08.24.23 Friday Night Sights

FRIDAY SIGHTS NIGHT

THE OBSERVER’S GUIDE TO THE 2023 HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL SEASON

LAKER COMPETE

International Baccalaureate Diploma & Certificate Program

Collaborations with MIT, The Juilliard School, UNICEF

Seven National Merit Qualifiers (Class of '24)

Award-Winning Fine Arts Program

Over 21 Athletics Programs

Welcome to Friday Night Sights!

ANDREA MUJICA

Deeply woven into the fabric of the West Orange and Southwest Orange communities is a passionate tradition of high school football.

Local football fans know they have a chance to see budding superstars on our local fields. Players from schools in our coverage area have gone on to play successfully in college, and some even made it all the way to the National Football League.

However, our high school football culture goes far beyond the action on the gridiron. Every Friday night is a weekly spectacle filled with lights, laughter, music, food and fun. And behind the scenes, there are dozens, if not hundreds, who dedicate time to making sure it all runs smoothly.

It’s in that spirit that we present to you Friday Night Sights — our new, re-imagined celebration of this truly glorious time. Starting on page 14, you’ll find

in-depth previews of our seven public high schools and five private schools. You’ll find an outlook on each team, interviews with the coaches, players to watch, full rosters and schedules.

However, even if you’re not a football fan, there’s something here for you. Football wouldn’t be football without the marching band’s performance during halftime; the cheer teams chanting on the sidelines; the team moms who put together team meals and help with fundraisers; and even rivalry games that always manage to fill up the stands.

We hope you enjoy this edition of Friday Night Sights and that, after reading it, you’ll want to stop by a football game and spend a Friday night under the lights.

To stay connected, make sure to grab copies of our newspapers; bookmark OrangeObserver. com; and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram (search for Orange Observer).

Editor and Publisher / Michael Eng, meng@OrangeObserver.com

Design Editor / Jessica Eng, jeng@OrangeObserver.com

News Editor / Annabelle Sikes, asikes@OrangeObserver.com

Community Editor / Amy Quesinberry, amyq@OrangeObserver.com

Staff Writer / Andrea Mujica, amujica@OrangeObserver.com

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BRAGGING RIGHTS

Rivalries intensify action

Every year, West Orange and Southwest Orange football fans are treated to three rivalry games — complete with special hardware awarded to the victor.

ANDREA MUJICA STAFF WRITER

In a fast-growing area such as West Orange, relief schools are a necessary evil. It’s easy to focus on the negatives. New district lines can cause confusion. Younger siblings sometimes can attend a different school than their older brother or sister. In extreme cases, some students attend a new school every year for several years in a row.

However, in West Orange’s prep football community, relief schools also have resulted in creating some added incentive on the gridiron: rivalry games.

Currently, West Orange High School has three rivalry games on its schedule every year — The Ol’ Orange Crate Game against Dr. Phillips; The Backyard Bowl against Olympia; and The Shield Game against Ocoee.

THE OL’ ORANGE CRATE Rivalry trophies have been a tradition at West Orange High School since 1988, when the tradition to play relief school Dr. Phillips High School — which opened in 1987 — for an Ol’ Orange Crate began.

“Half the kids stayed at West Orange; half went to Dr. Phillips,” WOHS head football coach Geno Thompson said. “The only thing that separated the two schools was orange groves. … So they took an old orange crate and made it a trophy, and every year (the two) schools played for this trophy.”

Everything started when West Orange assistant coach Tim Smith heard a student from West Orange and another one from Dr. Phillips talking about how the schools should play for an orange crate.

Since the 1988-89 football season, the trophy has been passed from team to team over the years. This year will be the 32nd the Warriors and the Panthers will battle for the Ol’ Orange Crate.

“The winning team gets the trophy, and every year, we bring it out to the game,” Thompson said. “You had the game and the score on the outside of the trophy and we just keep that tradition going.”

Despite the five-year intermission between 2010 and 2015, the crate means a lot to both schools.

“The Ol’ Orange Crate goes way back with me, because I actually held it when I was a player here,” Dr. Phillips head football coach Rodney Wells said. “It means a lot to the rivalry. The rivalry is that old, and it’s still important on both sides.”

THE ANNUAL BACKYARD BOWL

In 2001, Olympia High School was built and, hence, West Orange was split — again.

The trophy is a piece of a picket fence, as a symbol that both schools are fighting for the same territory. The Warriors won the first game of the tradition and the rivalry with a score of 40-14. Since then, the Titans have won

RIVALRY GAMES

n THE OL’ ORANGE CRATE: 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 20, at Dr. Phillips High School

n THE BACKYARD BOWL: 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 26, at Olympia High School

n THE SHIELD: 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 29, at Ocoee High School

the Backyard Bowl 10 times and the Warriors nine. This year will mark the 20th anniversary of the rivalry as it took a few intermissions in 2015, 2016 and 2020.

THE SHIELD

The Shield game between West Orange and Ocoee High School began in 2005.

“They had a local blacksmith (Florida Metal Works located in Winter Garden) make the trophy,” Thompson said. “It’s a real shield; It’s heavy.”

To date, the Warriors have won the shield 11 times — including

the last three years — while the Knights have claimed it six times.

“That game is very important, because it’s a district game, so it’s not just the battle for the shield,” Ocoee head football coach Sheddrick Gurley said. “That gives us the opportunity to actually be in that district hunt, so we are looking forward to that game.”

The Warriors have all three trophies this year and are ready to compete against the Panthers, Titans and Knights to bring them back home after this year’s games.

“Anytime you have a rivalry game, when you are playing against an opponent, it is a historic rivalry,” Thompson said. “You have kids on the teams whose parents played football, they played for these teams, so I’m sure they are getting the stories on the games and what they mean. So, there’s always an added level of intensity, an added level of competition and the emotions are always high in these games.”

Andrea Mujica The Backyard Bowl, the Ol’Orange Crate and the Shield trophies have been battled over for decades.

THE MUSICAL SCORE

We’re with the band …

Nothing draws a crowd like high school football action on a Friday night — unless it’s the exciting shows performed by the marching band.

AMY QUESINBERRY COMMUNITY EDITOR

Many who attend Friday night football games are there for the sports action — but just as many are there for the marching bands.

West Orange and Southwest Orange schools are known for their successful band programs. The students spend hundreds of hours perfecting their music and steps to bring top-notch musical performances to the crowds. Many of the band programs are invited repeatedly to play throughout the country at festivals, parades and competitions, and some have even performed internationally.

DR. PHILLIPS

When the Dr. Phillips High Marching Band takes the football field on Friday nights, it will be doing so in new uniforms. Because the school serves as the Orange County Public Schools Visual and Performing Arts Magnet, the Panther band draws students from throughout Orange County.

Charlie Watson, Matt Malhiot and Sarah Lightbody are the band directors, and drum majors are Tam Do, Nickelle Morris, Caleb Wolf and field commander Ian Guerreo Mundary.

This year’s show theme is “The Boy Who Lived: A Magical Tale,” based on the music of Harry Potter.

“I think what’s unique about this year’s show is that Harry Potter has given us so many opportunities/ideas that had made a great addition to our drill,” Do said. “This show is like a nostalgic trip back to memories from my childhood. What’s even more crazy is that we’re right next to Hogwarts!”

Morris agreed with Do’s assessment of the childhood flashback.

“With the movies and books being so beyond imagination, you can really harness the ideas it has in it and give the audience that sort of nostalgia and excitement that’s a little more unique from other show themes,” Morris said.

For Morris, the best part of being a drum major “is seeing the band from a different standpoint, understanding more of how we all fit together; not to mention, the adrenaline from standing up there and hearing how hard everyone has worked never gets old.”

Do said he has looked up to drum majors since the beginning of high school band.

“They (are) professional and serious (and) ooze confidence, but they still have fun, and that

to me seems really cool,” he said. “They’ve been my idols, so getting to become one was thrilling.”

Over the years, the Dr. Phillips band program has been selected to perform at the Midwest Clinic, Music for All National Festival, London New Year’s Day Parade, Chicago St. Patrick’s Day Parade and the Florida Music Educators Association Conference.

OCOEE

At Ocoee High, directors Bernie Hendricks Jr. and Jennifer Brown-Rolle are leading the band with the assistance of drum majors William Arnett, Anthony Lim and Price Maurice. This year’s show theme is “Game Knight,” which takes a journey through throwback and modern video games.

“The Ocoee Marching Band is

unique because we cannot really be classified as any particular style of band,” Hendricks said. “We’ve taken many elements and aspects from various colleges and drum corps, as well as our own elements, (and) combined them all together to create something special. We believe that our product can entertain any crowd, as well as educate our students on the joys of a complete and comprehensive music education experience. There is just no other band like the Ocoee band.”

The marching band recently traveled to Chicago for its Thanksgiving Day Parade, and the band has made multiple appearances at the Florida Classic Battle of the Bands. In the spring, members will travel to Savannah, Georgia, to march in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

WINDERMERE HIGH

Windermere High has two new established band directors this year in Marc Kolodinsky and Kathrin Rudzik, who are bringing their own flair to an already-successful program. “We are trying to create

something new and give the students here a chance to move in an exciting new direction,” Kolodinsky said.

The 2023-24 show theme is “A Mad Love for a Mad World,” which tells the backstory of comic book character Harlequin and showcases her change “from an everyday normal person to the girlfriend of The Joker,” Kolodinsky said.

Leading the band are drum

majors Michael Giovannetti, Ian Michael and Andrew Rockefeller.

Windermere’s band program is 6 years old and has performed in local and national marching band competitions, as well as several jazz festivals and music performance assessments.

“We look forward to continuing a lot of those things but adding in more jazz festivals and performances and performing in parades,” Kolodinsky said.

Photos courtesy of Thomas Lightbody | TK Photography

SUPPORT STRUCTURE

The unsung heroes of high school football

Behind every team is a brigade of parents that handle everything from team meals and photo shoots to organizing spirit nights and camps.

AMY QUESINBERRY AND ANNABELLE SIKES

Behind every high school football team is another team — typically parents who stay busy with the particulars of all things football. Everything but the actual action on the field. They are the team moms (and dads), the booster clubs and the quarterback clubs, the people who make sure the players are fed, the sponsorships are secured and the funds are raised.

HORIZON HIGH

The Horizon High School football team relies on team mom Tiffany Harris, whose son, Andrew, is a junior, to help coordinate all the administrative work a team requires.

This list of tasks is long: Serving as liaison between the coaches and families, coordinating pride pack orders, speaking with gear representatives, working with the youth camp, planning team meals, organizing spirit nights, scheduling senior banner pictures and more. Harris spends at least 15 hours a week assisting the team.

Harris is aided by four other main moms: Trish Freid, Nicole Grantz, Andrea Barfield and Jamie Sours.

“I like to be here and volunteer in an environment where I can see my child happy and enjoying himself,” said Barfield, whose son, Lucas, is a sophomore. “It’s a ton of work for Tiffany — it’s like a full-time job — so we help her out wherever we can.”

Freid, whose son, Nathan, is a sophomore and serves as the equipment manager for the team, said the boys have helped him acclimate into high school.

“My son has Down syndrome, and just having the opportunity to be part of the team is something special,” she said. “I love it for the togetherness and the friendships that have formed because of football. It completely falls over into the school day, lunchtime and into the classroom.”

Grantz, whose son, Nicholas, is a junior, believes football has helped the boys learn lessons

outside of just the sport, such as putting their teammates before themselves. She serves as the team’s unofficial photographer during games.

“It’s important for the kids to know that they’re supported — not just by the coach but also by the parents to provide encouragement no matter what happens on the field,” said Sours, whose son, Colton, is a junior. “They have adults in their

life, not just their own parents, (who) believe in them.”

OLYMPIA HIGH

“It’s a group effort, and … a lot of the parents are very much involved,” Jackie Gainous said of the team moms and booster club members who are responsible for raising funds and keeping the football team fed at Olympia High School. “We have our booster club, and we meet

once a month, but in addition to that, all parents are on deck with the team.

“A lot of the times we say, ‘This is what we need,’ and the parents come to the rescue,” she said.

So much of the work is keeping everything organized, Gainous said.

“Making sure the kids have food and drinks, they have their pregame meals during

Annabelle Sikes

Horizon High moms Trish Freid, Nicole Grantz, Andrea Barfield, Jamie Sours and Tiffany Harris.

Amy Quesinberry Camille Evans, Tom Sheldon, Jackie Gainous, Tom Moss and Becca Jo Cross represent Olympia High.

the season, organize things like Senior Night and senior pictures — so it’s a lot of being the right hand of the coach that is not football related.”

The boosters offer sponsorship opportunities to the community that allow the group to pay for projects such as upgrading the football team’s locker room. The money raised also has purchased the senior banners for football, band and cheer participants that line the fence as game attendees walk into the stadium.

Becca Jo Cross coordinates the meals and sponsorships. Sometimes parents cook and other times churches and restaurants donate.

Family Church provides meals for every home game, and, Cicis feeds the players on Thursday nights. Last year, Firehouse Subs and Jersey Mike’s Subs fed the team.

Cross established various sponsorship levels that include Buy a First Down for $50, two home-game seats under the announcer’s box on the 50-yard line for $100, Feed the Team for $300 and a 12-month banner on the football field for $1,500.

Higher levels are available as well.

“It’s a year-round thing,” Cross said of fundraising. “The boys continue working out yearround, so we’re available yearround for them, too.”

WEST ORANGE HIGH

A booster club was created last year with an executive board of five mothers of football

players. Colleen Czachorowski said the group does most of its fundraising in the spring and summer, so it has a full bank account for the fall season. Club members work hard at soliciting donations and sponsorships — to provide meals, advertise on stadium banners and participate in the discount card program. Mealtime is an important part of

the club’s responsibilities, and members count on the support of restaurants to donate food or contribute funds toward player meals on Thursday and Friday nights.

“We want them to be fully nourished for game day,” Czachorowski said. “It’s important for them to have food and nourishment so they’re really impactful on game day.

Without the food, we then have to look at our parents to either donate money or their time.”

Some of the main sponsors are Kelly Foods, Jersey Mike’s Subs and Marco’s Pizza.

Czachorowski and her husband also grill frequently for the boys and include a homecooked meat dish, a pasta, vegetable, salad and bread.

The boosters also host Senior Night and an end-of-theseason banquet.

Parents are key to keeping everything running smoothly. They are needed to handle the game grill, concession money and feeding of the team.

“Our program is pretty expensive to run, and if we don’t raise funds, the boys don’t get all the things they need to be successful,” Czachorowski said.

“We’re looking at trying to revamp the space the coaches use and the players use in the locker room,” she said. “West Orange puts out a lot of college players. … We have a lot of heavy-duty recruiting, and we’re trying to upgrade our facilities to go over film and talk to our players.”

Courtesy

Jessica Gifford, Jill Adkins, Shauné Poole and Colleen Czachorowski lead the charge at West Orange High.

2022 RECORD

4-6

OVERALL; 2-2 IN DISTRICT 2023 SCHEDULE

All games start at 7 p.m.

Friday, Aug. 25, at Lake Mary

Friday, Sept. 1, vs. Timber Creek

Friday, Sept. 8, vs. Apopka

Friday, Sept. 15, at Windermere

Friday, Sept. 22, vs. Boone

Friday, Oct. 13, vs. Olympia

Friday, Oct. 20, at West Orange

Thursday, Oct. 26, at Ocoee

Friday, Nov. 3, at Jones

PLAYERS TO WATCH

DR. PHILLIPS PANTHERS

6500 TURKEY LAKE ROAD, ORLANDO, CLASS 4M, DISTRICT 5

2023 ROSTER

OFFENSE

STANLEY ANDERSON

Age: 16

Position: QB

Year: Junior

“He started to do his job last year as a sophomore, did a really good job for us, and now this will be his first year full-time starter,” Wells said. “We are excited about him; he has all the attributes that he needs: big, strong, a leader, athlete and a great person on campus. We are excited about him.”

Dr. Phillips is loaded in experience from previous seasons, and the Panthers are hoping to capitalize on the reps this season.

“We have a lot of returning guys,” head football coach Rodney Wells said. “Last year, we had a lot of sophomores and young guys playing; we had a lot of injuries last year. This year, we are in much better shape physically. We don’t have guys beat up until this point, right now, so we feel good about that.”

— ANDREA MUJICA

DEFENSE

JASHAD PRESLEY

Age: 17

Position: Athlete

Year: Senior “Three-year starter who just committed to the University of Central Florida recently and unfortunately had a few injuries last year that held him out of a few games,” Wells said. “Now, he’s back at full speed in the best shape he’s ever been, and he’ll be playing a little bit of both sides of the ball.”

HOME FIELD ADVANTAGE

The Panthers play home games at Bill Spoone Stadium, named after Dr. Phillips’ first principal. Spoone was instrumental in building Dr. Phillips’ athletic culture. He installed weekly pep rallies to generate school spirit.

COACH’S CORNER

“We have very high expectations as always, which include winning the district and winning five playoff games. Our schedule is very tough because there are a lot of really good teams in the metro. we had a lot of young guys, and we lost some close games. Hopefully, that experience will make us much better this season.”

— Rodney Wells

Wide receivers coach James

Running backs coach Steve

Tight end coach Robert Morgan: Defensive line coach

Boris Jackson: Defensive backs coach

Israel Byrd: Safeties coach

Jeff Higgins: Quarterbacks coach, special teams Brian Ingrande: Defensive coach, special teams Matt Seaburg: Offensive line coach

Mike Hebert: Defensive line coach Bo Burgess: Director of football operations

HORIZON HAWKS

2022 RECORD

7-3 OVERALL; 0-3 IN DISTRICT

2023 SCHEDULE

All games start at 7 p.m.

Friday, Aug. 25, at Freedom

Friday, Sept. 1, at Lake Howell

Friday, Sept. 8, vs. Colonial

Friday, Sept. 15, vs. Poinciana

Friday, Sept. 22, at New Smyrna Beach

Friday, Oct. 6, vs. University

Friday, Oct. 13, at Wekiva

Friday, Oct. 20, vs. Edgewater

Friday, Oct. 27, vs. Jones

Friday, Nov. 3, at Windermere

PLAYERS TO WATCH

OFFENSE ANDREW HARRIS

Age: 16

Position: QB

Year: Junior

“Andrew is our new quarterback that we have handed the keys to lead our team,” Thomas said.

10393 SEIDEL ROAD, WINTER GARDEN, CLASS 3M, DISTRICT 3

DEFENSE BO KENNEY

Age: 17

Position: LB

Year: Senior

After a standout 2022 season, the Hawks are excited to welcome back linebacker Bo Kenney, who seems to have a nose for the ball.

“Bo led the county in sacks last season,” Thomas said.

The Horizon High School football team enjoyed a successful second season with a 7-3 overall record last year — just out of reach of the playoffs.

For the 2023-24 football season, the team will rely on a well-developed junior class that has grown under the leadership of head football coach Dennis

Thomas since the start of the program. “I feel like, overall, our 2025 class is our best class, and they are finally going to be full grown varsity players,” Thomas said. “We are just trying to improve, keep building off of the year we had last year and keep trying to build a great program.”

— ANDREA MUJICA

HOME FIELD ADVANTAGE

The Horizon High stadium, as well as the school, was built around a Natural Sinkhole Wetland. The wetland was named “The Hawks’ Eye” that could not be gotten rid of when building the school because ancient relics were found on site. Rumor has it, the players get special energy from it during home games.

“We are a third-year program looking to improve on a good second season.”

— Dennis Thomas

LAKE BUENA VISTA VIPERS

11305 DARYL CARTER PARKWAY, ORLANDO, CLASS 2M, DISTRICT 4

PLAYERS TO WATCH

COACH’S CORNER

“We have a very tough schedule, and hopefully, we can compete every week.”

— Brant Peddy

The Lake Buena Vista football team is entering its 2023-24 season with high expectations, after winning its first game at the final match of the 2022-23 season.

Going into their third year as a program, the Vipers are excited to make more memories under the Friday night lights with new leadership in head football coach Brant Peddy.

“I’ve taken conditioning up a bit; I believe you’ve got to put in the work,” he said. “Hard work, discipline and structure — that’s me. We’ve got to be disciplined.”

Development of players is a key element that will help the team on the football field. But, more so than wins and losses, doing things right is at the center of the Vipers’ culture.

“(Coaching) for me is if they succeed in the classroom and they learn everything they need to do right,” Peddy said. “If they can do everything right in the classroom and they can do everything right here,

HOME FIELD ADVANTAGE

once they go out in the real world and head to college, they will say, ‘OK, this isn’t as bad as we thought. Coach Peddy prepared us.’”

ANDREA MUJICA

2023 ROSTER

2022 RECORD

1-9 OVERALL; 0-1 IN DISTRICT

2023 SCHEDULE

All games start at 7 p.m.

Friday, Aug. 25, vs. Gateway

Friday, Sept. 1, at Cypress Creek

Friday, Sept. 8, at Freedom

Thursday, Sept. 14, at Oak Ridge

Friday, Sept. 22, vs. Windermere

Friday, Oct. 6, vs. Lake Howell

Friday, Oct. 13, vs. Lake Highland Prep

Friday, Oct. 20, at Poinciana

Friday, Oct. 27, at Bishop Moore

Friday, Nov. 3, vs. Colonial

The Lake Buena Vista Vipers play their home games at their on-campus stadium, 11305 Daryl Carter Parkway, Orlando. The school opened in 2021, the same year as Horizon High in Horizon West.

2022 RECORD

9-5

OVERALL; 2-2 IN DISTRICT

2023 SCHEDULE

All games start at 7 p.m.

Friday, Aug. 25, vs. Apopka

Friday, Sept. 1, vs. Wekiva

Friday, Sept. 8, vs. Evans

Thursday, Sept. 14, at Olympia

Friday, Sept. 22, at Freedom

Friday, Sept. 29, vs. West Orange

Friday, Oct. 6, at Winter Park

Friday, Oct. 13, at Edgewater

Friday, Oct. 20, at Windermere

Thursday, Oct. 26, vs. Dr. Phillips

PLAYERS TO WATCH

OCOEE KNIGHTS

1925

OFFENSE

ONIX IRIZARRY

Age: 16

Position: OL

Year: Senior

After a historic 2022-23 season in which Ocoee High paved its way into the Final Four, the Knights are young — entering the 2023-24 season — but hungry.

DEFENSE

EZEKIEL BRINSON

Age: 16

Position: DT

Year: Senior

COACH’S CORNER

“‘We are the 300.’ This team is made up of young men willing to sacrifice for the brother next to them. We aren’t flashy — just looking to gain the respect of others. We’ve been the underdog for years, and now, we are looking to make a statement game by game. We do service in our community through community service, outreach programs and meal prep for the home less.”

— Sheddrick Gurley

2023 ROSTER

“Both sides of the ball are relatively young,” head football coach Sheddrick Gurley said. “However, they are hungry and they run fast. So, we expect to see a faster team this year.”

Tactical performance and speed will be key on game nights, and Ocoee has been putting in the work to pose a strong front on both sides of the ball.

“Defensively, last year, we were much more of an explosive team; we had a defensive line that could get after everybody,” Gurley said. “This year, we have a defensive line that can get out there, and we have linebackers that are able to fly. On the offensive side of the ball, there is no drop-off. We got maybe two new guys on offense, but they come in well and perform the way we need them to perform. We still

have to find our playmakers, and hopefully, we’ll be able to find that (at the beginning of the season).”

— ANDREA MUJICA

HOME FIELD ADVANTAGE

Ocoee plays its home games at its on-campus stadium, 1925 Ocoee Crown Point Parkway, Ocoee.

OCOEE CROWN POINT PARKWAY, OCOEE, CLASS 4M, DISTRICT 5

2022 RECORD

6-5 OVERALL; 2-2 IN DISTRICT

2023 SCHEDULE

All games start at 7 p.m.

Friday, Aug. 25, vs. Wekiva

Friday, Sept. 1, at Oak Ridge

Friday, Sept. 8, vs. Lake Nona

Thursday, Sept. 14, vs. Ocoee

Friday, Sept. 29, at Windermere

Friday, Oct. 6, vs. Apopka

Friday, Oct. 13, at Dr. Phillips

Friday, Oct. 20, vs. Freedom

Thursday, Oct. 26, vs. West Orange

Friday, Nov. 3 at South Lake

PLAYERS TO WATCH

OLYMPIA TITANS

4301 S.

OFFENSE

JUAN GAINOUS

Age: 17

Position: Quarterback

Year: Senior

“Juan is our quarterback; he is our leader,” Gabriel said. “Everybody believes that the quarterback is the leader of the team, (because) they are the one with the ball in their hand every play.”

DEFENSE

JULIUS BENJAMIN

Age: 17

Position: Safety

Year: Senior “Julius is a vocal leader; he is an emotional leader,” Gabriel said. “He’s been part of the program for four years, and he is one of our best players.”

COACH’S CORNER

“We are continuing to work at being better daily.”

— Travis Gabriel

Olympia expects its roster full of seniors will translate to success this season.

“I am very senior-heavy,” head football coach Travis Gabriel said. “The biggest growth (that I’ve seen over the off-season) is maturity and experience.”

With more than 30 seniors on their roster, the Titans will rely on that experience — and the leadership— all senior players can provide on and off the field before, during and after every game.

“It’s special, because there are so

HOME FIELD ADVANTAGE

many seniors; so many guys have been a part of the program for three years,” Gabriel said. “It seems like yesterday when they walked through those doors as freshmen. Now, they are going into their senior year. We just want to embrace every day that goes by, because I always tell the kids: ‘It goes fast.’ So, we just want to embrace it, enjoy and take whatever happens on this journey, because once it’s done, it’s done.”

— ANDREA MUJICA

“Our stadium, Titan Field, is very exciting and fun to play at. Our community really rallies around the team.”

— Travis Gabriel

2023 ROSTER

ASSISTANT COACHES

Vernon Mitchell: Defensive coordinator, defensive backs

Corian Hamilton: Defensive backs, JV head coach

Mark Kelley: Linebackers

Kevin Maurice: Defensive line

Terry Rutledge: Offensive line

Brett Munroe: Quarterbacks

Sean Davidson: Wide receivers

Caleb Neagle: Running backs, freshmen head coach

Jeff Cooper: Assistant coach (offense)

APOPKA-VINELAND ROAD, ORLANDO, CLASS 4M, DISTRICT 5

2022 RECORD

7-5 OVERALL, 4-0 IN DISTRICT

2023 SCHEDULE

All games start at 7 p.m. unless otherwise noted.

Friday, Aug. 18, at DeLand

Friday, Aug. 25, vs. Oak Ridge

Friday, Sept. 1, at Apopka

Friday, Sept. 8, at Edgewater

Thursday, Sept. 14, at Wekiva

Friday, Sept. 22, vs. Jones

Friday, Sept. 29, at Ocoee

Friday, Oct. 13, vs. Windermere

Friday, Oct. 20, vs. Dr. Phillips

Thursday, Oct. 26, at Olympia

7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 3, vs. Osceola

PLAYERS TO WATCH

WEST ORANGE WARRIORS

1625 BEULAH ROAD, WINTER GARDEN, CLASS 4M, DISTRICT 5

2023 ROSTER

OFFENSE

JACK REILLY

Age: 16

Position: QB

Year: Junior

“Jack does a great job reading the defensive coverage on the fly,” Thompson said. “He is able to be audible and gets us into the right concept for the coverage or front that we see. He will definitely turn some heads this year.”

West Orange relies heavily on team bonding and camaraderie to help with its performance on the field.

“Our kids love each other; they do everything together,” head coach Geno Thompson said. “(During the) season, we eat together three nights a week. (We) are probably the best-fed team in the state.”

Good chemistry and a tough schedule are two key elements the Warriors will utilize this season to capitalize on plays during games.

our kids opportunities to show college coaches their abilities versus top talent.”

Behind a strong team however, stands a strong support team, and the Warriors — as well as other teams in the area — are blessed to have an unwavering support group that helps players and coaches play the game they love.

DEFENSE CHAKA SCOTT

Age: 17

Position: DE

Year: Senior “Chaka is extremely fast off the ball and does a great job with his change of direction,” Thompson said. “He plays with heavy hands and will be a problem for many O-linemen this season.”

COACH’S CORNER

“We play one of the toughest schedules in Central Florida,” Thompson said. “We do that to give

HOME FIELD ADVANTAGE

“I would be a fool to not recognize the true leaders of the team, the ones who make the ultimate sacrifice, coaches’ wives and significant others,” Thompson said. “Thanks to all the spouses who give up endless hours so your coach can pour into the lives of these young men.”

— ANDREA MUJICA

“Nothing like Raymond Screws Field on a Friday night,” Thompson said. “The place is rocking with the craziest 12th Man getting rowdy (Follow them @westorange12th on IG)! Seriously, one game was pouring rain, so the 12th Man set up a Slip N Slide pre-game in the grass and had a blast. Once game time rolled around, all 400 were in the stands drenched representing the Orange and Blue! Don’t forget to grab some delicious food and snacks from the concession stands.”

“We will get tested each week. Our team vision is to be the best version of ourselves. After the last nine seasons, we have been blessed to have sent (more than) 90 student-athletes to go play collegiate ball! That’s (more than) 10 a year.”

— Geno Thompson

2022 RECORD

2-8

OVERALL; 0-4 IN DISTRICT

2023 SCHEDULE

All games start at 7 p.m.

Friday, Aug. 18, at Tavares

Friday, Aug. 25, at Colonial

Friday, Sept. 1, vs. St. Joseph

Academy

Friday, Sept. 8, vs. Cypress Creek

Friday, Sept. 15, vs. Dr. Phillips

Friday, Sept. 22, at Lake Buena

Vista

Friday, Sept. 29, vs. Olympia

Friday, Oct. 6, vs. South Lake

Friday, Oct. 13, at West Orange

Friday, Oct. 20, vs. Ocoee

Friday, Nov. 3, vs. Horizon

PLAYERS TO WATCH

WINDERMERE WOLVERINES

5523 WINTER GARDEN-VINELAND ROAD, WINDERMERE, CLASS 4M,

2023 ROSTER

OFFENSE

JOHN CAVACO

Age: 17

Position: Offensive line

Year: Senior “I make a point to be there,” Cavaco said. “I haven’t missed a practice in three years. (I’ve been) to every workout, every summer. … I like to say that I can read people in the defense really well. I can help the guys around me when they are not sure what to do … make sure we are in the same pitch and execute.”

The Windermere Wolverines are back for their seventh football season and are excited to display the hard work they have been putting in all summer long.

“My expectation for this season is for us to be better in football than we were last year,” head football coach Riki Smith said.

The team, which has been working on

HOME FIELD ADVANTAGE

building a new and stronger culture since the beginning of the 2022-23 season, welcomes a big number of international players and has a coaching staff that aims to help them become the best version of themselves on and off the field.

“Our team and players speak seven different languages, a true snap of today’s society,” Smith said.

— ANDREA MUJICA

SPECIAL TEAMS

LUCAS GLASSBURN

Age: 17

Position: Kicker

Year: Senior “I don’t let anything get in my head if I miss, which is rare, and I don’t let it affect me,” Glassburn said. “Obviously my leg — I have a big leg (I’ve been able to kick 62 yards as a field goal).”

The Windermere Wolverines do not have an on-campus stadium — yet. So, the team will host its home games at Deputy Scott Pine Community Park. The 19.5-acre facility was built in partnership between Orange County Parks and Recreation and Orange County Public Schools as a tribute to Deputy Scott Pine — who was killed in the line of duty in 2014. The park serves the West Orange community and is used by the Windermere High football, flag football, soccer and track teams.

COACH’S CORNER

“I’m enjoying the process, the hunt, the chase to build the program from the ground up. I’m blessed and thankful for the opportunity.”

— Riki Smith

DISTRICT 5

SIDELINE SCHOOL SPIRIT

2-4-6-8 — Who do we appreciate?

ANNABELLE SIKES NEWS EDITOR

While some are athletes by nature, others are cheerleaders by choice. Currently, cheerleading is one of the most popular activities across the United States and the globe, with more than 3 million cheerleaders on different levels in the country alone.

Not only do the cheerleaders in West Orange County go above and beyond to perform physical stunts, but they are also charged with keeping school spirit up all season long.

West Orange County hosts some of the best high school cheerleaders in the state, including girls from Foundation Academy, The First Academy and Windermere Preparatory School.

FOUNDATION ACADEMY

The Foundation Academy cheer team is led by Rachel Carey, now in her fifth year leading the squad.

“I believe in the sport,” she said. “It’s a sport that’s grounded in teamwork and athleticism, and I love watching the girls grow into athletes and top performers. These girls work hard and grind.”

The 22 Foundation cheerleaders are led by captains Rylan Marion and Mia Sanders.

Before hitting the mat, the girls always pray together as a team.

Sanders said being able to have a sisterhood with the squad has kept her invested in the sport.

“It’s really important to lead by example,” she said. “We try to make everyone feel included and loved.”

Marion is drawn to the teamwork aspect of cheerleading.

“I love how we all have to work together to make things happen,” she said.

The FA cheerleaders are backto-back state champions. They also placed second at nationals last year and third at worlds. Prior to that, the squad twice was named state runner-up.

This year, the girls want to make it back to states to earn a third state title, as well as win nationals.

“We’ve built a strong program here that does high-performance skills, but I would like for us to just be consistent this year, continue to build on our skills and keep working together as a team, as well as show our sportsmanship to other teams,” Carey said. “I want our athletes to continue to be uplifting, humble and kind in the sport and outside of it as well.”

In addition, the team has started a new game-day program. Instead of only fastpaced jumping and stunting, the girls will have the opportunity to cheer and dance on the sidelines of games.

THE FIRST ACADEMY Adrienne Pilz, cheerleading head coach at The First Academy, is going into her second season with the school. She said her love for the sport encouraged her to want to lead the team.

“It’s definitely a calling that God has put in my life to be able to coach the girls,” she said. “It’s important to me that I influence them in a positive way. I put a heavy load on my shoulders to try to live up to giving the girls a

good example. These girls have a lot of heart, and they make it fun. I ask for them to give me all that they have, and they do plus more.”

Last year, the team earned first place in the region and placed

Courtesy photo

Windermere Prep made regionals the past two years and is looking to make states this year.

Courtesy photo

Last year, The First Academy squad earned first place in the region and placed third at states.

third at states. It was the farthest the team has gone in its history.

This year, the team has 23 members, with three senior leaders: Fayth Smith, Grace Cowan and Olivia Tracey.

“I feel like there’s definitely more pressure, just because of how we performed last year,” Cowan said. “We want to do better and continue to grow from that experience. In the past, we never thought we could get this far, but now that we did it’s even more of a drive.”

Before every competition or game, and at the end of practice, the girls pray together as a team. They also share a meal before every game.

Smith and Tracey said their favorite part about cheer is the relationships they build.

“There’s just so much you can learn from cheerleading that translates to life in general,” Cowan said. “Putting in the hard work and seeing the results, learning different leadership skills, working through difficult situations and how to interact as a team.”

WINDERMERE PREP

Windermere Preparatory School

head cheerleading coach Audrey Petterson is going into her fourth season leading the team.

“This is the first chance I’ve

ever had to coach a school that had the boarding aspect to it,” she said. “Cheerleading is very uniquely American, so there’s a huge boarding student interest. To just watch their excitement and their growth is amazing.”

Minjin “Stephanie” Cho is the only senior on the competitive cheer team, as well as a boarding student at the school.

“What I really like about cheer is that it doesn’t matter what you as an individual do; it’s about your team coming together and being on the same page,” she said. “It’s a group effort, and we have to depend and trust in each other — especially with stunts so nobody gets hurt. It brings us together. We’re like a family.”

For the sideline team this year, Petterson said she would like to see the athletes develop a deeper understanding of the sport of football, as well as gain the experience cheering for championship games.

For the competitive team, she wants the girls to hit zero deduction routines in their competition and qualify for states after only being one or two points short of qualifying the last couple of years.

Although the girls made regionals the past two years, Cho said she would love to make states this year for her final year.

Annabelle Sikes

The Foundation Academy cheerleaders are back-to-back state champions.

2022 RECORD

8-3 OVERALL; 3-1 IN DISTRICT

2023 SCHEDULE

All games start at 7 p.m.

Friday, Aug. 25, vs. Crescent City

Friday, Sept. 1, vs. South Lake

Friday, Sept. 8, at Belleview

Friday, Sept. 15, vs. Pine Ridge

Friday, Sept. 22, vs. Bronson

Friday, Sept. 29, at Orlando

Christian Prep

Friday, Oct. 13, vs. Duval Charter

Friday, Oct. 20, vs. Eustis

Friday, Oct. 27, at Foundation

Friday, Nov. 3, vs. Windermere Prep

PLAYERS TO WATCH

OFFENSE

MALACHI JONES

Age: 18

Positions: RB, DB

Year: Senior

“Malachi has turned into a vocal leader, and when he speaks, people listen, because they respect him,” head coach Jeff Conaway said. “He works hard. He’s done a great job at earning the respect of his coaches and peers.”

THE FIRST ACADEMY ROYALS

2667 BRUTON BLVD., ORLANDO, CLASS 1M, DISTRICT 2

DEFENSE JULIAN “JUJU” ANDERSON

Age: 17

Positions: WR, DE

Year: Senior

“Julian is extremely talented,” head coach Jeff Conaway said. “He automatically has impact and influence on people because he’s so gifted.”

COACH’S CORNER

The First Academy Royals are set on bringing a strong offense to the line of scrimmage with plenty of playmakers at key positions.

“We have what I would consider some explosive playmakers in some key spots,” head football coach Jeff Conaway said. “Senior Malachi Jones is playing running back. We have two quarterbacks right now in Brooks Tulp and Jack McKissock (who) do a great job in distributing the football. We got a few very lengthy receivers in Julian Anderson and Trenton Brunson. Sophomore Ryon Smith is one of those guys who can do it all. He can run the football, catch the football — and if we can find ways to get him the football he is a nightmare for defenses.”

On the defensive side of the ball, the Royals hope to show aggres

“This year is going to be a year full of ‘new’ for TFA football, and we couldn’t be more excited to embrace the challenge and ‘Earn It’ every day. Our mission statement is: ‘Developing Champions Spiritu ally, Academically, Socially and Athletically,’ and we plan to develop Champions with our student-athletes.”

— Jeff Conaway

sion and strength.

“We are going to be young, but we have some guys (who) can run on defense,” Conaway said. “It starts up front with some of the same guys. Julian Anderson and Ryon Smith at ends and a combination of a log of young guys around them (who) can really run.”

Overall, the team is hoping to capitalize on its physicality and speed on the field this season.

“(Our goal is) to put a product on the field that plays fast, is physical and focused … we are going to start there,” Conaway said. “We are going to build that, and if that’s enough this year to win a lot of games, that’s great. If not, we are going to regroup and try to

— ANDREA MUJICA

HOME FIELD ADVANTAGE

This year’s Royals will enjoy playing on a new surface on their home turf. “Kroy Crofoot Field at Warden Stadium just underwent a multi-milliondollar renovation that saw the natural grass surface replaced with Shaw Sports Turf, a brand new track, videoboard, scoreboard and LED lighting,” Conaway said. “We are excited to unveil these new renovations this year. Since 2008, the Royals have a home record of 63-14 and 7-2 in the playoffs.”

FOUNDATION ACADEMY LIONS

15304 TILDEN ROAD, WINTER GARDEN, CLASS 1M, DISTRICT 2

PLAYERS TO WATCH

OFFENSE

J.T. BRONAUGH

Age: 18

Positions: RB, S

Year: Senior

“He’s in a role where he has to take more of a lead role; in the past, he’s been able to lean on older individuals,” head coach Andre Walker said. “Of course, he had a really big season as far as offensive production, but you’ll see a lot more of just the offensive work with him. You’ll see him using the same attributes he uses on offense on the defense, and I think you are going to get a lot more from him from that aspect. And vocally, he’s been a lot better this past summer.”

Foundation Academy has great expectations for the 2023 football season, and head football coach Andre Walker is looking forward to improving throughout the year through hard work, passion and dedication.

“We’ve set the bar high for ourselves — aiming to be the best team to represent our school,” Walker said. “Our shared commitment and dedication are our driving forces, and I believe we have what it takes to reach new heights.”

DEFENSE

JAYDEN RODRIGUEZ

Age: 17

Positions: DE, LB

Year: Senior

“He is going to take more of a vocal role this season,” Walker said. “I’ve been putting him (and J.T.) in the forefront, and they’ve taken it and have run with it.”

COACH’S CORNER

Returning Lions will rely on the experience they acquired last year on the field, while newcomers learn the ways of the team. The Lions hope to capitalize on their efforts through their unique team dynamic.

“One thing that sets us apart is our team’s unique blend of silliness and com-

“We’re a young and undersized team with more experience (than) last season. What we lack in size, we make up for with speed. We look forward to having a better season than we had last season. The schedule does seem to be a little tougher than last season’s schedule, with the addition of the public schools that were added and the already-tough district opponents in TFA and OCP. With that being said, we plan on competing with them all and making a run at district as well as the playoffs. We’re confident in the work that we have put in this off-season. God forbid any major injuries, we should be stronger at the end of the season this year.”

— Andre Walker

petence,” Walker said. “It’s this dynamic mix that fosters a positive and supportive atmosphere, boosting team morale and encouraging each player to bring their A-game.”

— ANDREA MUJICA

HOME FIELD

2022 RECORD

2023 SCHEDULE

All

Friday, Sept. 8, vs. Tohopekaliga

Friday, Sept. 15, at Orlando Christian

Prep

Friday, Sept. 22, vs. Eustis

Friday, Sept. 29, vs. Poinciana

Friday, Oct. 6, at Seffner Christian

Thursday, Oct. 19, at Windermere

Prep

— which includes the Lions’ football field — cost $1.5 million to build.

Friday, Oct. 27, vs. The First Academy

Friday, Nov. 3, at West Oaks Academy

WINDERMERE PREP LAKERS

6189 WINTER GARDEN-VINELAND ROAD, WINDERMERE, INDEPENDENT PLAYERS TO WATCH

OFFENSE

OMORUYI ALIU-OTOKITI

Age: 16

Position: OG

Year: Senior

DEFENSE TYLER SIMMONS

Age: 17

Position: DT

Year: Senior

“I chose Tyler and Omoruyi, because this year, we will be an undersized team, and these two players are our two athletes (whom) we expect to lead the way on the defensive and offensive lines, respectively,” head fooball coach Brian Simmons said. “Both athletes will have an opportunity to play Division I football and were staples in our summer workouts. Tyler and Omoruyi are part of a strong senior class on this year’s team.”

COACH’S CORNER

Windermere Preparatory School’s football team will enter the 2023-24 football season with a young roster and with hopes to develop every player week after week.

“Because of the youth of our backups, we will continue to focus on developing players throughout the season for some of those guys to help us on special teams,” head football coach Brian Simmons said. “We, as coaches, will have to play some guys and live with some results during this developmental phase for those players.”

“This year’s team is a very young team that has worked very hard. We have a talented group of seniors that has developed into good football players. The fun of this year’s team will be finding out what players from our younger group of kids will become major contributors for us.”

— Brian Simmons

However, the Lakers show promise in strength on both sides of the ball and are showcasing different abilities that can help bring home several victories.

“We have an athletic wide receiver corps that is very experienced with good size,” Simmons said. “We hope to be able to make some explosive plays in the passing game because of this. Our defensive line should be a very productive position for us. We have five players (who) have good size and length; we are hoping that this group leads the way for us defensively by being very disruptive.”

— ANDREA MUJICA

HOME FIELD ADVANTAGE

For the third season, Windermere Prep will play its home games at Deputy Scott Pine Park, 6865 Ficquette Road, Windermere. The 19.5-acre facility was built in partnership between Orange County Parks and Recreation and Orange County Public Schools as a tribute to Orange County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Scott Pine, who killed in the line of duty in 2014. The park serves the West Orange community.

2022 RECORD

2023 SCHEDULE

All games start at 7 p.m.

Friday, Aug. 25, vs. Seffner Christian

Friday, Sept. 8, at Orlando Christian

Prep

Friday, Sept. 15, vs. Crystal River

Friday, Sept. 29, at Cocoa Beach

Friday, Oct. 6, at Lake Highland Prep

Thursday, Oct. 19, vs. Foundation Academy

Friday, Oct. 27, at Neumann

Friday, Nov. 3, at The First Academy

CFCA EAGLES

700 GOOD HOMES ROAD, ORLANDO, SUNSHINE STATE ATHLETIC CONFERENCE

PLAYERS TO WATCH

OFFENSE

DOMINIC MCCRORY

Age: 16

Positions: TE, LB

Year: Junior

“Dominic’s leadership and willingness to play whatever position we need for the team (is why) I chose Dominic as our offensive player,” head football coach Kevin Blackman said.

The Central Florida Christian Academy football team is small but mighty this year.

“We’ve always have had small teams,” head football coach Kevin Blackman said. “For me, this is normal. The (boys) know that rotation is small and that a lot of them will play both ways. And in order to do that, you’ve got to be in shape.”

school football is yet.”

To build endurance, conditioning was a key element for the Eagles in preparation for the season, as well as hydration.

2023 ROSTER

DEFENSE

JOSIAH ARRINGTON

Age: 14

Positions: RB, LB

Year: Freshman

“Josiah’s natural playing ability and versatility as a defensive player (makes him) our best defensive player,” Blackman said.

COACH’S CORNER

With a young roster all-around — only six upperclassmen — the Eagles have been working hard to get in shape and be ready to step onto the football field — especially after forfeiting their last season because of an ineligible player on the roster.

“We’ve been working since the spring for the fall … so we make practice as game-like as possible,” Blackman said. “Because, although we went through a spring football game, they really don’t know what high

“This year at CFCA, we have a totally new team: new head coach and nearly all new players. We will be tasked with setting a new foundation and standard for our school. We want to reestablish our mission as a winning Christian football program. Our goal is to win on and off the field going beyond X’s and O’s with our team as a whole.

— Kevin Blackman

“We do all the conditioning during the summer so during the fall we can focus on game planning for each week game planning,” Blackman said. “Then, we condition throughout the week, (because) our goal is to be the most conditioned and the fastest team in Central Florida.”

As a Christian football team however, and under the leadership of a new head coach, faith is an important aspect of the Eagles program.

“We are Christian school, so we are teaching our kids more than Xs and Os,” Blackman said. “Although I want to win every game, I want the kids to win in life and beyond football.”

— ANDREA MUJICA

HOME FIELD ADVANTAGE

2023 SCHEDULE

All games start at 7 p.m., unless otherwise noted.

Friday, Aug. 25, at Bishop

McLaughlin Catholic

7:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 25, at Hardee

Friday, Sept. 1, at Foundation Academy

Friday, Sept. 15, at Trinity Prep

Friday, Sept. 29, vs. Legacy Charter

Friday, Oct. 13, at Trinity Catholic

Saturday, Oct. 21, at Orangewood Christian

CFCA plays its home games on the appropriately named Eagles Nest on its campus, 700 Good Homes Road, Orlando.

“I am proud to play and practice at our home field (The Eagles’ Nest),” Blackman said. “I take pride in our home field and protect it like our home. From the fans to our hand-carved Eagle — we are a part of history every time we go on the field. I love how the local community can see us working every time they pass the school on Good Homes Road. (It is a) constant reminder that out hard work never goes unnoticed.”

LEGACY CHARTER EAGLES

1550 E. CROWN POINT ROAD, OCOEE, SUNSHINE STATE ATHLETIC CONFERENCE PLAYERS TO WATCH

2023 ROSTER

OFFENSE

LIAM LAMPRECHT

Age: 17

Positions: Quarterback, safety

Year: Senior “Liam has cemented himself as the leader of this team through his play and leadership in all facets of the game,” Fox said. “He is coming off a career year in 2022, where he broke the single-season touchdown record with 26. Liam embodies everything it means to be a Legacy Eagle.”

Legacy High has high expectations and standards to uphold after finishing last season as the SSAC 5A runner-up.

DEFENSE JAIDEN BOTTONE

Age: 17

Positions: Defensive line, offensive line

Year: Senior “Jaiden is a three-year starter at nose guard and has been an integral part of our defense since he put a Legacy Eagles jersey on,” Fox said. “Jaiden is a quiet leader and proves his abilities through his play and always being the toughest player on the field.”

COACH’S CORNER

“We are really just expecting to piggyback on what we did last year,” head football coach Zachary Fox said. “We made it to the state championship in our bracket and fell short. So at this point, what we are trying to do is treat every game like is playoff game. We are a brand new team as far as we don’t have that many returning starters as we were expecting. But, we have a lot of skill, so we are really expecting to piggyback off that, and eventually, the goal at the end is to take home that championship and not have the runnerup trophy again.”

The Eagles only have two returning starters this season, which means they spent the summer concentrating on learning the playbook and understanding the different formations the

“We are very excited about this season. After coming up short in the SSAC 5A state-title game last season, we are ready to build off that and put all the hard work from the spring and summer into action. We are a small team in numbers, and we thrive off of that. Throughout the off-season and summer, we have been working extremely hard in the weight room and have put a huge emphasis on team camaraderie and keeping every player together as a tight-knit family. Our leaders have stepped up in a huge way throughout the past eight months. Along with the coaching staff we have built, I believe we are des tined for big things this season. You are going to see a whole new Eagles team this season.”

— Zachary Fox

team will execute this season.

“I like how multidimensional we are … how many different formations we can run, and how we can constantly have people in different positions,” Fox said. “We are a little bit young in experience as far as our starters and field positions go. We have a lot of moving parts (in our offense), and our running game is key.”

— ANDREA MUJICA

HOME FIELD ADVANTAGE

Legacy plays its home games on the Ocoee Bulldog Field, 560 Flewelling Ave., Ocoee.

“We take an overwhelming sense of pride in our home field — the Ocoee Bulldog Field,” Fox said. “First, thank you to the city of Ocoee for allowing us to use this facility year in and year out. There is a lot of culture that has been developed over the past 10 years between Legacy football and Bulldog Field. A lot of our players and even coaches (Coach Fox, Coach Tisdale) grew up playing our Pop Warner games there, so there is a lot of pride involved with that field. For practice, or under the lights, when we step on that field, it feels like home.”