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Volume 2 • Issue 44
Jan 25 - Feb 2 2017
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College Football Signing Day
NFL STAR
Fernando Smith and son Nick Smith signed with the Florida Gators
Photos by Bob Gall
Featuring: Dr. Phillips, Foundation Academy, Windermere, West Orange and MUCH MORE...
Page 2 Florida Sporting News • 1/25/17 - 2/2/17
Doctor Phillips Football: Has A Very Successful Senior College Signing Day By Greyson Everidge
Coach Wells and Robert Porcher After decommitting from a six-month pledge to the UCF football program, Marvin Washington could be back in Orlando playing quarterback against the Knights in the future. Washington, the 6-foot-2, 190-pound quarterback out of Dr. Phillips High, signed with American Athletic Conference foe UConn on Wednesday, exactly two weeks after backing off his pledge to play for the hometown UCF Knights.
Coach Wells with Nick Smith and Marvin Washington
It comes as a big relief for Washington, who opened up his recruitment just 14 days before National Signing Day because of what had become a logjam of quarterbacks in the Knights 2017 recruiting class. He is coming off his best season as a high school football player and he showed off his athleticism and his arm in leading Dr. Phillips to the Class 8A title game. The Panthers were runners-up, losing 14-10 to Miami Southridge.
On the season, Washington led the Panthers in rushing with 659 yards on 93 carries, an average of 7.1 yards per carry, and rushed for three touchdowns. He also threw for 2,129 yards and 21 touchdowns on 160-of-273 passing (58 percent), throwing just six interceptions. Winter Park receiver Jordan Pouncey was the top Central Florida Super 60 uncommitted recruit entering National Signing Day, while Sanford Seminole linebacker DeMarco Artis
1/25/17 - 2/2/17 • Florida Sporting News
Page 3
Doctor Phillips Football: Has A Very Successful Senior College Signing Day
Coach Wells with with his Seniors during College Football Signing Day
committed to Baylor on Tuesday night. Artis was committed to UCF, but flipped his pledge to Florida State in August. Less than a week before signing day, Artis parted ways with FSU as the Seminoles looked elsewhere to finalize their class. He ultimately choose Baylor over Oregon. Pouncey was committed to Notre Dame, but his position coach’s departure prompted him to withdraw his commitment to the Irish and reopen his recruitment. He signed with Texas on Wednesday. While there was some signing day drama for part of the Central Florida Super 59, the No. 1 recruit on the list and No. 13 overall in the state of Florida has already settled his recruitment. Daytona Beach Mainland safety Cyrus Fagan enrolled early at Florida State and will participate in spring football practice. The recruiting process took unpredictable turns for many of the top prospects from Dr. Phillips’ state runner-up team. On Wednesday nine senior football players took part in a National Signing Day ceremony at the school in front of family and classmates, bring-
Nick Smith and Robert Porcher with their proud fathers
ing closure to a whirlwind of college visits and unofficial commitments. Several athletes ultimately signed with programs other than the schools they were initially pledged to this past fall. Former NC State commit Nick Smith signed with the University of Florida, while close friend and fellow defensive standout Robert Porcher IV made the switch from Nebraska to Virginia Tech. Former UCF commit Marvin Washington signed on to play quarterback at UConn. “When you’re a freshman and sophomore and you first start getting recruited, it’s all fun and games,” Washington said. “Then when it’s signing day and you actually sign the paper, it feels like ‘This is my life I’m signing on the line’ and it becomes a reality.” Washington said a number of schools reached out and visited Dr. Phillips following his decommitment from the Knights, including Arizona, Missouri, USF and FAU. He said he took his time and prayed about it before making his decision.
“At the end of the day it’s all what’s best for you,” Washington said. “It felt like UCF wasn’t the place for me to be. . . . I didn’t want to leave, but sometime the best thing to do is not the most comfortable thing to do.” In-state coaching changes at the conclusion of the college season led to Emare Hogan and D.J. Charles signing with Southern Illinois and North Carolina’s Campbell University, respectively. Hogan had been committed to USF and Charles to FAU. Also signing on Wednesday were Henry Caldwell and Albert Gilreath to Pennsylvania’s Mercyhurst University, Sydney Capers to Augustana University in South Dakota and Max Esperance to the University of Rochester in New York. “It was fun at times, but I know most of the time it’s a business decision,” Smith said of the recruiting process. “Every decision you make, you’ve got to make sure it’s right for you for the next four years because it’s pretty much a life decision.”
Ryan Popp Logan Beardslee Kaden Baur
Page 4 Florida Sporting News • 1/25/17 - 2/2/17
West Orange Boys Soccer Win District Championship, Advance to Regional Semi-Finals by Greyson Everidge WINTER GARDEN – The West Orange Boys Soccer team, coached by Scott Fisher for the 11th year in a row, won the district championship last week, defeating their rivals Olympia for the first time in two years to hoist the trophy at home.
Cardona would then score off an indirect freekick to score what would ultimately be the game winning goal. Rafael Antunes of the Warriors would put away the third penalty of the night to
Going into the District Tournament the Warriors were ranked in the first seed spot. They secured the spot off of goal differential, with second seed going to the Olympia Titans. West Orange and Olympia tied 2-2 earlier in the season, and West Orange were knocked out in the Semi-Finals last season by the Titans. Due to their first seed status, the Warriors bypassed the first round of the tournament, giving them more time to practice ahead of the Semi-Final match against Dr. Phillips. They beat Dr. Phillips 2-0 a few weeks prior, and did the same in the Semi-Final match last Wednesday – beating the Panthers 2-0 yet again. Goals came from Senior Parker Holland and Felipe Cardona for the Warriors. Meeting for the second time at West Orange’s Raymond Screws field, the Warriors and Titans faced off for the Championship in a game which was sure to be a nail biter. Both teams had ample support, with student sections from both sides making an appearance to cheer on their friends and students. The game got off to an early start when West Orange Midfielder Felipe Cardona scored a penalty to put the Warriors up 1-0. His club teammate but Olympia opponent scored a penalty shortly thereafter, tying the game at 1-1.
go ahead 3-1. In the last ten minutes Cardona, who actually transferred to West Orange from Olympia after winning the championship there last year, fed a through ball to Junior Marco Ribeiro who nutmegged the keeper to top the game off, winning the championship by a score of 4-1. After the celebrations died down the Warriors focused on their next game, which would be the Regional Quarter-Final game played against Hagerty on the following Wednesday. The game against the Hagerty Huskies would end up in a narrow 2-1 win for the Warriors, despite West Orange dramatically outplaying their opponents throughout the duration of the game. The first half ended scoreless at zero, with the two sides coming more energized and focused at the start of the second half. The Huskies scored the first goal of the game
within the first five minutes of the new half, when a ball fall to forward Michael Lynch in the box, who slid the ball in the left side of the net to give them the go away goal and hope for a win. That was short-lived however, when the Warriors came back stronger, hitting more and more shots on target as the half progressed. It was ultimately Kaden Bauer, who stepped the midfielder role this season after being cut freshman year and spent his sophomore year on Junior Varsity who would score the tying goal. Bauer was left unmarked on the back post by Hagerty defenders, where he jumped in to score a header, hitting the ball clean into the back post amidst a cluster of players jockeying for the ball. “It was a great feeling to get a goal in the game,” said Bauer. “We were back on top of our game and went on to win.” With 18 minutes left in the second half, Junior Marco Ribeiro shot from about 15 yards to score, with the ball running just past the keeper to give them the go ahead goal. It was sweet for Ribeiro, who missed two earlier in the game in tight situations. “I’m glad I got the winning goal but I’m glad the team gets to progress to the next round. We deserved it.” said Ribeiro. The Warriors next game will be played at home in the Regional Semi-Final’s against Seminole. The Seminoles beat Olympia 3-2 in overtime to move on, and the Warriors will be looking to get the win and move on to the next round. The game will be played at 7pm at West Orange on Saturday, February 4th.
1/25/17 - 2/2/17 • Florida Sporting News
Page 5
Foundation Academy Football Players Signing Day
Cory Rahman Signing Up
Evan Thompson Signing Up
This was a great day for Foundation Academy Football as three of the four of their top senior’s student-athletes have signed football scholarships with three very prestigious Universities. Coach Brad Lord’s has done an amazing job getting recruiters to follow his players.
but their football programs are top notch.
Star football players, Lester Axson, committed to Campbell University, Evan Thompson is heading to Florida Tech and Cory Rahman is going an hour away to Southeastern University. All three college programs are not only great educational institutions
Many colleges are keeping their promises with him.
Jaquane Patterson has so many places to still visit and he is still caught up in basketball. FSN was told that Jaquane will make a decision at end of the month to where he’s attending college.
Other possible late signings will be Chaz Cannon, Kyle Krueger, and Jacob Titus. Evan Fitzgibbon was accepted to West Point but will only play Sprint Football or Walk on at the varsity level.
Lester Axson Signing Up Signing day took place at Foundation Academy on Wednesday, February 1, 2017 in front of their whole student body. Florida Sporting News would like to congratulate these fine young man on their journey to College. Campbell University did an amazing job recruiting Orange County football. They received commitments from: Lester, Dorian Jones- Ocoee and DJ Charles from Dr. Phillips. All of these student-athletes are strong players.
West Orange Girls Soccer Win District Championship for the Second Time in Three Years by Greyson Everidge
APOPKA – The West Orange Girl’s Soccer team, who ended the season with a (10-7-2) record when it was all said and done, finished the year winning the District Championship against their rivals Apopka at Apopka, beating out the Blue Darters by a score of 3-1 to secure their second district championship in three years.
Going into the District Tournament in the second week of January, the Lady Warriors were ranked as only the third seed, behind both Apopka and Olympia – their two rivals in the district. By the time the trophy was lifted by the Warriors they had beaten both the Titans and the Blue Darters by a score of 3-1. The Titans were beaten 3-1 by the Warriors in the Semi-Final game, with goals coming from seniors Mary Hamm and Emma Honis. Honis is a division one signee who will be playing with North Carolina Upstate next season. With the win the Warriors got some revenge on the Titans who had beaten them earlier in the year by a score of 2-1. The goals for the Warriors not only secured a win and a spot in the Finals, but also secured a guaranteed spot in the first round of the regional tournament. On Friday that week the Warriors and Blue Darters met for a shot at the trophy, with fans from both sides showing up to support their teams. The game got off to a quick start when West Orange freshman striker Nia Everidge found the net with a strike from 25 yards out with just two minutes on the clock. Apopka tied the game at one about ten minutes later off a ball that was bouncing in and around the box before it was hit in by an Apopka player. After a period of strong and even play by the two sides, it was West Orange Senior and Captain Mary Hamm who struck from inside the box to give the Warriors a 2-1 lead. West Orange made it three with about ten minutes left when the other Senior Captain, Emma Honis, snuck into the box to curl a shot to the bottom right hand corner to seal the win for the Warriors. “It felt really good to score the winning goal,” said Hamm. “We deserved to win and it was nice to prove to everybody that we could win even though we were ranked lower.” The Warriors then went on to play Lake Mary in the Regional Quarter-Final, who are widely
considered to be one of the best teams in not only the state but the nation. They are ranked in the top 100 nationally and in the top 20 for the State of Florida. West Orange went out at home by a score of 5-0, but it was a great season for the Warriors who surprised all the teams in the district by winning the District Title.
With a strong Junior class rising and a starting lineup consisting of five freshman, the Warriors will be looking to once again win districts in the coming years as returning players continue to lead the team next to Head Coach Patrick Moons, who was in his first full season as the head coach.
Page 6 Florida Sporting News • 1/25/17 - 2/2/17
Hall of Fame Inductees; Larry Little and Dwi
Don Davey Dwight Stephenson and Mike Attardi
Mike Attardi, NFL Commissioner Roger Godell, Dr. Christ Corman, and Clifton Smith
On Thursday, January players like Fernando 26th at Bella Tuscany Smith (Vikings), BriRestaurant in Windan Travis (Bangles), ermere, Hall of Fame Gary Knafelc (Packplayers Larry Little ers), Don Davey (Jagand Dwight Stephenuars), Blaise Winters (Colts,Packers,Chargson spoke to over a hundred educators and ers) and Brandon Siler (Chargers, Chiefs). youth. The event was sponsored by Bella Tuscany, Social Blackbelt and Tommy BahaThe MC of the event ma of the Mall at Milwas Dr. Chris CortStephanie Cortman, Mike Attardi, Dr. Christ Cortman, lenia. There was also man, Dr. Cortman Hall of Famer Larry Little, and Mrs. Little a panel of four former interviewed the NFL NFL players that inlegends panel with neers) and Seneca McMillan (Packers). cluded Mike Attardi (Raiders), Clifton tough questions about “Life After the The event also brought out several NFL Smith (Buccaneers), James Lee (Bucca-
1/25/17 - 2/2/17 • Florida Sporting News
Page 7
ight Stephenson supporting our local youth
Dr Chris Cortman with NFL Legends Gridiron”. The event was a huge success with many of the audience members wanting to hear more. Dr. Cortman used his program called Social Blackbelt to uncover the many layers of happiness and sadness that all the players had shared that day.
The Social Black Belt (SBB) is an academic, evidence based, youth prevention program designed by expert licensed psychologists. SBB nurtures positive pro social behaviors in students and teachers by engaging classrooms in dialogue that leads them to identify, understand, and regulate emotions. SBB students acquire skills that help develop resiliency, and the ability to fulfill their potential in the near and long-term.
Through interactive skills development exercises, SBB students will be more assertive, better at making healthier decisions and working towards personal goals. Research in the field of youth prevention has shown that these protective factors lead to significantly better academic, interpersonal and personal outcomes for students. These outcomes essentially comprise the goals of the program.
Connor Heath, of Tommy Bahama, had outfitted the NFL panel of six with their new winter line. The NFL players were complemented on their sharp looking Tommy Bahama outfits all night. Bella Tuscany had donated all the food, drinks and hosted a wonderful NFL Pro Bowl party. Everyone was raving about the quality of food and the incredible service. Dr. Cortman was amazing and very funny. His humor was electrifying and the crowd let him know how great he was as an MC with several humorous moments.
Michael Attardi, Larry Little and Connor Heath
This event was such a success that all the sponsors have agreed to do another event during NFL Pro Bowl week next year. For more information about Social Black-
belt and how this program can help your educational needs, please call Stephanie Cortman at 941-587-7388 for more information.
Page 8 Florida Sporting News • 1/25/17 - 2/2/17
Other Local Central Florida Football players who have committed to Colleges Athlete
Signed
Commitment
High School
Position
Weight
Height
Bradley Alexander X Sacred Heart Bishop Moore OL 295 6-3 Briand Dorgil X Stoney Brook Lake Nona WR 195 6-2 Chase Brown Stetson Jones DB 170 5-10 Cory Rahman X Southeastern College Foundation Academy S 180 6-1 D’von McCullough X Valdosta State Deltona LB 210 6-2 David Sanders William Penn Jones OV 280 5-11 Ervin Charles X Stetson Lake Nona WR 165 5-10 Ethan Bullock X South Dakota State Orangewood Christian QB-DB 205 63 Evan Thompson X Florida Tech Foundation Academy ATH 190 5-11 Grant Goupil X Mercer Lake Mary K/P 160 60 Lester Axon Jr. X Campbell Foundation Academy ATH 180 6-2 Naquan Renalds X Marshall Vision Learning Center WR 175 6-2 P.J. Blaine Northwest Missouri State Apopka DL 250 6-1 Rockenson Sajous William Penn Jones RB 180 5-9 Ryan Swoboda X Virginia Windermere Prep OT 3 270 6-10 Thomas Connors X Stetson Bishop Moore TE 230 6-5 Tripp Cannon X Stetson Bishop Moore OT 265 6-5 Tyrese Brown Albany State Jones DE 240 6-3
1/25/17 - 2/2/17 • Florida Sporting News
Page 9
Flag Football’s Rising Popularity Amongst Youth Football Players by Greyson Everidge
Ha Ha Clinton-Dix with Greyson ORLANDO – The sport of football has been the dominant one in the United States for quite some time. Tackle football has always been the main event, with play ranging from Pop Warner to High School, College and the National Football League (NFL). However, a new study from USA Football showed that more youth are playing flag football than tackle football. Between the head injuries, wear and tear and overall trauma of the sport on youth especially, it has seen an increase in play over sports such as tackle football, baseball and soccer. Perhaps it should come as no surprise why the NFL is now endorsing the sport, helping cultivate the sport while keeping injurie rates down among a virtually no contact version of the sport. When the NFL Pro-Bowl moved to Orlando this year, the league took initiative to celebrate the game of flag football while still creating hype around the traditional tackle football game. The game itself has taken hold in kids younger than teenagers amid a rise in concussions and studies reporting what concussions actually do to the brain – especially developing brains in youth players. Following new studies, the NFL sponsored a series of Pro-Bowl events aimed at promoting flag football at ESPN Wide World of Sports. In addition to forty-yard dashes, quarterback challenges and a host of other drills and events there was a party for the teams participating in the tournament. At the party, signature NFL Pro-Bowlers’ made appearances, talking to the media and young players alike about the game and what could be to come. At the event, the Florida Sporting News had a sit down with one of the teams participating in the Under 11 division. The players Shane Lindstrom, Ty Stricko, Ashton Obrien and Aidan Enoch had some thoughts on the tournament put on and why they play flag versus tackle football. They also made it clear that even though they were playing in the Under 11 bracket, they were 12 years old – still too young in the eyes of their parents. “My parents like flag football better. They like it because they are scared about brain injuries,” said Enoch. “There are a lot of concussions and other things because of tackle football so I kind of like it more too.” All of the boys seemed very aware of the recent studies which show the brain injuries that can incur from playing tackle ball and despite them wanting to play tackle, they understand the risks and the need to wait. “I want to play tackle football but know that I can get hurt because I am so young, so I don’t want to rush it because I know that I can play when I’m older.” said Lindstrom. Support of flag football extended past the young players and parents too, with some NFL players openly supporting the initiative taken by the
league. Talking to Aqib Talib of the Denver Broncos, he noted the importance of the small sided flag football games for young players. “I think it’s great,” said Talib. “It’s saving guys head contact and at the same time polishing your skills. When I was in high school we played tons of 7 on 7 and flag football so I think it’s great for the kids.” The hopes is that through limiting contact at younger ages, players can stay injury free and have longer careers as a result.
“The hits don’t start in the NFL, they start in the little league, so the more kids dont put their pads on and play 7 on 7 the better,” Talib went on to say. “It’s saving those hits and those kids, and it’s making your career longer.” Through further initiatives on the part of the NFL and an increased rate of young players playing and parents supporting the game, protecting both brains and the game for future generations of American Football.
Page 10 Florida Sporting News • 1/25/17 - 2/2/17
Windermere Prep Sign Three Players to Major Colleges WINDERMERE – The Windermere Prep Lakers finished the 2016 strong, ending with a (10-1) record, as well as winning two playoff games. They also finished first seed in their district, ending up (4-0) – a perfect record. To sweeten the deal, the Lakers saw three of their players sign to major universities, two of which are division one. Offensive lineman Ryan Swoboda signed to the University of Virginia where he will play Division One football in the fall. Wide receiver Will Seelman signed to the University of Chicago, where he will continue his academic career
at a prestigious university. Defensive back Robert Brand signed his letter of intent to Colgate University.
the most dedicated young men I’ve ever coached on the field.”
Head Coach Jacob Doss worked with the boys extensively throughout the season, leading both the players who signed and the team to a successful season.
Through the signing of these players to top universities, the program has displayed its value and set a precedent for years to come. The younger players who played alongside those who signed their letters of intent this past week will no doubt look up to and try to follow in the footsteps of their older teammates who are going where most football players dream of and work towards their whole careers.
“I’m very proud of these three young men. Not only are they going to three great football schools, they are all high level academic institutions,” said Doss. “I think it says a lot about these young men for being able to balance their time with high level classes while also being some of
These are the TOP 20 Local Football Players and where they have committed to College RANK
ATHLETE
SIGNED?
COMMITMENT HIGH SCHOOL
POSITION
STARS
WEIGHT
HEIGHT
1
Cyrus Fagan
X
FSU
Daytona Beach Mainland
S
4
182
6-2
2
Jonathon MacCollister
X
Notre Dame
Bishop Moore
ATH
3
182
6-2
3
DeMarco Artis
X
Baylor
Sanford Seminole
LB
3
220
6-3
4
Robert Porcher IV
X
Virgina Tech
Dr. Phillips
DE
3
248
6-3
5
Trace Christian
X
East Carolina
Lake Brantley
RB
3
220
6-1
6
Markenzy Pierre
X
Syracuse
Liberty
RB
3
218
6-0
7
Jordan Pouncey
X
Texas
Winter Park
WR
3
185
6-3
8
Dylan Meeks
Dr. Phillips
LB
3
218
6-2
9
Gabe Davis
X
UCF
Sanford Seminole
WR
3
205
6-3
10
MJ Jarrell
X
Maryland
Timber Creek
WR
3
183
6-2
11
Nick Smith
X
Florida
Dr. Phillips
LB
3
205
6-3
12
DJ Hampton
X
Southern Illinois
Seminole
RB
3
178
5-9
13
James Green
X
Tennessee State
Olympia
DB-LB
3
200
6-1
14
Carson Wells
X
Colorado
Souther Sumter
DE
3
240
6-4
15
Emare Hogan
X
Southern Illinois
Dr. Phillips
ATH
2
170
5-11
16
Demetri Burch
X
Oregon
Apopka
ATH
3
181
5-11
17
Denzel Houston
X
FAU
Mainland
ATH
3
185
5-11
18
Kaylan Wiggins
X
FIU
Sanford Seminole
DUAL-QB
2
200
6-3
19
Marvin Washington
X
UConn
Dr. Phillips
DUAL-QB
3
195
6-2
20
Dorian Jones
X
Campbell
Ocoee
CB
3
175
5-11
1/25/17 - 2/2/17 • Florida Sporting News
Audi South Orlando
Page 11
Page 12 Florida Sporting News • 1/25/17 - 2/2/17