FSN #55 12/12/17 - 12/21/17

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Volume 2 • Issue 55

Dec 12 - Dec 21 2017

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Dr Phillips Football

WINS

State Championship!

Photos by Bob Gall

Featuring: Windermere Prep, Foundation, West Orange and much more!

Page 2 Florida Sporting News •12/12/17 - 12/21/17

Dr. Phillips WINS STATE CHAMPIONSHIP!

Dr. Phillips scored touchdowns on defense and special teams Saturday to help bury the heartbreak of a year ago and claim its first FHSAA football state title. The Panthers (13-2) held Delray Beach Atlantic (12-2) to just 225 yards of offense Saturday in a 17-7 win in front of an announced crowd of 5,900 at Orlando’s Camping World Stadium.

The game kicked off at 8 p.m. in 50 degree weather in what was the coldest weekend of the season.

Japerri Powell blocked a punt and returned it eight yards for a score in the first quarter and Cameron Williams intercepted a pass and took it back nine yards early in the fourth.

DP became the first team to win a state championship without scoring an offensive touchdown since Jacksonville Bolles beat Hollywood Chaminade 6-0 in a 2002 final. “I’ve been hard on the defense all year,” Dr. Phillips coach Rodney Wells said. “We were in this same spot last year, up 10-0, and as a defensive school and a defensive player, you’ve got to finish that game.”

Dr. Phillips, which finished the season on a ninegame winning streak, becomes the first football state champion in the Sentinel coverage area since Bishop

Moore won the Class 5A title in 2015. Saturday’s game was eerily similar to last season’s final, where the Panthers squandered scoring opportunities and blew a 10-0 lead by giving up two touchdowns in the fourth quarter in a 14-10 loss to Miami Southridge.

Dr. Phillips also lost the 2010 championship game 42-27 to Miami Central. The Panthers entered the stadium wearing last year’s state runner-up medals around their necks. They then stormed the field with energy unmatched by the Eagles, but failed to capitalize on several opportunities to put the game away early.

by Mark Korotetskiy

halftime before Williams picked off a pass intended for the running back out of the backfield early in the fourth and took it to the end zone. The touchdown gave Dr. Phillips a 17-0 lead with just under 10 minutes to play. “I was glad I could come up with a big play for the team,” said Williams, who tallied seven tackles. “It was up for grabs so I had to take it. …

We should now be credited as one of the best defenses around.”

Powell’s huge first half ensured that Dr. Phillips would at least get a chance to atone for the sour memories of the past. The junior linebacker, who finished with seven tackles and 2.5 sacks, put the Panthers on the scoreboard late in the first quarter when he blocked a punt and returned it for a score.

His second sack of the first half forced a punt and set up a 28-yard field goal by Sterling Stockwell, giving the Panthers a 10-0 lead with under five minutes left in the second quarter.

Tanner Ingle finished with six tackles. Joe Gulla and Jaquarri Powell each had four tackles and a sack while Brice Ingram registered five tackles and half a sack. “We came in and did what we were supposed to do, just like last week,” Ingle said. “We came in on fire, we blocked a punt and scored and set the tone for the game, and ever since then it was a route.” The senior class at Dr. Phillips closes its run having reached the region finals in 2014 and 2015 and the state title game the past two years. Atlantic quarterback Antoine Williams rushed for a 24-yard touchdown with less than four minutes remaining to avoid the shutout. But the Eagles managed only 34 yards rushing on 27 carries.

Atlantic, which failed to cross the 50-yard line in the first half, looked like a rejuvenated team after

The Panthers were held to 3.2 yards per play on offense while totaling 199 yards for the game.

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12/12/17 - 12/21/17• Florida Sporting News

Olympia Boys Soccer Win Three Opening Matches

by Greyson Everidge

WINDERMERE – The Olympia Titans are one of the strongest teams in the district year in and year out, and this year seems to be no different after a strong start from the Titans. Winning their first three games and tying their fourth puts them at (3-0-1), a good position to move forward.

Their first game was a big win against South Lake, with the Titans winning 5-1.

In the first district game, the Titans captured a 9-1 win against Apopka to give them three points out of three in the first round of district games, to put them near the top early on.

In the third game of their winning streak, they beat Lake Nona 5-1, who have been known as

a strong team in the previous couple of seasons.

Sitting after three games with 19 goals for and 3 against, the Titans were looking forward to a heated district rivalry match against close by opponents West Orange.

Beaten last year in the district championship for the fourth time in five years, the Warriors won 4-1. The Titans were ready to try and take the win this season in the regular season matchup.

Olympia walked away winning at halftime by a score of 1-0 after captain Juan Garcia scored off a through ball which made its way through the

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Warrior defense. They were however outplayed the second half, and after a Felipe Cardona goal for the Warriors momentum built in favor of the opponents and they were lucky to walk away with a tie after multiple close shots on target from West Orange the second half.

“We are looking forward to the rest of the season and playoffs,” said Senior defender Ryan Popp.

“We will keep working hard to keep winning games this year.”

The Titans next game will come against Lake Minneola on the first of December at 7:30 p.m.

Page 4 Florida Sporting News •12/12/17 - 12/21/17

Foundation Academy Girls Soccer

by Kaden Bauer

WINTER GARDEN – The Foundation Academy girls’ soccer team has started off the season with a 1-1 record with their one loss coming in a vital district game. The Lady Lions are coached

by Rodney Rooplal.

The Lady Lions were supposed to have their first game of the season on November 6th against the Oakridge Pioneers (1-4) at Foundation Academy’s home field but that game was cancelled for unknown reasons. Their next game was another home game against The First Academy (1-4) in an all-important district game that saw the Lions fall 6-1 to the Royals and put them near the bottom of the 1A District 4 girls’ soccer standings

early in the season. The latest game that the Lady Lions played was against the Legacy Charter Eagles (1-3-1) on November 28th which saw the Lions get their first and only win of the season so far in a game that ended 4-0 in the Lions first and only shutout of the season.

Looking ahead for the Lady Lions, their next three games are one the road with their next game being held against on November 30th against the South Lake Eagles (0-3). After that the Lady Lions will travel to Circle Christian (22) on December 1st and to the Geneva Knights (4-2) home field on December 5th, the later of the two being the next district matchup for the

Lady Lions. Their next home game will be a district game against the International Community Comets (3-1) on December 8th.

Looking back on the past couple of seasons the Foundation Academy Lady Lions and Coach Rooplal have been relatively successful and came out of the past two seasons with winning records. 10-3-1 in the 2015-2016 campaign and 5-3-2 in the 2016-2017 campaign. Rooplal will no doubt be looking to extend this streak to three seasons by ending this season with another winning record.

12/12/17 - 12/21/17• Florida Sporting News

West Orange Girls Soccer Winning Under New Head Coach

by Greyson Everidge

WEST ORANGE – The West Orange Warriors girls soccer team are winning games this season under new Head Coach Stan Banks, as they currently sit with a (4-3) record after seven games so far this season. The new leadership paired with captains such as Kayla Strehle and Addy Claborn have helped sure up the Warriors as they look to capture another district championship after taking home last year’s title against Apopka.

The Warriors lost their opening three games, with the first coming against Harmony by a score of 2-0. West Orange lost the next two to Freedom and Dr. Phillips by scores of 2-1 and 2-0 respectively. Despite the losses, the Warriors were gaining momentum and team chemistry with each game after playing together more and more together. Last season, the Warriors lost a more than substantial amount of players to relief school Windermere High. West Orange is also missing is starting striker Nia Everidge through injury.

Following those losses, the Warriors launched themselves into a four game winning streak which still stands through the end of November. In the four recent games, West Orange has scored 29 goals and only conceded one.

The first win came against South Lake, who the Warriors beat 5-0. Goalkeeper and captain Kayla Strehle made numerous saved to ensure the clean sheet on the night.

In an expected win, the Warriors beat Evans High by a score of 12-0, mercy ruling the Trojans at halftime. Away at Minneola, the Warriors walked away with a 3-0 win. The most important win to date was played out against longtime rivals Olympia High on November 28, which ended 7-1.

Natasha Ferreira, Christina Marijanich, Christina Roque and Cecelia Vitaliano all had goals for the Warriors as they defeat their rivals. Kayla Strehle was instrumental in keeping out shot after shot so the Warriors could maintain their big lead.

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Bishop Moore Football

by Kaden Bauer

ORLANDO – The Bishop Moore Hornets close out their 2017 campaign with an impressive overall record of 9-3 and a district record of 3-1. The Hornets, led by head coach Matt Hedrick, ended up 5th seed in the FHSAA Class 5A Region 4 standings and made it past the first round before eventually falling to defending state champions American Heritage (13-0) The game ended in a 56 to 27 loss for the Hornet’s and its de ja vu for the Bishop Moore team. Last year Bishop Moore fell to American Heritage 20 to 7 in the regional finals of the FHSAA Class 5A playoffs. The Hornets just could not contain an experienced American Heritage side in the rushing or the passing game. They let up 3 receiving touchdowns and a total of 301 rushing yards and 5 touchdowns.

Besides a disappointing loss to the Jones Fightin’ Tigers (10-2) in a game that ended in a 37-7 thrashing, the Hornets had a very successful season. They generally outscored their opponents by at least fourteen points per game and overall outscored the opposition 405 to 286. Adding to these impressive statistics is that the Bishop Moore Hornets remained undefeated (4-0) when playing at home which is always a positive thing to bring to the program and the fans. The only other game that they lost was a tough match against a strong Seminole Seminoles (9-3) side in a game that ended 34-25 in the Seminoles favor.

“We are getting better and the team is playing well,” said Captain Kayla Strehe after the game.

“We are working hard to continue to improve.”

The Warriors next game will come against district opponent and rival Ocoee on November 30th.

Looking forward to next season Coach Hedrick and the Hornets may have a difficult time finding replacements for the 26 seniors that will be graduating and leaving the team next year but if there is a will then there is a way. And Matt Hedrick is really good at finding a way with many consecutive dominant seasons as the head coach of the Bishop Moore Hornets.

Page 6 Florida Sporting News •12/12/17 - 12/21/17

Windermere Prep Girls Win Second Straight

by Mark Korotetskiy

WINDERMERE- The Windermere Prep Lakers Girls Soccer team had started their season of with a bang.

In their first four games against Lake Highland Prep, Victory Christian Academy, Umatilla, and Mount Dora Christian Academy, the Lakers had recorded four straight shutouts. In three of those games, the Lakers beat their opponent by a score of 5-0. In the other, the Lakers mercy ruled their opponent, ending the game quick by a score of 8-0.

In the last few games, the Lakers seemed to be off their game. Unable to score within the last few games, the Lakers conceded two straight loses versus Bishop Moore and Trinity Prep. In both of those games, the defense broke down and allowed three goals. Losing both by a score of 3-0. This team is so much better than what the score had shown.

The Lakers have scored 23 goals and only conceded 6, which is a very impressive goal ratio.

In their last two games, the Lakers played the Father Lopez Green Wave on November 30th and The First Academy on December 4th. This was a long trip for the Lakers, as they had to drive all the way to Daytona Beach. The Windermere Prep team dominated them 2-0.

Father Lopez had a very unsuccessful season so far.

With a record of (0-6), Father Lopez had gotten shut out four separate times by Trinity Catholic, Master’s Academy, Melbourne Central Catholic, Matanzas.

They have only been able to score 2 goals over the course of six games, and unfortunately conceded 23.

This isn’t how they hoped their season to play out.

Another huge win at the First Academy put the Lakers record at (6-2). This is a great team and keep an eye out for them during the end of the season. Windermere is scheduled to play 21 games this season, and their first six look promising in making the playoffs.

We are looking to see if this dynamic team will challenge in their district, and qualify for the playoffs.

With a 6-2 record, it’s not out of their GOALS!

Windermere Prep Boys Soccer 5-3

by Greyson Everidge

WINDERMERE – The Windermere Prep Boys soccer team has long been one of the better programs among private schools in the Central Florida area, and this year is looking no different.

Last season, the Lakers ended up going (7-4-5) overall, which with a winning record is certainly a respectable season. So far this year, the Lakers are (5-3) overall under Head Coach Johnathan Griffiths, and looking forward to winning more games before playoffs approach at the end of January and beginning of February.

The Lakers opened their season at home, as they hosted the Mount Dora Christian Academy.

As in years past, the Lakers easily beat their opponents by a score of 9-1. It was a great way to open up the new season, giving both the offense and defense confidence moving forward.

They used that momentum to ultimately push them to a four game winning streak, with the second game in that streak coming against Legacy Charter.

Legacy put up a fight, meaning it was a contested game for the Lakers in a good challenge early in the season, yet Windermere Prep prevailed and walked away with a 2-1 win.

The next game saw the Lakers travel on the road to Umatilla High School, where they would walk away with another 2-1 win.

In the game following later that week, Windermere Prep walked away with yet another 2-1 win as they faced The First Academy, who were predicted to be a solid opponent for the Lakers based on play from years past.

Windermere Prep’s first loss of the season came to a rival of sorts in Lake Highland Prep. Lake Highland beat the Lakers two separate times last year, meaning the Lakers knew how tough of a game it would most likely be.

Though they lost 3-1, the Lakers conceded far fewer than in years past, which serves as encouragement for not only their next game against the Central Florida Christian Academy, but for any other potential matchup with Lake Highland later on in the season.

Do not write-off Windermere Prep Boys’ soccer just yet. This team always comes from behind and finds a huge win at the end.

12/12/17 - 12/21/17• Florida Sporting News

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Windermere Prep Football Finish Up A Fantastic 10-1 Year

by Greyson Everidge

WINDERMERE – The Windermere Prep Lakers finished a more than memorable year two weeks ago, after losing in the SSAC State Championship match to Saint Stephens Episcopal by a score of 49-21. Although they lost, the Lakers demonstrated one of the most picture perfect run to the championship in recent years, going (10-0) all the way to the final game. Gathering power from last season, the Lakers were arguably one of the best teams in the state across all the class rankings, and finished with a more than respectable (10-1) season.

A lot of this was played in part to the efforts of Head Coach Jacob Doss, who made serious improvements to the team and helped get the

best out of the players, some of whom were already committed to colleges and universities.

“I think kids feed off positive enthusiasm but at the same time crave discipline.” Said Head Coach Doss. “They want someone that shows they care for them and they will do anything for you when they know you believe in them.”

He certainly showed the team how much he believed in them, and helped get the best out of players such as running back and defensive back Rahsaan Lewis, running back Ismael Cortez, wide receiver Khadry Jackson, and fullback Mason Russell.

These players, and many more, helped to create

a winning and competitive environment for Windermere Prep football that will last for years to come. Exciting games such as they ones played against Harvest Community, and the 4948 win against Orlando Christian Prep in the quarterfinals of the SSAC playoffs fueled the season, and gave fans and parents so much to look forward to.

In the coming years, that legacy will be left for incoming players and those who will play more in the future, and will make Windermere one of the teams to watch for not only next season – but those that follow. A huge congratulations to Coach Doss and the Windermere Prep. Football team.

Page 8 Florida Sporting News •12/12/17 - 12/21/17

Lake Highland Boys Soccer Start The Season Perfectly

by Greyson Everidge ORLANDO – The Lake Highland Boys Soccer team have managed to start the season with a perfect (3-0) record, which is an impressive feat for any team. Lake Highland have historically been a strong team, with multiple seasons resulting in strong showings in their conference comprised of private schools around the same time as themselves. Head Coach Alex Hujik is responsible for the success of the team alongside the student athletes.

The first victory of the year for Lake Highland came against The First Academy, who they beat by a score of 6-1. Attackers had no trouble going head to head with the defense and easily came out on top, showing the prowess that Lake Highland has up top.

The defense also contributed, conceding just one goal in an open match with players getting forward to score as many goals as possible, something which can offset the defense even in blowout games.

The next win was against St. Cloud, by a score of 3-0. A larger public school, St. Cloud generally has a wider talent pool than Lake Highland by the athletic development shone through as they walked away with their second win of the season.

on December 1 at 7:30 p.m. away from home.

Finally, Lake Highland beat Windermere Prep by a score of 3-1 in a game which proves to be one of the toughest of the year for Lake Highland, despite beating them multiple times over the last few years including two wins against the Lakers last season.

With three games under their belt and 12 goals for and two against, it is safe to say Lake Highland has a talented team with enough depth to make a run in playoffs, despite the team just starting their season.

With more practice and game time they will surely be a team to beat come playoffs.

Their next game will be played against Trinity Prep

The First Academy Season Comes to an End

by Mark Korotetskiy

ORLANDO- The First Academy Royals have had an impeccable season. Easily winning games left and right, the Royals earned themselves a (9-0) record in the regular season. Going (3-0) in their district, without a doubt securing them a spot in the Class 3A Florida High School Football Playoffs. Their first challenge would be the Melbourne Central Catholic Hustlers.

The Melbourne Central Catholic Hustlers, had respectively earned a (7-3) record throughout the regular season. It may not be perfect like the Royals, but this is still a very solid team, and look to grant the Royals with their first loss off the season.

The Hustlers offense put forward 418 points, and their defense only allowed a total of 244 points over the course of the season. The Royals are going to have a tough time stopping them, and putting points on the board.

On November 10th, The First Academy Royals play

a home playoff game versus Melbourne Central Catholic.

In the first half, the Hustlers secured such a great lead, that it seemed impossible for the Royals to have a chance. It was 27-7 at the half, and the Royals seemed discouraged for the rest of the game.

The second half was similar to the first, as the Hustlers put up 28 more points, while the Royals only scored 14. This game ended at a score of 55-21, which ended the undefeated season of the Royals and knocked them out of the playoffs.

out. Rolous Frazier rushed for 164 yards in the first half before being injured and not returning. Last but not least, Alex Eleyssami threw two touchdowns and passed for 135 yards.

The Royals season has come to an end, and must look forward until next year where they hope to complete their undefeated season, including the playoffs.

Some key performers for the Hustlers, were LaAnthony Valentine, who rushed for a total of 194 yards on 12 carries. Jeff Scott, who also had 12 carries, added two touchdowns, and returned an interception for a touchdown. Quarterback Joaquin Collazo also had two touchdowns and 172 yards.

The Royals, too had some performers who stood

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

12/12/17 - 12/21/17• Florida Sporting News

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West Orange Boys Soccer Off To Great Start

by Greyson Everidge

WEST ORANGE – Although early in the season, the West Orange boys soccer team is showing a lot of promise for the rest of the season. After three games, the Warriors are (2-0-1). They also sit near the top of their district after two district games played, earning four points (a win and a tie) after two games.

In the first game of the season, the Warriors travelled on the road to Lake Minneola to kick off their season.

The Warriors scored first, after a good combination play which ended in a cross that was finished by midfielder Felipe Cardona. Although the Warriors dominated the half, they entered halftime at 1-1 after a Minneola goal from a free kick.

lead 2-1. A few minutes later senior Noah Tessess directed a cross into the goal with a header to mark the score up to 3-1, which it would end.

The next game was played away to Evans, where the Warriors would capture a solid 3-0 win in an important district match. Felipe Cardona was on the scoresheet for

The second half began with the Warriors still controlling play. Midway through the second half, substitute Brian Trautman found the net after a series of rebounds in the Minneola box after a corner kick, giving the Warriors the

LARRY LITTLE LEGENDS GOLF OUTING

the second game in a row.

In one of the most contested games played in Orange County all year, West Orange faced off against Olympia for a heated rivalry. Although they controlled the majority of the first half, West Orange was down 1-0 at halftime after missing a number of chances. They would come out for the second half ready to play, working their way up the field via the central midfielders until Felipe Cardona found the net with a shot from the far left side which made its way into the bottom right corner from a tight angle. Although they had a number of shots on target after that, the score remained locked at 1-1 for the rest of the game.

West Orange’s next game will come against district rival Ocoee on December 6th as they look to continue to gain the top spot in the district.

12/12/17 - 12/21/17• Florida Sporting News

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