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Volume 2 • Issue 1
Jan 13 - Jan 27 2016
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Featuring All-American Game, The Florida Cup, Boys Basketball, Girls Soccer and Much More . . .
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Victory Martial Arts School Latest Blackbelt Graduates
Page 2 Florida Sporting News • 1/14/16 - 1/27/16
14 For 14: Windermere Preparatory School
by Sarah Acevedo
The Lakers of Windermere Preparatory School started their spring season off with a bang as team captain, Parker Davis, brought in 10 points for a double digit win although they closed out the fall portion of their season with only one loss, it does not seem as though the Lakers are willing to sit back and enjoy what is left by relaxing. The Lakers are captained by a young man who lives for athletics, and he has begun the spring season strongly. After closing out the fall portion of their season with a remarkable record of 11-1, it is safe to say that it is about time we get to know the young man behind the ball who is making this kind of teamwork possible. After interviewing Windermere’s captain, here are a few things that you may or may not have known about Parker Davis: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14.
My favorite teams are the Patriots and Detroit Pistons I like watching movies I've been lucky enough to go to 3 Super Bowls and 2 national football championship games I have 3 dogs My first varsity sport was tennis My favorite tv show is Family Guy My favorite artist is ASAP Rocky I didn't play quarterback in middle school I'm a sneaker head I like watching movies I've been to Europe My favorite subject is English I threw a no hitter in baseball I like eating pizza
1/14/16 - 1/27/16 • Florida Sporting News
Page 3
West Orange’s Eddie McDoom Commits to Oregon
by Greyson Everidge
ORLANDO - West Orange High School’s Eddie McDoom has officially confirmed his commitment to the Oregon Ducks on Twitter in a short but to the point tweet that read, “Officially committed to the University of Oregon”. In the picture attached to the tweet he can be seen standing with two of the coaches who head the program. With the commitment, the 6 foot, 170 pound wide receiver has snubbed many other top football teams across the country including Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Miami, Michigan, Michigan State, Ohio State, Oklahoma, Tennessee and many others. While only rated a three-star recruit by 247Sports, the wide receiver is highly regarded by football fans and coaches alike and has been well known in the area for a number of years due to his great performances week in and week out. McDoom has been one of West Orange’s players who have made it to top schools recently as he joins now Notre Dame Player Dexter Williams, Stone
Forsythe University of Florida, Jalen Julius Ole Miss University and Auburn commit Woody Barrett among the top college commits. McDoom is primarily known for his explosive speed, and once he gets the football in his arms you can kiss him goodbye as that is his strong suit. He has great hands to gain control of the football, and paired with his ability to separate from his defender and run quick routes, he has become a great ballplayer. He helped carry West Orange to the State SemiFinals this year, and has already started to get love from Duck fans nationwide. Upon his big announcement he immediately received support over Twitter and Instagram from friends and fans alike. As the season winds down he will take part in the Under Armour All American game, a huge honor which will take place in McDoom’s hometown, Orlando, at the Citrus Bowl this coming Saturday, January 2. No matter which team you support,
football fans in general are looking forward to being able to watch McDoom at the next level on a national scale.
Page 4 Florida Sporting News • 1/14/16 - 1/27/16
NFL Alumni Central Florida Chapter Supports Area Youth By Barbara S. Tapp
Former players in the National Football League (NFL) may retire from the playing field, but not from contributing to their communities. Mike Attardi is a case in point. A place kicker for the L.A. Raiders and other NFL teams in the early 1990s, Attardi is now president of the Central Florida chapter of the NFL Alumni, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization of former professional football players, coaches and cheerleaders who have joined together to support local youth charities. Attardi says,”the NFL Alumni advances its mission of CARING FOR KIDS through hundreds of fund raising, community service and social events each year.” Some of these events are the high-profile Charity Golf Tour, Super Bowl of Golf and Super Bowl Weekend. Its Outreach Program is designed to educate and inspire young athletes to follow their dreams and to be good citizens. Just recently, Congressman Daniel Webster (10th Congressional District of Florida) said in a letter to Attardi, “As a philanthropic organization, your efforts have left a significant influence on many individuals and causes, Thank you for the financial resources you have generated, the long hours you have personally volunteered, and the care that you have exemplified in your work.”
dren with funds to feed and support over 3,000 local people in need.
Ron Jaworsky, Mike Attardi, Kellen Winslow Sr., Jack Youngblood, and Seneca McMillan at the NFL Alumni ground breaking assistant living facility in Ocoee
The chapter has also raise money and participated with West Orange High School for their “Save the Turf” project, the Wounded Warriors Amputee project, Wreaths Across America, The NFL Alumni Lake Whitney Elementary Golf Tournament, The first event NFL Alumni assisted living facility being built in Ocoee and also sponsored the first ever girl’s flag football game during the halftime of the sold-out game between Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Dallas Cowboys in November. The local girls who participated in that game were Arielle Samuel, Shanina Belmontes, Arisa Roboostoff, Amy Willams, Senei Santiago, Kendal Owens, Maranda Morales, Illiana Perez, Coach Epp and Coach Knight.
Local companies like Breitling watch, 360 Cookware, Universal Studios, Jersey Mike’s Subs, Miller/ Coors, E&J Gallo Winery and Audi South Orlando have all donated David Jones, Nate Attardi, Mike Attardi and Seneca McMillan at the money and products for the chapter Tampa Bay Buccaneers Football Game agains the Dallas Cowboys. to give away to local charities. Attardi says,”At the NFL Alumni, Kissimmee, FL 34746. The chapter learned that a Attardi heads up a recently formed, yet active, local our members connect with each other and contribgroup that donates proceeds from its events to ben- local charity, “One Heart for Women and Children” ute through charitable programs to strengthen our needed help. Mike rounded up the chapter and efit those in our community. Its next fundraiser is local communities.” His Central Florida Chapter collected over 700 toys for local homeless children the “Flavors of the NFL Alumni” event on Sunday, has already raised more than $80,000 in less than this Christmas. ”Flavors of the NFL Alumni” fund- ten months for local charities. January 24 at 2:00 p.m. at Regal Oaks Resort in raiser will support One Heart for Women and ChilKissimmee. Located at 5780 Golden Hawk Way
Party with NFL Players
Time: 2pm to 10pm Date: Jan. 24, 2016
Sample Award Winning Cuisines
www.nflalumni.org/events/flavors-nfl-alumni
go to: eventbrite.com
type in: “Flavors of the NFL Alumni”
1/14/16 - 1/27/16 • Florida Sporting News
Page 5
Windermere’s Blowout Year
by Sarah Acevedo
No need for New Year’s resolutions for the Windermere Prep Lakers as they’ve kicked off 2016 with three wins. As far as the whole season goes, the team has only taken one loss. Windermere met Hagerty for a neutral, non-conference game, and left as the reigning successors. Windermere captain Parker Davis put up an efficient 12 points, and shooting guard Xion Golding paid his dues to his team with an astronomical 22 points. When asked what he owes his abundance of confidence to, Davis said “we all trust each other to make plays so it makes it easier for everyone, and everyone has been shooting really well.” Davis also noted the vitality
of core fundamentals for the team as a whole, saying that he feels as though the team’s strong technique is what they owe their many successes to. The importance of not just dynamics, but concise fundamentals, really prove to be extensively useful with a team like Windermere. Flare and cocky playing might make for an entertaining quarter or so, but it’s a win that keeps a whole game interesting. After racking up a combined total of 21 assists, it is obvious where the strong points for Windermere lie on the court. Windermere will host their next two games at home, and are hoping to continue their winning streak even as they head back to competitor turf.
Page 6 Florida Sporting News • 1/14/16 - 1/27/16
Trinity Prep Throws Down in O-Town
by Brad Riddle
The Trinity Prep Saints basketball left with a win after Saturday’s “Showdown in O-Town.” The neutrallylocated tournament game against the Boone Braves ended with a score of 46-36. The Braves struggled with their shooting dynamics, as evidenced by their ten-point deficit. Boone’s Justin Butler put up 12 points, got his hands on 3 rebounds, and facilitated 3 assists. However, Butler’s pragmatic team-playing tactics were not enough to overcome the late surge of energy on Trinity Prep’s end of the court.
opponent 12-11 in the second quarter and 13-9 in the third quarter, Trinity Prep outscored Boone 11-2 in the first, and 15-9 in the fourth. Coach Irwin Hudson and Trinity Prep moved to 15-3 overall and 2-1 in district play, with that loss coming to Master’s Academy. Boone is now 11-7 overall and 5-1 in district play, with their loss coming to Timber Creek. Coach David Martinson and the Boone Braves will look to get back into the win column in a home game at 7:30 pm against Lake Nona (4-12 overall, 2-3 in district), on Tuesday, January 12th. The Trinity Prep Saints will look to keep their seven game winning streak going at home in a rivalry game against Lake Highland Prep (11-7 overall, 2-1 in district). That game is scheduled to tip off at 7:00pm on Friday, January 15th.
In what was mostly a low scoring, yet highly defensive game, it was the first quarter that foreshadowed what was to come in the midst of the fourth. The Braves the entire time with their ball handling skills, and a team that cannot shoot is essentially a team that cannot win. Even though Boone outscored their
Party with NFL Players
Time: 2pm to 10pm Date: Jan. 24, 2016
Sample Award Winning Cuisines
www.nflalumni.org/events/flavors-nfl-alumni
go to: eventbrite.com
type in: “Flavors of the NFL Alumni”
1/14/16 - 1/27/16 • Florida Sporting News
Page 7
Victory Martial Arts Gala... An Award Winning Success by Michael Attardi
Every year, in December, VICTORY MARTIAL ARTS celebrate their ANNUAL VICTORY GALA DINNER and Black Belt Ceremony. On December 20, 2015, THE GALA with the Theme of INSPIRATION was held at the Rosen Shingle Creek Resort and a new generation of martial artists received their black belts from the hands of Victory Masters. As Victory parents, my wife and I have seen our two sons grow into respectable and kind young men who are dedicated to martial arts. To witness the transition from white belt to black belt first degree was an incredible journey. My wife should have received her black for her motivation and determination of getting our sons to their weekly classes. Our sons and their classmates were trained by highly skilled teachers who care about our children on and off the Victory mats. We commend their commitment of excellence. It was not an easy journey but one that the whole family will always remember. We highly recommend the experience for your family. The Gala event also recognized their Team Members during the traditional Victory Awards Ceremony. The 2015 winner are: Inspiration Award: Master Hermann Von Schmeling; Instructor of the year: Mr. Cifre; Program Director of The Year: Mrs. Cifre; Team Player of the year: Mrs. Catlin and Program Director of the year for California: Mrs. Davis. The night was unforgettable with the performance of the Champions of XMA GAMES create by Mr. Mike Chat, the original Blue Power Ranger. On the stage of The Gala Dinner Victory presents: Mr. Leon & Mr. Malakov (Sync Team Champions); Mr. Chung (XMA Form Champion); Mr. Quartin (XMA Weapon Champion) and the Demo Team Champion 2015: Victory Windermere leading by Mr. Lossing. A Special performance coming from North Hollywood, CA with Mr. Chat Jr. & Mr. Davis and more Victory leaders and Showtime students demonstrate the powerful of Victory Leadership Program. The founder and president of Victory School of Life, CHIEF MASTER VON SCHMELING, spoke about the Victory vision and share with the parents and students the gratitude for many goals reached by Victory. The hard working masters and their staffs have helped mold young victory leaders, instructors and students of this huge organization. The Victory mission is to make America stronger, One Black Belt at a Time.
Victory Leaders during the Black Belt Book Camp at Rosen Shingle Creek,Saturday December 19th, 2015: Master Candidate Mrs. Von Schmeling, Master H. Von Schmeling, Master Nery and Master Candidate Mr. Souffrant Young Ladies, Victory Legacy & Leadership Members celebrating another successful year on Black Belt career
Master Von Schmeling Inspiration Award Winner 2015 here with his father, Victory Founder and President of Victory Chief Master Von Schmeling
The winners of the Night: Mr. Cifre, Instructor of the Year 2015, Mrs. Cifre, Program Director of the Year, Mrs. Catlin, Team Player of the Year, Mrs. Davis, Program Director of the Year for California State
Inspiration Award 2015 & Instructor of the Year 2015: Master H. Von Schmeling, Victory Leader Worldwide and co-founder of Victory Showtime, here with Mr.Cifre, Director of Victory Hunters Creek, Florida.
Chief Master Von Schmeling with new black belt members Mikey and Nate Attardi
Page 8 Florida Sporting News • 1/14/16 - 1/27/16
Local Basketball Sta
Chaundee Brown Jr. The First Academy Junior- 6’5” 195lbs
Damon Harge Orlando Christian Prep. Sophomore- 5’8” 175lbs
David Nickelberry Windermere Prep. Junior- 6’7” 200lbs
First Academy as one of five teams to watch in Florida boy’s basketball this season. The Royals, who were 26-5 and a Class 3A final four team in 2014-15, gained the notoriety after landing three of the top juniors in Orlando — Chaundee Brown, Malik William and Elijah Jordan — as transfers from perennial 8A power Dr. Phillips. With that trio and a history of success, First Academy is ranked No. 4 for all classes on a MaxPreps.com’s Florida Fab 5 list that is topped by three-time defending national champion Montverde
Nick Honor Lake Highland Prep. Sophomore- 5’10” 175lbs
Niko O Oak Rid Senior- 6’
Academy. “I think that’s grossly over-stating things at this point,” First Academy coach Chris Mayberry said of the acclaim. “We have talent, but we’ve done nothing yet.” Jordan, a 6-foot-1 guard, has been sidelined by a broken foot during the preseason. But Brown, a 6-5 wing already holding a long list of scholarship offers, and William, a 6-7 shot-swatter, will be major players.
1/14/16 - 1/27/16 • Florida Sporting News
Page 9
ars light-up the floor
Oliver dge High ’4” 195lbs
Wyatt Wilkens Winter Park High Junior- 6’7” 227lbs
John Mooney Lake Brantley High Senior- 6’9” 240lbs
Class 8A state runner-up Hagerty, 7A runner-up Kissimmee Osceola, 2A runner-up Agape Christian, and 6A semifinalist Edgewater joined First Academy as area entries in the state tournament last season. Hagerty, which has point guard Alex Keel but must play this season without injured senior Denzel Mahoney, is now in 7A while Osceola moves up to an 8A. Other big schools that could make a run for a state tourney berth include Winter Park, with 6-8 junior Wyatt Wilkes; Oak Ridge, with guards Michael Devoe and Niko Oliver; Lake Brantley, with 6-9 Notre Dame signee John Mooney; and DP, which still has Jus-
Michael Devoe Oak Ridge High Sophomore- 6’4” 195lbs
Malik Williams The First Academy Junior- 6’8” 220lbs
tin Tucker and tradition. Class 6A Deltona has high-scoring brothers Evan and Blake Hinson. Master’s Academy, coming off a 22-5 season, moves up from 3A to duel Lake Highland Prep and Trinity Prep in 4A, District 6. Windermere Prep has former First Academy forward David Nickleberry and joins the Royals as a threat in 3A. Agape, with 6-8 junior Darrion Fluker, now shares a district with Orlando Christian Prep, which has junior point guard Damon Harge back in its lineup.
Page 10 Florida Sporting News • 1/14/16 - 1/27/16
Under Armour All American Game comes to Orlando by Greyson Everidge
ORLANDO - One of the biggest high school football events is coming to the Citrus Bowl this Saturday, January 2, at 12 pm, as top prospect ball players are coming together to square off and take part in an event that will be watched nationwide by ex – NFL players, college coaches, and high school players alike. The event, which started on Monday and run through the second will take place at ESPN Wide World of Sports and the Citrus Bowl.
World of Sports facilities to help the athletes make final adjustments and get to know their teammates for the day. It also gives an opportunity for coaches and fans to get another look at the athletes who will be competing.
The Under Armour All American game has been running West Orange Quaterback Star Woody Barrett and three local fans Nate and for 8 years, and Mikey Attardi and their cousin, Luke Nordell from New Jersey has seen ProBowlers, first round NFL draft picks, two Super Bowl chamThere will be 23 Florida based players competpions and a Heisman Trophy Winner compete in ing, including Florida State commit Baveon the event. Johnson, Miami commits Sam Bruce and Jack Allison, Auburn commit Woody Barrett and Many festivities and competitions build up to Oregon commit Eddie McDoom. the final game which will be played on the second day of the New Year, and will be broadcast- The atmosphere is a serious one, and the athletes ed to a large number of sports fans on ESPN2. know they are there to turn up big and showcase Prior to that final game at the Citrus Bowl, their talents on a high level before they leave for training sessions will be held at the ESPN Wide college at the end of the their senior year. ESPN
has their top picks and players to watch, however in such a competitive event there is sure to be unexpected standouts and game changers that
flourish under the pressure and exposure that the game brings. All bets are off once the game starts, and the only way to truly predict what will happen will be to watch the game unfold on Saturday.
Party with NFL Players
Time: 2pm to 10pm Date: Jan. 24, 2016
Sample Award Winning Cuisines
www.nflalumni.org/events/flavors-nfl-alumni
go to: eventbrite.com
type in: “Flavors of the NFL Alumni”
1/14/16 - 1/27/16 • Florida Sporting News
Dr. Phillips Boys Basketball Wins Over Freedom by Andrea Lerner
ORLANDO - The Dr. Phillips basketball team (103-1), won their away match against Freedom (8-11), earlier this month. The score was 52-45 and the boys were ecstatic to bring home a win. The Panthers continued on to gain another win against West Orange (4-15-1). The team was excited to advance their record as they continue through the season. As most of the season had consisted of an impressive record for the Panther team, the boys were confident they could only get better. Freedom High went on to host Cypress Creek for an 8A District 5 test. The Freedom boys won this match to advance their record. Although they lost against Dr. Phillips, they were satisfied with their ability to bounce back into the game by winning their district test. As they attempt to advance their record, they continue to enjoy the game as a whole. Dr. Phillips has a number of players on their team ready to continue the season. As they are mid-way through, the boys on the team feel ready to take on whatever comes next. For those who are about to graduate, they are confident their skill level will take them all the way through college. As every player on the team knows, the game requires hard work and dedication. The Panther team is consistent in both of these qualities. They strive to shown their efforts throughout the season and are aware that they need to continue doing this. The boys are hopeful they can end the season on the best note possible.
Page 11
Page 12 Florida Sporting News • 1/14/16 - 1/27/16
Lake Highland Prep Loses Match Against Hagerty by Andrea Lerner
ORLANDO - The Lake Highland Prep girls’ soccer team (7-8-2), lost their home match against Hagerty (9-5-5), earlier this month. The final score of the game was 2-1, with the Hagerty girls leaving feeling confident.
to the field. Each and every game the Huskies are ready to go and advance their record this season. While the game did not end as planned, the Lake Highland team was ecstatic to have this game be the honorary senior night event. Seniors were recognized and most felt emotional as they realized this was their last year on the Highlander field. Those who are continuing the sport during their college career are excited to step onto new fields and continue the hobby they love.
The Hagerty team advances their ongoing record while Lake Highland backtracks on their goal. While the Highlanders are upset over their loss, they are not ready to let it define their team. They took on Winter Park (18-4,) and left the away game with another loss of 3-0. The team is confident they will learn from their mistakes as district games begin to approach.
While both teams are headed into different directions, the Highlanders and the Huskies both have a group of committed, hard-working girls ready to play the game. As district matches approach, both teams are preparing to work to the best of their ability. Towards the end of the season, girls are confident they will leave the field with great memories.
For the Hagerty girls, they are ready for the next match against Lake Mary to bring home another win. This group of girls is fully aware of their talents and skills, and are not afraid to bring it all
Lake Highland Prep Boys Basketball Wins Against Dr. Phillips by Andrea Lerner
ORLANDO - The Lake Highland Prep boys’ basketball team (11-7), won their match against Dr. Phillips (103-1), this month. The ending score was 74-60, and the Highlanders were satisfied with their game play. The Highlander team will next take on Jones (9-8). The boys are excited to continue on their outstanding record. As they are mid-way through the season, they are fully capable of continuing the season strongly. The team has significantly come together as one to achieve their common goal of getting as far as they can. As for the Panthers, they are confident in their skills and ability to keep going through the end of the season. Their loss against the Highlanders has boosted their confidence to continue to be a strong team. The Dr. Phillips team has
overcome each challenge they have faced so far, and they are prepared to keep doing it long term. As high school boys’ basketball is underway, the teams are ready for anything that is thrown their way. Records are becoming more important as the end of the season is coming close. Like any sport, basketball takes practice and patience to better anyone’s game. The boys have put in an intimate amount of dedication to the court to advance their team. High school teammates have become confident in their plays, and in each other to take them all the way. As the wins along the way matter, the work of a team ends up to matter more.
1/14/16 - 1/27/16 • Florida Sporting News
Page 13
German Powerhouses sweep Openers at Florida Cup
by Saúl Mauricio Torres
ESPN WIDE WORLD OF SPORTS - Both Bayern Leverkusen and FC Schalke were victorious in their opening games at the Florida Cup, which is being hosted at Disney’s ESPN Wide World of Sports this week in a series of competitive matches, including two of the biggest teams in the German Bundesliga. FC Schalke were the 2-0 victor over the US based Fort Lauderdale Strikers, who currently play in the NASL (National American Soccer League), which is the second division of soccer in the United States. Despite the relatively low score line, Schalke clearly dominated as the Strikers barley managed to break down the pitch on their Europa League opposition. Di Santo and Leroy Sane came up with the goals for the boys in blue. Bayern Leverkusen also came out on top 1-0 against Independiente Santa Fe. Santa Fe, who play in the Colombian top flight, could not find the final touch to level the score as Leverkusen
walked away with the late win and clean sheet. Stefan Kießling scored in the 87th minute of the match to secure the win for Leverkusen as they looked to start the year off right here in Orlando. Perhaps even more important than the scorelines themselves are the high quality teams being showcased here in Orlando during the Florida Cup, which is following a trend that most local soccer fans seem to like. Between the US Women’s National Team, the announcement of Copa America games to be played at the Citrus Bowl and the Bundesliga giants showcased throughout this week Orlando has become more of an international soccer destination each and every year. Leverkusen play at ESPN Wide World of Sports again against SC Internacional on Wednesday at 8:30 before the tournament moves south to Boca Raton where Schalke 04 take on Brazilian runner-ups Athletico Mineiro at FAU Stadium.
Page 14 Florida Sporting News • 1/14/16 - 1/27/16
Bishop Moore Brother and Sister both win State Titles by Greyson Everidge
ORLANDO – Winning a State Championship is certainly no easy task no matter the sport or event an athlete is competing in, however for Cameron and Connor Scheitzach a strong and healthy sibling rivalry only helped them both to accomplish a rare feat, as they brought home two State Championships in two different sports to the same household. Cameron, who is a sophomore volleyball setter, brought home the FHSAA Volleyball Title just a month before her older brother and junior Connor helped Bishop Moore win the FHSAA Football State Championship. They both use their unique relationship with each other to push one another, whether that be academically, athletically, or personally. “If I had to put my relationship with my sister in one word it would be competitive - on the field and in the classroom. “ said Connor. “I
well! I just used it as motivation.” Both teens feel as if the relationship they share is one of the main reasons for their success so far this school year. “My relationship with my brother is unique. It is the type of relationship that every younger sibling seeks-having someone to look up to, count on, and cherish memories with.” said Cameron. Yet despite their recent triumphs, neither Cameron nor Connor show any signs of slowing up. Both are continuing to work hard and paired with the experiences that they gained this year, plan to move forward to even better things. Connor is already looking forward to the baseball season, and Conner and Cameraon Scheitzach of Bishop Moore Cameron has the opportunity to win another two State Titles in her time at Bishop was constantly getting grief for not having Moore. Bishop Moore’s baseball team is won a ring before my younger sister. Not only arguably at their best since 2007, and Connor does not intend on waiting until the next footfrom my friends, but from my teachers as ball season to roll around for his shot at another ring. “After seeing her win in such a fashion, by coming from behind and serving the last 5 points to win States was the proudest I have ever been for my sister. I know how much she wanted to win States and I know how much work she had put in, and to see it all come together was honestly unbelievable!” said Connor. I was just as or maybe even more proud of her than my parents because of how long we have dreamt of this together.” Often overlooked, the season is just as long and hard for the parents, and for Jeff and Beth Scheitzach they could not be any prouder of their kid’s accomplishments. “We feel blessed to have experienced that joy and elation times two. Both seasons seemed so magical and exciting that the realization of how difficult it was to win 2 State Championships in one season didn’t sink in until it was over. “Jeff and Beth said. Seeing their kids step up and put in big performances was great, and seeing them put full effort into their endeavors to achieve success was even better.
1/14/16 - 1/27/16 • Florida Sporting News
Page 15
Recap: Under Armour All-American Game
by Greyson Everidge
ORLANDO – The Under Armour All-American game was not a close game, with team Highlight walking away with a 27-0 win at the Citrus Bowl on January 2. The game however, was not about the result, but more about the play as it showcased the top high school football recruits nationwide in one game, pitted against each other in one of the toughest games of their careers thus far. The whole process was capped off at the Citrus Bowl in that final game. However, the event ran much deeper than that final game. In the week leading up to the game, training sessions and practices were held at Disney’s ESPN Wide World of Sports. Open to the press, which the event attracted tons of, the practices offered everyone from fans to coaches the opportunity to get to know some of their favorite players better and see them in action before the big day. The hype was there surrounding the game, and the game did not disappoint by any means. Despite the rather runaway score by Team Highlight, the game was great as a whole. Some very good plays were run, and we saw unexpected players rise to the occasion and step up their game. It started when Central Florida WR and Oregon commit Eddie McDoom ran a fantastic route that ended in the first touchdown of the game. The pass was thrown by quarterback Malik Henry, who will attend Florida State University in the coming school year. Another Florida State commit, Levonta Taylor stood out from the crowd with a 41-yard punt return which earned him high praise from well-respected football figures.
Coach Herman Edwards
West Orange Star Eddie McDoom catches the 1st Touchdown in the Under Armour All-American Game.
Miami commit Dionte Mullins caught a pass one-handed between two defenders to score a touchdown in a great play that was quickly turned into a vine which circulated around the internet as the game continued to play on.
Coaches Steve Mariucci and NFL Star Deion Sanders
Commits from all corners of the nation put on a real show for everyone watching, and renewed excitement for the coming year of college football.
Page 16 Florida Sporting News • 1/14/16 - 1/27/16