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Volume 2 • Issue 57
Jan 16 - Jan 30 2018
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Jaguar’s Blake Bortles
Takes on the Patriots! Featuring: Oviedo High School, Foundation Academy, Olympia, West Orange, and MUCH MORE...
Page 2 Florida Sporting News •1/16/18 - 1/30/18
West Orange Loses on Buzzer Beater but Still in the Hunt by Mark Korotetskiy
WINTER GARDEN- The West Orange Warriors Basketball team has gone through big wins and tough losses halfway through the regular season. The Warriors have a (7-6) regular
season, and a (2-1) record in the 9A District 3 Basketball Standings. The Warriors have put forward 868 points and have 832 points scored against. The Warriors average 67.1 points
per game, on 45% shooting from the court. They also average 33.5 rebounds and 14.6 assists per game. These are all greater than the national average. KJ Simon, Darrell Harding, and JaMarcus Clark lead the team with points per game, all averaging more than 10 points a game. KJ Simon is a blue chip player who has verbally committed to Troy University. The way the Warriors have been playing earned them a rank of 71 in the state, and they look to finish the season strong, as they look forward to going far in the playoffs. The Warriors have picked up wins against Apopka, Wekiva, Windermere, Evans, Whale Branch, Academic Magnet, Auburndale, and last but not least Norland. On the other hand, the Warriors have lost some very close games. Losing 6 games, but 3 of them were within 3 points or less. The losses came from Dr. Phillips, Leesburg, Tampa Catholic, Miramar, Northeast, and Apopka. The game the Warriors played versus Apopka ended in dramatic fashion. Apopka played the ball from their side of the court with seconds left on the clock, and they had managed to score a turnaround three-point jumper as the buzzer went off. The Warriors lost against the Master’s Academy and Englewood. They are looking to get back in the win column against Wekiva.
1/16/18 - 1/30/18 • Florida Sporting News
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Foundation Academy Basketball by Greyson Everidge
WINTER GARDEN – The Foundation Academy Lions Basketball team have started the season with a rocky stance, but will be determined to improve as they continue working hard. Currently sitting with a (5-11) record, the Lions are (0-3) in their district. Despite this, the Lions have showed promising signs not only this year but in previous seasons as well, and are fully capable of making slight changes to their game which can have a big impact on their season. They began the season on the right note, winning 71-49 against Orangewood Christian in a game which showcased a lot of talent from the Lions side. Seniors Greg Henderson, Jonathan Richardson and Rayshawn Plummer led the Lions in scoring points, with 21, 13 and 10 points each, respectively. The team hit for a total of five three point shots, and scored 18 points off of free throws. The Lions made sure to capitalize on mistakes made by Orangewood, and it paid off.
The lost their next three games, and even though they went without a win, it wasn’t a total loss. They played strong programs in The First Academy, Lake Highland Prep and Celebration before winning their next game against Celebration by a score of 67-56. Greg Henderson and Rayshawn Plummer again led the team, with 16 points each. The rest of their team, comprised mainly of seniors, played well – with two other players putting up ten points. After a loss to Trinity Christian Prep, the Lions went on to win two big games by big score lines – winning 9232 and 82-31 against Liberty Christian Prep and New Dimensions from Kissimmee. With five losses in a row, the Lions will look to get back on a winning track against Tenoroc, who they play
January 13. The seniors will look to give it their all as they approach the middle of their season and look forward to making a run into the playoffs.
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Olympia Soccer Face First Defeat by Greyson Everidge
WINDERMERE – The Olympia Boys Soccer team made it twelve games without a loss, winning eleven out of those matches played up until this point, which put them firmly in a top spot in the district with a record of (12-0-1). However, Olympia lost on Wednesday night to Freedom High School by a score of 2-0 to hand the Titans their first loss of the season so far, as their record now sits (12-1-1). The Titans began their season with a win against South Lake by a score of 5-1 and continued to win by large margins after that. They began the season with wins against Apopka and Lake Nona by scores of 9-2 and 5-1 respectively. They tied their first game against rival West Orange by a score of 1-1, with many fans agreeing that they should have lost had luck not seemed to be on the side of the Titans. Olympia then went on to win their next nine games in a row, beating opponents such as Lake Minneola, Dr. Phillips, Evans and Windermere. As the season progressed, the Titans won by smaller and smaller margins, barley winning games against Dr. Phillips (1-0), Evans (1-0), Windermere (2-0) and Timber Creek (2-1). The first game lost was then played out on January 10 against Freedom, which mentioned above ended in a 2-0 loss for the Titans. Despite the loss, Olympia still look poised to rank first in their district heading into the playoffs, ahead of rival West Orange. However, West Orange still will look to win the district tournament for the second year in a row. At this point in the season, all eyes are on the playoffs at the end of January as teams make an effort to peak late in the season as they head into the most important part of any high school soccer player’s year.
1/16/18 - 1/30/18 • Florida Sporting News
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West Orange Soccer is having a Great Season by Greyson Everidge
WINTER GARDEN – The West Orange Boys Soccer program has been one of the best in the state for just over half a decade now, showing year in and year out that they remain one of the teams to beat in not only the area, but the state.
West Orange beat Apopka, Lyman, Wekiva, Jones and Ocoee in games which they were expected to win. Four of those five games were district games which saw the Warriors hold the first seed spot for a short time in their district.
Sitting with a record of (8-1-2), the Warriors are ranked 98th in the nation and 28th in the state of Florida according to Max Preps, as they prepare to end the season strong and make a run far into the playoffs for the second year in a row.
Something worth noting is the star players of the West Orange team who missed the entire month of December and the start of the New Year due to club regulations and college showcases. Felipe Cardona, Marco Ribiero, Affonso Temporal, Edgar Gonzales and Zach Stewart all missed a series of games but are back after the end to a busy club year.
After a good start, the Warriors tied their district rivals 1-1 for the second regular season meeting in as many years. Immediately following, the Warriors won five in a row.
A noteworthy game played earlier this week saw West Orange beat Winter Park, last year’s
state-finalists, by a score of 5-3. Winter Park had beaten West Orange the last two seasons in a row, and were winning by a score of 3-2 after coming from behind by a score of 2-1. Instead of giving in, the Warriors dug deep to score three goals in a row in under 15 minutes, with two coming from forward Noah Tessis and the final goal from midfielder Felipe Cardona to end the game out. The team showed great grit and came together to take home a much deserved win. The Warriors lost 2-1 against their rivals at Dr. Phillips but they look to rebound playing Oak Ridge High.
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West Orange Girls Soccer Struggling by Mark Korotetskiy
WINTER GARDEN- The West Orange Girls Soccer team had an on and off season. This year the Warriors are (6-6) in the regular season, and (3-2) in the 5A District 4 Girls Soccer Standings. The girls have been able to score 44 goals against their opponents, and only concede 13. With this few many goals against, you would expect them to have won more than half the games they played. But unfortunately, the Warriors lost all of their games within 2 goals. The Warriors started their season losing the first three games to Harmony, Freedom, and Dr. Phillips. The Warriors eventually bounced back, winning their next 6 games against South Lake, Evans, Lake Minneola, Olympia, Ocoee, and Wekiva. Their win over Evans stood out from the rest, as they beat them 14-0. But the Warriors could not keep this streak up any longer losing the next two games against Apopka and Edgewater, going back to the slump they started the season with. The Warriors next game was against Lake Nona on January 9th. Lake Nona has had a terrific season, with a record of (11-2), the Lions were going to be an extremely difficult challenge for the struggling Warriors. The Lions are also coming into this game with a 9 game winning streak. The Warriors unfortunately gave up 2 goals, and once again lost by a difference of 2. In their upcoming game, the Warriors will play Boone on Tuesday, January 16th. NFL ANNOUNCES 2018 PRO BOWL COACHING STAFFS by Mark Korotetskiy
The coaching staffs of the PITTSBURGH STEELERS and NEW ORLEANS SAINTS were selected to lead the 2018 Pro Bowl teams in Orlando, Florida, the NFL announced today. The 2018 Pro Bowl will be played on Sunday, January 28, at Orlando’s Camping World Stadium. Tickets to the game, which will kickoff at 3:00 PM ET and be televised live on ESPN and ESPN Deportes and simulcast on ABC, are on sale now at ProBowl.com. MIKE TOMLIN and the coaches from the Pittsburgh Steelers and SEAN PAYTON and the coaches from the New Orleans Saints will lead the AFC and NFC teams, respectively. Each conference will also be led by two Legends Captains – one offensive and one defensive. Pro Football Hall of Fame running back LA DAINIAN TOMLINSON (offense) and Hall of Fame defensive end JASON TAYLOR (defense) will lead the AFC, while three-time Pro Bowl running back WARRICK DUNN (offense) and Hall of Fame linebacker DERRICK BROOKS (defense) will lead the NFC. For additional information on the game or week-of festivities, fans are encouraged to visit ProBowl. com.
1/16/18 - 1/30/18 • Florida Sporting News
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Windermere Prep Basketball is Playing with Heart by Kaden Bauer
WINDERMERE – The Windermere Prep Lakers are halfway through an exciting 2017/2018 season and they have already had their fair share of ups and downs. The Lakers led by head coach Ben Wilson are 4-4 in their league games but they have played in various basketball tournaments throughout this time. As far as their league goes, the Lakers have beaten Cypress Creek Bears 55-42, the Seffner Christian Crusaders 81-59, and the Jones Fightin’ Tigers. The Lakers have competed with some of the top teams in the state and fought to the end in each and every one
of their losses. They lost to the West Orange Warriors 84-69, the Tampa Catholic Crusaders 82-76, IMG Academy 89-48, and the Admiral Farragut Blue Jackets 72-59. Overall the Windermere Prep Lakers have been outscored 478-444 so far in the season. The Lakers are a very upperclassman heavy team with the majority of their team being either seniors or juniors. Seniors Rahsaan Lewis and Shaquan Jules are the dynamic duo for the Lakers and are consistently the top scorers and performers for the Windermere Prep program so far. Sophomore Blake Still-
well puts up a decent score line per game. Being one of the few underclassmen on the team, the Lakers will be hoping that Stillwell only goes up and leads the Lakers in their future seasons. The Lakers beat a tough Lake Highland Prep 75-66 on 1/12/18 and the next against Crooms Academy on 1/17/18. Both of Windermere Prep’s next two games will be an away game followed by a home game. The record is not the real story behind this team. Windermere Prep looks great and look to see them in the post-season play.
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Jacksonville Jaguars Play New England Patriots in AFC Title Game? OMG! The Jacksonville Jaguars haven’t faced the New England Patriots in a game that matters in more than two years. That’s OK. They know a pretty good place to go to get a heads up on their opponent in the AFC title game. “We need the notes the Steelers have on the Patriots because they were doing a lot of advanced scouting,” safety Barry Church said Sunday after the Jaguars stunned Pittsburgh 45-42 to earn a trip to Foxborough next weekend to face the defending Super Bowl champions. “We need all the notes they got on the Patriots. Other than that, it’s time to roll to New England baby.” With their brute force rookie running back, their enigmatic quarterback and more than a little bit of swagger in tow. “You can do all the talking you want on Twitter, to the media, all of that,” Jaguars cornerback Jalen Ramsey said. “But when you get on the field you’re going to have to produce, you’re going to have to show us what you’re about. We’re confident because we know the work we put in. We’re going to go out there confident.” It showed.
and do this with this team. There are a lot of guys on the couch watching this.” That group now will include the Steelers. Pittsburgh (134) lost at home in the divisional round for the second time in 11 tries, unable to overcome a sluggish start that allowed the Jaguars to take a 21-point lead. The Steelers only had the ball with a chance to tie once over the final three quarters, the lone shot evaporating when Ben Roethlisberger threw incomplete on fourthand-1 at the Jacksonville 39 early in the fourth quarter. The Jaguars responded with a drive that culminated in Fournette’s third touchdown, and that was it. Roethlisberger, who finished with 469 yards passing and a franchise-record five touchdowns , said he will be back in 2018, though the sting of a stunning upset will linger into an offseason longer than planned.
“If you don’t win the Super Bowl, you’ve underachieved, right?” Roethlisberger said. “Because that is always our goal. It wasn’t our day. It wasn’t our year.” JUGGERNAUT JAGUARS: Though Jacksonville’s offense has endured dry spells this season, the Jaguars did finish the regular season fifth in scoring. While the defense chipped in a touchdown on a 48-yard fumble return by linebacker Telvin Smith, Bortles kept the Jaguars moving. Jacksonville converted 8 of 14 third downs and its lone fourth-down conversion came on Fournette’s 1-yard leap in the first quarter. “All week everybody was talking about our offense wasn’t going to do well, they were going to shut down our offense,” Jacksonville linebacker Myles Jack said. “As you saw, Blake Bortles, he was hitting the open man. He had a plethora of big throws. Fournette was running the ball the hardest I’ve seen them. The offense did a hell of a job.”
Ticked off by several Steelers openly talking about a rematch with the Patriots with a spot in the Super Bowl on the line, the Jaguars took it out on Pittsburgh one touchdown at a time. They earned the franchise’s third trip to the conference championship game in the process. Now it’s on to New England, a place they’ve never won and where the Patriots hung 51 on them in 2015. But that was before Coach Doug Marrone put together the NFL’s best defense. Before Leonard Fournette arrived. Before Blake Bortles embraced his role as the enigmatic touchstone for a team that suddenly looks like a threat on both sides of the ball. Third-seeded Jacksonville (12-6) never trailed and was only rarely threatened on an afternoon it matched the most points the Steelers have given up in their storied playoff history. Fournette churned for 109 yards and three scores. Bortles bounced back from an ugly performance against Buffalo by throwing for 214 yards and a fourth-quarter touchdown to at least temporarily hit mute on his critics. “I have no animosity against anyone who said anything,” Bortles said. “I’m happy to be able to come here
SERVING ALL OF HURRICANE IRMA RELIEF FAMILIES FOR THE LOCAL ORLANDO AREA
1/16/18 - 1/30/18 • Florida Sporting News
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“Michael Is Living Proof that if you follow your dreams, No obstacles will ever stop you.” “Michael Attardi’s courage will encourage you to follow your dreams. This could be the one book that may change your life forever. The variety of engaging stories in Michael Attardi’s Autobiography are hilarious, adventurous, heartfelt and inspirational. This is a must-read book!” Steve Ortmayer- Former General Manager or Los Angeles Raiders “I’ ve had the pleasure of getting to know Michael. He is clearly a very talented songwriter and director. Plus, he possesses that unique combination of an extremely disciplined work ethic and a deep passionate and gentle soul. He reminds me of my father, Jim Henson:’ Brian Henson- Director/Producer for the Jim Henson Company “I’m honored to be a part of your book. I laughed as I read the chapter that I was in. You’re a talented dude:’ Michael Strahan- Media Personality, NFL player and Hall of Fame Inductee “How, in a brief half-century, could one individual accomplish so much? In a way, Michael Attardi is a scale model of Walt Disney. He seems to have mastered his formula for success as readers of this accounting of his life experiences will learn and appreciate. There are many twists and turns in his saga that will leave fellow travelers with a sense of amazement:’ Michael Broggie- Disney Historian and Award Winning Author
Who is Michael Attardi? He is a former NFL player. He is also a Telly, Accolade and Perry Award winner for Twin Treasure’s. It was the best new musical, score and song in 2008 in an off-Broadway production. Then Once Upon a Christmas; his musical, animated short film, won 96 film festival award s. It is the most award-winning animation short film of all time. The film was also the first-place runner up at Festival De Cannes in 2008. It made the top-ten submissions to the Academy Awards for short Animation film. Michael is always at the center of helping worthy causes and charitable activities. He received President Obama’s 2016 Volunteer Silver Service Award. Then in 2017, he received President Trump’s Volunteer Gold Service Award. As an Assistant Scoutmaster in Boy Scouts, he earned the Wood Badge. It is the highest award an Assistant Scoutmaster can receive.
His Story Michael Attardi had a tonsillectomy when he was a four-year-old boy. The operation is a simple surgery. But, it was not for him. It left him with a speech impediment. He would stammer, whenever he told his dreams and aspirations to other kids, adults and teachers. They all said, “You Can’t Do That!” He responded, “Yes I Can.” And, he did! There were lots of other highs and lows in Michael’s life. Not only is he a cancer survivor but he also fought death three other times in his life. Michael also battled dyslexia as a child. He presents his autobiography through many short storie s. Some are hilarious, others are heartfelt and inspirational. But, they all will take you on an unending adventure. For more Information, speaking and booking information please contact: Ann Kennedy: email- ralea3225@gmail.com or call- 727-543-5296 The Stuttering Foundation at (800) 992-9392 www.stutteringhelp.org or Facebook: Stuttering Foundation www.mikeattardicompany.com or Facebook: Mike Attardi Company
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2018 PRO BOWL PLAYERS ANNOUNCED
PRO BOWL WEEK CULMINATES WITH AFC-NFC MATCHUP AT CAMPING WORLD STADIUM IN ORLANDO ON SUNDAY, JANUARY 28 The NFL announced the AFC and NFC All-Stars for the 2018 Pro Bowl, which kicks off at a new start time of 3:00 PM ET on Sunday, January 28, and will be televised live from Camping World Stadium on ESPN and ESPN Deportes and simulcast on ABC. The Pro Bowl players were determined by the consensus votes of fans, players and coaches. Each group’s vote counted onethird toward determining the 86 Pro Bowl selections announced today. Two additional “need” players will be chosen by each head coach and must be long snappers. The NFL is the only sports league that combines voting by fans, coaches and players to determine its all-star teams. In 1995, the NFL became the first professional sports league to offer online all-star voting. Pro Football Hall of Famer and 11-time Pro Bowler DERRICK BROOKS, three-time Pro Bowler WARRICK DUNN, Pro Football Hall of Famer and six-time Pro Bowler JASON TAYLOR ARIZONA (4) Budda Baker Special Teamer Larry Fitzgerald Wide Receiver Chandler Jones Outside Linebacker Patrick Peterson Cornerback ATLANTA (2) Julio Jones Wide Receiver Alex Mack Center BALTIMORE (3) C.J. Mosley Inside/Middle Linebacker Terrell Suggs Outside Linebacker Eric Weddle Free Safety BUFFALO (3) Micah Hyde Strong Safety Richie Incognito Guard LeSean McCoy Running Back CAROLINA (1) Luke Kuechly Inside/Middle Linebacker CINCINNATI (2) Geno Atkins Interior Lineman A.J. Green Wide Receiver DALLAS (4) Travis Frederick Center Demarcus Lawrence Defensive End Zack Martin Guard Tyron Smith Tackle DENVER (2) Von Miller Outside Linebacker Aqib Talib Cornerback
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and Pro Football Hall of Famer and five-time Pro Bowler LA DAINIAN TOMLINSON will serve as 2018 Pro Bowl Legends Captains. Tomlinson (offense) and Taylor (defense) will lead the AFC, while Dunn (offense) and Brooks (defense) will lead the NFC. The four Legends Captains, who were collectively selected to 25 Pro Bowls, will serve as mentors for the Pro Bowl players and be present on the sidelines on gameday. Twenty-four of the players selected to the Pro Bowl today are first-time All-Stars, including four rookies – running back ALVIN KAMARA and cornerback MARSHON LATTIMORE of New Orleans, running back KAREEM HUNT of Kansas City and special teamer BUDDA BAKER of Arizona. Twenty-seven teams had at least one player selected to the 2018 Pro Bowl and 21 clubs had multiple players chosen as All-Stars. The Pittsburgh Steelers placed a league-best eight players on the
DETROIT (1) Darius Slay Cornerback HOUSTON (2) Jadeveon Clowney Outside Linebacker DeAndre Hopkins Wide Receiver JACKSONVILLE (4) A.J. Bouye Cornerback Calais Campbell Defensive End Malik Jackson Interior Lineman Jalen Ramsey Cornerback KANSAS CITY (3) Tyreek Hill Return Specialist Kareem Hunt Running Back Travis Kelce Tight End LOS ANGELES CHARGERS (4) Keenan Allen Wide Receiver Joey Bosa Defensive End Casey Hayward Cornerback Philip Rivers Quarterback LOS ANGELES RAMS (5) Pharoh Cooper Return Specialist Aaron Donald Interior Lineman Todd Gurley Running Back Johnny Hekker Punter Greg Zuerlein Placekicker MIAMI (1) Reshad Jones Strong Safety
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Pro Bowl roster, while the New Orleans Saints and Philadelphia Eagles led the NFC with six players selected each. The 2018 Pro Bowl coaching staffs will be from the losing teams in the AFC and NFC Divisional playoffs with the best regular-season records. Under terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement, each player on the winning Pro Bowl team receives $64,000, while each player on the losing squad earns $32,000. Tickets to the game start at $45 and are on sale now at ProBowl. com. Last year’s sold-out event – the Pro Bowl’s first time in Orlando – featured a capacity crowd of more than 60,000. Fans may visit ProBowl.com for additional information on Pro Bowl Week, which features a variety of free, family-friendly events in Orlando
MINNESOTA (4) Anthony Barr Outside Linebacker Everson Griffen Defensive End Xavier Rhodes Cornerback Adam Thielen Wide Receiver NEW ENGLAND (4) Tom Brady Quarterback James Develin Fullback Rob Gronkowski Tight End Matthew Slater Special Teamer NEW ORLEANS (6) Drew Brees Quarterback Mark Ingram Running Back Cameron Jordan Defensive End Alvin Kamara Running Back Marshon Lattimore Cornerback Michael Thomas Wide Receiver NEW YORK GIANTS (1) Landon Collins Strong Safety OAKLAND (4) Rodney Hudson Center Khalil Mack Defensive End Kelechi Osemele Guard Donald Penn Tackle PHILADELPHIA (6) Brandon Brooks Guard Fletcher Cox Interior Lineman Zach Ertz Tight End Malcolm Jenkins Strong Safety Lane Johnson Tackle Carson Wentz Quarterback
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PITTSBURGH (8) Le’Veon Bell Running Back Chris Boswell Placekicker Antonio Brown Wide Receiver David DeCastro Guard Maurkice Pouncey Center Ben Roethlisberger Quarterback Ryan Shazier Inside/Middle Linebacker Alejandro Villanueva Tackle SAN FRANCISCO (1) Kyle Juszczyk Fullback SEATTLE (4) Jimmy Graham Tight End Earl Thomas Free Safety Bobby Wagner Inside/Middle Linebacker Russell Wilson Quarterback
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TAMPA BAY (1) Gerald McCoy Interior Lineman 6 TENNESSEE (3) Jurrell Casey Interior Lineman 3 Brett Kern Punter 1 Taylor Lewan Tackle 2 WASHINGTON (3) Ryan Kerrigan Outside Linebacker 3 Brandon Scherff Guard 2 Trent Williams Tackle 6
1/16/18 - 1/30/18 • Florida Sporting News
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