FSN #54 11/14/17 - 11/28/17

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Nov 14 - Nov 28 2017

Volume 2 • Issue 54

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FOOTBALL

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Photos by Bob Gall

Featuring: West Orange, Foundation, Winter Park, Dr Phillips and much more!

Page 2 Florida Sporting News • 11/14/17 - 11/28/17

West Orange Wins Gergley Bowl Versus Lyman West Orange- The West Orange Warriors had a great season this year compared to last year’s tragic (2-8) record. Unfortunately the Warriors battled hard, but fell short of the playoffs. They had a record of (6-4), where they had beaten some very good opponents who actually did make the playoffs. Apopka is top of that list. That game was a must win in order for the Warriors to have any hope for the playoffs. With things not working out in the playoff picture, the Warriors had to settle for a Bowl Game against Lyman.

a 22-7 lead by the end of the first. They never took their foot of the gas, adding 14 more points in the second quarter. At halftime, the Warriors were up 36-20.

The third quarter was no different than the rest, as the Warriors scored 27 more points. After three quarters, the Warriors took a 63-32 lead. Scoring a touchdown in the fourth quarter put the finishing touches to the game for the Warriors, as they went on to win 70-32.

Nemea Hall, Sophomore Running Back for the Warriors, set two single-game records for the Warriors. He rushed for five touchdowns and 332 yards.

The West Orange Warriors who have won their last four games, set to face a (5-5) Lyman side, who looked to finish their season strong with a victory in the Gergley Bowl.

The Lyman Greyhounds had a somewhat successful season, besides the (1-5) record in the 8A District 2 Standings. Finishing second to last in their district, the Greyhounds were eliminated from the playoffs, and were forced to play in their final game against the Warriors at Showalter Field in Winter Park.

TFA Still undefeated is No# 5 in Class 3A State Rankings

by Noelle Clay The First Academy forced four first-half turnovers, leading the way to a hard-fought and historic 21-14 victory at Lake Highland Prep in high school football on Friday night.

The undefeated Royals (8-0) beat the Highlanders (6-3) for the first time in what was the first meeting between the Orlando private schools in 15 years.

Lake Highland beat TFA in nine consecutive seasons (1994-2002) before the rivals went separate ways.

by Mark Korotetskiy

Both teams made their way to Winter Park, as they were ready to go to war to see who the better team was.

The Warriors came out extremely strong, making a statement in the first quarter. They were able to take

The Warriors are such a strong team, and is upsetting to see their season end because of the new point system format.

The Warriors go home winners, but are ready to come back and fight next season!

“I couldn’t be more proud of this team,” Royals head coach Leroy Kinard said. “That’s as good of a win as we’ve had in program history.”

throw marked Eleyssami’s second TD pass of the game. The first went for 31 yards to junior Matt Edwards.

TFA, which moved into the Class 3A state rankings at No. 5 this week, extended a 20-game regular season win streak that dates to 2015.

“We have a very good quarterback with a lot of poise,” Kinard said. “Our offensive line played lights out, but give (Eleyssami) credit for making some big-time throws when we needed them.”

First Academy safety Parker Mara ignited the turnover barrage with a fumble recovery midway through the first quarter. On the ensuing possession, Mara capped a six play drive with a 1-yard touchdown run.

“This was a gut-check game – no doubt about it,” Kinard said. “Our defense saved us time after time tonight.”

After leading 14-0 at halftime, TFA increased its advantage to 21-0 when quarterback Alex Eleyssami connected on a 30-yard strike to Alex Shields. The

“It’s hard to put into words how much this win means for us,” TFA junior Owen Pifer said. “I’m so proud of our team. I’m so proud of our effort. This is the best moment I’ve had playing football.”

Lake Highland Prep, a 4A playoff contender, scored twice in the fourth quarter, but an unsuccessful onside kick ended any chance of a Highlander comeback. Lake Highland’s longest offensive play came on a 59-yard touchdown pass from Thomas Furry to Darreyl Williams.

11/14/17 - 11/28/17 • Florida Sporting News

Dr. Phillips Advances to Regional Semifinals DR. PHILLIPS- The Dr. Phillips Panthers have had an outstanding season, only suffering two losses. One of which was against the Apopka Blue Darters and the other against the Wekiva Mustangs. This put the Panthers at an 8-2 regular season record. They were also able to win the 8A District 5 Football Standings with a (4-0) record, ensuring them a spot in the playoffs.

The Bolts came into this game following a loss against Winter Haven, hoping to bounce back and proceed further through to the Regional Semifinals.

On the other hand, the Panthers have been rolling through their opponents, as they are coming into this game winning their last four.

by Mark Korotetskiy first drive of the game. The very next drive, McCray was able to find Davarius Bargnare on a 38- yard screen-pass touchdown.

The Panther’s defense also came up very big in the first quarter, forcing two fumbles which both led to touchdowns. One of these fumbles, forced by Tanner Ingle, was returned for a 3 yard touchdown.

The first quarter set the tone for the rest of the game and drained the confidence from the Bolts.

In the Regional Quarterfinals, the Dr. Phillips Panthers faced the Ridge Community Bolts.

Ridge Community was a decent team which played hard to earn their (7-4) record in the regular season, and placing second in the district, just behind the Osceola Kowboys.

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At half, the Panthers took a 35-0 lead, leaving the Bolts hopeless.

The Panthers played this game at home, where they hoped to please their fans.

The Panthers offense and defense played outstanding in the first quarter. Putting up 28 points just in the first quarter, made it almost impossible for the Bolts to even have a chance.

BeSean McCray opened the scoring with his pass to Michael Fox, which ended in a touchdown on the

They tried to fight back, as they were able to put a touchdown on the board in the fourth quarter. But, that definitely wasn’t enough to beat the Panthers.

Dr. Phillips won this game 35-7, and advance to the next round of the playoffs, where they will meet a (10-0) Osceola team.

The Dr. Phillips Panthers will face the Osceola Kowboys on November 17th, at 7:30 P.M.

Page 4 Florida Sporting News • 11/14/17 - 11/28/17

Foundation Season Strong But Miss Playoffs In Puzzling Story

by Mark Korotetskiy

WINTER GARDEN – The Foundation Academy Lions played out a good season, and ended strongly in the few weeks which led up to the playoffs which began in early November. Finishing with a record of (7-3) overall, going (5-0) in the district, the Lions looked set to work hard in order to make a playoff run which they fully deserved. However, new rules in Class 2A this year ultimately prevented the Lions from making a playoff spot despite being within the range to make it in accounting for total points. The Lions also led in interceptions in the state with 24, led the state with sacks with 47 and had an overall defense ranked third in the state.

To better understand, the new Class 2A rules and scoring for playoff decisions is as follows; points are awarded to teams for wins and losses and are ultimately what leads to playoff spots being awarded in conjunction with the amount of teams participating per region.

In 2A, there are four regions. Region 1 has 12 teams, Region 2 has 14 teams, Region 3 has 9 teams and Region 4 also has 9 teams. In a perfect world, all regions would have the same amount of teams to make playoff decisions fair and even. However, that is not how the current system works.

In total 14 teams are awarded playoff spots. In the current system, each region is awarded the same amount of teams granted playoff spots no matter how big the region – for example Region 2 and Region 4 get the same amount of spots despite the competition in Region 2 being more stiff and more dense than that found in Region 4.

This system is what kept Foundation Academy out of the playoffs.

The Lions were ranked 13th in overall points, which would have put them in range for a playoff spot this season. Yet because and even number of teams are taken, the Lions were left out despite being more qualified than other teams who were given spots.

The system needs to be fixed, with coaches voicing concerns with troubles of what happened to Foundation Academy this year.

In order to be even, playoff spots should be granted on a level playing field.

Head Coach of Foundation Brad Lord believes that only total points should be taken into account, and that region foes should be required to compete against one another to make the system more fair for coaches, players and parents.

11/14/17 - 11/28/17 • Florida Sporting News

Olympia Suffers Huge Loss in First Round

OLYMPIA- The Olympia Titans were able to make the playoffs, on a shocking (6-4) season.

Being able to win three of four of their District games, gave them a spot to fight in the Class 8A Florida High School Football Playoffs.

The Titans had not had much practice before the playoffs, as their last two games were against quite easy teams. Oak Ridge and Windermere were nothing compared to what the Titans would see in the first round.

The Titans would face Vero Beach in the first round on November 10th.

The Vero Beach Indians had an undefeated season, as they were coming into this game with a record of (10-0). The Indians comfortably beat teams, and their point differential between points forward and against was massive.

Putting forward 436, and only allowing 107

against, it seemed as if the Titans were going to struggle to score.

This game was played in Vero Beach, where the Titans would have to take a road trip to get to.

In the first quarter, Vero Beach stunned the Olympia Titans, scoring 28 points on all four drives that they had. These were all scored within the first twelve minutes of the game.

The Indians took a 28-0 lead, and were able to gain 270 yards all in the first quarter, compared to Olympia’s 27 yards. This was quite shocking, as Olympia’s longest play was nine yards, while the Indians had eight plays greater than ten yards.

The second quarter was no different, as Vero Beach was able to score two more touchdowns. Olympia was also able to find the end

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by Mark Korotetskiy

zone once.

The score at halftime favored the Indians 42-7, which was basically the end for the Titans.

The Titans went scoreless in the third, and were able to score two late touchdowns in the fourth with the clock running. Going for a two point conversion both times, didn’t help, as they failed to convert.

The Indians easily won this game 42-19, which sent the Titans packing.

Vero Beach will face Riverview in the next round.

On the other hand, the Olympia Titans season is over, and all they can do now, is wait for next year.

SERVING ALL OF HURRICANE IRMA RELIEF FAMILIES FOR THE LOCAL ORLANDO AREA

Page 6 Florida Sporting News • 11/14/17 - 11/28/17 their discipline and athleticism as the beginning of the regular season drew near. To this day, it is safe to assume that he is still proud of the work ethic, discipline and athletic ability his team have worked on to be in the position they are in today.

Coach Doss has an overall record of 52-16 at Windermere Prep in his career, making him an undoubtedly impressive winning coach over the course of the few years he has been with Windermere Prep. Prior to taking the job, Doss had never held the role of a head coach, making Windermere his first team he had ever taken charge of.

Today, his original message is the same as it was in the beginning of his career.

“It is my hope that my team plays with everything they’ve got and realize the game of football is the “ultimate team sport” and with the right attitude you can go as far you want!” said Coach Doss when asked about what he hopes

Coach Profile: Jacob Doss Windermere Prep

by Greyson Everidge

WINDERMERE – Perhaps the best coach this season in Central Florida, Jacob Doss of Windermere Prep is in the middle of an undefeated run in the SSAC, where his Lakers will be playing for the State Championship this upcoming Saturday, November 18 at 7 p.m. His inspired leadership and tactical prowess have helped lead the Lakers this year, and it looks as if all the hard work could come to an outstanding close in the next few days.

At the beginning of the season, Doss recognized the talent his boys possessed, commenting on

Winter Park Remains Undefeated

WINTER PARK- The Winter Park Wildcats have been undefeated throughout the entire 2017 Football Season. With a record of (10-0), the Wildcats hope to make a big impact in the playoffs, as they strongly would like to win states. Coming up against challenging opponents in Wekiva and Timber Creek, the Wildcats were able to pull off tight victories. Being

ranked 11th in the State of Florida, and 85th in the nation, the Wildcats have high expectations in the playoffs.

In the first round, Winter Park will face Spruce Creek at home on November 10th.

The Spruce Creek Hawks, with a record of (8-1), have had an impeccable season, only suffering a loss to Flagler Palm Coast, 17-14. Winning their last three, the Hawks seemed ready to play their first playoff game at Winter Park.

In the first quarter, Winter Park and Spruce Creek were both able to find the end zone once.

In the second, Winter Park was able to score two touchdowns, compared to Spruce Creek’s single touchdown.

At the end of the half, Winter Park barely led 21-14 behind two touchdown runs and a touchdown catch

by Tyrone Davis.

The Wildcats never looked back in the second half.

They scored three more unanswered touchdowns

to gain each time he steps on the field as head coach.

When asked about his playing style, Doss responded “I like to think of myself as an eternal optimist and try to be as positive as possible with my team.”

Part of the success on the field is how Doss’s players react to the message he brings forward during both practices and games.

“I think kids feed off positive enthusiasm but at the same time crave discipline,” said Doss.

“They want someone that shows they care for them and they will do anything for you when they know you believe in them.”

Doss’s efforts have made him a valuable member to not only Windermere Prep, but it’s institution, students and players during his time there so far. With his morals, passion and dedication to his program, It seems likely that Windermere Prep will have plenty more time with the talented coach who leads their student athletes.

by Mark Korotetskiy that the Hawks could not find an answer too. One of which, was a fumble that was returned 46 yards on the opening play of the third quarter by JJ Valle-Smith.

Winter Park’s Quarterback, Cameron Legree, passed for two touchdowns and 185 yards.

According to Coach Tim Shifflet, “We have always been a second half team.”

The Winter Park Wildcats went on to win 42-14 in the first round of the playoffs, as they easily move on to the Regional Semifinals against Apopka.

Apopka, coming off an easy win against Seminole, will be the Wildcats next challenge to see who the better team really is.

The winner of these two will move on to face the winner of Boone and Wekiva.

This game will be played on November 17th, at 7:30 P.M., where Winter Park hopes to make their fans happy with a win!

11/14/17 - 11/28/17 • Florida Sporting News

Windermere Prep Football Remain Undefeated Windermere Prep On Track For A Perfect Season

by Greyson Everidge

Page 7

Throughout the regular season, the Lakers looked virtually untouchable as they beat out opponent after opponent to continue to build upon their unbeaten record. Heading into playoffs, nothing has changed.

Their first playoff game ended in a commanding 45-6 win against Bishop Snyder, which the Lakers fully deserved. In the SSAC quarterfinal matchup between Windermere and Orlando Christian Prep, the Lakers held on to win barley by a score of 49-48 in a thrilling match which held both sets of players, coaches and fans on edge to the very last minute.

They used to momentum to win the semi-final matchup against Orangewood Christian by a comfortable score of 35-18.

They now head into the SSAC Championship with a confidence unlike any other against Saint Stephen’s Episcopal on Saturday at 8 p.m.

WINDERMERE – The Windermere Prep Lakers are on course to have a perfect season in their 2017 campagin, with only one more game standing between them and a perfect season paired with the Sunshine State Athletic Conference (SSAC) Championship. The Lakers currently sit with a (10-0) record, and remain undefeated as they have beaten off major

opponents to reach the point where they are now.

Earlier in the season, the Lakers earned some wins in blowout victories against teams such as the Central Florida Christian Academy, Lake Mary Prep, Legacy Charter and Santa Fe Catholic whom they beat by scores of 58-6, 410, 43-0 and 55-15 respectively.

The confidence is backed up with a hard work ethic, instilled by Coach Jacob Doss and practiced through key players such as Rahsaan Lewis (RB/DB), Ismael Cortes (RB/LB), Khadry Jackson (WR/LB) and Mason Russell (LB/FB) who have consistently stepped up to help lead and guide the team on their journey so far this season.

With the game quickly approaching, all eyes will be on Coach Doss and his team as they look to end a truly unforgettable journey so far this season.

Page 8 Florida Sporting News • 11/14/17 - 11/28/17

Highlanders Eliminated from Playoffs

LAKE HIGHLAND- The Lake Highland Prep Highlanders started the season quite strong, as they won

their first four games. Ever since that, the Highlanders had won two games, and lost three. Playing poor-

by Mark Korotetskiy

ly in their last two games, suffering losses in each of them, the Highlanders got ready to face Avon Park in the Regional Semifinal in the Class 4A Florida High School Football Playoffs.

The Avon Park Red Devils had an outstanding season, battling hard to earn their (7-1) record. Their only loss was to Lakeland Christian, where they suffered a loss by a touchdown, 35-28.

In their last game, the Red Devils netted another huge victory against Lake Placid, 47-16. In this game, Senior Montrae Braswell found the end zone three different times. He would most likely be a huge threat to the Highlander defense.

Between these two teams, the Highlanders wanted to shake off several defeats and get back into its winning ways, while on the other hand, the Red Devils wanted to add another win to their record and proceed further through the playoffs.

On November 10th, the Lake Highland Prep Highlanders would travel to Avon Park, where they would play their first playoff game away.

The Highlanders defense had been playing very well in the first half, limiting the Red Devils to just six points.

At the end of the half, the Highlanders managed to take a 10-6 lead, which they hoped to keep throughout the rest of the game.

In the second half, the Highlanders defense broke down, and gave up 14 points in the third quarter, and 14 points in the fourth quarter as well.

They managed to get a touchdown in the fourth, as they tried to overcome the deficit they were facing.

At the end of the game, the Red Devils had defeated the Highlanders by a score of 34-17, which dropped Lake Highland’s record to (6-4).

This was the Highlander’s third loss in a row, and ultimately means that they were out of the Class 4A Florida High School Football Playoffs.

The Highlander’s season unfortunately has come to an end, but that doesn’t mean they can’t come back next year, where they hope to make it a bit further, in hopes of winning a state title.

11/14/17 - 11/28/17 • Florida Sporting News

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