2016 Football Preview by Orange Observer

2016 PREP FOOTBALL PREVIEW

THE DEFENDERS How high-school defenses are evolving to keep up with high-powered offenses. Story on page 6

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The story of the 2016 season begins now

Design Editor / Jessica Eng, jeng@OrangeObserver.com Community Editor / Amy Quesinberry Rhode, aqrhode@OrangeObserver.com Senior Sports Editor / Steven Ryzewski, sryzewski@ OrangeObserver.com Staff Writer / Gabby Baquero, gbaquero@OrangeObserver.com Staff Writer / Danielle Hendrix, dhendrix@OrangeObserver.com

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2016 FOOTBALL PREVIEW

SENIOR SPORTS EDITOR

ere we go again. A certain air of unpredictably envelops the start of this season. There are fewer things we can say with certainty compared to a year ago — and that’s a good thing. Not knowing exactly what to expect makes each and every game for the schools we cover that much more significant. One thing we can say with a certainty is that Dr. Phillips will be very good. Like they are every year, the Panthers are loaded with playmakers. This year, though, the supremely talented Class of 2017 is in its senior year and head coach Rodney Wells is excited about the level of maturity and experience his team brings to the table. That’s important, because for the Panthers the record that matters most is the one that begins the with the second week of November and the beginning of the state playoffs. For the West Orange Warriors, there is reason to believe there will be not be a rebuild so much as a reload. Even after graduating 18 of 22 starters from the 2015 team that rewrote the West Orange record books, the Warriors have looked strong in a spring game victory over Gainesville and a preseason victory over Osceola. All of that adds up to an unpredictably that may make this an even more entertaining season to follow the Warriors than when they were so dominant in 2015. In Ocoee and Olympia, the story lines are similar — both teams had breakout seasons under first-year coaches in 2015. Now, the new-car smell has worn off,

though, and with 2015 win totals of six and seven, respectively, the logical next step for both programs is to make the playoffs. Regarding our four private schools, three of those teams will be looking to reinvent themselves in 2016. Aside from Mitchell Darrow, there are no contributors left from the 2014 Lakers team that went 10-0 and won the SSAC, meaning coach Jacob Doss and company are operating with a clean slate — an exciting proposition. With its fourth coach in as many years, CFCA is again facing a challenge in continuity that will test a dedicated group of young men who have consecutive winning seasons to their credit. While no group of kids should have to go through the changeover that this group of seniors for the Eagles has had to, they have handled the chaos admirably and with grace, and hopefully this season, they can continue to make their campus community proud. With its tight enrollment and lack of control of who comes to its school (as a charter school, enrollment spots are awarded via a lottery), Legacy Charter looks a little bit different each fall. This year, injuries are a big part of the story line — whether they be injuries that took place ahead of the season, or the need to avoid further injuries during it. Nevertheless, coach Jarrett Wiggers and his team are excited for what is arguably the program’s toughest schedule to date. And, finally, there is Foundation Academy — a private school program that has big aspirations and could begin to realize those dreams this fall. In 2015, the Lions shattered their previous glass ceiling, taking their first district title and playoff victory. This time around, with a roster littered with Division I and Division II prospects, Foundation is a bonafide contender with depth like it has never had before. So, although I can’t say much with certainty as we enter this 2016 season, I can say this: I’ve never been more excited to sit back and enjoy the show.

OUR TOP-10 ‘MUST SEE’ GAMES OF 2016

SEPT. 2

THE FIRST ACADEMY AT FOUNDATION ACADEMY After letting a possible win slip away last year on the road at TFA, the Lions will host the Royals on their home turf, with hopes of defeating a program they hope to emulate. WINTER PARK AT WEST ORANGE The Wildcats are expected to be a dominant team this fall, giving the Warriors an important early-season test ahead of its date with Dr. Phillips.

SEPT. 9

WEST ORANGE AT DR. PHILLIPS Last year, this game lived up to the hype — and then some. Can the Warriors and Panthers pack both grandstands at Dr. Phillips’ Bill Spoone Stadium?

2016 GAME OF THE YEAR SEPT. 16

DR. PHILLIPS AT APOPKA Two heavyweight programs that are good every year — and expected to be state-title contenders this fall — will meet for a showdown. The Panthers will be looking for revenge after letting a win slip away at home last fall.

SEPT. 23

OCOEE AT EAST RIDGE Knights versus Knights. The district implications of this contest could be huge, as East Ridge and Hagerty figure to be the biggest threats to a first-ever playoff appearance for Ocoee.

SEPT. 30

OAK RIDGE AT DR. PHILLIPS The Pioneers figure to be improved with new head coach Kenard Lang coming over from Wekiva, making them the top threat to Dr. Phillips’ district dominance.

OCT. 14

CFCA AT WINDERMERE PREP, 4:30 P.M. These two nearby programs could become budding rivals with the SSAC’s realignment this offseason and the creation of its Coastal Central Florida division.

OCT. 21

WEKIVA AT OCOEE Last year’s victory over the Mustangs was a signature win for coach Ben Bullock’s first season at the helm — and both teams are expected to be improved this fall.

OCT. 27

OLYMPIA AT OAK RIDGE If Olympia is able to defeat Cypress Creek and Freedom, as it did last fall, then it will have to beat either Dr. Phillips or Oak Ridge if it wants to return to the playoffs.

NOV. 4

WEST ORANGE AT OCOEE The Knights’ strong defense will take on the Warriors’ high-powered offense in Ocoee — with bragging rights on the line.

2016 FOOTBALL PREVIEW

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2016 FOOTBALL PREVIEW

Defense (still) wins CHAMPIONSHIPS

The game of football has changed over the years, and offense and the ability to score quickly and often are more important than ever. But that doesn’t mean the value of good defense is lost on those who know the game. STEVEN RYZEWSKI SENIOR SPORTS EDITOR

The game has changed. Particularly, if you are a defensive football player, a lot has changed over the years — just ask Dr. Phillips head coach Rodney Wells, who starred as a linebacker for the Panthers when he was a student from 1992 to 1996. “It’s totally different,” said Wells, who also played for Syracuse in college. “When I played here, I can remember playing one

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spread team, and that was University. That was the only team that would put four wide receivers on the field. Now, every single week, you see three, four and five wide receivers.” Teams are indeed utilizing more wide receivers and speedy skill players than ever before, with the net effect being a game that is now played from sideline to sideline. “You’re really defending the whole field,” said West Orange defensive coordinator Ty Parker.

“Kids have to be a lot more agile and a lot faster.” Those realities have changed the sought-after abilities and builds that for decades had been associated with certain positions. “Defensive backs and the safeties have to be much better tackles (than before), and you have to be much more athletic at the linebacker position,” Wells said. Rule changes and a culture evolution that emphasizes offensive production — scoring quickly

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ON THE COVER

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he cover of this year’s football preview features four standout seniors on the defensive side of the ball, one from each of the four public schools covered by the West Orange Times & Observer and the Windermere Observer. Here’s a scouting report on each player delivered by their respective head coaches.

JULIAN PITTMAN, DEFENSIVE LINEMAN, WEST ORANGE

DORIAN JONES, DEFENSIVE BACK, OCOEE

“He’ll be a three-year starter on our defensive line and that’s not easy to do in (Class 8A) football.”

“His hip mobility, his speed and his understanding of how to play the game, in general, has just blossomed. He’s definitely grown a ton.”

— Bob Head

— Ben Bullock

JAMES GREEN, LINEBACKER, OLYMPIA

DYLAN MEEKS, LINEBACKER, DR. PHILLIPS

“He’s brought intensity (since transferring in the spring). He’s been a catalyst for the intensity I’ve been seeking on the defense.”

“He does it all. … He is the coach on the field. He knows everything (the coaches know) and he thinks like us.”

— Kyle Hayes

and often — has permeated high school, college and the NFL. With the way the game has changed in recent years, many current coaches with defensive backgrounds have had to evolve in their approach to defensive possessions and their goals. “It’s a lot more about almost playing offense on defense, because you’ve got to dictate tempo to (the offense) before they dictate tempo to you,” said Ocoee head coach Ben Bullock, who was a defensive coordinator at Mount Dora before he became

a head coach. “You’ve got to kind of get your mind wrapped around a new way to think about defense. It’s not necessarily about how many yards you give up any more. It’s about red-zone chances and points.” Another result is defensive players who now have to be smarter, more disciplined and better prepared. The week-to-week schedule teams in Central Florida will face includes any number of variations on the traditional spread attack, as well as teams such as Apopka

and Osceola, who will throw a wrinkle in that trend with their rush-heavy offensive attacks. For players to effectively keep up, Olympia coach Kyle Hayes — previously a defensive coach at Flanagan High in South Florida — said players need to lean on the training they receive in practice more than ever before. “Just follow the rules,” Hayes said. “The offense’s job is to trick (a defender) out of the rules of the game. … If you don’t stay true to the rules, you’re in trouble.” As for the players, being a

— Rodney Wells

defensive player is still a point of pride — even in a day and age where offensive players are more celebrated and the game is evolving to favor them. Olympia senior linebacker James Green cites an old saying for why he still loves playing the game on the defensive side of the ball. “They always say, ‘Defense wins championships,’ so I always take pride in not letting teams score,” he said. Contact Steven Ryzewski at sryzewski@orangeobserver.com.

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2016 FOOTBALL PREVIEW

Great expectations

2016 ROSTER No. Name Year 1 Tanner Ingle 11 2 Davarius Bargnare 11 3 D.J. Charles 12 4 Arvis Evans 12 5 Emare Hogan 12 6 Albert Gilreath 12 7 Devodney Alford 11 8 Henry Caldwell 12 9 Nick Smith 12 10 Marvin Washington 12 11 Sydney Capers 12 12 X’Andre McCleary 12 13 Marcus Tillman 10 14 Michael Fox 11 15 Je’Quan Burton 11 16 Dennis Perry 12 17 Kenyon Baron 10 18 Thomas Furry 10 19 Max Esperance 12 21 Braxton Clark 11 21 Brandon Fields 9 22 Caleb Walls 12 23 Robert Porcher 12 24 Kenny Palmer 12 25 Darrien Hibbert 12 26 Bryan Bell 10 27 Charles Collins 12 28 Tarrie Reese 11 29 Stephen Dix 9 30 Felipe Starling 10 31 Jaquarri Powell 10 32 Malik Clark 11 33 Japerri Powell 10 34 Wilmane Toussaint 12 35 Bobby Johnson 11 36 Ronalfous Thomas 12 37 Kenyae Patterson 11 39 Sterling Stockwell 11 40 Brice Ingram 11 41 Christian Williams 11 42 Joe Gulla 11 43 Frank Maciejczyk 10 44 Dylan Meeks 12 52 Zach Brown 12 53 James Richardson 11 54 Alesandro Martinez 11 55 Cameron Williams 10 56 Matteo Morange 11 57 Jecquari McKnight 11 58 Christian Bryant 12 59 Michael MacNeil 11 62 Walton Jules 12 70 De’Mario Grant 12 72 Jacob Tesggai 11 73 Brian Velez 11 74 John Campbell 11 75 Christian Przybysz 10 76 Harmon Black 12 77 Derek Haupt 9 78 Dontae Ortiz 11 81 Marlin Washington 11 84 Marcus Pruitt 11 HEAD COACH:

Rodney Wells (sixth year) OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR: Jason Jackson DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR: Steven Breitbeil ATHLETIC DIRECTOR: Russell Wambles

DR. PHILLIPS PANTHERS 6500 Turkey Lake Road, Orlando | Class 8A, District 5 PLAYERS TO WATCH

OFFENSE

MARVIN WASHINGTON, QB (SR.) Marvin Washington earned the scholarship offer he coveted during the offseason from UCF, where he has verbally committed, and now has his sights set on quarterbacking the Panthers to new heights. With a number of playmakers lining up at receiver or in the backfield, Washington is charged with getting the ball to these speedy skill players. “His receiving corps is much better than it was last year and he really trusts all four or five of them,” Wells said.

DEFENSE

NICK SMITH, LB/DE (SR.) It can be hard to distinguish any one player on Dr. Phillips’ defense, but Nick Smith stands out as one of the most versatile players in the area. The North Carolina State commit is listed as a linebacker, but Wells expects to use him some as an edge rusher to create chaos and disruption for opposing offenses. “(Smith is) so athletic that, if he had to, he could go back and play safety,” Wells said. “His versatility is what everybody loves about him.”

UNDERCLASSMAN

STEPHEN DIX, LB/DE (FR.) Being one of three freshmen on the Panthers’ varsity roster says plenty about the abilities of Stephen Dix. The standout prospect for Dr. Phillips earned his varsity uniform in part because of a physical presence that makes it hard to believe he’s only in his first year on a high-school campus. “Freshman mostly don’t play varsity because they’re not physically ready — but if you look at (Dix), it looks like he’s been in our weightroom program for two or three years already,” Wells said.

xpectations never truly change at Dr. Phillips, a program that has undefeated regular seasons, district titles and a regional title to its credit. As head coach Rodney Wells prepares to lead the program for a sixth season, he is frank about what his team is setting out to do. “We’ve got to get to the playoffs and go 5-0 in the playoffs,” Wells said. “We’ve done everything (else). … The only thing left for us to do is win five games in the playoffs.” Helping to lead the way is Dr. Phillips’ loaded class of 2017, now seniors, along with some dynamic juniors and sophomores with game experience. “We’re just more experienced — a whole lot more experienced,” Wells said. “The offensive should be a little more explosive and the defense should come along.” Once again, Dr. Phillips will play a brutal schedule outside of its district this fall, with games against powerhouses such as Apopka, Mainland (Daytona Beach), West Orange and Lake Mary — all in hopes of preparing the Panthers for the postseason.

2016 SCHEDULE All games at 7 p.m. Aug. 26 vs. Wekiva Sept. 2 vs. Lake Mary Sept. 9 vs. West Orange Sept. 16 at Apopka Sept. 23 at Mainland Sept. 30 vs. Oak Ridge* Oct. 7 BYE Oct. 13 vs. Freedom* Oct. 21 at Olympia* Oct. 27 at Cypress Creek* Nov. 4 at Evans * denotes district game

2015 RECORD 9-4 (4-0 district) Regional finalist; district champion

2016 FOOTBALL PREVIEW

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OCOEE KNIGHTS 1925 Ocoee Crown Point Parkway, Ocoee | Class 7A, District 4 PLAYERS TO WATCH

DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR: Terrance Larmond ATHLETIC DIRECTOR: Steve McHale

AUGUST 2016

f the Ocoee Knights are going to improve upon a breakout season in 2015, in which they tripled their win total from 2014, they will have to do so with underclassmen stepping up. Ocoee features 11 freshman and nine sophomores on its varsity roster, meaning coach Ben Bullock will be looking to create a roster full of young veterans by season’s end. “For us, it’s about talent — but youthful talent,” he said. “We’ve got to get these guys game-ready in a hurry.” Helping in that effort will be senior leaders such as Dorian Jones and B.J. Bohler, leaders of the Knights’ talented secondary, linebacker Lyston Barber and defensive tackle Nate Roberts. For those players, the bright future Ocoee’s roster suggests needs to come sooner rather than later — meaning the Knights are aiming for a playoff berth this fall. “Our district is wide open — a lot of great teams and a lot of great coaches,” Bullock said.

2016 SCHEDULE

OFFENSE

OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR: Jason Boltus

HEAD COACH:

Ben Bullock (second year)

OBSERVER

Youth infusion

2016 ROSTER No. Name Grade 2 David Span 12 3 Kendall Bohler 10 4 Dorian Jones 12 5 Lyston Barber 12 6 Garrett Duffina 11 7 Myles Holder 11 8 C.J. Young 10 9 Konrie Brown 11 10 Delmy Geffrard 12 11 B.J. Bohler 12 12 Hunter Mercer 11 13 Johnny Matos 12 14 Keyshawn Goins 10 15 Isaiah Smith 12 17 Jake Novello 11 20 Tyrese Taylor 9 23 Lovie Jenkins 9 24 Corvondre Curate 9 25 Santuwan Blue 9 27 Tamon Lynum 9 28 Josh Petty 12 30 Tavares Rodgers 9 31 Aaron McKenzie 9 33 Nasir Carter 10 34 Alex Suarez 9 39 Chester Geffrard 10 40 DaVeon Reynolds 9 42 Chris Benton 10 45 Pharbby Hyacinthe 11 50 Dakari Walton 12 51 Brennen Castillo 12 52 Tabari Neal 12 54 Monroe Nelson 11 56 Nate Roberts 12 58 Tyler Lewis 11 59 Tahjay Christie 11 60 Matt Hogan 10 61 Drawon Williams 9 65 Candido Worrell 12 66 Charles Jenkins 11 67 Marlo Tillman 11 72 Jason Williams 9 73 Justin Williams 10 79 Khallel Joseph 12 88 Fails Jeremiah 10 90 Luis Rivera 11

B.J. BOHLER, WR (SR.) Bohler recently committed to Mercer University as a defensive back, but that doesn’t mean Ocoee coach Ben Bullock and offensive coordinator Jason Boltus haven’t found a way to utilize his speed and abilities as a playmaker on offense. “With his speed and his athletic ability … we try to get him the ball in areas where he can make guys miss,” Bullock said.

DEFENSE

LYSTON BARBER, LB (SR.) Lyston Barber has a knack for getting in the face of opposing quarterbacks while maintaining the mobility to drop back in coverage. With the Knights featuring a strong secondary, Barber’s versatility and pass-rush abilities will be key in the Knights’ ability to disrupt opposing offenses. “He’s probably the most aggressive guy we’ve got,” Bullock said. “He’s the guy (who is) attacking the quarterback on a routine basis … he’s relentless.”

UNDERCLASSMAN

LOVIE JENKINS, WR/DB (FR.) A standout in youth football and in middle-school track, Ocoee coaches have high expectations for newcomer Lovie Jenkins. Coach Ben Bullock has been impressed with the maturity with which Jenkins has approached being on the varsity roster — as well as his measurables. “He’s got great athletic ability and has a lot of potential,” Bullock said. “He’s expected to contribute and learn.”

All games at 7 p.m. Aug. 26 at Apopka Sept. 2 vs. Lake Nona Sept. 9 BYE Sept. 16 vs. Edgewater* Sept. 23 at East Ridge* Sept. 30 at Hagerty* Oct. 7 at West Port* Oct. 13 vs. Lake Howell* Oct 21 vs. Wekiva Oct. 28 vs. Lake Minneola* Nov. 4 vs. West Orange * denotes district game

2015 RECORD 6-4 (4-2 district) Most wins since 2009

AUGUST 2016

OBSERVER

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2016 FOOTBALL PREVIEW

Raising expectations

2016 ROSTER No. Name Year 1 Jake Clarkson 12 2 Bradley Dos Santos 12 3 Derrick Bell 12 4 Bradley Kehler 12 6 Josh Green 11 7 Joe Milton 11 8 Ronald Teague 11 9 James Green 12 10 Chris Sipp 12 11 Jordan Underwood 11 12 Keinen Thomas 12 13 Quincy Dames 12 14 Corey Jackson 9 15 Nick Scaglione 12 17 Jamari Kindred 10 18 Amari Kindred 10 20 Jackson Heinecke 12 21 Andrey Hawkins 12 22 Robin Green Jr. 11 23 Andrew Wilkins 12 24 Brandon Young 11 25 Paul Stewart 12 26 Micah Hurst 10 28 Brandon Lymon 12 30 Mitchell Warren 11 32 Malachi Moore 11 33 Isiah Moore 12 34 Elijah Castillo 11 40 Mark Nichols 12 42 Amajeh Green 11 44 Troy Golden 11 47 Donovan Enos 11 50 Dylan Johnson 12 51 Jeffrey Cedeno 10 52 George Adams 12 53 Clay Adams 10 54 Ashton Bozarth 11 55 Jonathan Duprey 11 56 Jaden Cresser 11 60 Judah Martin 10 65 Clayton Bross 11 66 Jaden Phillips 10 70 Josh Hearst 11 72 Khalif Hollis 12 73 Bryan Donald 10 74 Brandon Donald 12 75 Kendall Batt 12 76 Jared Thomas 12 77 Colin Barnard 11 78 Michael Williams 12 79 Jowensky Lucius 12 80 Hagan Hagmaier 12 84 Weetshy Rene 12 90 Wellingston Ortega 11 94 Dae’Shawn Simmons 11 95 Daniel Fiorini 12 99 Ryan Popp 11 HEAD COACH:

Kyle Hayes (second year) OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR: Dale Williams DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR: Kyle Hayes ATHLETIC DIRECTOR: Lauren Bradley

OLYMPIATITANS 4301 S. Apopka Vineland Road, Orlando | Class 8A, District 5 PLAYERS TO WATCH

winning season can do a lot of things for a program, especially after a couple of down years. After struggling in 2013 and 2014, the Olympia Titans won seven games in 2015 — including a bowlgame victory against Celebration — and the excitement and energy that coach Kyle Hayes has infused in the program was evident when 155 boys came out for the team this fall. With a winning season, the Titans are now turning their attention to the next goal. “The expectation is playoffs,” Hayes said. “That newness is gone, and you’ve got to proceed to make plays.” To make the playoffs out of Class 8A, District 5, Olympia will have to beat Cypress Creek and Freedom — as it did last year — and then beat either Oak Ridge or Dr. Phillips, to which it lost in 2015, or both. The offense figures to be improved and, once again, the Titans’ defense will be formidable — with transfer linebacker James Green stepping right into a leadership role as a senior.

2016 SCHEDULE OFFENSE

RONALD TEAGUE, LB (JR.) As a two-way player who also gets carries for the Titans at running back, Teague will pair with transfer linebacker James Green to help lead the Olympia defense. Listed at 5-foot-9 and 160 pounds, Teague makes up for being undersized with his intensity. “(Teague) does everything that I ask him to do, and he plays super hard,” Hayes said. “He’s very intense, and he’ll hit you.”

DEFENSE

JOE MILTON, QB (JR.) Milton transitioned to quarterback early in the season in 2015 and is now the Titans’ starter. Standing 6-foot-5 and full of speed, Milton’s hard work in the offseason has helped him build upon his natural abilities and become a better quarterback from a technical standpoint. “(Milton has) gotten better pretty much in all aspects,” Hayes said. “He’s getting better with making the right choices, making the right throws.”

UNDERCLASSMAN

COREY JACKSON, WR (FR.) The quarterback for Olympia Pop Warner’s Unlimited (14U) team last fall, Corey Jackson has made a strong first impression on the Olympia coaching staff — even with a position change to wide receiver. “(Jackson) told me ‘Coach, I’m fighting for a varsity jersey’ — and he’s earned that,” Hayes said.

All games start at 7 p.m. Aug. 26 at Seminole Sept. 2 vs. East River Sept. 9 vs. Colonial Sept. 16 vs. Cypress Creek* Sept. 23 at Evans Sept. 30 at Freedom* Oct. 7 at Apopka Oct. 14 BYE Oct. 21 vs. Dr. Phillips* Oct. 27 at Oak Ridge* Nov. 4 at Winter Park * denotes district game

2015 RECORD 7-4 (2-2 district) Won bowl game vs. Celebration

2016 FOOTBALL PREVIEW

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Grade

Antonio Huey Naquan Renalds Jurrod Cook DaMarcus Brunson Kyveon Jones Marland Howard Xavier Wong Julian Pittman Jerrick Richardson Dametri Hill Darrell Harding Austin Burton DaShaun Collins Demond Harp Darrian Williams Tywon Little Josh Gaskins Nemea Hall Austin Chilton Hunter Malquist Zhantavious Winters Davon Earle Devin Martin James Smith Elijah Shabazz Garrett Clark Giuiliano Baber Emmanuel Fiallos Colby Adamson Nate Boscan Parker Torok Chris Thevenot Andrew Brickweg Daryl Allen Seth Torres Miles Richardson Aric Horne Richardo Michel Ian Deneen Braden Garman Miles Miller Larry Glover Jetindra Sukhnandan Ronald DiMatteo Colyn Dagon John McKelvain Seth Janetzke Gabriel Deneen Kordel Luke Hawke Forsythe Russell Robinson Robert Fiallos Maliek Chiverton JaMarcus Brunson Brennan Harrell Tyrell George Franklin Jackson

12 12 12 12 12 12 10 12 12 11 10 12 11 11 12 10 11 9 10 12 11 11 12 11 12 10 10 11 12 12 12 11 11 12 12 12 11 12 12 12 12 12 12 11 11 12 11 10 11 11 10 12 12 12 11 11 11

HEAD COACH:

Bob Head (fourth year) OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR: Vernon Mitchell DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR: Ty Parker ATHLETIC DIRECTOR: Adam Miller

OBSERVER

AUGUST 2016

What rebuild?

2016 ROSTER No. Name

WEST ORANGE

WARRIORS 1625 Beulah Road, Winter Garden | Class 8A, District 4

PLAYERS TO WATCH

fter graduating 18 of 22 starters from 2015, some may be tempted to call 2016 a rebuilding year for West Orange — and the Warriors would disagree. Instead, West Orange considers it a reloading, and — even with another tough schedule ahead this fall — the Warriors are not prepared to lower the bar. “Our expectations are never going to change — that’s to try to be district champions, get in the playoffs and make a run,” head coach Bob Head said. “Even though we lost guys, we’re still going to push.” The Warriors’ defense this fall is comprised almost entirely of new faces, sans three-year starter Julian Pittman. Whether that unit can learn quickly on the job will be one of the biggest questions for West Orange. “They have the talent; they just lack experience,” Head said. Anchored by a strong returning corps of wide receivers, dynamic running backs and transfer quarterback Austin Burton, the West Orange offense should be as high-powered as ever.

2016 SCHEDULE OFFENSE

AUSTIN BURTON, QB (SR.) Coming to the Warriors from the greater Boston area, Austin Burton certainly made a memorable first impression in the spring, throwing five touchdowns in a victory over Gainesville. A Boston College commit who also holds an offer from UCLA, Burton’s accuracy will be key in putting the team’s speedy receivers in position to makes plays this fall. “(Burton) can make all the throws — he’s a very dynamic passer,” coach Bob Head said.

DEFENSE

JERRICK RICHARDSON, LB (SR.) Being asked to step into the role formerly filled by now-graduated linebacker Jeremy Samuels is no small task, but West Orange coaches think senior Jerrick Richardson will be up to the task of leading the Warrior defense. “Jerrick is probably our defensive leader — him and Julian Pittman,” Head said. “We look to him to be the tough guy who is going to get everybody lined up and situated.”

UNDERCLASSMAN

NEMEA HALL, RB (FR.) Beyond the fact that his size and speed are more befitting of a senior than a freshman, Warrior newcomer Nemea Hall has a football-I.Q. that has his coaches excited as he prepares to battle for snaps as the team’s backup tailback. “(Hall is) just really dynamic,” Head said. “His football knowledge, just to be a freshman, is probably the best that I’ve seen — ever.”

All games at 7 p.m. Aug. 26 vs. Foundation Academy Sept. 2 vs. Winter Park Sept. 9 at Dr. Phillips Sept. 16 vs. Oxbridge Academy Sept. 23 vs. Jones Sept. 30 vs. Apopka* Oct. 7 vs. Lake Nona Oct. 13 at Evans* Oct. 21 BYE Oct. 27 vs. Wekiva* Nov. 4 at Ocoee * denotes district game

2015 RECORD 12-1 (3-0 in district) State semifinalist; regional champion; district champion

AUGUST 2016

OBSERVER

OrangeObserver.com

2016 FOOTBALL PREVIEW

Sticking together

2016 ROSTER No. Name Grade 2 Kylan Williamson 12 4 Qumari Campbell 12 5 Malachi Rennie 8 6 A’alijah Fuller 10 8 Brysyn Moore 12 10 Chandler Theobald 11 11 Caleb Brenyo 11 14 Justin Milroy 11 15 Jared Milroy 11 17 Jordan Kacir 9 20 Macena Gay 10 22 Supreme Richardson 9 35 James Lynch Jr. 10 50 Griffin Horn 9 51 Jarett Lang 9 52 Jose Rodriguez 12 53 Parker Theobald 9 54 Lincoln Mathews 11 55 Jared Furtado 9 70 Joshua Virgil 9 72 Elisha Sanchez 10 73 Katelynn Rodriguez 9 75 Jakari Ross 10 N/A Zachary Taggart 10

HEAD COACH:

Chris Cook (first year) OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR: Kalvin Rymer DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR: James Lynch

CFCAEAGLES 700 Good Homes Road, Ocoee | Sunshine State Athletic Conference — Coastal Central Florida Division PLAYERS TO WATCH

ATHLETIC DIRECTOR: Kyle Wills

2016 SCHEDULE Games at 7 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Aug. 26 at Orlando Christian Prep Sept. 2 BYE Sept. 9 vs. The First Academy Sept. 16 vs. Orangewood Christian Sept. 23 at Lake Weir Sept. 30 at Lake Mary Prep Oct. 7 vs. Legacy Charter Oct. 14 at Windermere Prep, 4:30 p.m. Oct. 21 at Trinity Christian (Deltona) Oct. 28 SSAC Playoff/Bowl Game Nov. 4 SSAC Playoff/Bowl Game 2015 RECORD: 7-3

OFFENSE

QUMARI CAMPBELL, WR (SR.) As a veteran player within the program, Campbell is as valuable as a playmaker as he is a leader. Campbell will be used in a variety of ways to help get the ball moving for the Eagles this fall. “(Campbell has) good speed on the field, knows the offense and can play multiple spots,” Cook said. “He can even play backup quarterback if we need him. … We’re looking at him to be a playmaker.”

DEFENSE

KYLAN WILLIAMSON, DB (SR.) Although he is a bit undersized, Williamson has impressed Cook and the Eagles’ coaching staff with his football smarts and leadership. Williamson also possesses a strong grip on CFCA’s defensive scheme. “(Williamson is) a guy that has good vision for the field,” Cook said. “He’s got the potential to play college football.”

UNDERCLASSMAN

JAMES LYNCH JR., TE/DE (SO.) Standing 6-foot-2 and weighing 225 pounds, James Lynch Jr. looks like a football player tailor-made to play in college. Beyond his strong genetics, though, this standout for the Eagles has asserted himself as a player who likes to deliver big hits and also a good teammate. “He’s the real deal — he is going to be a player,” Cook said. “Personality-wise … he’s got that personality where people just gravitate toward him.”

aced with the challenge of being the Eagles’ fourth coach in as many years, new head coach Chris Cook is leaning heavily on returning coaches such as offensive coordinator Kalvin Rymer and defensive coordinator James Lynch Sr., as well as returning upperclassmen who care deeply about the program. While Cook has left the defensive scheme unchanged so the players can enjoy some continuity, he has added some wrinkles to the offense going into the 2016 season. “They’ve bought into it — they’re liking it and they’re exciting about running (the offense),” Cook said of the changes. In addition to losing their coach from 2015, the Eagles also said good-bye to a number of talented players because of graduation or transfer. Various players have stepped up throughout fall camp, though, including junior quarterback Caleb Brenyo. Cook is optimistic that a tough schedule this fall that includes Class 6A and Class 3A opponents will put CFCA in position to contend in the SSAC — chasing a third-consecutive winning season. “The strength of schedule is quite a bit higher than it was last year,” Cook said. “We’re going to be in the mix (in the SSAC) for sure. … We have to stay focused and healthy.”

2016 FOOTBALL PREVIEW

OrangeObserver.com

FOUNDATION ACADEMY

LIONS

15304 Tilden Road, Winter Garden | Class 2A, District 4 Home games: Walker Field, 415 S. Park Ave., Winter Garden

PLAYERS TO WATCH

DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR: Andre Walker ATHLETIC DIRECTOR: David Baginski

osing only three seniors from last fall’s regional finalist squad means Foundation Academy is entering uncharted territory so far as expectations. It also doesn’t hurt that the program’s success has encouraged interest in participation: The Lions have more than 50 players suiting up for varsity — quite a haul for a Class 2A program. “For the first time in my career at Foundation, we’re three and four deep at every position,” head coach Brad Lord said. As for expectations, the veteran coach has set them high. “Realistically, (a regular season record of) 9-1 — we can do that,” Lord said. Helping to to buoy those expectations is a talented senior class of leaders that includes several players with rising stock as individuals, including Lester Axson, Jaquane Patterson, Sydal Barton, Evan Thompson and Dillon Hall, among others.

2016 SCHEDULE

OFFENSE

OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR: Robert East

AUGUST 2016

HEAD COACH

Brad Lord (ninth year)

Prideful pack

2016 ROSTER No. Name Grade 1 Jacob Titus 12 3 Lester Axson 12 4 Alec Baginski 11 6 Evan Fitzgibbon 12 7 Chaz Cannon 12 8 Luke Birk 12 9 Chai Colon 9 10 Kyle Krueger 12 12 Evan Thompson 12 15 Elijah Stimmell 10 22 Cory Rahman 12 25 Lance Axson 11 27 Grayson Wagner 10 28 Jaquane Patterson 12 29 David Parea 11 30 Warren Sapp Jr. 10 32 Dillon Hall 12 33 Anthony Reccia 12 42 Cam Norat 9 48 Brandon Barnes 12 52 Andrew Johns 10 53 Eddie Loos 11 54 Blake Robinson 11 55 Matt Vaughn 12 56 Jordan Boast 12 58 Jake Odum 11 60 Cameron Gebers 10 62 Michael Bot Lemieux 9 66 Trevon Barton 10 70 Treylan Barton 11 72 Sydal Barton 12 73 Gian Reyes 10 77 Conner Carson 11 80 Elishua Colon 11 82 Joey Zagame 10 86 Parker Tallis 9 N/A Jacob Brolin 12 N/A Kenny Ames 11 N/A Austin Mathis 11 N/A Luke Chase 10 N/A Jackson Wagner 9 N/A Henry Austad 9 N/A Ben Bales 9 N/A Jesiel Reyes 9

OBSERVER

JAQUANE PATTERSON, RB (SR.) Despite being limited in carries at running back in 2015 because of a wrist injury (though he did not miss any time on the defensive side of the ball), Jaquane Patterson still rushed for more than 500 yards and averaged about 10 yards per carry for the Lions — setting the stage for a true breakout season this fall. “Jaquane Patterson is one of the best players in Central Florida,” Lord said. “He’s got vision on the field that a lot of running backs don’t have.”

DEFENSE

JLESTER AXSON, DB (SR.) One of a number of Lions with Division I scholarship offers, Axson is a leader on the Foundation defense and is skilled enough where the Lions are not afraid to match him up man-to-man with an opposing team’s best receiver. “He’s just lock-down,” Lord said. “He has a great football I.Q., and he’s an excellent tackler.”

UNDERCLASSMAN

ELIJAH STIMMELL, QB (SO.) Called upon to take snaps in playoff games last season because of injury, sophomore quarterback Elijah Stimmell has seen some big moments in his young career. That could help separate him from his competition for the Lions’ starting quarterback job. “He’s got big-game experience,” Lord said.

All games start at 7 p.m. Aug. 26 at West Orange Sept. 2 vs. The First Academy Sept. 9 at Carrollwood Day Sept. 16 at Northside Christian Sept. 23 vs. St. Pete Catholic Sept. 30 vs. Cornerstone Charter* Oct. 7 at Jordan Christian Prep Oct. 14 at Victory Christian* Oct. 21 at Harvest Community Oct. 28 vs. West Oaks Nov. 4 BYE * denotes district game

2015 RECORD 8-4 (3-0 district) Regional finalist; first district championship

AUGUST 2016

OBSERVER

OrangeObserver.com

2016 FOOTBALL PREVIEW

Ready for year five

2016 ROSTER No. Name Grade 1 Zachary Kelley 12 2 Kyle Burdue 12 6 Jalen Swift 11 7 Walker Phillips 12 9 Jacob Worley 9 12 Hilton Lamprecht 12 14 Matt Cochrane 10 17 Kamari Arnold 12 17 Gabriel Chambless 10 19 Gehrig Chambless 11 22 Miles Moyer 12 25 Abraham Puebla 9 28 Zach Stanley 10 30 Dallas Powell 10 32 Trent Phillips 9 34 Dylan Clinger 11 38 Angelo Alexandre 11 41 Brennar Segalini 11 42 Richard Everett 9 50 Chris Lamprecht 11 58 Jason Dennison 11 61 Brett MacFarlane 12 62 Brody Thalman 9 65 Mac Long 10 70 Tomas Perez 11 79 Brandon Murphy 11 85 Kaelen Slack 11

LEGACY CHARTER

EAGLES

HEAD COACH:

Jarrett Wiggers OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR: Jarrett Wiggers

1550 E. Crown Point Road, Ocoee | Sunshine State Athletic Conference — Coastal Central Florida Division Home games: Ocoee Bulldog Field, 560 Flewelling Ave., Ocoee PLAYERS TO WATCH

DEFENSE COORDINATOR: Trent Hopper

ealignment within the SSAC has led to Legacy Charter competing in its toughest division yet. Fortunately, head coach Jarrett Wiggers feels this is just the roster for the job. “This is our fifth season of football, and this is by far the most difficult schedule,” Wiggers said. “It’s great because this is the group I would want to go into that schedule with.” One area in which the Eagles struggle each year is depth — a byproduct of the school’s modest enrollment that forces coaches to get creative. “We’ve put together some different looks to sort of help us create depth where we don’t have it,” Wiggers said. Helping to offset that lack of depth also is leadership. A good example of the strong senior leadership for this year’s squad is represented by Hilton Lamprecht, a senior quarterback who is out several weeks with an injury but is nevertheless engaged at practice each day helping teammates where he can.

2016 SCHEDULE

ATHLETIC DIRECTOR: Jarrett Wiggers

OFFENSE

GEHRIG CHAMBLESS, QB (JR.) In 2015, Legacy utilized a dual-quarterback approach, with Chambless and senior Hilton Lamprecht sharing snaps. With Lamprecht out a few weeks to begin the season, Chambless is going to be solo taking snaps to start the season — and also will need to become more vocal in the huddle. “He’s always been a leader by example — the challenge for him now is to step up and be a vocal leader,” Wiggers said.

DEFENSE

WALKER PHILLIPS, DE (SR.) Back in the rotation for the Eagles after missing time as a junior because of injury, Phillips will be important to Legacy’s success on defense. At 6-foot-4, he will be critical to the Eagle’s pass rush and also an important piece of its run defense. “(Phillips has) been working really hard in the offseason to get stronger,” Wiggers said. “He’s be able to disrupt passing attempts and also is able to stay in the box and do better against the run.”

UNDERCLASSMAN

DALLAS POWELL, RB/DE (SO.) After seeing limited playing time as a freshman, Powell should be a big part of the Eagles’ plans on both sides of the ball as a running back and pass rusher. The sophomore has a mentality toward the game that impresses his coaches. “(Powell is) just a tenacious player,” Wiggers said. “He doesn’t overthink anything — he likes to impact, and he likes to be aggressive.”

All games start at 7 p.m. Aug. 26 at TFA-Leesburg Sept. 2 at Lake Mary Prep Sept. 9 at Jupiter Christian Sept. 16 BYE Sept. 23 vs. Jordan Christian Prep Sept. 30 vs. Windermere Prep Oct. 7 at CFCA Oct. 14 vs. Orangewood Christian Oct. 21 at International Community School Oct. 28 SSAC Playoff/ Bowl Game Nov. 4 SSAC Playoff/ Bowl Game 2015 RECORD: 6-4

2016 FOOTBALL PREVIEW

OrangeObserver.com

Name Grade Mathews Peres 10 Thomas Darrow 9 Ross Fournet 9 Ismael Cortes 11 Kai Patterson 10 Mitchell Darrow 12 Sarah Graefe 10 William Mackenzie 12 Robert Brand 12 Adiel Aguiar 10 Patrick Hunter 12 Austin Tanner 9 Matthew Kane 9 Mason Russell 10 Prashray Bhatta 12 Ryan King 10 Henry Allen 12 Skyler Rideout 12 William Sealy 11 Juan Gonzalez 9 Carlos Gonzalez 12 Joshua Temme 10 Ryan Swoboda 12 Jonah Best 9 Will Seelman 12

HEAD COACH:

Jacob Doss (seventh year) OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR: Jacob Doss

AUGUST 2016

Next man up

2016 ROSTER No. 2 3 4 6 7 8 10 11 15 17 18 24 32 40 51 53 55 56 60 61 64 71 72 78 81

OBSERVER

WINDERMERE PREP

LAKERS

6189 Winter Garden-Vineland Road, Windermere | Sunshine State Athletic Conference — Coastal Central Florida Division PLAYERS TO WATCH

RUN GAME COORDINATOR: Jason Kelly

he lions’ share of the roster from Windermere Prep’s championship team in 2014 has graduated, with senior Mitchell Darrow the lone remaining starter from that year’s undefeated squad, so coach Jacob Doss’ Lakers have entered a new era. Luckily, the program has new faces ready to step into roles vacated by graduation. And although the roster is hovering at about 25 players entering the season, Doss suggests he may have more real depth this year than before. “We feel comfortable with all of our guys running in their and playing,” Doss said. The Lakers, who will open the season with three road games — including a trip to Houston to take on the Village School — are excited to show what they can do on the defensive side of the ball this fall. Doss suggests new defensive coordinator Brad Ramsey has this unit playing faster than ever — a good sign in an everimproving SSAC.

2016 SCHEDULE

DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR: Brad Ramsey ATHLETIC DIRECTOR: Jacob Doss

OFFENSE

ISMAEL CORTES, RB (JR.) A newcomer to the Lakers, Cortes is an all-around athlete with some fancy footwork who head coach Jacob Doss suspects has some big-play ability. “He has a knack of finding the end zone — probably better than any kid we’ve ever coached,” Doss said.

DEFENSE

MASON RUSSELL, LB (SO.) An elite athlete and twosport star for the Lakers (also plays baseball), Mason Russell participated in USA Football’s International Bowl earlier this year and is expected to anchor Windermere Prep’s defense. “He has been virtually un-blockable when we scrimmage; he’s really got a nose for the ball,” Doss said. “Mason is night-and-day from where he was in the spring — and he was a heck of a player in the spring.”

UNDERCLASSMAN

KAI PATTERSON, QB (SO.) A transfer from CFCA, Patterson will compete with freshman Tommy Darrow for reps at quarterback, stepping in as the Lakers’ new dual-threat quarterback following the graduation of Parker Davis. “(Patterson) is a very, very smart quarterback … he’s been coached well,” Doss said. “I think he has a very good feel for a read offense.”

Aug. 26 at Boca Raton Christian, 7 p.m. Sept. 2 at Village School (Houston), 7 p.m. Sept. 9 at Orangewood Christian, 7 p.m. Sept. 16 vs. Lake Mary Prep, 4:30 p.m. Sept. 23 at St. Edward’s, 7 p.m. Sept. 30 at Legacy Charter, 7 p.m. Oct. 7 BYE Oct. 14 vs. CFCA, 4:30 p.m. Oct. 21 vs. Out-Of-Door Academy (at Disney), 7 p.m. Oct. 28 SSAC Playoffs/ Bowl Game Nov. 4 SSAC Playoffs/ Bowl Game 2015 RECORD: 7-3

AUGUST 2016

OBSERVER

OrangeObserver.com

2016 FOOTBALL PREVIEW

EVALUATING THE DISTRICTS CLASS 8A, DISTRICT 4

CLASS 8A, DISTRICT 5

CLASS 7A, DISTRICT 4

CLASS 2A, DISTRICT 4

TEAMS: Apopka, Evans, Wekiva and West Orange QUICK HIT: Where West Orange graduated 18 of 22 starters from 2015, Apopka has a host of its best players from 2015 back and more experienced. West Orange has won the district for the past two years and has beat Apopka in three of their past four meetings. 2015 RESULTS: West Orange (3-0), Apopka (2-1), Wekiva (1-2), Evans (0-3) PREDICTION: Champion: Apopka; Runner-up: West Orange

TEAMS: Cypress Creek, Dr. Phillips, Freedom, Oak Ridge and Olympia QUICK HIT: No one on Dr. Phillips’ roster has lost a district game as a Panther. 2015 RESULTS: Dr. Phillips (4-0), Oak Ridge (3-1), Olympia (2-2), Freedom (13), Cypress Creek (0-4) PREDICTION: Champion: Dr. Phillips; Runner-up: Oak Ridge

TEAMS: East Ridge, Edgewater, Hagerty, Lake Howell, Lake Minneola, Ocoee and West Port QUICK HIT: An influx of transfers have made East Ridge a team to watch in 2016, along with defending district champion Hagerty. 2015 RESULTS: Hagerty (5-1), Edgewater (5-1), Ocoee (4-2), Lake Minneola (3-3), East Ridge (3-3), West Port (1-5), Lake Howell (0-6) PREDICTION: Champion: Hagerty; Runner-up: Ocoee

TEAMS: Cornerstone Charter, Foundation Academy and Victory Christian QUICK HIT: Foundation Academy won its first district title last fall after defeating Victory Christian in the regular season. Agape Christian is not fielding a team this fall. 2015 RESULTS: Foundation Academy (3-0), Victory Christian (2-1), Cornerstone Charter (12), Agape Christian (0-3) PREDICTION: Champion: Foundation Academy; Runner-up: Victory Christian

SSAC: COASTAL CENTRAL FLORIDA TEAMS: CFCA, Lake Mary Prep, Legacy Charter, Orangewood Christian and Windermere Prep QUICK HIT: Realignment within the SSAC has created this new division, pitting nearby rivals CFCA, Legacy and Windermere Prep against one another on an annual basis. 2015 RESULTS: Windermere Prep (7-3), CFCA (7-3), Legacy Charter (64), Orangewood Christian (6-4), Lake Mary Prep (3-6) PREDICTION: Champion: Windermere Prep; Runner-up: Orangewood Christian

INTRODUCING

Catch us All Season!

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