FSN #34 8/16/16 - 8/30/16 FOOTBALL PREVIEW

OCPS/SSAC FOOTBALL PREVIEW

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Volume 2 • Issue 11

August 16 - August 30 2016

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Knows How To Read Your Defense

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Orange County

High Schools SHOTGUN ARM

In Shape Photos by Bob Gall

Committed to UCF

SPEED

Page 2 Florida Sporting News • 8/16/16 - 8/30/16

Quaylin Crum

The Cougars last made the Florida High School Athletic Association state playoffs in 2013, but head coach Jim Pusateri likes the chemistry and work ethic of this year’s team as it looks to contend in Class 8A District 3 with Winter Park, Timber Creek, Boone and Colonial.

“We’re pretty excited and we think we have a shot to win our district. We really do,” Pusateri said. “We don’t have a lot of seniors and we’re still a real young team, but I think we’re going to surprise some people this year. Defensively, I think we’re going to be pretty good and our offense is starting to jell. And if it does, we’re going to be dangerous.”

University returns eight starters to a defense that lines up in a 3-4 this season with seniors Quaylin Crum and Jon Powell leading a strong linebacking corps and senior defensive back Cameron Connor coming off a 2015 campaign where he ranked as the team’s fifth-leading tackler. Converted wide receiver Brandon Barbee, a junior, won the starting quarterback job in the spring and junior RB/SB Nykie Marion, junior WR Terrence Fields and senior lineman Robert Greene are important figures on offense as well.

The Cougars will also look for key contributions from senior lineman Jamel Harris, senior DB/RB Samonta Jones Jr. and junior DB/WR Amechi Uzodinma II. University, which went 4-6 last season aftzer a 2-0 start, hosts Lake Minneola in an Aug. 19 Kickoff Classic. The Cougars then play four of their opening six regular-season games at home, including a Week 5 matchup against Apopka.

8/16/16 - 8/30/16 • Florida Sporting News

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Kyle Hayes There were plenty of positives during Kyle Hayes’ first season as head coach of the Titans.

game against Wekiva, will be joined on offense by senior linemen Kendall Batt (6-1, 235) and Khalif Hollis (6-3, 275) and senior wide receivers Derrick Bell, Bradley Dos Santos and Nick Scaglione.

Hayes, who became the fourth head football coach in Olympia’s history when he was hired during the 2015 offseason, directed the Titans to a 7-4 record last year. Olympia endured a three-game skid in October, but a 31-28 victory over Celebration in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes Honor Bowl helped the program make a six-win improvement from 2014.

Jeff James, an Associated Press Class 8A Second Team All-State defensive back as a senior, and Third Team All-State kicker Jonny Messina were among the graduation losses. But the Titans are seeking a top-two district finish in 8A-5 – which includes neighboring rival Dr. Phillips and Oak Ridge – and a place in the Florida High School Athletic Association state playoffs for the first time since 2012.

Quarterback Joe Milton (6-5, 212) passed

The Titans have an opportunity to field a solid defense with linebackers George Adams and Ronald Teague and junior lineman Troy Golden. The secondary – which features seniors Andrew Wilkins and Andrey Hawkins – also received an upgrade with Dr. Philips High transfers James Green (a 6-foot-1 senior with multiple Division I offers) and Joshua Green.

for 1,115 yards and eight touchdowns last season as a sophomore. Milton, who ran for one touchdown and passed for another during Olympia’s 2016 spring

Olympia hosts Lyman in a Kickoff Classic on Aug. 19, one week before the regular-season opener in Sanford against Seminole High. The Titans have three September home games in a row – including the district opener against Cypress Creek – while the annual matchup with rival Dr. Phillips happens Oct. 21 and follows Olympia’s Week 8 bye.

Page 4 Florida Sporting News • 8/16/16 - 8/30/16

Head coach Ben Bullock created a solid foundation in his first season at Ocoee, directing the Knights to a 6-4 overall record.

That represented the third winning season in the school’s decade-long history and the first since 2009.

Last year included bookend losses to Class 8A playoff qualifiers Apopka and West Orange, but the Knights put together a four-game winning streak in October and wound up third (4-2) out of seven schools in the Class 7A District 4 standings. And there’s every reason to believe that Ocoee can build on last season’s accomplishments, despite graduating a couple dozen seniors.

“The mindset is carrying over definitely as to what the guys expect and how things operate in everything we do from practices to meetings to games,” Bullock said. “There’s no more learning how things are done; now we hold them accountable to an even higher level of expectation because they know.”

Ocoee has traditionally fielded strong defensive teams and the potential is there again with the senior cover corners Dorian Jones and Wekiva High transfer B.J. Bohler. Jones has committed to Georgia State University and Bohler, who reportedly ran a 4.31 40-yard time at a camp this summer has committed to Mercer University.

Juniors Jarell Hyatt and Chris Benton will also help lead the secondary at the safety positions, and junior defensive lineman Luis Rivera was an Associated Press Class 2A First Team All-State selection last season at Foundation Academy.

Two linebackers to watch in Ocoee’s 3-4 set will be senior playmaker Lyston Barber (6-3, 200) and senior Johnny Matos (6-2, 243). And Konrie Brown, a fast and athletic junior transfer from Foundation Academy who like Rivera earned Class 2A First Team All-State honors last season, can be utilized as a hybrid defender.

Juniors Myles Holder, who played the majority of snaps in Ocoee’s 6-0 spring victory over University High, and Jake Novello are among those vying for time at quarterback. Senior David Span, Brown and Hyatt start the year as the top running back options in Ocoee’s spread offense, which also features Bohler at wide receiver and four returning linemen led by senior left tackle Nate Roberts and junior Matt Hogan.

Senior Candido Worrell, whose two field goals accounted for Ocoee’s scoring in the spring game, comes off a solid junior season and again handles the placekicking duties.

Ocoee hosts defending Class 5A state champion Bishop Moore in its Aug. 19 Kickoff Classic.

The regular-season schedule features an Aug. 26 visit to Apopka High, three consecutive road district contests starting in late September and a Nov. 4 home date with West Orange in the annual “Battle for The Shield” rivalry game.

8/16/16 - 8/30/16 • Florida Sporting News

Coach Brad Lord

Foundation Academy looks to make the Florida High School Athletic Association Class 2A state playoffs for the third consecutive season. Head coach Brad Lord’s Lions got past the regionalsemifinal round last year by defeating Warner Christian Academy – avenging an opening-round postseason loss to the Eagles the previous year – before they dropped a 12-7 decision to Lakeland Victory Christian in the regional finals.

Foundation’s path to the 2016 playoffs goes through Class 2A District 4 opponents Cornerstone Charter Academy (Homecoming on Sept. 30) and Victory Christian (away Oct. 14). The loss of Agape Christian’s football program again creates a three-team district, while the Lions added West Oaks Academy in Week 10 (Senior Night on Oct. 28) to replace Agape on the schedule.

Lord, who has a 44-38 overall record at Foundation, returns nine offensive and eight defensive starters from last season’s 8-4 team.

The Lions switched to a Wing-T offense during the course of the 2015 season, rushing for 2,400 yards over an eight-game span. They hope to continue that success behind quarterbacks Elijah Stimmell and Cory Rahman, a strong group of running backs and a promising offensive line led in part by Sydal Barton, Jordan Boast and Eddie Loos.

Returning linebackers Evan Thompson and Kyle Krueger combined for 141 total tackles last year, while Dillon Hall and Warren Sapp II figure to be among the key contributors up front. Lester Axson, (offered by UCONN, Furman and James Madison) Lance Axson and Evan Fitzgibbon will help anchor a talented secondary and versatile senior Jaquane Patterson comes off a solid 2015 season where he posted 13 tackles for loss and nine sacks.

“Our players know an offensive position and a defensive position. This builds depth for us on both sides of the ball,” Lord said. “We should be a very physical defense.”

Foundation’s Kickoff Classic opponent will be Legacy Charter on Aug. 19 at Walker Field in Winter Garden.

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Page 6 Florida Sporting News • 8/16/16 - 8/30/16

Rich Bedesem The Rich Bedesem era had an encouraging start when Wekiva posted a 45-14 victory at Olympia during the spring season. Bedesem, the former Edgewater head coach who accepted the same position with the Mustangs this past January, watched Wekiva put together a 17-point third quarter to build a 14-7 halftime lead.

Wekiva started the 2015 season with a 5-1 record before finishing at 6-4. The Mustangs, who last reached the Florida High School Athletic Association state playoffs in 2014 as

a Class 7A program, will compete in Class 8A District 4 for the second consecutive season with Apopka, West Orange and Evans.

of the offensive line at guard and sophomore Brandon Hill is an impact player at wide receiver and in the defensive secondary.

Senior quarterback Trey McGee (6-2, 170) can make plays in the pocket and with his legs and senior Jaylon Fair (5-10, 180), who ran hard in the spring against Olympia and totaled 200 allpurpose yards, will be a factor on both sides of the ball. Senior two-way lineman Dante Johnson has multiple college offers including UCF, senior leader Tyler Monestime is a key member

Wekiva hosts Oviedo in an Aug. 19 Kickoff Classic, but then the Mustangs go on the road for the opening three weeks of the regular season to face Dr. Phillips, Boone and Orlando University. The home opener comes Sept. 16 against Timber Creek.

The last time Winter Park celebrated a Florida High School Athletic Association playoff win came in 2013, when a late fourthquarter touchdown pass gave the Wildcats a memorable regional quarterfinal victory over West Orange at Showalter Field. In fact, Winter Park looks for a return to the postseason in 2016 after posting 5-5 records each of the last two years.

Head coach Tim Shiflett’s Wildcats will compete against Colonial, Timber Creek, Orlando University and Boone for a top-two spot in Class 8A District 4. The Wildcats, who are scheduled to face Edgewater in an Aug. 19 Kickoff Classic, open their district schedule in Week 4 against the Colonial Grenadiers and first-year head coach Clint Johnson.

The Wildcats will look for key contributions from a senior class that includes 6-foot-3-inch

wide receiver/defensive back Jordan Pouncey – a University of Notre Dame commit who hauled in a team-high seven touchdown receptions during his junior season - DE/TE Kyle Moss (6-3, 240), DL/OLB Derek Barden (6-3, 186) and LB/ QB Ryan Kainz (6-2, 195). Former University High wide receiver Andre Williams – a Division I recruit who missed his junior season due to injury – is on the Winter Park roster and senior quarterback Ethan Bullock has also transferred to Winter Park from Sunshine State Athletic Conference member Orangewood Christian.

Winter Park, which earned runner-up honors at the SSAC’s 2nd Annual Throw Down in O-Town tournament in June, ends the 2016 regular season with non-district home games against fellow Class 8A schools Port Orange Spruce Creek (Oct. 27) and Olympia (Nov. 4).

The Wildcats also host West Orange in Week 2.

8/16/16 - 8/30/16 • Florida Sporting News

Dr. Phillips alum Rodney Wells, who remains the Panthers’ co-record holder for most career sacks, enters his sixth season as head coach. DP comes off a 9-4 campaign that included a seven-game winning streak, the program’s eighth consecutive district championship and a Class 8A regional final appearance against Osceola.

The Panthers, who have qualified for the Florida High School Athletic Association state playoffs every season since 2006, are slated to host the Jones Tigers in an Aug. 19 Kickoff Classic.

That comes in advance of a challenging regularseason schedule featuring games against Wekiva, Lake Mary, Ole Orange Crate rival West Orange, Apopka, Mainland and Class 8A District 5 counterpart Oak Ridge within the opening six weeks.

DP’s spring game against defending Class 5A state champion Bishop Moore showed the Panthers again have the potential to field a dominant defense. Senior linebacker and Division I prospect Dylan Meeks totaled 158 tackles last season – a new program record – and is part of a group that also features University of Nebraska commit Robert Porcher IV, seniors Nick Smith (who recently committed to North Carolina State) and juniors Christian Williams, Joe Gulla and Tanner Ingle.

Senior quarterback Marvin Washington, who committed to the University of Central Florida, accounted for 1,027 passing yards and 17 total touchdowns last season.

Washington was instrumental in DP’s comeback win over Bishop Moore in the spring, punctuated by a 32-yard goahead TD run late in the third and final varsity quarter.

University of South Florida commit Emare Hogan is a big-play senior who totaled a team-high 1,192 all-purpose yards last year, while senior D.J. Charles (who had a program recordtying 99-yard TD run last season against Lake Mary) rushed for 70 yards in the spring game. The Panthers also have solid depth at wide receiver with Hogan, JeQuan Burton, Caleb Walls, Devodney Alford and Davarius Bargnare.

Page 7

Page 8 Florida Sporting News • 8/16/16 - 8/30/16

Boone goes into the 2016 season having made three straight Florida High School Athletic Association playoff appearances under fourth-year head coach Andy Johnson. The Braves posted a 6-5 overall record last season (after an 0-2 start), which included a Class 8A regional quarterfinal setback to West Orange.

The Braves graduated several key players including Associated Press Class 8A First Team All-State offensive lineman and University of Richmond signee Colby Ritten, offensive lineman Nathan Haskins (Appalachian State), DL Sam White (Old

Head coach Stuart Weiss’s first season at International Community resulted in an impressive 8-2 overall record. The Comets also just missed qualifying for the 2015 Sunshine State Athletic Conference playoffs - despite a winning mark (4-2) in the seven-team Beach Division – while Weiss garnered Coastal League Coach of the Year honors.

The Comets graduated go-to wide receiver Justin Conkling and All-Conference selections Joshua Bowman and Cameron Walker, but Weiss returns six players on both sides of the ball. The list includes sophomore Jarrett Conkling, who passed

Dominion) and WR/DB Alex Bergan (Marist), but there’s plenty of optimism surrounding the current varsity roster.

Senior running back Brandon Bush (who has offer from Old Dominion University) and senior wide receiver Nik Deloach are returning All-Metro Conference players.

Other key seniors include wide receiver Tyree Jones, defensive back Henry Johnson, lineman Kody Kasper and hybrid defender Sean Phinn (6-1, 220), who received an offer in the spring from the University of Idaho.

for 1,222 yards and 15 touchdowns last year while also reaching the 1,000-yard rushing mark.

Senior center Mike Lawson anchors the offensive line after earning All-SSAC First Team honors in 2015 and versatile senior Matt Rawlson returns up front as well.

Senior wide receiver Nick Labrador will also be an important part of the Comets’ passing game.

Boone, which earned a 21-0 win over St. Cloud in a spring game that was shortened to one half because of inclement weather, hosts Oak Ridge on Aug. 19 in a Kickoff Classic. The Braves will also be home for the three consecutive dates in September, which includes their Class 8A District 3 opener against the University High Cougars.

The 2016 edition of the “Battle for the Barrel” is set for Nov. 4 at Edgewater High.

The rivalry, which dates back to 1952, was decided by four points last season with Edgewater defeating Boone 34-30.

tackles for loss and four interceptions.

Senior defensive lineman Zak Caeners had 14 solo tackles a year ago, while junior defensive back Nate Spencer was sixth in total tackles with 40.

ICS hosts All Saints Academy on Aug. 18 in a Kickoff Classic, one week before the Comets’ regular-season opener at Bishop McLaughlin. The Comets will compete in the SSAC’s restructured Coastal League Beach Division with Orlando Christian Senior Conner Dimauro recorded 5.5 Prep, The Master’s Academy, Merritt sacks last season and was the team’s Island Christian and Faith Christian second-leading tackler and returning junior Academy.

Zane Denslow posted 39 solo tackles, 13

8/16/16 - 8/30/16 • Florida Sporting News

West Orange has produced eye-catching achievements since 2013 with coach Bob Head at the helm, among them a 32-5 overall record and three consecutive Florida High School Athletic Association state playoff appearances.

players at the varsity level.

“We’ve identified the kids we’re going to count on over the spring and summer,” Head said, “and now it’s a matter of improving week to week.”

Senior quarterback Austin Burton provided a glimpse of what may happen this fall when he threw five touchdown passes – two apiece to seniors Kyveon Jones and USF commit Naquan Renalds and one to junior DaShaun Collins – in West Orange’s spring victory over Gainesville. The Massachusetts transfer, who gave a verbal commitment to Graduation hit the varsity roster hard with Boston College, looked sharp within new the likes of quarterback Woody Barrett offensive coordinator Vernon Mitchell’s (Auburn), Eddie McDoom (Michigan), system.

Nolan DeFranco (North Carolina), Ben Bollinger (Air Force) and Stone Forsythe Senior Darian Williams paces the West Orange running game, senior Jurrod (Florida). So major keys for the 2016 Warriors involve identifying new leaders Cook would provide another viable option at wide receiver and Braden as well as the continued development of Garman is a key returnee on the The 2015 season, Head’s third as coach since coming from Olympia High, marked a series of impressive milestones for the program: two wins over powerhouse Apopka, a victory against renewed Ole Orange Crate rival Dr. Phillips, a regional title and a trip to the Class 8A state semifinals.

Page 9

offensive line. The Warriors also have a solid kicking game with senior Colby Adamson, who earned Associated Press Class 8A Second Team All-State honors as a punter last season.

Senior Julian Pittman is one of the leaders of West Orange’s 3-4 defense that includes linebackers Jerrick Richardson, Marland Howard and Dametri Hill.

West Orange and Osceola meet again Aug. 19 in Winter Garden, this time as Kickoff Classic foes after the Kowboys defeated WOHS 35-14 in the state semifinals last December. Raymond Screws Field always provides a challenging environment for opposing teams, and West Orange will be home for five of its opening seven regular-season games. That includes a stretch of four in a row, beginning with Oxbridge Academy on Sept. 16 and ending with an Oct. 7 Homecoming contest against Lake Nona.

Page 10 Florida Sporting News • 8/16/16 - 8/30/16

The Lions look to improve on last season’s 1-9 overall record under head coach Andre Dobson.

Miami-based Palmer Trinity School and a Sept. 30 Homecoming contest versus Merritt Island Christian.

Faith Christian Academy will be part of the Sunshine State Athletic Conference’s restructured Coastal League Beach Division in 2016 with Orlando Christian Prep, International Community School, The Master’s Academy and Merritt Island Christian. The regular-season schedule includes a Week 2 road game against ICS, the Sept. 16 home opener against

The list of top returning players starts with senior and 2015 First Team AllSSAC offensive lineman Calvin Nguyen.

Jason Terry and Makai Burris – who enter their sophomore seasons and will play important on both sides of the ball – received All-Conference honorable mention honors as 9th graders.

Coach Andre Dobson

Two-way lineman Victor Hernandez,

Gavin Belcher, Osvaldo Rivera, Kaleb Buchhold and Kevin Guo are also part of this season’s senior class. Nathan Henderson, a 6-foot-1-inch quarterback, and Tyler Ryan will help lead the junior class and sophomore Hunter Heiderich was a key performer in the interior offensive line as a freshman.

Belcher rushed for nearly 100 yards in Faith Christian’s spring game against Merritt Island Christian.

8/16/16 - 8/30/16 • Florida Sporting News

Page 11

Coach Jacob Doss

The Sunshine State Athletic Conference has been a solid fit for Windermere Prep, as the Lakers followed up an undefeated SSAC championship season in 2014 with last year’s respectable 7-3 record as a member of the Coral League’s eight-team Bay Division.

Windermere Prep shifts to the Coastal League Central Florida Division in 2016 with Central Florida Christian Academy, Lake Mary Prep, Orangewood Christian and Ocoee Legacy Charter.

The Lakers play their opening three regular-season games on the road, highlighted by a visit to 2015 SSAC playoff semifinalist Boca Raton Christian in Week 1 and trip to Houston, Texas, for a matchup against The Village School on Sept.

2.

“The trip to Texas is going to be cool for the kids, and it’s going to be a college football-type experience in terms of the planning and everything we bring,” Lakers head coach Jacob Doss said.

Windermere Prep started 2-3 a year ago before hitting its stride and winning five straight games, and Doss wanted to use this past offseason as a way to “bond and jell as a unit to make sure we knew what we had before this season started.”

Senior linebacker Mitchell Darrow (the Lakers’ 2014 Defensive MVP and 2015 Overall MVP), senior defensive back Robert Brand and sophomore linebacker and 2016 U.S. Under-16 National Team member Mason Russell will figure prominently on defense.

It’s an open quarterback competition heading into fall camp following the graduation of multi-sport talent Parker Davis (Rollins College), but senior wide receiver Will Seelman

is a top returnee and the Lakers could also be in position to have an effective running game behind linemen Ryan Swoboda and Skyler Rideout.

Windermere Prep is scheduled to host Cornerstone Charter Academy for a Kickoff Classic at 5 p.m. Aug. 19.

Page 12 Florida Sporting News • 8/16/16 - 8/30/16

APOPKA 8/19 7p Columbia 8/26 7p Ocoee 9/2 7p Edgewater 9/9 7p DeLanD 9/16 7p Dr. Phillips 9/23 7P University 9/30

7p West Orange 10/7 7p Olympia 10/13 7p Wekiva 10/21 7p Oak Ridge 10/27 7p Evans 12/2 7p Rockwall-Heath

BOONE

FOUNDATION ACAD. 8/19 8/26 9/2 9/9 9/16 9/23

7p 7p 7p 7p 7p 7p

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10/7 10/14 10/21 10/28

7p 7p 7p 7p 7p

Legacy Chater West Orange First Academy Carrollwood Day Northside Christ.

St. Petersburg Catholic Cornerstone Chat.

Jordan Christ. Prep Victory Christian Harvest Comm.

West Oaks Acad.

ORLANDO CHRIST. 8/26 9/1 9/9 9/16 9/23 9/30 10/7 10/14 10/21 10/28 11/4 11/12

7p Cent. Fl. Christian 7p Merritt Island Christ.

7p Seffner Christian 7p Masters Academy 7p Indian Rocks Christ.

- BYE WEEK 7p Int. Community 7p Faith Christian 7p Eagles View SSAC Playoff/Crossover SSAC Playoff/Crossover SSAC Florida Bowl

LEGACY 8/26 9/2 9/9 9/16 9/23 9/30 10/7 10/14 10/21 10/28 11/4 11/12

7p 7p 7p - 7p 7p 7p 7p 7p

First Academy Lake Mary Prep Jupiter Christian BYE WEEK Jordan Christian Prep Windermere Prep Cent. Fl. Christian Orangewood Christian Int. Community SSAC Playoff/Crossover SSAC Playoff/Crossover SSAC Florida Bowl

MASTER 8/26 9/2 9/9 9/16 9/23 9/30 10/7 10/14 10/21 10/28 11/4 11/12

7p 7p 7p 7p - 7p 7p 7p 7p

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Florida Sportings News - ww

8/19 8/19 7p 7p Oak Oak Ridge Ridge 9/2 9/2 7p 7p Wekiva Wekiva 8/26 8/26 7p 7p Lake LakeBrantley Brantley 9/9 9/9 7p 7p Lyman Lyman 9/16 7p University 9/16 7p University 9/23 9/23 7p 7p Lake Lake Nona Nona 10/7 10/7 7p 7p Jones Jones 10/14 10/14 7:30p 7:30p Timber Timber Creek Creek 10/21 10/21 7p 7p Winter Winter Park Park 10/27 10/27 7p 7p Colonial Colonial 11/4 11/4 7:30 7:30 pp Edgewater Edgewater

COLONIAL 8/19 TBA Celebration TBA Celebration 8/25 8/25 12p 12p Monarch Monarch 9/2 7p Jones 7p Jones 9/9 9/9 7p 7p Olympia Olympia 9/16 9/16 7p 7p Winter Winter Park Park 9/23 9/23 BYE BYE BYE BYE Week Week 9/30 9/30 7p 7p University University 10/7 10/7 7:30p 7:30p Gateway Gateway 10/13 7p Hagerty 10/13 7p Hagerty 10/21 10/21 7p 7p Timber Timber Creek Creek 10/27 7p Boone 10/27 7p Boone 11/4 11/4 7:30 7:30 pp Freedom Freedom

CYPRESS CREEK 8/19 8/19 7p 7p Pine Pine Ridge Ridge 8/26 8/26 7p 7p St. St. Cloud Cloud 9/2 9/2 7p 7p Liberty Liberty 9/9 7p Harmony 7p Harmony 9/16 9/16 7p 7p Olympia Olympia 9/23 7p Gateway 9/23 7p Gateway 10/7 7p Evans 10/7 7p Evans 10/13 10/13 7p 7p Oak Oak Ridge Ridge 10/21 10/21 7:30p 7:30p Freedom Freedom 10/27 10/27 7p 7p Dr. Dr. Phillips Phillips 11/4 11/4 7:30p 7:30p Celebration Celebration

DR. PHILLIPS 8/19 7p Jones 8/19 7p Jones 8/26 7p Wekiva 8/26 7p Wekiva 9/2 9/2 7p 7p Lake Lake Mary Mary 9/9 9/9 7p 7p West WestOrange Orange 9/16 7p Apopka 9/16 7p Apopka 9/23 7p Mainland 9/23 7p Mainland 9/30 9/30 7p 7p Oak Oak Ridge Ridge 10/13 7p Freedom 10/13 7p Freedom 10/21 7p Olympia 10/21 7p Olympia 10/27 10/27 7p 7p Cypress Cypress Creek Creek 11/4 7p Evans 11/4 7p Evans

EAST RIVER 8/19 8/19 7p 7p Lake LakeHowell Howell 8/26 7p University 8/26 7p University 9/2 7p Olympia 7p Olympia 9/9 9/9 7p 7p Timber Timber Creek Creek 9/16 7p Celebration 9/16 7p Celebration 9/30 7:30p Liberty 7:30p Liberty 10/7 7:30p Freedom 7:30p Freedom 10/13 10/13 7p 7p Lake Lake Nona Nona 10/21 7p Harmony 10/21 7p Harmony 10/28 10/28 7:30p 7:30p St. St. Cloud Cloud 11/4 7p Wekiva 11/4 7p Wekiva

EDGEWATER 8/26 8/26 7p 7p Bishop BishopMoore Moore 9/2 7p Apopka 7p Apopka 9/9 7p Jones 7p Jones 9/16 9/16 7:30p 7:30p Ocoee Ocoee 9/30 9/30 7p 7p West West Port Port 10/7 10/7 7p 7p Lake LakeHowell Howell 10/14 10/14 7p 7p Lake LakeMinneola Minneola 10/21 10/21 7p 7p East East Ridge Ridge 10/28 7p Hagerty 10/28 7p Hagerty 11/4 11/4 7:30p 7:30p Boone Boone

FREEDOM 8/19 8/19 7p 7p Hagerty Hagerty 8/26 8/26 7p 7p Winter WinterSprings Springs 9/2 9/2 7:30p 7:30p South South Sumter Sumter 9/9 9/9 7p 7p Winter Winter Park Park 9/16 9/16 7p 7p Oak Oak Ridge Ridge 9/23 9/23 7p 7p Timber TimberCreek Creek 9/30 7p Olympia 9/30 7p Olympia 10/7 10/7 7P 7P East East River River 10/13 10/13 7p 7p Dr. Dr. Phillips Phillips 10/21 10/21 7p 7p Cypress Cypress Creek Creek 11/4 7p Colonial 11/4 7p Colonial

Orange County High Sch EVANS 8/26

8

Taravella

8/26 8 Taravella 9/2 7p University 9/2 7p

University 9/9 7p Oak Ridge 9/9 7p Oak Ridge 9/16 7p Jones 9/16 7p Jones 9/23 7p Olympia 9/23 7p Olympia 9/23 7p

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JONES JONES

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8/19 8/19 7p 7p Mount Mount Dora Dora 8/26 8/26 7p 7p Winter Winter Park Park 9/2 7p Ocoee 7p Ocoee 9/16 7:30p Liberty 7:30p Liberty 9/23 7p Boone 9/23 7p Boone 9/30 7:30p Harmony 7:30p Harmony 10/7 10/7 7p 7p West WestOrange Orange 10/13 10/13 7p 7p East East River River 10/21 10/21 7/7:30p 7/7:30p St. St. Cloud Cloud 10/28 7p Celebration 10/28 7p Celebration 11/4 7p University 11/4 7p University

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8/19 7p 8/19 7p 8/26 7p 8/26 7p 9/2 9/2 7:30p 7:30p 9/9 7p 9/16 7p 9/16 7p 9/30 9/30 7p 7p 10/7 7p 10/7 7p 10/13 10/13 7p 7p 10/21 7p 10/21 7p 10/27 7p 10/27 7p 11/4 7p 11/4 7p

8/16/16 - 8/30/16 • Florida Sporting News

RS ACAD.

Ocala Christian All Saints Canterbury Orlando Christian BYE WEEK Int. Community Faith Christian Merritt Island Wildwood Playoff/Crossover Playoff/Crossover Florida Bowl

ICS 8/26 9/2 9/9 9/16 9/23 9/30 10/7 10/14 10/21 10/28 11/4 11/12

7p 7p 7p 7p - 7p 7p - 7p

Bishop McLaughlin Faith Christian Keswick Christian Merritt Island Christ.

BYE WEEK Masters Academy Orlando Christian Prep BYE WEEK Legacy Charter SSAC Playoff/Crossover SSAC Playoff/Crossover SSAC Florida Bowl

ORANGEWOOD 8/26 9/2 9/9 9/16 9/23 9/30 10/7 10/14 10/21 10/28 11/4 11/12

7p Berean Christian - BYE WEEK 7p Windermere Prep 7p Cent. Fl. Christian 7p First Academy 7p North Florida Educ.

7p Lake Mary Prep 7p Legacy Charter 7p Trinity Prep

SSAC Playoff/Crossover

SSAC Playoff/crossover SSAC Florida Bowl

FAITH CHRISTIAN 8/26 9/2 9/9 9/16 9/23 9/30 10/7 10/14 10/21 10/28 11/4

7p St. John Lutheran 7p International Comm.

7p All Saints 6p Palmer Trinity - BYE WEEK 7p Merritt Island Christ.

7p The Masters Academy 7p Orlando Christ. Prep 7p Ocala Christian SSAC Playoff/Crossover SSAC Playoff/Crossover

ww. floridasportingnews.com

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Jones Jones pp Timber Timber Creek Creek Evans Evans

Freedom Freedom Dr. Dr. Phillips Phillips

University University Cypress Cypress Creek Creek

Apopka Apopka

Olympia Olympia

Lyman Lyman

CFCA 8/26 9/2 9/9 9/16 9/23 9/30 10/7 10/14 10/21 10/28 11/4 11/12

7p Orlando Christ Prep BYE WEEK 7p First Academy 7p Orangewood C. 7:30p Lake Weir 7p Lake Mary Prep 7p Legacy Charter 4:30p Windermere 7p Trinity Christian SSAC Playoff/Crossover SSAC Playoff/Crossover SSAC Florida Bowl

WINDERMERE 8/19 8/26 9/2 9/9 9/16 9/23 9/30 10/14 10/21

5p Cornerstone Charter A. 7p Boca Raton C. 7p CT Village School, TX 7p Orangewood C. 4p Lake Mary Prep 7p St. Edward’s 7p Legacy Charter 4:30p Cent. Fl. C. 7p Out-of-Door (at ESPN WWOS)

LAKE HIGHLAND 8/26 7:30p Lake Weir 9/2 7p Marco Island A. 9/9 7p Seven Rivers 9/16 7p Cocoa 9/30 7p Atlantic 10/7 7p South Lake 10/14 7p Astronaut 10/21 7p Berkeley Prep 10/28 7p Jones 11/4 7p Trinity Prep

BISHOP MOORE 8/19 7:30p Ocoee 7:30p Ocoee 8/26 7p Edgewater 8/26 7p Edgewater 9/2 9/2 7:30p Lyman 7:30p Lyman 9/9 9/9 7:30p University 7:30p University 9/16 7:30p Poinciana 7:30p Poinciana 9/30 9/30 7:30p 7:30p South South Lake Lake 10/7 10/7 7:30p 7:30p South South Sumter Sumter 10/14 10/14 7:30p 7:30p Tavares Tavares 10/21 10/21 7:30p 7:30p Bartow Bartow 10/28 7p Eustis 10/28 7p Eustis 11/4 11/4 7:30p 7:30p Lake LakeBrantley Brantley

WINTER PARK 8/26 8/26 7p 7p Lake Lake Nona Nona 9/2 9/2 7p 7p West WestOrange Orange 9/9 7p/7:30p Freedom 9/9 7p Freedom 9/16 7p Colonial 9/16 7p Colonial 9/23 7p Wekiva 9/23 7p Wekiva 9/30 9/30 7p 7p Timber Timber Creek Creek 10/13 7p University 10/13 7p University 10/21 7p Boone 10/21 7p Boone 10/27 10/27 7p 7p Spruce Spruce Creek Creek 11/4 7p Olympia 11/4 7p Olympia

WEST ORANGE 8/19 8/19 7pm 7pm Osceola Osceola 8/26 8/26 7:30p 7:30p Foundation Foundation A. A. 9/2 9/2 7p 7p Winter Winter Park Park 9/9 9/9 7p 7p Dr. Dr. Phillips Phillips 9/16 9/16 7p 7p Oxbridge Oxbridge A. A. 9/23 7p Jones 9/23 7p Jones 9/30 7p Apopka 9/30 7p Apopka 10/7 10/7 7p 7p Lake Lake Nona Nona 10/13 7p Evans 10/13 7p Evans 10/27 7p Wekiva 10/27 7p Wekiva 11/4 7:30p Ocoee 7:30p Ocoee

WEKIVA

hool Football Schedule

RIDGE

Page 13

OCOEE

OLYMPIA

TIMBER CREEK

8/19 8/19 7:30p 7:30p Bishop Bishop Moore Moore 8/26 7p Apopka 8/26 7p Apopka 9/2 9/2 7p 7p Lake Lake Nona Nona 9/16 7:30p Edgewater 7:30p Edgewater 9/23 9/23 7:30p 7:30p East East Ridge Ridge 9/30 7p Hagerty 9/30 7p Hagerty 10/7 10/7 7p 7p West West Port Port 10/14 10/14 7:30p 7:30p Lake LakeHowell Howell 10/21 10/21 7:30p 7:30p Wekiva Wekiva 10/28 10/28 7p 7p Lake LakeMinneola Minneola 11/4 11/4 7:30p 7:30p West WestOrange Orange

8/19 7p Lyman 8/19 7p Lyman 8/26 8/26 7/7:30p Seminole 7/7:30p Seminole 9/2 9/2 7p 7p East East River River 9/9 9/9 7p 7p Colonial Colonial 9/16 9/16 7p 7p Cypress Cypress Creek Creek 9/23 7p Evans 9/23 7p Evans 9/30 9/30 7:30p 7:30p Freedom Freedom 10/7 7p Apopka 10/7 7p Apopka 10/13 10/13 7p 7p Dr. Dr. Phillips Phillips 10/21 10/21 7p 7p Dr. Dr. Phillips Phillips 10/27 10/27 7p 7p Oak Oak Ridge Ridge 11/4 11/4 7p 7p Winter Winter Park Park

8/19 8/19 7:30p 7:30p Winter WinterSprings Springs 8/26 7p Oviedo 8/26 7p Oviedo 9/2 9/2 7:30p 7:30p Oak Oak Ridge Ridge 9/9 9/9 7p 7p East East River River 9/16 7p Wekiva 9/16 7p Wekiva 9/23 7:30p Freedom 7:30p Freedom 9/30 9/30 7p 7p Winter Winter Park Park 10/14 7:30p Boone 7:30p Boone 10/21 7p Colonial 10/21 7p Colonial 10/27 7p University 10/27 7p University 11/4 7:30p Hagerty 7:30p Hagerty

8/19 7p Oviedo 8/19 7p Oviedo 8/26 8/26 7p 7p Dr. Dr. Phillips Phillips 9/2 7p Boone 7p Boone 9/9 7p University 7p University 9/16 9/16 7p 7p Timber Timber Creek Creek 9/23 9/23 7p 7p Winter Winter Park Park 9/30 7p Evans 9/30 7p Evans 10/13 7p Apopka 10/13 7p Apopka 10/21 7:30p Ocoee 7:30p Ocoee 10/27 10/27 7p 7p West WestOrange Orange 11/4 11/4 7p 7p East East River River

UNIVERSITY 8/19 8/19 7p 7p Lake LakeMinneola Minneola 8/26 8/26 7p 7p East East River River 9/2 7p Evans 7p Evans 9/9 7p Wekiva 7p Wekiva 9/16 7p Boone 9/16 7p Boone 9/23 7p Apopka 9/23 7p Apopka 9/30 7p Colonial 9/30 7p Colonial 10/7 10/7 7p 7p Oak Oak Ridge Ridge 10/13 10/13 7p 7p Winter Winter Park Park 10/27 10/27 7p 7p Timber Timber Creek Creek 11/4 11/4 7p 7p Lake Lake Nona Nona

Page 14 Florida Sporting News • 8/16/16 - 8/30/16

Kenard Lang Former NFL defensive lineman Kenard Lang is the new head coach at Oak Ridge High after he guided Wekiva to 19 wins over the last three seasons.

Association state playoffs for the fifth time in seven years when they kick off their Class 8A District 5 schedule on Sept. 16 against visiting Freedom High. Oak Ridge has a Week 5 bye in preparation for a pivotal district Lang, who also attended Evans High game at Bill Spoone Stadium against and the University of Miami, takes Dr. Phillips on Sept. 30, while the over a varsity program that started 6-1 Pioneers conclude their 8A-5 schedule last season and finished 8-3 following with October matchups against a Class 8A regional quarterfinal loss to Cypress Creek and Olympia.

Manatee. (The other two losses came to perennial playoff qualifiers Dr. Oak Ridge, which travels to Boone Phillips and Apopka.) for an Aug. 19 Kickoff Classic and hosts Jones in its Aug. 26 regularThe Pioneers will attempt to reach season and home opener, will spread the Florida High School Athletic the field on offense with left-handed

senior quarterback D’Andre Weaver.

Weaver was effective with his arm and legs during the Pioneers’ spring game against Winter Park.

Senior wide receivers Jajuan Roderick and Shayun Young are also key playmakers on an offense that features seniors Freddie Davis and Fredric Barnes. Players to watch on defense include senior Anthony Miranda, senior defensive back Levonte Jones and junior linebacker Ronnie Davis.

Jimmy Buckridge Timber Creek head coach Jimmy Buckridge and his staff will try to incorporate experienced returning players with a group of promising underclassmen. The Wolves are coming off another successful season that included a 7-4 overall record – punctuated by a five-game winning streak – and the Class 8A District 3 championship.

“We will return many kids that got varsity playing time last year, and there is a number of young sophomores that will compete for starting jobs,” Buckridge said. “The young kids meshing with the older kids and buying into our system will

Lake Nona faced a difficult task in 2015 having graduated celebrated quarterback Tucker Israel (Clemson) and prolific wide receivers Deondre Farrier (East Carolina) and Mehdi El Attrach (Boston College) from its 2014 squad. The result was a 3-7 record a year ago, but the Lions may be headed for a successful turnaround with six starters back on both sides of the ball.

Senior quarterback Michael McFarlane (6-6, 225) passed for 2,681 yards and 23 touchdowns last season en route to Associated Press Class 7A All-State honorable mention honors.

Senior wide receiver Alex Marshall (6-3, 180) committed to Western Kentucky University, junior wide

be a major key for us to compete in a tough district. Staying healthy on both sides of the ball is also an important.

The depth is thin and one key injury could cause a major reshuffling on both lines. Better play on special teams – especially on kick coverage – is also key.”

Senior wide receiver and kick returner M.J. Jarrell committed to the University of Maryland and its new head coach D.J. Durkin. The Wolves’ offense will also feature senior Jackson Saffold, who had 10 rushing touchdowns last season and was an honorable mention selection on the Associated Press Class 8A

receiver Anthony Queeley (6-2, 195) comes off a sophomore season during which he ranked second on the team in receptions, senior wide receiver Briand Dorgil is another big target at 6-3 and junior Ethan Jacoby (6-5, 275) is the top returning offensive lineman.

All-State team, and senior linemen Erbe Wold and Emmanuel Jeanpierre.

Senior Terry White will also play an important role on the defensive line.

Timber Creek, which has made the Florida High School Athletic Association state playoffs nine times under Buckridge since 2006, hosts Winter Springs in an Aug. 19 Kickoff Classic. The Wolves play three of their four opening regular-season games on the road – including a Week 1 matchup at Oviedo High – while their 8A-3 schedule begins in Week 6 with a visit to Showalter Field against Winter Park.

“This team is more of a unified group that will play hard for each other,” said head coach Anthony Paradiso, who is 32-21 in five seasons at Lake Nona.

Lake Nona, which lost five games by 13 or fewer points last season, travels to Mount Dora for its Kickoff Classic Senior linebacker Skeeter Smith (6-0, on Aug. 19. Following a Week 3 bye 225) registered 125 total tackles as a the Lions face Liberty High in their junior and senior DE/OLB Evan Noble Class 7A District 5 opener on Sept. is the top returning defensive lineman. 16, while the regular-season schedule The Lions will also rely on senior includes a challenging four-game road captain Darious East (strong safety/ swing in October. outside linebacker), senior transfer Chris Smith (free safety), senior twoway linemen Jeremy Jackson and Jacob Jackson, 6-3 junior cornerback Randal Hepburn and sophomore linebacker Victor Vega.

8/16/16 - 8/30/16 • Florida Sporting News

Lake Highland Prep constructed a winning record last season at 6-4, although two close losses in Class 4A District 5 ultimately left the Highlanders out of the Florida High School Athletic Association playoff field.

Nevertheless, it marked a major turnaround for a program that endured a 24-game losing streak earlier this decade.

Optimism is running high again this year as head coach Cameron Duke has several returning starters who continue gain valuable varsity experience. The Highlanders visit Titusville High on Aug. 19 for their Kickoff Classic, and they’ll stay on the road in Week 1 (Aug. 26 at Class 6A Lake Weir) before welcoming

Page 15

Marco Island Academy for the Sept. 2 home opener.

their six wins last season.

Lake Highland Prep’s no-huddle, up-tempo offense features junior athlete Elijah Lucas and junior Devyn Castor, who rushed for over 1,300 yards last season.

The Highlanders scored at least 34 points in five of

The varsity roster also features sophomores Malik Davis, WR/DB Malik Dixon and DB/WR Briton Allen.

However, the miles add up thereafter with trips to Sunshine State Athletic Conference member Seven Rivers Christian and 2015 Class 4A state semifinalist Cocoa High in advance of a Week 5 bye. Should the Highlanders successfully handle the early part of the schedule, the travel burden eases with four of the final six regular-season games to be played at home.

Linemen Christopher James, Alex Caron and Harrison Greenhill are among a promising senior class that features last season’s leading tackler J.J. Sheikh, Alex Medary and Jeff Gall. The junior class includes linebackers Jimmy Lomas and Luis Rivera, WR/DB E.J. Jimenez and TE/WR Bryton Belvin, WR Jalen Townsend and RB/LB Nick Deese.

Page 16 Florida Sporting News • 8/16/16 - 8/30/16

Jermel Jones begins his second season as head coach with the Eagles, who went 2-7 overall and tied for fifth place in the Sunshine State Athletic Conference’s Coastal League Beach Division last season.

The Master’s Academy graduated Second Team All-SSAC wide receiver Zachary Boivin, but Jones and his assistant coaches have several promising players to work with on the varsity roster. TMA played Ocala Christian to a high-scoring tie in the spring, and the two teams will open

their respective regular seasons against well as senior Ryan Muldowney and each other on Aug. 26 at Pennington junior Trey Kirby up front.

Field.

The Eagles are scheduled to host Sophomore quarterback Matt Gillis Avant Garde Academy in their directed TMA’s spread offense in the Kickoff Classic on Aug. 19. TMA, spring game and utilized many of his which will compete in the realigned wide receivers, particularly playmaker Coastal Beach Division this year with Kenny Bradshaw. Returning freshman Orlando Christian Prep, International Mossett Matthews and sophomore Community School, Merritt Island Zach Rodriguez also helped power Christian and Faith Christian TMA’s running game.

Academy, has four consecutive road games in September before it returns Linebackers Nick Doyle and Keegan home for three straight home contests Edwards will help lead an aggressive in October. defense that includes Rodriguez, as

Jarrett Wiggens This year marks a five-season milestone at Ocoee Legacy Charter, which played its first regular-season game in 2012 against Kissimmee Life Academy.

Coached by Jarrett Wiggers, the Eagles posted an overall winning record (6-4) last season. Legacy Charter also finished 5-2 in the Sunshine State Athletic Conference’s Coastal League Orange Division, but the Eagles missed the playoffs following a three-way tiebreaker for second place.

The Eagles graduated Second Team All-Conference offensive lineman James Updike and Second Team AllConference safety Brian Carmean, but

The Warriors have been one of the Sunshine State Athletic Conference’s premier programs since 2013, posting a combined 27-4 record with back-toback championship game appearances (2013-14).

Orlando Christian Prep swept through the Coastal League Beach Division at 6-0 last season, before the Warriors lost to Boca Raton Christian in the playoff quarterfinals and finished 9-1.

The Coastal Beach Division downsizes to five teams for the 2016 season with Christ’s Church Academy and Lake Mary Prep moving to different divisions.

The Warriors face a situation at season’s onset where they will focus on who is a member of the varsity

there is a plenty of talent returning on both sides of the ball.

Senior quarterback Hilton Lamprecht threw for 1,854 yards and 15 touchdowns and ran for 806 yards and 11 scores last season, while junior Gehrig Chambless earned Second Team All-Conference honors at running back after rushing for 1,229 yards and 12 touchdowns. Senior Zachary Kelley (4 TD catches) was the team’s second-leading receiver in 2015, and the Eagles figure to be strong in the kicking game with returning First Team All-Conference player Kyle Burdue.

Several key players are also back from a 2015 defense that posted

team – rather than who is not.

First Team All-SSAC offensive lineman James Ortaliz graduated, while a handful of returning players transferred to other schools. However, the list of returnees includes lefthanded senior quarterback Connor Marchionda, who accounted for five total touchdowns in OCP’s spring victory over Cornerstone Charter.

Marchionda is a dual-threat QB who can play under center and in the shotgun. Sophomore wide receiver/ defensive back Malik Tolbert was a Second Team All-SSAC pick last season as a kick returner and senior Warren Bartlett (6-0, 195) will be a top contributor on both sides of the ball.

four shutouts. That list includes junior lineman Jason Dennison, who recorded 60 total tackles and 10 tackles for loss last season, and juniors Dylan Clinger and Chris Lamprecht.

Conference realignment has placed Legacy Charter in the Coastal League Central Florida Division with Lake Mary Prep (Week 2), Windermere Prep (Week 6), Central Florida Christian Academy (Week 7) and Orangewood Christian (Week 8). The Eagles play Foundation Academy at Walker Field in an Aug. 19 Kickoff Classic and travel to Leesburg for their Aug. 26 regular-season opener against SSAC counterpart The First Academy.

Fourth-year head coach Guerschom Demosthenes takes his team to Orangewood Christian for a Kickoff Classic on Aug. 19, while the Warriors start the regular season at home Aug. 26 against Central Florida Christian Academy and its first-year head coach Chris Cook.

Five of OCP’s opening eight regularseason games are on the road.

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8/16/16 - 8/30/16 • Florida Sporting News

It’s a new season, but some reflection is certainly appropriate when it comes to the Hornets.

The only defending Florida High School Athletic Association state champion among the 30 teams previewed by the Florida Sporting News, Bishop Moore won last year’s Class 5A title as Trey Page’s 18-yard touchdown run with 1:10 remaining lifted the Hornets to a 37-34 comeback victory over Wakulla.

Bishop Moore overcame a 27-19 deficit after three quarters to successfully complete a 14-1 season. The Hornets graduated nearly two dozen seniors from their championship roster – including several Associated Press All-Staters such as Parker Boudreaux, Jake McIntyre, Rayshad Lewis and quarterback Collin Hartmann – but veteran head coach Matt Hedrick’s program continues to trend upward on the heels of a solid spring performance against Class 8A Dr. Phillips.

Bishop Moore held a 7-0 halftime lead over the host Panthers in May, effectively slowing DP’s spread offense behind an active linebacking corps and aggressive secondary. (DP eventually rallied for a 21-14 edge after three quarters of varsity play.)

The offense returns Associated Press Class 5A Third Team All-State running back Trilion Coles (an incoming junior who rushed for 53 yards and a touchdown in the 2015 state title game), seniors C.J. McNeal and Army commit Joe Wallace and linemen Bradley Alexander and Third Team All-Stater Eric Seidelman.

Sophomore quarterback Jake Kiefer saw the majority of snaps in the spring game.

At 6-feet-4-inches, University of Notre Dame commit

Page 17

Jonathon MacCollister is rated one of the state’s top seniors. He helps lead a defense that returns seniors Juan Contreras, Charlie Rask, Bobby Spitulski and Jason Taylor and junior Evan Anderson.

Hornets, who have also won seven straight district titles, play three of their opening four regular-season games away from home and that includes the 5A-13 opener at Poinciana on Sept. 16.

A top-two finish in Class 5A District 13 sends Bishop Moore to the state playoffs for the ninth consecutive season. The

Bishop Moore’s Kickoff Classic is set for Aug. 19 at Class 7A Ocoee High.

Page 18 Florida Sporting News • 8/16/16 - 8/30/16

Cypress Creek head coach Shaun Lorenzano believes the pieces are in place for the Bears to make measurable improvement in 2016: younger players who continue to gain varsity experience, some key additions to the varsity roster and momentum from a decisive spring victory.

The Bears emerged from the spring season with a 5620 victory over Trinity Prep. Cypress Creek returns to the field Aug. 19 for a road Kickoff Classic against Deltona Pine Ridge and the regular season starts one week later at home versus St. Cloud.

Cypress Creek finished 1-9 last season, which included a win over Liberty High and single-digit losses to Olympia and neighboring rival Freedom.

Learning how to win those close games is also part of Cypress Creek’s ongoing building process.

“The kids expect big things and this is going to be probably the first winning season they’ve had

in a long time, or at least making a good run at something,” Lorenzano said. “And that’s our goal - a district championship and a spot in the playoffs.”

The Bears’ single-wing offense effectively ran the ball last season, but Cypress Creek will look to throw the ball more this fall behind senior quarterback Kordell Scott. Senior Frederick Walker and juniors Nicholas Etienne and Sylvens Sinophat provide options at running back behind a big offensive line and Orlando Christian Prep transfer Jordan Webber steps into a wide receiver role.

District 5 with Dr. Phillips, Oak Ridge, Freedom and Olympia. The Bears kick off their district schedule in Week 4 at Olympia and then have a string of three straight 8A-5 contests in October, beginning with Oak Ridge in Week 8.

The Bears have added depth with senior Tyler Brisgone, who also transferred from OCP. Seniors William Everett, A.J. Alamo and Noula Netane and junior Xavier White help lead the defense and senior Tala Faletoese and juniors Uzochi Oparaji and Johnny Quaterman will play important roles up front.

Cypress Creek resides in competitive Class 8A

Collin Drafts One of the area’s most successful offensive coordinators is now at the helm of a Metro Conference East Division program.

East River named Collin Drafts its new head coach after the Falcons posted a 1-9 record in 2015. The former Charleston Southern University standout and Arena Football League quarterback spent the previous five seasons as coach Bob Head’s offensive coordinator at Olympia (2011-12) and West Orange (2013-15) where he helped develop Division I quarterbacks such as Florida State redshirt freshman Deondre Francois, Auburn’s Woody Barrett, BYU’s Hayden Griffitts and Tennessee Tech’s Colby Brown.

East River won the Metro Conference East championship and appeared in the

Larry Gergley Gridiron Bowl (against West Orange) in 2011, but the Falcons registered just total eight victories over the following four seasons. The rebuilding project facing Drafts and his coaching staff – which includes 2016 U.S. Summer Olympian Marvin Bracy, a world-class track runner who played football at Boone – got a significant boost during the spring season which ended with a 31-0 win over Astronaut High.

Senior lineman Isaias Poche is not only one of East River’s top leaders, but he will also be one of several Falcons to play on both sides of the ball. Jeremiah Gholston, a senior transfer from University High, is another upperclassman who figures to make

a significant impact this season.

During East River’s enthusiastic opening week of fall practice, Drafts gave an interview posted on social media: “When we walk off the field - no matter who we’re playing - know that we gave it our all.

Offensively, we’re going to spread the ball around and get our playmakers the ball and defensively we’re going to play sound, fundamental defense and keep everything in front,” he said.

The Falcons host Lake Howell in an Aug. 19 Kickoff Classic prior to their Aug. 26 regular-season and home opener against University. East River plays three of its five Class 7A District 5 games (Lake Nona, Harmony and St. Cloud) in October.

Chris Leak Chris Leak’s life in football took a new direction earlier this year when he became the head coach at Edgewater High.

regional quarterfinals, but it still marked the program’s 14th playoff appearance since 2000.

Leak, a national championship quarterback during his college career at the University of Florida and former NFL, CFL and Arena Football League player, takes over a varsity program that reached the Florida High School Athletic Association state playoffs in each of Rich Bedesem’s two seasons with the Eagles. (Bedesem is the new head coach at Wekiva High.)

Edgewater was hit hard by graduation with the likes of Associated Press Class 7A First Team All-State honoree Craig Rucker (who signed with Utah State) and All-State honorable mention wide receiver Buck Watkins (Florida Tech). But expect Leak – who for a time was an assistant on Will Muschamp’s coaching staff at Florida - to have the Eagles playing fast and physical when they kick off the regular season on Aug. 26 against defending Class 5A state champion Bishop Moore in the “Battle of College Park”.

The Eagles finished 7-4 last season after opening losses to Bishop Moore and Apopka. Edgewater put together a six-game winning streak at one point before falling to Gainesville Buchholz in the Class 7A

Juniors Quondarrius Whitfield and

Ezekiel Cooper figure to be among the top playmakers in Edgewater’s spread offense, while the defense will feature junior linebacker/safety Trevor Modeste.

Edgewater earned district-runner up honors last year in Class 7A District 4 alongside Hagerty, East Ridge, Lake Howell, Lake Minneola, Ocoee and Ocala West Port. The Eagles begin their district schedule on Sept.

16 at Ocoee High.

The 2016 edition of the “Battle for the Barrel” is set for Nov. 4 at Edgewater’s Frank E. Lough Stadium. The rivalry with Boone High, which dates back to 1952, was decided by four points last season with the Eagles defeating the Braves 34-30.

8/16/16 - 8/30/16 • Florida Sporting News

For those who believe in statistical trends, the 2016 season could be special for the Blue Darters after they celebrated Florida High School Athletic Association state championships in 2012 and again in 2014. But success within head coach Rick Darlington’s storied program traditionally stems from the quality of preparation for each opponent on the schedule, which this year begins with Ocoee High in the Aug. 26 regular-season and home opener.

Up first for Apopka is a Kickoff Classic on Aug. 19 against visiting Lake City Columbia High.

A top-two finish in Class 8A District 4 ensures Apopka’s 17th consecutive trip to the state playoffs.

Apopka reached the Class 8A regional semifinals last season and fell to district rival West Orange – the Blue

Darters finished 10-2 in 2015 with both losses coming to the Warriors – marking the program’s shortest postseason stay since 2011 when the result was an opening-round setback to Timber Creek.

Apopka’s prolific single-wing attack utilizes precision blocking for skilled athletes such as returning seniors Demetri Burch and Deshawn Massey, but how the defense develops will be important after the Blue Darters allowed 20 or more points four times last season.

Burch, an Associated Press Class 8A Second Team All-State selection as a junior, committed to the University of South Florida last month after also receiving offers from Kentucky, Louisville and West Virginia. Massey, who like Burch (6-0, 180) has been

Page 19

a consistent 1,000-yard rusher for the Blue Darters, was named to last season’s Class 8A All-State Third Team as a running back.

Defensively, senior safety Dimetri King and junior Kamron Williams were among Apopka’s leading tacklers during the 2015 season. Senior linebacker David Britzius (6-1, 215) will also be key on that side of the ball by players like Division I recruit William Barnes.

The Blue Darters play three of their opening four regular-season games at Roger Williams Field, including a Week 4 matchup against Dr. Phillips.

Apopka opens its 8A-4 schedule in Week 6 with a trip to West Orange High.

Page 20 Florida Sporting News • 8/16/16 - 8/30/16

Greg Thompson One of the bright spots for Trojans head coach Gregory Thompson involves increased stability within the program.

“We will be more physically and mentally prepared to [compete against] the teams that are at the next level. Secondly, the transfer fever did not attack the roster like previous years,” Thompson said. “I think the greatest change is we were able to coach the kids for the spring and install an offense that fits the team and the players we want to highlight.”

semifinals. Qualifying for the postseason presents a similar challenge for Evans, which currently resides in Class 8A District 4 with West Orange, Apopka and Wekiva.

The Trojans return seven offensive starters and six on defense from last season’s 1-9 team.

Team speed will be one strength for Evans, whose spread offense is led by talented senior quarterback Kimani Binder (6-4, 175). A promising senior class also features wide receiver Dray Major (6-2, 195) OL Donovon Evans has not had a winning record since 2012 Brown, LB/FB Malik Jackson, WR/S Tyrese when the Trojans reached the Florida High Sanders, DT Isiah Butler, LB/FB George School Athletic Association Class 7A regional Schanck, DT/TE Emani Douglas, ATH/CB

Dexter Smith and WR/RB Darryl Gay. Key juniors include three-year starter C/DT Stanley Mentor (6-1, 265), OL Daniel Vincent (6-6, 285), WR Michael Garrett III and DB Malik Glover.

Evans plays its Kickoff Classic on Aug. 19 against Sanford Seminole High, one week in advance of the Aug. 26 regular-season opener against Taravella High at ESPN’s Wide World of Sports Complex. The Trojans, whose home opener arrives in Week 5 when they meet Olympia High on Sept. 23, have a challenging non-district schedule overall with Jones, Oak Ridge and Dr. Phillips on the docket as well.

Clint Johnson Lake Brantley High grad Clint Johnson, who played for Lou Holtz at the University of Notre Dame in the early 1990s, became the Grenadiers’ new head football coach this past spring.

Johnson looks to help strengthen a Colonial program that combined to go 6-24 the previous three seasons and last made the Florida High School Athletic Association playoffs in 1993.

The Grenadiers won their 2015 season opener, but that marked the lone victory in a 1-9 campaign.

Former college and professional football player Elijah Williams makes his return to the high school sidelines as the new head coach at Jones.

Williams, who played at the University of Florida and in the NFL with the Atlanta Falcons, previously coached at Oak Ridge High where the Pioneers generated six consecutive winning seasons during his tenure. Jones comes off a 4-6 campaign in 2015, but the Tigers’ outlook has been considerably brighter since Williams was named to the position last December.

There is a host of talent for Williams and his staff to work with, but two of the more prominent names are senior Calvin Francis

Holtz presented Johnson (formerly an assistant coach at Oak Ridge High) during an introductory press conference in April: “Football has always been a staple for me,” Johnson said.

“As coach Holtz said, you never know what pathway life is going to take you down.”

Colonial has a home Kick-Off Classic on Aug. 19 against Celebration. The Grenadiers then open the regular season on Thursday, Aug. 25 at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex as part of the 2016 KSA Events Kick Off Classic.

and junior Stacy Kirby. Francis has made big strides – no pun intended when referring to the imposing offensive lineman who committed to Florida International prior to fall camp – during a high school career that began at Oak Ridge. As for Kirby, the 6-foot-3 defensive end is rated one of the state’s top juniors.

Seniors Austin Perry, an athletic defensive back who returned two interceptions for touchdowns in the spring against Lake Minneola, and DL/OL Tyree Jackson, offensive playmaker Rockenson Sajous and junior two-way lineman Devin Hayes will also play important roles as the Tigers look to compete in a challenging Class 4A District 5 with Cocoa, Lake Highland Prep,

Senior wide receiver Ramon Gordon and junior quarterback Darvion Bailey are among the key performers on offense. The Grenadiers will also look for key contributions from seniors Anthony Vazquez (linebacker/running back), LB/TE Kendrick Moore, LB/RB DeAndre Cunningham and LB Caden Woody and junior Kevin Moran.

The Grenadiers begin their Class 8A District 3 schedule in Week 4 against Winter Park.

Colonial also plays its final four regular-season games at home, including district matchups with Timber Creek and Boone.

Astronaut and Atlantic.

The Tigers, who last reached the Florida High School Athletic Association state playoffs in 2014 when they were Class 4A district runnersup to powerhouse Cocoa, are experiencing additional change this season in conjunction Jones High School’s athletic facility renovation.

Jones subsequently moved its Aug. 19 Kickoff Classic against Dr. Phillips to Bill Spoone Stadium. The Tigers open the regular season on the road (Oak Ridge and Colonial) before they play Edgewater and Evans the following two weeks.

8/16/16 - 8/30/16 • Florida Sporting News

Page 21

Carl Holden Head coach Carl Holden’s Patriots look to be a factor in the Class 8A District 5 race.

Freedom made the Florida High School Athletic Association state playoffs in 2012, but the Patriots went a combined 10-20 the following three seasons with no postseason appearances.

The Patriots, who started the 2015 season with six consecutive losses before rallying to a 3-7 finish, have a goal to be in the district mix with Dr. Phillips, Oak Ridge, Olympia and Cypress Creek despite graduating

several starters. Still, Holden has some talented returning players to go along with a group of promising newcomers.

Seniors Miguel Garcia and Marcus Thompson were two of Freedom’s biggest impact players on defense last season, as the Patriots planned to utilize a 4-3 alignment this year. The senior class also includes WR/ RB Jarad Charlton, WR/RB Manuel Rosario, WR/LB Jacob Mitchell, DL Marco Ramirez, DB Jose Ferrer and ATH Austin Davis.

Linebacker Noah Mazza, DB Amyas

Coach Carl Holden

Collazo, RB/LB Marc Dillard and linemen Oliver Walker and Matias Pedraza will help lead the junior class, while key sophomores include lineman Darrell Lowe and running back Daequan Tate. Tate ranked as Freedom’s second-leading rusher a year ago behind then-senior Richardson Charles.

The Patriots travel to Winter Springs for their Aug. 26 opener, one week after they visit Hagerty in a Kickoff Classic. Freedom plays four times on the road within the opening five weeks of the regular season.

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Chris Cook Central Florida Christian Academy announced the hiring of new head football coach Chris Cook this past spring. Cook’s staff includes former West Orange High lineman Kalvin Rymer (offensive coordinator) and former University of Maryland fullback James Lynch (defensive coordinator).

Enthusiasm is running high as CFCA aims to make opponents “Fear the Flock” - a common hashtag on the Eagles’ social media posts. The Eagles had an eventful summer that included an appearance at the Sunshine State Athletic Conference’s 2nd Annual Throw Down in O-Town tournament in June, in addition to hosting their own Clash at the Cross 7-on-7 event.

Graduation losses included 2015 First Team All-Conference running back Judah Stone – who scored 20 rushing

touchdowns last season and committed to Ave Maria University in Southwest Florida – and leading tackler Luke Noah. Meanwhile, Cook will work with a young varsity roster in his debut season.

second place.

The schedule changes somewhat this year as CFCA moves to the Coastal League’s Central Florida Division with Lake Mary Prep, Orangewood Christian, Ocoee Legacy Charter (Homecoming opponent in Week 7) and Windermere Prep. The Eagles’ nondivision schedule includes an Oct. 21 matchup at Thrown Down in O-Town champion Deltona Trinity Christian, which is under the direction of former CFCA head coach Monty Vann.

Senior leadership will come from a group that features WR/DB Qumari Campbell, WR/DB Brysyn Moore, ATH Kylan Williamson and LB/RB Jay Rodriguez. Jared Milroy (a 6-foot-3 tight end/linebacker) is among the top juniors, while sophomore James Lynch Jr. (6-2, 235) will play key roles on both CFCA kicks off the regular season on sides of the ball.

Aug. 26 with an SSAC crossover game CFCA had a five-game winning streak at Orlando Christian Prep. The Eagles last season en route to a 7-3 overall are also scheduled toplay at Indian record. The Eagles also finished 5-2 in Rocks Christian on Aug. 19 in their the Coastal League’s Orange Division, Kick-Off Classic. but they missed the 2015 SSAC playoffs after a three-way tiebreaker decided

The 2015 season marked Orangewood Christian’s first as a member of the Sunshine State Athletic Conference. The Rams (6-4) qualified for the league playoffs where they lost in the quarterfinals to eventual Florida Bowl champion Santa Fe Catholic.

Legendary coach Bill Gierke, who continues moving closer to 300 career victories (279104-1), is in his sixth season at Orangewood Christian. The Rams host Orlando Christian Prep in an Aug. 19 Kickoff Classic and Aug. 26 marks the regular-season and home opener against Berean Christian, which won the Sunshine State’s third-place playoff game last season.

Conference realignment has moved Orangewood Christian from an eight-team division (formerly the Coastal League Orange) to the Coastal League Central Florida Division with Windermere Prep (Week 3), Central Florida Christian Academy (Week 4), Lake Mary Prep (Week 7) and Ocoee Legacy Charter (Week 8).

The Rams also have non-divisional home games against The First Academy-Leesburg, North Florida Educational Institute and Trinity Prep.

The offensive and defensive lines could be among Orangewood Christian’s best assets and that starts with senior Jono Horvath (6-3, 281).

Horvath is considered a solid offensive line prospect, and his talents will also be used on defense this season for the Rams.

Senior LB/RB Andrew Wilhite and junior DB/ WR Parker Penny both made key contributions during the Rams’ home spring jamboree with fellow SSAC schools Keswick Christian Academy, St. Edward’s School and International Community School. Orangewood Christian defeated Keswick Christian 7-3 and dropped a 6-0 decision to ICS.

8/16/16 - 8/30/16 • Florida Sporting News

Audi South Orlando

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