FSN #16

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Volume 1 • Issue 16

Nov 9 - Nov 23 2015

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Cameron Duke

2015 FACA Class 4A Coach of the Year

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 • 11/9/15 - 11/23/15

Class 8A Playoff Schedule NOV 13

Regional Quarterfinals G1 11/13 @ 7:30p Mandarin Oviedo

Dr. Phillips Steinbrenner G6 11/13 @ 7:30p Manatee Oak Ridge

G2 11/13 @ 7:30p Lake Brantley Sandalwood

G7 11/13 @ 7:30p Osceola Treasure Coast

Regional Quarterfinals G3 11/13 @ 7:30p Timber Creek Apopka

G8 11/13 @ 7:30p Vero Beach Gateway

G4 11/13 @ 7:30p West Orange Boone G5 11/13 @ 7:30p

NOV 13

G13 11/13 @ 7:30p American Columbus

Regional Quarterfinals G9 11/13 @ 7:30p Palm Beach Gar- G14 11/12 @ 7p Coral Gables dens Hialeah Boca Raton

G10 11/13 @ 7:30p G15 11/13 @ 3p Belen Jesuit Atlantic Southridge Wellington G11 11/13 @ 7:30p G16 11/13 @ 7:30p Deerfield Beach South Dade Southwest Plantation G12 11/13 @ 7:30p Flanagan Piper

11/9/15 - 11/23/15 • Florida Sporting News

Page 3

Orlando Makes Magic In Philadelphia

By Sarah Acevedo

PHILADELPHA - Despite holding sixth place in the NBA power rankings, The Toronto Raptors took a 92-87 loss to the Orlando Magic on Friday night. Coming off of a win like that, it is no wonder the Magic came in hot to Philadelphia on Saturday night. Beating the 76ers 105-97 on their own court, the Orlando Magic are proving themselves to be a contender in the NBA this season. Shooting with 80 percent accuracy, Orlando’s point guard Elfrid Payton scored 20 points on Saturday night, giving the Magic their remarkable win.

To complement Payton’s impressive accuracy, seven of the Orlando Magic’s

players put up double digits on Saturday.

Small forwards Evan Fournier and Tobias Harris put up a combined total of 26 points, and sixth man Aaron Gordon put up 10. Shabazz Napier, who Miami traded to Orlando for his sophomore year in the NBA, disappointed with but a single point.

Jason Smith, matching Aaron Gordon’s 10-point outcome, got into an altercation with the 76er’s Nerlens Noel, resulting in Noel’s ejection from the game at the end of the third quarter. Smith elbowed Nerlens, which engendered Nerlens to elbow Smith in the head (alá Rajon Rondo’s elbow to Lance Stephenson’s head in 2014).

Isaiah Canaan, the 76ers point guard, put up 23 points for the losing team. Canaan even shot 18 points worth of 3-pointers.

However, all of his efforts were futile against Orlando. Out with a knee injury, Nikola Vucevic was unable to play against his preceding NBA team. Vucevic was replaced by Dewayne Dedmon who went 8 for 8 against the 76ers. Evidently, there is no motivation like defeating a powerranked team, and that definitely played a role in Orlando’s win against the 76ers.

Let’s see what Orlando brings to the table against the Pacers on Monday night.

Oak Ridge routs Olympia, clinches playoffs for third straight year

By Matthew Anetrella

ORLANDO, Fla. -Oak Ridge (7-2) had qualified for the state playoffs 2 seasons in a row and looked to do it again against the Olympia Titians (5-4).

Defensive star for Oak Ridge Chris Tooly had Olympia receivers on lockdown and picked off quarterback 3 times, and returning one interception for 64-yard touchdown that set the tone of the game for Oak Ridge. There was an abundant of flags on both teams but Oak Ridge stayed strong and came out with the victory 32-16. Tyrek Tisdale led Oak Ridge on the ground, rushing for 100 yards and a TD. He had a very good 65-yard run for a TD but it was called back due to a crucial penalty.

The Oak Ridge running game was dominating Olympia’s defense piling up 295 yards in the game from quarterbacks Quandry Jones and Deandre Weaver. On Olympia’s side, Jeff James had a great game catching six passes for 65 yards while being contested by talented cornerback Tooly.

He also had a fantastic 65-yard punt return for a TD which was brought back due to a penalty that helped Oak Ridge keep

the lead. Olympia Running Back Taymel Christian did the best he could adding 102 yards on the ground.

Olympia had an interception that set them up to score and potentially make the game close but Tooly had a clutch interception near Oak Ridge’s end-zone and returned it 49 yards to put Oak Ridge’s offense in a good position. “He’s a gamer. Big-time players make big-time plays and he’s definitely a big-time player for us,” said teammate Sapp. Tooly gave up playing basketball to play Varsity football and he is only in his second season with the team. He had six interceptions last season and already has five this season.

The Titans fell one win shy of reaching the playoffs but the record they fought for this season was an improvement from the 1-9 season last year. The Titans last regular season game was at home against Winter Park. The Titans

finished 6-4 after beating Winter Park in a shootout 27-24.

Oak Ridge finished their last regular-season game at home against Lyman and came out with a 19-9 victory. Lyman finished their regular season at 1-9 while Oak Ridge surge into the playoffs with an 8-2 record.

Page 4 Florida Sporting News • 11/9/15 - 11/23/15

Foundation Academy Ready for First Competitive Cheer Season

by Andrea Lerner WINTER GARDEN - Foundation Academy is honored to announce their first competitive cheerleading team just in time for the season.

With this being their first year, the girls on the team are ready to overcome any obstacles that are thrown their way.

achieve these things along with simple mats to practice on. The FA team is doing all they can to stay positive and keep moving forward.

“The work is worth it,” explained Lord.

“We want to compete in state finals,” said Reilly Lord, senior.

As someone who has competed in club competitive cheerleading, Lord is ready for the event to start at her own school. Being a senior, she is determined to prepare the girls as much as possible so that they can only get better.

The girls are preparing for Regionals, which will determine if they can complete their goal of making it to States.

“We’ve already encountered many trials,” stated Lord.

Even though the season has only just started, the girls are fully aware of the problems they face. The team has run into funding issues being that this is their first year competing, along with places to practice. Coming from a small, private, institution, it has been difficult for them to

Being able to get this type of team started has not been easy. Along with the challenges the team is already facing, the girls are reminding everyone that it is completely worth it. Even seeing small parts of the hard work pay off, has kept everyone going. Each member of the team went into this creation fully knowing of the amount of hard work and determination it required. Teammates like Lord, are confident that every part of it is worth it in the end.

“I’m so excited to see how this season unfolds,” said Lord.

Working hard in her past, Lord is more than ecstatic to work even harder for the school she attends.

With the most knowledge next to the coaches, she is thrilled to help out with the other teammates. For her personally, she has already seen some of her hard work paying off. The major factor being making this opportunity a success for her last year of high school.

Each member of the team is working hard in practice to prepare for this first year. The FA girls are confident in their skill level and passion for the sport to take them all the way. As they go into competitions, states is the main thing on everyone’s mind. This constant push for success is in the back of each member’s heads as they compete. In the coming weeks, they will hopefully achieve their first goal of their first season.

11/9/15 - 11/23/15 • Florida Sporting News

Page 5

Dr Phillips Demolishes Evans High School

by Sarah Acevedo

ORLANDO - It was a victorious Friday night at home for the Panthers of Dr. Phillips High School (7-3, 4-0 in 8A District 5) as they defeated the Evans Trojans (1-9) in Orlando. After coming off a tough loss to Apopka (9-1, 2-1 in 8A District 4) at home, Evans was ill-prepared when they stepped on the field. Doctor Phillips, on the other hand, had already brought home

their eighth consecutive district championship title this season.

Although these young men are merely high school students, Dr. Phillips’ football team functions as a unit. During their time on offense against Evans, thirteen players got their hands on the ball to complete their seven scoring touchdowns. After a hasty slew of defensive plays by Evans, Dr. Phillips’ Emare Hogan completed an immaculate seventeen yard run, only to follow up with another excellent 14 yard run

by DJ Charles. Budding sophomore, Michael

MacNeil, truly proved himself with an outrageous block on Evans’ safety, leading Doctor Phillips to score their first of seven touchdowns.

Cornerback Chance Bush and defensive end Nick Smith proved themselves the perfect pair, teaming up to sack Evans’ quarterback and initiating a fumble regained by Tashaun Lindquist.

Three

plays down the road, Dr. Phillips’ quarterback Marvin Washington showcased his killer arm when he sunk an eloquent pass directly to Jaquarius Bargnare for their second touchdown of the night to close out the first quarter.

Heading into the second quarter, Doctor Phillips’ immediately put numbers on the scoreboard. Jaquarius Bargnare and Emare Hogan each facilitated one of three first downs. Hogan completed a ten-yard pass to Niko McMillan for the third touchdown of the game. Henry

Caldwell, a Doctor Phillips junior, intercepted a pass for a 20-yard return. Playing strategically off of Caldwell, Raekwon Thomas completed a five yard run for the fourth touchdown of the evening. With Evans attempting a punt before the end of the first half, Doctor Phillips’ did not waste a single second as Bargnare brought home yet another first down, and Marvin Washington brought out that remarkable arm yet again for a flawless pass to Emare Hogan.

After the first half, Dr. Phillips was still taking no mercy on Evans. With 82 driven yards in just eight plays, Caleb Walls lit up the night catching two gorgeous passes to set up the penultimate touchdown of the night, shared by Walls and Demaria Washington. With Evans left in the dust, Dr. Phillips’ Devodney Alford drove home the final touchdown for a satisfying win.

Dr. Phillips will host a 9-1 Steinbrenner team in their first playoff matchup Friday, November 13.

Page 6 Florida Sporting News • 11/9/15 - 11/23/15

Bishop Moore Wins Regional Finals to Advance

by Andrea Lerner

ORLANDO - The Bishop Moore girls volleyball team (26-4), won this month’s regional finals match against Pompano Beach (13-11). This win not only adds to their record, but further advances them into the playoffs.

Every girl on the team decided to unite their strength to pull off amazing plays. Together, the team had 10 kills and 1 assist while also tailing 19 digs and 3 aces. Each player on the court was fully aware of her surroundings and prepared for what could come The team won 3-0 after three sets. next. The Hornets team constantly had Throughout the game, the players were their teammates in their head when putting in more and more effort as making passes and plays. each set came. They discovered that as long as they really wanted the win, This win over Pompano sent the Horthey would get it. Coaches and parents nets to 5A state final four. It was there were more than thrilled at the hard that they took on Robinson (23-10) to work ethic put into this match. come out with another 3-0 win. This game was played last week and sent

the Bishop Moore girls to the state championship. The team went into this game dominating right from the start.

Next up for the Hornets is the state championship, taking place on the morning of November 14th. The girls will face Bishop Kenny (23-8) and hope to come out with a well-deserved win. The team feels more than grateful to be given this opportunity. Each and every one of them is full of pride in how far they have come this season.

Win or lose, they are overjoyed at how close they have bonded as a team to gain such an impressive record.

11/9/15 - 11/23/15 • Florida Sporting News

Edgewater Starts Soccer Season Off With a Win

by Andrea Lerner

ORLANDO - The Edgewater girls’ soccer team (4-0-1) successfully started their season with a win against Lake Highland Prep earlier this month. They won by a score of 1-0. As the game began, both

of every player, especially their own teammates. In soccer, they must know what is going on at every end of the field to make their drive successful.

Even though they are just starting off the season, the Edgewater girls are acting as if they are prepared for anything and everything. They can’t wait to show off their skills and coordination to parents and coaches. For seniors, they are excited to end their last year with a solid record. Not only do they hope to advance far teams were ready for a challenge. While this season, they plan to use every minute the game remained scoreless, the girls on they have on the field to their advantage. the field pushed harder each second they

had. With some blocked passes and score- The Fightin’ Eagles will take on Evans less drives, the Edgewater Fightin’ Eagles (0-2) next and hope to leave their home fought for the upper hand. that night with another win under their

jerseys. While the girls plan to hold the While each team did not want to stress advantage in this match, they know not themselves to the point of defeat, the game to expect it. The team will be practicpressed on. The players were committed ing their maneuvers specifically for this to not only themselves but each other as game, so they will be ready when clock well. Each girl fully knows to be aware starts.

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Page 8 Florida Sporting News • 11/9/15 - 11/23/15

Montverde Academy Given Gift of Cancer Survivor Coach

by Andrea Lerner

MONTVERDE - The Montverde Academy volleyball team (17-9) has been more than grateful for the coach that has made them successful this season. Rachel Adams, who nationally ranked as a volleyball player for Lake Sumter State, recently overcame the biggest challenge of her life, cancer.

Adams was diagnosed with small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of the cervix when she was 26 years old. She was told she only had six months, but that didn’t stop her from living. She began coaching at Montverde last year, when a spot opened up and she immediately jumped at the opportunity.

She has survived 5 years in a battle with cancer that most succumb to within the first year. With clean tests, Adams has overcome the battle for her life, but knows it could change any moment

due to the cancers aggressive form. The girls she coaches have been inspired by her, and have shown her their gratitude with an impressive record this season. Adams is now holding a big opportunity in her hands for Montverde, beach volleyball. “It’s very exciting, the campaign for capital should be completed very soon, said Adams.

Coach Adams is thrilled to bring beach volleyball to a school she has only been a part of for a year. The girls on the team have fallen in love with the sand and can’t wait to get started.

The Montverde team will begin training in local sand courts next week. 3-time allAmerican beach volleyball player at Florida State University, Aurora Davis, will help guide the program along with her husband, Josh Davis. “Beach also greatly improves an indoor players serve receive, defense, strategic offense, and vertical jump,” explained Adams.

The girls on the team feel relieved to get a break from the solid, wood gym floors. The impact of the transition will greatly affect the risk they take on their joints. The entire team has admitted to forgetting that they are even training, because of how much they enjoy the sport.

Adams has a goal set for her new team to play in tournaments, and she is excited to meet it. If all goes well, players will be sent to local beach tournaments starting summer of 2016.

Coach Adams knows that any day, her body could dramatically change on her. Over the past five years, she has learned to not let her diagnosis take over her life. She knows she only has one time to live, and has accepted the fact that she absolutely cannot waste it. Her team is inspired by her to work harder not only for her, but for themselves. Adams is humbled to be a part of such a school, and plans to bring all she has to the table for the future of the beach team.

11/9/15 - 11/23/15 • Florida Sporting News

Page 9

West Orange Geared for Playoffs

by Jason Negron

WINTER GARDEN – The West Orange Warriors (9-1, 3-0 in 8A District 4) has developed into the strongest team in Central Florida. After a season of impressive wins and just a single loss, the Warriors took care of Ocoee (6-4, 4-2 in 7A District 4) with a 46-7 victory to wrap up the season.

The neighboring matchup between West Orange and Ocoee is known as the “Shield Game” rivalry. Ocoee appeared to have let their shield down early, giving up huge plays to West Orange QB, and FACA Player of the Year, Woody Barrett.

Barrett added 196 yards through the air and 79 rush yards to his repertoire. His four touchdowns, two pass and two rush, helped the Warriors coast to a win.

With a district title in the books, and the regular season complete, the playoffs are what West Orange has to look forward to.

The Boone Braves (6-5, 3-1 in 8A District) will visit the Warriors in a first-round playoff battle on Friday, November 13. If West Orange were to come out on top, it would mark the third consecutive season West Orange has 10-plus wins in a season; a school record. That feat would add to the fact that West Orange clinched their district for a second straight year. Bob Head’s tenure as a West Orange coach has been superb.

by Greyson Everidge Barrett and star wide receiver Eddie McDoom will look to carry this West Orange team toward a state championship.

While Barrett is all set on attending Auburn in 2016, McDoom is still undecided after receiving numerous offers from some of the best programs the NCAA has to offer. The latest being Michigan. McDoom has considered offers from Florida, Alabama, Oregon, among others.

West Orange is entering the Class 8A District playoffs amongst the favorites to win it all. Of course, one cannot count out the defending state champion Apopka Blue Darters (9-1, 2-1 in 8A District 4) whose only loss this year came against West Orange. But West Orange plans on winning it all.

Page 10 Florida Sporting News • 11/9/15 - 11/23/15

Apopka Set for Title Defense

by Jason Negron

APOPKA – Coach Rick Darlington has implemented a championship culture in the Apopka (9-1, 2-1 in 8A District 4), football program.

With the regular season all wrapped up following a 49-14 thrashing over district foe Evans (1-9, 0-3 in 8A District 5), the Blue Darters are poised for a third title run in four years. Apopka won the state championship in 2012 and 2014.

The Blue Darters were led in the win over Evans by star sophomore running back Deshawn Massey. His 156 yards rushing, including a 55-yard touchdown to open the game, headlined a ground attack for Apopka that compiled 371 yards in the final game.

Massey amassed 1,000 rushing yards on the season with his performance, joining quarterback Demetri Burch.

Quality championship teams are able to run the ball effectively and play dominant defense; Apopka has proven they can excel in both categories. It’s their effectiveness in those areas that has gotten the Blue Darters two championships in three years.

The dynamic duo of Massey and Burch, two 1000-yard rushers, will help carry this Apopka team to a potential third title in four years, fourth overall in school history.

Apopka opens up postseason play Friday, November 13 when they travel to face District 3 champion Timber Creek (7-3, 4-0 in 8A District 3). The Class 8A playoffs are jam-packed full of great football programs. Apopka will face familiar obstacles in pursuit of a fourth state title.

11/9/15 - 11/23/15 • Florida Sporting News

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The Undefeated Battle Between Lake Brantley and Bishop Moore

by Aleesia Hatcher

ORLANDO – TheLake Brantley Patriots (10-0) took on the Bishop Moore Hornets (9-1) for their homecoming game on Friday, November 6, 2015. The two teams were undefeated, but Lake Brantley took home the

Lake Brantley, who is ranked No. 6, kept their lead the entire game against Bishop Moore who is ranked No. 3.

ending the game 42-6 and leaving Lake Brantley with the win. In the second half the Patriots scored five consecutive touchIn the second quarter the Hornets Seth Araya downs. made their first touchdown from a 20-yard pass made by CJ McNeal.

Jared Bernhardt finished the game with 20 Failing to get the 2-point con- carries, 163-yards and three touchdowns. version left the score at 7-6.

Trace Christian made the final touchdown of The Patriots scored two more the night ending the game with 14 carries, touchdowns, credited to Tim 146 yards and two touchdowns. Eric Butler Marinan (28) and Jared Berfinished the game by intercepting two passes nhard, before the end of the on their 20-yard line. first half leading 21-6. In the first half the Patriots already The big plays of the game were made by had over 12 plays with 80 Lake Brantley with their rushing yards. yards.

The Patriots remain undefeated and is going Coming into the second half into the playoffs hoping for a win. with seven minutes left in the third quarter, Patriots corner back Eric Butler intercepted the ball, having quarterback Jared Bernhardt scoring his second touchdown of the night with 55 rushing yards, keeping the lead 28-7.

The game kicks off with the Hornets kicking off the ball to the Patriots. With six minutes left in the first quarter, the first touchdown of the game was a 1-yard touchdown by the

Nine minutes left in the fourth quarter Trace Christian made the final touchdown with a 2-yard rushing touchdown,

win 42-6, making them 10-0. Since it was the last game during the regular season the Hornets did not go down without a fight.

Patriots running back Trace Christian taking the lead 0-7.

Page 12 Florida Sporting News • 11/9/15 - 11/23/15

West Orange Volleyball Makes Best Record Ever

by Andrea Lerner

WINTER GARDEN - The West Orange girls’ volleyball team (26-4) has set an enormous record this season. They advanced to regional finals for the first time ever. “We are so proud of each other,” said Bailey Long, senior.

The Lady Warriors lost the regional final match against Winter Springs (29-2) this month. Even with this loss, the team could not be happier at how far they came. Going into the season, the girls were determined to make this year their best one yet.

Especially for the seniors, the players wanted to give all they had this season.

After this loss, they know they have achieved their goal by setting a new record for their program. “It felt great to make history,” stated Long.

With the final score coming out to a 0-3 loss for the Warriors, they pushed through every set with all the effort they had. The girls went into the game knowing that their program record was already advanced by just making it to this match. Even then, the team came together and worked for every pass and play they made.

Although the Lady Warriors will not be advancing to the state championship, they are not bitter about losing. Each player left the match against Winter Springs thrilled to have made such an impact on their school’s programs.

Players like Long, who are seniors, feel as if they now have set their place on the team and have shown the impact it has made on them over the past four years of playing.

Next season, the girls on the team will have big shoes to fill without the seniors. But those who played this year will carry on the hard work and determination they developed.

With this, the West Orange team can only hope to go even further for next season. While everyone is ready for a break, those who are truly dedicated will keep practicing and pushing for next year. The Lady Warriors are now focused on improving their skills and techniques to better themselves and the team for the following year.

11/9/15 - 11/23/15 • Florida Sporting News

Page 13

West Orange Kicking Into Gear For Soccer Season

by Andrea Lerner

WINTER GARDEN - The West Orange girls soccer team (0-2) is more than ready to start their upcoming season. With a goal of practicing harder than last year to win more, the girls are ready to go far.

“We’ve always focused on playing hard for each other,” said Josie Banks, senior.

Over the past few years, the team has struggled with injuries after the regular season. One of the goals this year is to keep everyone healthy and secure. The Lady Warriors truly feel connected as a team for this season and are ready to go into every game prepared. Their motto is to play as one, and play for everyone on the team. “We can’t focus on just one team,” stated Banks.

factor that shouldn’t be applied this season. With all the games coming up, the team is undoubtedly trying to prepare for all of them. As they are excited for games such as the one that falls on senior night, they have learned not to prepare for any specific game. “We’re trying to be the most fit that we have been,” explained Banks.

Lady Warriors are determined to go far this year. They believe that their results should reflect their work.

With that being said, they are aware that if they really do not try in a game, they deserve the loss. Players like Banks are determined to make this season better than last year’s.

The girls will do all they can to fulfill this goal.

For the seniors, this is their last shot The West Orange team will take on at working hard for this team before Dr. Phillips next and plan to add a they go off to college. For those win to their starting record. Starting continuing the sport in college, they off with two losses has been nothing have set a goal of dedicating this but motivation for the team. Each year to developing more as a player, practice they are constantly focusing to give the school the best that they on pushing harder to get better than have to offer. As a team in, the girls they were the day before. With this are working themselves harder than immense amount of focus, the Lady ever to give everyone the chance to Warriors are more than confident work harder throughout each game. they will accomplish more than their The girls admit to sometimes let“We can compete in every game we own goals this season. ting teams stay in certain games that play,” said Banks. they should just knock out in a win.

Coach Jen Welter (1st female NFL Coach) Players like Banks believe that is a With hard work and dedication, the & NFL Alumni President Mike Attardi

Page 14 Florida Sporting News • 11/9/15 - 11/23/15

2015 FACA Class 4A Coach of the Year: Cameron Duke

by Jason Negron

ORLANDO – The Lake Highland Prep Highlanders brought in Cameron Duke in 2014 and he certainly knew he would have a tough task ahead in bringing the Lake Highland football program back to supremacy.

into understanding that football is such a selfless game,” Duke said. “You really have to put others first and become a family. What we’ve seen is guys that serve each other, love each other and lay it down for each other every day.

His inaugural year, in 2014, saw a Lake Highland Prep losing streak that extended more than 20 games. An abysmal 1-8 finish overshadowed the great potential that lay within the young Lake Highland Prep team. Coach Duke knew of his team’s untapped potential, and that potential would be on display in a huge turnaround 2015 season.

Duke has led a team full of underclassmen, with only three seniors, into believing they could win at this level. Young kids like sophomore running back Devyn Castor, freshman QB Elijah Lucas, and athletic defender Desmond King lead a group of Highlanders that fans could have fun watching in the upcoming years. Senior defensive lineman Clifton Askew will leave his mark on this program, but Duke will have this team in great hands.

Lake Highland’s 6-4 record this season not only signaled a rejuvenation, but it proved that the young Highlanders team was responding to Cameron Duke’s message. Thus, Cameron Duke was awarded the 2015 FACA Class 4A Coach of the Year for the outstanding turnaround.

This is a team that scored more points in this years’ first two games (114) than they did in all of 2014 (94).

“I think the guys, (LHP football team), bought

“Our whole goal is to get better each day. If we continue to do that, then the sky is the limit for this (LHP) group. As coaches, it’s so much bigger than football. We’re trying to hopefully teach these boys to be great men,” Duke said.

The sky is definitely the future for this Lake Highland team. Though they barely missed this year’s playoffs, they won five more games this year than all of last.

East River Takes on Wekiva

by Aleesia Hatcher

Orlando- The East River Falcons (1-9) took on the Wekiva Mustangs (6-4) on November 6, 2015. With the Mustangs taking home the win winning 42-0.

East River had 47 plays, 18 first downs, 20-penalty yards, and 4 penalties. Wekiva had 56 plays, 18 first downs, 9 penalties, and 59 penalty yards.

In the first quarter Davante Walwyn got a 15- yard touchdown pass to make the score 6-0.

In the second quarter the Falcons attempt a field goal but was blocked by Oscar Salazar.

Ending the first half of the game with the Mustangs in the lead12-0.

In the second half the Falcons came back out strong but the Mustangs still over through them with a safety done by Jaron Jones. Bakhari Goodson intercepted the ball. The Mustangs scored the last touchdown in the fourth quarter, closing out the game 42-0.

11/9/15 - 11/23/15 • Florida Sporting News

Page 15

Lake Highland Prep Wraps Up Remarkable Season

by Jason Negron

ORLANDO – The Lake Highland Highlanders (6-4, 1-3 in 4A District 5,) will look back on this 2015 season with a big smile on their faces.

The turnaround from a season ago could not be referenced enough. Making a quick transition from a one-win season to a sixwin season is a remarkable feat. That’s what head coach Cameron Duke led his young football team to do, coinciding with Duke being awarded FACA Coach of the Year honors.

Lake Highland wrapped up the season with a November 6 nail-biting 42-41 loss to Trinity Prep (8-2, 2-1). Quarterback Malik Davis put Lake Highland Prep in position to tie the game in OT with his two-yard scoring scamper, but Trinity Prep came and blocked the extra point attempt to clinch the win.

Clifton Askew headlines a small group of three seniors leaving Lake Highland this year. While ballplayers like Askew aren’t easy to replace, the bulk of underclassmen ready to come back next year following their

Freshman Malik Davis and sophomore Elijah Lucas have both shown promise in the quarterback position. Desmond King, a sophomore, is a ball hawk on defense. E.J. Jimenez is a playmaking pass catcher on the outside, and he is also a sophomore.

six wins this season have all the potential in the world.

Starting running back Devyn Castor has a nose for the end zone. He’s constantly making plays on the ground, cutting left, cutting right and making defenders look foolish as he picks up yards for the Highlanders. Devyn Castor is only a sophomore, so Lake Highland has two more years of his talent.

In summation, the Lake Highland core was literally filled with sophomores. They gathered together and put six wins on the board. The next two years could potentially see Lake Highland turn into a Class 4A monster.

Page 16 Florida Sporting News • 11/9/15 - 11/23/15