion Apopka Blue Darters (7-1, 1-1 in 8A District 4) went down 28-3 in their first

The Apopka Darters (6-1) beat the Olympia Titans (5-2, 2-0 in 8A District 5) on Friday Night 46-17 to avenge their only

what occurred during the game, as the Titan players were outplayed in all positions across the field. The Apopka offense

district matchup with fellow powerhouse West Orange (7-1, 2-0 in 8A District 4), putting the defending champs against the ropes with a playoff appearance on the line.

loss of the season to West Orange in a blowout game which saw the Titans 5 game winning streak end.

turned up big after failing to get anything more than a field goal in the loss to West Orange.

The score is an accurate reflection of

Apopka had standout players in David Douglas II, Jarrell Tinsley, Reuben Lewis, LaDarian Paulk, and Steven Billings.

The Darters won the numbers game on the total plays, with 54 to Olympias 37. Apopka was also better earning firstdowns, as they racked up 24 to Olympias meager 8.

The defense held the Titans to just 17 points, a number in the same region as their wins against Freedom (1-6) and Evans (1-6). The difference was that the Darters offense over powered their opponents defense, with wide receiver David Douglas II at the front of that charge.

Titans QB Joe Milton threw for one touchdown, which was one of the only notable play from the Titan offense.

Apopka followed up the win against Olympia with a dominating 43-6 victory over their district and territory rivals Wekiva (5-2, 1-1 in 8A District 4). The battle of Apopka wasn’t much of a battle at all.

The win keeps Apopka alive in the playoff chase. They’ll need to take care of business on October 23 in a tough matchup against Oak Ridge (7-1, 2-1 in 8A District 5).

10/19/15 - 10/26/15 • Florida Sporting News

Page 11

Olympia High School Golf Team Wins Districts After Three Years

by Andrea Lerner

The Olympia Titans boys golf team won the District title this month. After three years of accepting defeat and working harder than ever, the Titans are more than satisfied with this victory. “It really felt like we deserved it,” said Jackson Burttram, senior.

As a player, and a part of the Titans team for his entire high school career, Burttram has done nothing but give everything he has into this sport. His goal has always been to achieve something as big as winning Districts. After three years, he finally feels like his hard work has paid off. The biggest problem he has had to face is overcoming bad rounds, and he is more than thankful he was able to play good rounds to succeed in gaining this title for this team. “It’s been five years since we won the Metro and District Championship in the same year,” stated Kevin McElveen, Titans coach.

The core of the team’s ability to work together comes from the commitment of the coach. Coach McElveen has a full commitment to his team. He believes they have really come together as they reach the end of the year. He enjoys golfing and particularly enjoys coaching. The young men he works with “make the job very enjoyable,” said McElveen.

“I want to continue this sport for as long as I can,” explained Burttram. Golf is enjoyable for most people because of the ability to play at any age. It can be continued up to retirement, which is how far Burttram wants to play it. For him, he believes this sport is constantly opening a world of opportunities each time he plays a course. Every time he hits the course, his main focus is ignoring all of his negative thoughts to focus on one shot at a time. “Golf has taught me so many lessons I’m thankful for.”

Not only is golf competitive and active, it teaches many valuable lessons. Players like Burttram, have learned the value of patience. For a strong team, having patience is very important. The Titans plan to use this to their advantage when trying to beat Lake Mary. The Lake Mary team has beaten the Titans quite a few times and they are ready for some revenge.

The Olympia Titans are honored to win Districts.

They plan to practice harder and focus more to end the 2015 year with a bang. A big accomplishment for this team will be coming up next summer. The team will be traveling to Scotland to play. So far, the furthest distance they have traveled is about three hours away. This opportunity is very new and exciting for the Titans, and the District win has only increased their excitement.

Montverde Academy Girls Volleyball Adds Win to Impressive Record

by Andrea Lerner

The Montverde Academy girls’ volleyball team (16-7) scored a win against Foundation Academy (1-16) this month. The Montverde Eagles are thrilled to add another win to their win at home record of 9-2. “We can’t take anything for granted,” said Kaeli Crews, freshman.

The team had a high amount of positivity throughout the entire game. At one point, the girls had to start playing different positions. Instead of looking at this as a challenge, the girls accepted the change and tried to use it to their advantage. They did not want to let this issue lead to messing up a play, so they simply acted as if it was completely normal.

“When we’re down, we need to fight for every point,” stated Crews. In the third set, the Eagles were down

15-9. The girls admit to not fully fighting back until the score was 23-18. At this point, they realized that they needed to push harder to pull out a win. Tristan Tucci, a seventh grader on the team, got on a great serving run and earned the team a few aces. This strongly benefited the Eagles and helped the entire team get back into the right groove. Crews said “We really need to work on keeping our momentum once we get it.”

“This sport has become my lifestyle,” said Crews.

Eating, sleeping, and breathing are normal activities.

For players like Crews, the sport becomes just as commonplace. Volleyball is much more than just a hobby, it’s a life choice for the most dedicated players. These players commit 101% of their time and energy into improving their skills on the court and working hard to give the team a way to come out on top.

A majority of the players tend to dwell on mistakes far too long. Sometimes it’s all they can think about for the rest of the game, creating a gigantic problem for the team, as the Eagles have learned. The girls are learning they need to shake it off and move forward with the game. As a team, the Eagles know they need to improve their strength in keeping their focus.

The Montverde Eagles are confident in their team this season, but do not want to get comfortable just yet.

Next, the team will host The First Academy (13-8) this month. The girls consider this team to be an even match. The Eagles hope to pull out yet another win to add to their home record.

Page 12 Florida Sporting News • 10/19/15 - 10/26/15

Want the Mental Edge of an Olympian?

by Angie Knut

Want the Mental Edge of an Olympian?

Mental training opportunities abound Kids don’t need sports psychologists, personal athletic trainers or controversial Speedos to get a confidence boost and mental edge similar to that of an Olympic athlete. High-quality mental training comes from a lot of different places – you just need to know where to look.

The Mental Edge Olympic athletes spend years trying to get it.

Hundreds of books have been written on it. And coaches often say it’s the difference between winning and losing. It is the mental edge -having the mental and emotional skills needed to excel.

These skills generally include: concentration, focus, attention, goal setting, energy management, self-confidence, commitment, poise under pressure and visualization.

Olympic athletes spend years honing these skills, and go to great lengths: The U.S. Olympic women’s softball team has performed Navy SEAL training. The Chinese swim team practices yoga, is learning English and spends hours in group problem-solving sessions. Others commit to biofeedback, hypnosis and extremely strict routines to try to get mentally tough. However, the mental edge can come from a lot more common outlets.

Martial Arts It was Karate, that Judy Maddox turned to 20 years ago, after a doctor diagnosed her three

boys with ADHD. “He told me to get them into a program that would help with focus and attention, and Karate helped immediately,” Maddox says. “It motivated them, they started paying attention, burning energy, and gaining confidence and self-control.”

Maddox joined her boys in training, earned her black belt four years later, then opened her own Universal Kempo Karate center. Since then, she’s trained thousands of people and says she sees daily how martial arts help people build mental skills. “They learn how to visualize and imagine success. It teaches discipline, respect, focus.

They’re learning how to control themselves, how to keep on task and ignore distractions.

And it’s not just on the mat. Those skills spread to their home life, school, relationships and sports.”

Brain Training Hunter Milner got a surprising boost in sports while building his mental skills for academic growth. His mother Maria says she saw the changes almost immediately. “It not only helped him academically, but it also helped him in sports,” says Milner. “He’s a better basketball player now because of the training.”

Hunter’s brain training was through LearningRx, a cognitive skills training company that specializes in building mental skills to make people smarter.

“Our brain training absolutely helps in all areas of life,” says insert franchisee name of the insert area LearningRx brain training center. “We use it to improve focus, attention, memory, visual and auditory processing skills and even

hand-eye coordination. Basically, our training builds better, faster more efficient brains, permanently. Of course that will help people become better athletes.”

“Another nearly universal side effect of our brain training is an extreme boost in selfconfidence,” says Tanya Mitchell, LearningRx Vice-President of Research. “That obviously will help athletes get the mental boost they need to thrive. Any Olympic athlete will tell you, confidence is key.”

Guided Visualization High school football coach Monte Gutowski agrees. “Positive thinking, having confidence in yourself, believing in your team’s ability to accomplish something, that’s half the battle,” says the new head coach.

He relies on visualization and relaxation techniques and may occasionally turn to the school district psychologist for help in teaching those skills. “So much of any sport is mental,” Gutowski says. “Anything you can do to boost those abilities will help you become a better athlete.”

So if you want to be a better athlete by getting that mental edge, but you just can’t justify the sports hypnotist, brain scans, or military training, look around. Great opportunities may be closer than you think.

To learn more about brain training, visit www. learningrx.com/orlando-windermere Angie Knutsen is a freelance journalist living in Monument, CO.

10/19/15 - 10/26/15 • Florida Sporting News

Page 13

Foundation Academy Volleyball Player Commits to Nova Southeastern

by Andrea Lerner

Foundation Academy was honored this month to have one of their seniors, Elyssa Stimmell, recruited by Nova Southeastern University.

While Stimmell was also interested in a few other schools like University of South Florida and Palm Beach Atlantic, she is confident in her choice to commit to Nova. “It was really exciting, if I’m being honest,” said Stimmell.

As players become seniors, they tend to play much harder so recruiters will notice them.

For those who want to pursue volleyball further in their life, this is crunch time. When coaches and recruiters come to watch games, players like Stimmell admit to becoming more focused than ever. Students are honored that a coach watches them and ends up trying to recruit them. It helps them the realize that their hard work is actually paying off.

“After I visited Nova, I honestly felt at home,” explained Stimmell, moving Nova to the top of the list after she toured the school. The girls and

coaches welcomed her with open arms, even before she was made an offer. Once the offer was extended, it did not take her long to accept. Feeling blessed, she was excited to go through with this commitment. She truly feels that, “Nova was where God was leading me to be.” Stimmel added “I can’t wait to be a part of this team.”

sport, Stimmell has learned the value of reaction.

She knows that sometimes things will not go exactly how they are planned, and some people won’t do exactly what is wished of them. Stimmell’s kind and strong hearted attitude is what makes her a valuable player in reacting to these types of situations. She has learned never give up, especially on a dream.

With the recent commitment, she is already creating friendships with the girls and coaches. For her, there is no insecurity about settling in. Her teammates have been kind to her and she feels extremely honored to be given this opportunity.

She will be playing as a Middle Hitter for Nova and is already dying to get on their court.

“When bad things happen in a game, it’s how you respond to them that tells what kind of player you are,” said Stimmell. Volleyball has been part of her life for a very long time. Through the

Getting recruited from a top of the list school is a major achievement for anyone. Stimmell cannot wait to officially become a Nova player next year. She can truly feel all of her hard work, dedication, and strength paying off. Volleyball has had a strong impact on the kind of person she has become, and she grateful for that. The sport has definitely pushed her at some points in her life, but now, looking back at those times, she appreciates how far she has gotten because of it.

Page 14 Florida Sporting News • 10/19/15 - 10/26/15

Foundation Academy Football make History on Friday Night

by Greyson Everidge

The Fountain Academy Lions Football team, (4-4) with a (2-0) record in Class 2A District 4, won an overtime thriller against the Victory Christian Academy Storm, (2-5) late Friday night, giving the Lions their first ever district title.

The game, which went beyond the typical regulation time, traded leads back and forth the entire game until the climax, when Foundations Academy Senior running back Gabe Walker tied up the game at 28 with 30 seconds left to send the game into overtime.

for a touchdown.

Earlier during the game, Foundation had built up a 21-7 to lead, with Christian Academy rallying back and taking a lead of their own with a score of 28-21.

players, as they should, celebrated like there was no tomorrow. You could tell how excited they were to have won, and the players clearly understood what the victory meant not only to them, but also the school. This was the school’s first ever district title and as a result, Foundation Academy will also host their first ever play-off game at their stadium.

After a solid performance and even more impressive comefrom-behind win, the Lions will surely be looking to take the win in their first playoff game. With The first play of boosted confidence OT was played by the Storm, which This was then the point where school from this match, the offense and in the end came to nothing after the hero, Gabe Walker ran an unbelievable defense alike will be confident that Lions defense stepped up big-time and play to tie up the game with seconds they can get the job done and make made the stop. The Lions offense came left, while their own fans left the history yet again by winning the out hitting hard, and the same Senior stands anticipating that they would school’s first ever play-off game. running back who ran the tying play, inevitably lose.

Gabe Walker, pulled through with the After the game ended the Lions game-winning, district- clinching run

10/19/15 - 10/26/15 • Florida Sporting News

Page 15

Lake Highland Prep’s Resurgent Season Won’t See Playoffs

by Jason Negron

ORLANDO – It goes without mentioning that the Lake Highland Prep Highlanders (5-2, 1-2 in 4A District 5), has had a complete turnaround season from a year ago. The 2014 season that witnessed the Highlanders win just one game is simply a thing of the past. Coach Cameron Duke put the LHP football program back on the map.

Unfortunately, LHP’s five-win season thus far, will not result in a trip to the playoffs despite their 5-2 record being tied for tops in District 5. An 18-14 district loss to Astronaut (4-3, 3-0 in 4A District 5), put LHP’s district record at 1-2 and knocked the Highlanders out of playoff contention.

Cocoa (5-2, 2-0 in 4A District 5), and Astronaut will battle next week for the district title, but

both schools are playoff bound.

Quarterback Elijah Lucas started the October 16 matchup against Astronaut with a couple of deep passes and a 15-yard passing score to tight end Bryton Belvin to give the Highlanders an early 6-0 lead.

Though the loss put a halt to Lake Highland’s playoff hopes, there is much excitement in regards to the Highlander’s future. Only three seniors will be leaving Cameron Duke’s squad this year. This means the majority of this year’s great team will be returning.

Lake Highland will end their season with an

After Astronaut scored 10 unanswered points in the second quarter, the Highlanders responded defensively in the third quarter with a 70-yard fumble recovery for a touchdown by cornerback JJ Sheikh.

October 23 homecoming game against Holy Trinity Episcopal (6-1, 1-0), followed by a district matchup with Jones (2-6, 0-2 in 4A District 5), and finally wrap up the season with a home game against Trinity Prep (6-1, 2-0).

The score put the Highlanders back on top 1210, but the Astronaut’s Devell Taylor scored on a run from four yards out in the final quarter to decide the game.

Finishing the season with eight wins after the 2014 season that saw eight losses would be huge for the Highlander’s program. A ton of momentum is heading into the 2016 Lake Highland Prep season.

Page 16 Florida Sporting News • 10/19/15 - 10/26/15