FSN #42 12/14/15 - 12/28/16

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Volume 2 • Issue 18

Dec 14 - Dec 28 2016

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Windermere Prep Soccer

Kicking it in Gear!

Photos by Bob Gall

Featuring: Dr. Phillips, Foundation Academy, West Orange, University of Central Florida and MUCH MORE...

Page 2 Florida Sporting News • 12/14/16 - 12/28/16

West Orange Boys Soccer Undefeated After Nine

By Greyson Everidge WINTER GARDEN – The West Orange Warriors Boys soccer team have started the season out without a loss, winning 5 and tying 4 to give them a (5-0-4) record so far this year. The Warriors sit at (20-2) in the district, putting them in a good position to take first seed when they the district playoffs come to Raymond Screws Stadium at West Orange in January.

The first game of the new season for the Warriors ended in a 0-0 tie against Lake Minneola. The Warriors had no problem controlling the defense but however lacked the attacking edge needed to give them the go ahead goal. After two more ties to go both winless and without a loss after 3, the Warriors started winning games.

The next two ties were against district opponents Evans and Olympia, both teams who West Orange tied in the regular season

last year. Similar to last year’s game against Olympia, the Warriors led by a score of 2-0 heading into the last 15 minutes when a

penalty given to Olympia turned the game in the Titans favor. It ended 2-2 thanks to a goal in the last 5 minutes from the Titans for the second year in a row. After a three game win streak which saw them beat Jones 9-1,

Ocoee 2-1 and Edgewater 3-0, the Warriors tied again.

This time the tie came against Ransom Everglades, with the Saturday afternoon game against the number 7 team in the nation ending scoreless at 0-0.

The Warriors had more chances than Ransom, however both teams failed to convert. Wekiva and St. Cloud both fell victim to the Warriors, with wins coming by scores of 3-0 and 3-1 respectively.

The Warriors next game is against district opponent and rival school Apopka, on Dec 14th and 7:30 pm. The Warriors are looking to improve to 10 games undefeated so far, and move up the ranks to secure first place in the district. Last year’s meeting between the two teams saw the Warriors hang on for a 2-1 win against the Blue Darters.

11/11/16 - 12/07/16 • Florida Sporting News

Page 3

Florida Football State Championship Plays Out For Dramatic Finish

By Greyson Everidge

CAMPING WORLD STADIUM, ORLANDO – The FHSAA 8A Florida Football State Championship played out this past weekend, with Orlando’s Dr. Phillips and Miami Dade’s Miami Southridge battling it out until the end of the fourth quarter. The game ended in a 1410 victory from the visitors to the south, who captured their first state title since 1993.

The Spartans from Miami Dade were behind for three quarters in the game, much like their semi-final game against Deerfield Beach which saw them overcome six turnovers and 20 points to find themselves playing the Panthers at the former Citrus Bowl on Saturday.

In the fourth quarter, trailing by 10, the Spartans found themselves cutting the deficit to 6

points after quarterback Cox threw the ball into the end zone, where it bounced up off a Panthers defender and into the air. Dillard made the catch to score the touchdown off some luck.

Dr. Phillips blocked the extra point to keep the Spartans out of range of tying it up with a field goal.

nal match they would eventually win.

The Spartans forced a punt off the Panthers next drive, and after a small drive ended up on the 3rd and 8 after a pass interference call against Cox and Pope. On the next play, Cox hit Pope for a touchdown to go ahead in the game – his tenth of the season.

Going into the game both teams had amassed successful records, with the Spartans coming in at (12-2) and the Dr. Phillips Panthers coming in with a record of (12-3). In addition to its being the Spartans first state championship since 1993, it was also coaches Billy Rolle’s night, where he became the first coach ever in Florida history to win the State Championship with three different teams.

The coaching staff knew that they needed to switch something up going into the fourth quarter, the same way they needed to in the semi-fi-

“Before the game, I told my coach [Southridge offensive coordinator David Cooney] to give me a chance,” Pope said. “I told him I can beat them deep. I was patient all night and they finally gave me a chance.”

Ryan Popp Logan Beardslee Kaden Baur

Page 4 Florida Sporting News • 12/14/16 - 12/28/16

Foundation Academy Girls Soccer Win Three in District

by Greyson Everidge

WINTER GARDEN – The Foundation Academy girls soccer team are pulling in mixed results this season, sitting with a record of (3-2-2) so far this season after 7 days. They have won three games in the district however, sitting at (3-2-1) in terms of district play. The Lions have scored 22 for and 18 against, showing how even of a year it has been so far.

4-0 respectively. Both of those games were district matches. They beat Pine Castle 8-0, showing good poise in front of goal to finish chances. In their non-district game, they beat Cornerstone Charter easily 2-0.

The first game, played against Geneva, ended in a 5-5 tie between the two sides.

The district game marked the only tie for Lions in district play this year. The next game ended in a win for Foundation, who captured their first district win that same week against Circle Christian by a score of 6-1. It was clear at this point that should the Lions keep their defense strong, most of the game would be played on their opponents half.

In a surprising result, they tied Oak Ridge 1-1, who have good teams on both the girls and boys side. Before the Winter Break, the Lions will play again against Cypress Creek on December 16th. Cypress Creek are (3-8) this year, losing most recently to Winter Park 6-0, giving the Lions a good chance to win another match heading into the break.

They are also (0-5) in their district.

The next two games ended in losses for the Lions, who lost to both The First Academy and International Community. Foundation were shutout in both games, losing 7-0 and

After the break the Lions will play Liberty on January 9th of the new year, helping them prepare for districts which will be played starting on the third week of January.

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Foundation Academy Soccer Have Winning Record

by Greyson Everidge

WINTER GARDEN – The Foundation Academy Boys Soccer team have a (4-31) record this year, while also sitting even at (2-2) in their district standings after 8 games this year. Under Head Coach Ashton Baptiste, the Lions have looked good this season.

Foundation started the new season with a 2-2 tie against Jones, who are sit slightly below the Lions in terms of pre-season rankings. They then went on to win against Crooms Academy from Sanford, winning 9-1 for their first win of the season.

The Lions went on to win again in their next match by a score of 2-1 at Faith Christian Academy. They then played their neighbors Windermere Prep and lost by a score of 2-0 to the Lakers. The loss was the first of the season, but would mark the start of a losing streak of three games. In those three games which the Lions failed to score a single goal in, they looked weak particularly on offense.

Circle Christian and The First Academy won by scores of 2-0 and 1-0, failing to put away the Lions by large margins.

They used these wins to push themselves back on a winning track, with their next two games coming as wins against Central Florida Christian Academy and Corner Stone Charter Academy by scores of 6-0 and 7-1 respectively.

As the Lions look to keep winning, they will play Pine Castle Christian Academy away in their next game. With a win, the Lions will open up a three game win streak which they hope will continue on well into the middle portion of the season.

11/11/16 - 12/07/16 • Florida Sporting News

Page 5

Foundation Academy Basketball Hoping To Improve After Start

by Greyson Everidge second quarter.

WINTER GARDEN – The Foundation Academy Boys Basketball team have started off the season a little rocky, sitting at (2-5) just before the start of Winter Break. With only seven games played from a long list of upcoming games this season, there is room to improve for the Lions.

They started their opening game of the 2016/17 year with a big win against Real Life Christian Academy by a score of 72-21.

It was an easy one for the Lions who put up point after point to get the win. Senior Jamie Rivera and Junior Cash Martin each put up 21 and 18 points respectively to stand out from the crowd.

After the opening day win, the Lions lost two on the road. The first loss came against Boone and the International Community (ICC), by scores of 77-40 and 58-54. The Lions never were fully in the game against Boone, with only Jaime Rivera contributing heavily with 19

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points. All other players combined for one more than is total on the night.

Although the game against ICC was closer, the Lions still failed to come out on top with the win. Scoring was even across the board, with the single standout on the night being sophomore J. Richardson. It’s worth noting that the Lions only put up 8 points in the

A win against Legacy Charter was the only thing in between a three game losing streak for Foundation, where they won for their second win of the season by a score of 47-43. It was a better team effort, with more being done to curb the attacks of oncoming attacks from their opponents. The three losses that followed came against Orlando Christian Prep (OCP), an overtime loss by a score of 56-54 to Faith Christian, and Trinity Christian Academy by a score of 65-47.

The heartbreaking overtime loss to OCP was frustrating for the Lions, who showed more promise than in their previous games. With plenty of time left to get on a winning track, the Lions will work hard over break to correct mistakes and win more games.

Page 6 Florida Sporting News • 12/14/16 - 12/28/16

Windermere Prep Girls Soccer Go 7-3

by Greyson Everidge WINDERMERE – The Windermere Prep girls’ soccer team has a record of (7-3) at the midpoint of the season this year, with the only downside being all three losses so far coming in the district.

with the Hornets putting 8 past the Lakers.

“The team is doing a lot better than last season, I feel like we’ve bonded more this year and

The Lakers won their opening game against Forest Lake Academy by a score of 2-0 to start the season off on the right foot. That game led directly into another win, this time by a score of 3-1, against Mount Dora away from home.

The next two games saw the Laker suffer pretty heavy defeats to both Trinity Prep and Bishop Moore. Away from home Windermere lost to Trinity by a score of 6-0, failing to get a goal on the night.

They also were shutout against Bishop Moore,

their own, winning 5-0 and 7-0 against Victory Christian Academy and Haines City. With one loss to Lake Highland Prep by a score of 3-1 separating those wins and another against Umatilla, the Lakers have started to improve as the season has moved on.

“Right now as a team we’re working on not taking as many touches on the ball and finishing through,” said Graefe. “We plan to keep winning by training on our own over the break, and keeping our defense strong during games. “

we’re actually working together.” Said Maxi Graefe.

The team went on to finish two shutouts of

The next game for the Lakers will come against Crescent City away from home after the break on January 10th, at 5pm.

Windermere Prep Boys Soccer Off to Solid Start

by Greyson Everidge WINDERMERE – The Windermere Prep Boys Soccer team have started the season well, going (5-2-2) in regular season play and (1-21) so far this year in district play. With more wins than ties and losses combined, they will look to past results to push themselves to win more and more as the season moves on.

The Lakers first three games saw them see one of each result, first winning, then tying, followed up by a loss. The win came against Corner Stone Christian Academy, and the Lakers won comfortably by a score of 8-0 to get their first win of the campaign under their belt. They then went on to tie Pine Castle Christian Academy by a score of 2-2. Pine Castle gave the Lakers some trouble, but they managed to hold on to get a point out of the match. The first loss which followed up the tie came against Lake Highland Prep by a score of 4-1, with the Lakers facing the Highlanders in a battle which proved to be a little one sided.

The Lakers then went on a four game undefeated streak, first winning 2-1 away at Jones and then tying Father Lopez by a score of 1-1 at home. The next two games resulted in wins for Windermere Prep, where they beat Foundation Academy by a score of 2-0 and then Masters Academy away from home in a tight match which ended 3-2. They lost once more to Bishop Moore by an unfavorable 7-0 before going on to beat Umatilla by a score of 4-0.

The Lakers will train over Winter Break and regroup in order to try and get more wins as the regular season closes out and playoffs approach.

Looking to add more wins to their district record, the Lakers look ahead to Trinity Prep as their last match to put them in a better position in their district. They face off against Trinity Prep on the first week back from break on January 5th, 2017.

11/11/16 - 12/07/16 • Florida Sporting News

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Windermere Prep Boys Basketball Off to Average Start Heading into Tournaments

by Greyson Everidge

WINDERMERE – Winter Prep Boys Basketball have won three of their five games to give them a record of (3-2) so far this season, putting them in the middle of the pack after the beginning of the 2016/17 year. The Lakers have yet to play in the district this year, giving them a clean slate in terms of seeding for playoffs.

Windermere lost their opening game of the season in a match played out against Wekiva at home on November 25th as part of the Metro vs Florida showcase.

Junior Rahsaan Lewish put up 10 points, giving him the most of any Laker player that night.

From there, Windermere went on to win

three out of three played, starting with Oviedo. The Lakers captured an impressive 71-53 win against their opponents.

Senior D. Nickelberry put up 18 points for Windermere in addition to providing seven assists to his teammates. Xion Golding, also a senior, put up 15 to rack up the second most for the team in their first win. They then won at home to Melbourne in a game which finished 68-54.

Sophomore Rashaan Lewis this time put up 27 points, the most of any player on the field. The team also put up 19 points in both the second and fourth quarters to extend their lead.

A tight 59-58 win against Tampa Catholic away from home was the only thing

separating them from their second loss, which would come to West Oaks Academy just a few days later. They were beaten by West Oaks fairly, losing by a score of 92-75. It was a high scoring game for the Lakers, who just couldn’t manage to tighten up to outscore their opposition.

The Lakers next travel to Las Vegas, Nevada to participate in Tarkanian Classic.

The tournament will see them play their first game on December 16th against Westchester from Los Angeles. Depending on results they could play again, potentially for titles, on December 17th, 19th, and 20th.

Windermere Prep Girls Basketball Lose Last Three

by Greyson Everidge WINDERMERE – The Windermere Prep girl’s basketball team have lost their last three games as Winter Break approaches, and are looking to gain ground in both regular season records and district play. The Lakers currently sit (2-3) overall, with a clean (0-0) slate in district play.

The Lakers won their first two games by scores of 34-31 and 33-12. The first win came against Mount Dora Christian Academy, and the second against Lake Mary Prep. Mount Dora put up a good fight, but it was the Lakers who pulled ahead in the fourth quarter to win their opening game. Lake Mary Prep gave the Lakers less competition, only putting up 12 points the entire game. Windermere never looked like they lost control of the match.

However after those two wins, they have lost three straight.

The first was a heavy loss to Poinciana, who beat the Lakers by a score of 54-13. The Lakers failed to get anything going, looking like half effort was given in the attacking portion of their game. The same was the case for their loss to St. Joseph Academy, which followed shortly after.

In the 65-20 loss away from home, Windermere looked over powered and failed to make anything happen in terms of attacking play which is seen in their scoring efforts which only mounted them 20 points.

In another away game, Windermere lost to Legacy Charter 49-41. The game was closer than their previous two, with the Lakers combining better in the opponents half to mount attacks which led to points. Should the Lakers keep up and continue with the attacking play demonstrated in that last game, they will have no problem making up for lost ground and getting back onto a winning track.

They play their next game before the Winter Break on December 15th, against Cornerstone Charter Academy at 6pm at home. They will look to get their first win on the board in two months, turning things around as the midway point in the season approaches.

Page 8 Florida Sporting News • 12/14/16 - 12/28/16

West Orange Girls Soccer Look Good So Far

by Greyson Everidge WINTER GARDEN – Although the Warriors suffered an opening day defeat by a heavy score of 5-1 against Winter Park at the start of November, the Lady Warriors, coached under Patrick Moons, have picked up the slack. A few bad results weigh down their record, which currently sits at (6-5-2), however the Warriors look better and better with each day that passes.

After that opening day defeat the Warriors went on to win against Evans by a score of 8-0, and then tie against Ridge Community from Daven Port by a score of 3-3. They seemed to find their way easier to goal, converting on chances which

would have been missed against Winter Park just two games earlier.

After a tough 2-1 loss to district opponents and West Orange rivals Olympia, the Warriors launched themselves on a four game winning streak. The streak saw them beat Ocoee, Jones, Dr. Phillips and Wekiva by scores of 8-0, 100, 2-0, and 8-2 respectively. After a tie with Apopka a week later, the games put West Orange in the driving seat in the district with a record of (4-1-1).

Two losses since against Edgewater and Boone have set the Warriors back slightly, but they are

working hard to get back on track. Their next game comes against Lake Howell on December 15th at 7:30, which they of course look to win. It’s also noteworthy that the Warriors are missing three starters in freshman Nia Everidge and juniors Kayla Strehle and Addy Clayborn through injury, who are expected to return for the post season matchups against key district opponents.

After the break the Warriors will come up against Cypress Creek (3-8) and George Jenkins to get some wins under their belt before districts does roll around at the end of January.

Girls’ Basketball looks really strong this season!

Left to Right, Ariel Colon, Ocoee HS Tya Cox, Lake Highland Prep; Shania Meertens, Winter Springs; and Rachel Jablonski, Lake Highland Prep

11/11/16 - 12/07/16 • Florida Sporting News

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2016-17 Basketball Holiday Schedule for Tournaments Windermere Prep Hoopfest At Windermere Prep Saturday, Dec. 10 Lake Brantley vs. Dunnellon 10 a.m.

Lake Minneola vs. Clearwater 11:30 Wekiva vs. Lakeland 1 Kissimmee Osceola vs. Miami Country Day 3 Central Florida Christian Academy vs. Bradenton Lakewood Ranch 4:30 Sarasota Riverview vs. Tampa Catholic 6 Windermere Prep vs. West Oaks Academy 7:45 Hoops with a Heart At Oviedo- Saturday, Dec. 17 Girls games Oviedo vs. Hagerty 10:30 a.m.

Colonial vs. Flagler Palm Coast 12 Boys games Bishop Moore vs. Melbourne Holy Trinity 1:30 Orlando Christian Prep vs. Boone 3 Kissimmee Osceola vs. Evans 4:30 Poinciana vs. Hagerty 6 Oviedo vs. Melbourne 7:30 DeLand Holiday Tournament At DeLand High School Wednesday, Dec. 21 1: Flagler Palm Coast vs. Orlando University 3 2: Sebastian River vs. Freedom 4:30 3: Winter Park vs. Vero Beach 6 4: DeLand vs. Agape Christian 7:30 Thursday Losers games 1 and 3, 3 p.m.

Losers games 2 and 4, 4:30 Winners games 1 and 3, 6 Winners games 2 and 4, 7:30 Friday Seventh place game 3 Fifth place game 4:30 Third place game 6 Championship 7:30 Seminole Holiday Classic At Seminole High School, Sanford December 27-29 Pairings needed.

Rock Holiday Classic At Windermere Prep December 27-29 Teams: Windermere Prep; Lake Highland Prep; Coronado (NV); Cardinal Newman (SC); St. Xavier (OH); Mercyhurst Prep (PA); North Laurel (KY); St. Alban’s (DC) Wildwood State Farm Christmas Classic At Wildwood High School December 27-29 Tuesday, Dec. 27 Belleview vs. Brooksville Central 1 Mount Dora vs. Orlando University 2:30 Eustis vs. Strawberry Crest 4 Lake Weir vs. Wildwood 5:30 Palm Bay vs. South Sumter 7 Wednesday, Dec. 28 Belleview vs. Lake Weir 1 Mount Dora vs. Wiregrass Ranch 2:30 Orlando University vs. South Sumter 4 Deltona Trinity Christian vs. Eustis 5:30 Wildwood vs. Palm Bay 7 Thursday, Dec. 29 Brooksville Central vs. Strawberry Crest 1 Deltona Trinity Christian vs. Orlando University 2:30 Mount Dora vs. Palm Bay 4 Eustis vs. South Sumter 5:30 Belleview vs. Wildwood 7 Jim Clark Classic At Bishop Moore December 28-30 Teams: Bishop Moore, Harmony, Lake Brantley, Naples St. John Neumann, Fort Myers Canterbury,

Ocala Trinity Catholic, Baltimore (MD) Archbishop Spalding, Titusville.

Battle of The Villages Holiday Tournament At The Villages Charter School December 28-30 Pairings needed.

The First Academy Christmas Tournament At The First Academy December 28-30 Teams: The First Academy, Lake Minneola, Melbourne Holy Trinity, Clearwater Calvary Christian, Olympia, West Orange, Charlotte (NC) Christian, Boone.

Showdown in O’Town At Orlando Christian Prep Saturday, Jan. 7 Orlando Christian Prep vs. Lake Brantley The Master’s Academy vs. Kissimmee Osceola Evans vs. TBD Lake Howell vs. Trinity Prep (Game times to be announced) Kaylin High The Master’s Classic At The Master’s Academy Saturday, Jan. 14

Girls games Lake Mary vs. Master’s Academy 11:55 a.m.

Bishop Moore vs Lake Highland Prep 1:30 Boys games Boone vs Hagerty 3:10 pm.

Orlando Christian Prep vs Melbourne Holy Trinity 5* The First Academy vs Master’s Academy 7* Edgewater vs Windermere Prep 9* (*televised by Bright House Sports Network) Montverde Academy Invitational at Montverde Academy Thursday-Saturday, Jan. 26-28 Teams: Montverde Academy, Windermere Prep, Winter Park, Lehigh , Charlotte (N.C.) Providence Day, Seattle (Wa.) Rainier Beach, Lone Peak (Utah) , Philadelphia Imhotep Charter (Pa.) Cancer Awareness Classic at Winter Garden West Orange Saturday, Jan. 28 Orangewood Christian vs. Jones 10 a.m.

Colonial vs. St. Cloud 11:30 Lake Nona vs. Central Florida Christian Acad. 1 Gateway vs. Timber Creek 2:30 East River vs. West Orange 4

Page 10 Florida Sporting News • 12/14/16 - 12/28/16

UCF coach Scott Frost says he is not a candidate for Oregon job UCF football coach Scott Frost knocked down any connection between himself and the recently vacated Oregon head coaching position.

“I’m not a candidate for Oregon,” Frost told reporters Thursday before the San Francisco 49ers practiced on the UCF campus. “I’m happy right here. This is where I want to be. I started something here, and I feel like we’ve taken a lot of steps to get this program to the top of our league. I want to see that through.”

The Ducks opted to fire Mark Helfrich Wednesday night, immediately prompting speculation about his replacement.

Florida coach Jim McElwain, Penn State coach James Franklin, Western Michigan coach P.J. Fleck and Frost were among the names linked to the Oregon job.

Frost was the Ducks’ offensive coordinator until he was hired in December 2015 to help UCF rebound from a winless season. The Knights improved to 6-6 under his direction and are slated to play in a bowl game.

UCF athletics director Danny White told the Orlando Sentinel Saturday he did not expect Frost to vie for any other coaching jobs. White said Frost was heavily invested in improving the Knights’ program and felt he could help UCF succeed on the national stage.

McElwain was equally quick to knock down any ties to the Oregon job, telling reporters Wednesday night he had a great job at UF and spent time assuring recruits he wasn’t looking to leave the program he has led to back-toback SEC East titles.

UCF linebacker Shaquem Griffin voted AAC defensive player of the year UCF linebacker Shaquem Griffin voted AAC defensive player of the year Helfrich was 37-16 during four seasons leading the Ducks, but Oregon went 4-8 in 2016. It was the team’s worst season since 1991.

Helfrich and Frost were both hired by former Oregon coach Chip Kelly, who is now under pressure to keep his job leading the San Francisco 49ers. Kelly took advantage of the opportunity to hold practice on the UCF campus following the 49ers’ loss in Miami Sunday and the team’s next game at Chicago Sunday, avoiding taxing cross country travel back to San Francisco.

ORLANDO is Perfect for FOOTBALL In the college football world, it’s all about who you know.

NCAA’s lead and move the league’s eight neutral-site championships out of the Tar Heel state.

The long-running bond between the Atlantic Coast Conference and Florida Citrus Sports opened the door to Orlando hosting Saturday’s ACC Championship Game at Camping World Stadium.

“Our council of presidents voted to move our neutralsite championships out of the state and obviously the biggest and most prominent one of those eight championships was the football championship in Charlotte,” Swofford said.

“I’m a big believer in relationships,” ACC commissioner John Swofford told the Orlando Sentinel.

“You can’t put a pricetag on those and that certainly made things much easier.”

The relationship between the ACC and FCS was built over the years as the Central Florida sports leaders worked with the conference to establish contracts for its postseason games, the Russell Athletic and Buffalo Wild Wings Citrus bowls. When the league found itself in an uncomfortable position a few months ago, the link to Orlando came into play.

In March, North Carolina lawmakers passed the controversial HB2 bill, which includes legislation that requires individuals to use restrooms that correspond to their birth certificates. While the bathroom restriction got the most national attention, the law also prevents cities in North Carolina from enacting antidiscrimination policies to protect lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender residents.

The NCAA announced on Sept. 12 it was pulling its seven neutral-site championships out of North Carolina, citing its commitment to “fairness and inclusion.” The ACC and its council of presidents voted to follow the

Charlotte, N.C., which has hosted the football championship since 2010, averaged 70,000 fans, according to Swofford, so the decision to move the game wasn’t made hastily.

“It was a significant step when the council made that decision for this academic/athletic year,” he said.

When the council was left looking for a venue to host the game, the group debated whether to keep it at a neutral site or move it to a campus.

“We felt like the appropriate thing to do was to stay at a neutral-site,” Swofford said. “We’ve had a great relationship with Florida Citrus Sports and with Orlando for a number of years as a league, so that existing relationship and support has been given to the ACC and that Orlando has shown to college football over the years and the renovation to the stadium and the availability of the stadium all came into play in short order.”

The only roadblock was availability, with Camping World Stadium scheduled to host some of the state’s high school football championships the same day as the

ACC title game. Once FCS and Florida High School Athletics Association agreed to move the games, the ACC quickly opted to move its football championship to Orlando.

“I can’t imagine anything going more smoothly from an operational standpoint,” Swofford said. “I think a lot of that is the infrastructure that already exists in Orlando with Florida Citrus Sports.”

Now No. 3 Clemson (11-1, 7-1 ACC) is set to face off with No. 23 Virginia Tech (9-3, 6-2) at 8 p.m. Saturday at Camping World Stadium.

As smooth as the move has been for the ACC, there’s no denying the impact the move will leave, especially on a city like Charlotte, which generated about $30 million in economic impact during last year’s championship game.

“The venues we’re leaving in North Carolina have been understanding and we’ve been lucky enough to land in excellent venues in cities outside of North Carolina with those other championships as well,” Swofford said.

Whether the championship game returns to Charlotte is still up in the air. The HB2 legislation is currently tied up in the court system and may not be settled for several months, at the earliest.

The HB2 issue isn’t the first time the ACC has stepped into the political fray.

In 2009, the conference’s council of presidents voted to move its neutral-site championships out of South Carolina after the state refused to remove the Confederate flag from the state house grounds. Once the flag issue was resolved, the league resumed hosting championship events in the state.

“Politics and these kinds of situations are not where we particularly want to be as an athletic conference, but at the same time, our council of presidents felt its values pertaining to equality and diversity and inclusion and nondiscrimination were very important at this particular time and that’s what this was based on,” Swofford said.

When asked about the future of the game, Swofford said, “I don’t think we know yet. Certainly if we were not returning to Charlotte without question, Orlando would be at the forefront of our discussions. But I think we’re going to have to wait and see over the next six months or so to see how this all plays out.”

11/11/16 - 12/07/16 • Florida Sporting News

Audi South Orlando

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