FRIDAY SIGHTS NIGHT
THE OBSERVER’S GUIDE TO THE 2024 HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL SEASON
Parent volunteers make Friday nights possible
Parent and volunteer-led booster clubs handle all the details behind the scenes before, during and after every game.
AMY QUESINBERRY AND ANNABELLE SIKES
As the teams kick off under the bright Friday night lights, the players on the gridiron steal the spotlight. At every game, there are plenty of highlight reel-
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worthy plays — fingertip catches, shoestring tackles, a juke that nearly breaks a defender’s ankle. But behind the scenes is an army of parents that makes it all happen. From meals and uniforms to fundraising and events, these unsung heroes of high
school football keep the action going all season long.
THE FIRST ACADEMY Head football coach Jeff Conaway helps lead The First Academy football team with the theme of “Brick by Brick.”
Colleen Sweeney, left, Melissa Pifer and Candace Hebert help to lead the team of parents supporting The First Academy football team.
Colleen Sweeney, Melissa Pifer and Candace Hebert, three of the main parents behind the football team, said Conaway’s vision for the Royals football players has helped the boys work on cohesiveness and creating a brotherhood.
“The coaches pour into the boys in so many ways,” Sweeney, whose son, Quinn, is a freshman on the team, said. “Medically, mentally, academically, spiritually, physically. They want the boys to show up to the classroom and sit in the front, maintain eye contact and shake hands, focus on the person speaking to them, and make a good impression for the football team. Really just teaching them to be men.” “They really focus on the
CONTINUED ON PAGE 6
Courtesy photo
heart, so it seems like it all comes naturally.”
“He truly cares about these kids.”
The Wolverines’ unity extends beyond just the players, as the parents are active leaders for the team behind the scenes.
From helping with game-day parking to running concessions, taking photographs, providing hydration and team meals for the players, collecting donations, making phone calls, helping to paint locker rooms and more, the team parents put in at least 10 volunteer hours per week.
“It’s a family, and it’s a team effort,” Benner, whose son, Andrew, is a senior on the team, said. “There’s a lot that goes on behind the scenes to make sure that game-day is perfect for our boys.”
With the school’s new oncampus stadium premiering this year, the parents believe the project will help capitalize on the momentum the team has continued to gain throughout the years.
WINDERMERE PREPARATORY SCHOOL
come Back Barbecue, planned for Friday, Aug. 23. The volunteers are pre-selling tickets for the barbecue meal, which will be served in the Laker Café. This atmosphere gives attendees a chance to take in a nice view of the recently renovated football field, said Debbie Bianco-Higgins, a parent volunteer.
Bianco-Higgins is one of the 14 members, all of whom have various titles, such as president, vice president and treasurer; as well as assignments, such as event coordinator and volunteer coordinator. There are also what Bianco-Higgins calls “shadows,” basically new parents who learn the ropes from the veterans so they are equipped to handle the tasks when it’s their turn.
Multiple barbecue fundraisers are held throughout the year, as well as a used uniform sale.
“It’s a family, and it’s a team effort. There’s a lot that goes on behind the scenes to make sure that game-day is perfect for our boys.”
— Jane Benner
Christian aspect with disciplining them to become men of Christ,” said Hebert, whose son, Sam, is a senior on the team. “They do devotions once a week, they pray before and after the games, and that’s probably what makes us completely different than any other high school football team in Central Florida. … We’re building a family here.”
Pifer, whose son, Rhett, is a sophomore on the team, said getting the parents involved in supporting the team requires more than just making donations.
The parents who choose to get involved are asked to help feed the team, run the gates at the games, take care of the referees and more. This year, nutrition is a big topic for the team, so parents supply items such as protein shakes and healthy snacks.
They also have built an archway for the players to run through prior to the start of the game.
“It takes all hands on deck,” Pifer said. “It takes everyone involved to make each game happen successfully from start to finish. … Part of being a Christian is service. That’s big at this school. We all have a servant’s
Although volunteering for the games takes up a lot of extra time during the already busy days, Sweeney said she decides to help out for what she calls “selfish” reasons.
“I get to be closer to my son, and he sees me as being a good role model for what we do for the team,” she said. “Plus, I love football. It’s really just a joy for me to be here. I look forward to Friday nights.”
WINDERMERE HIGH SCHOOL
Despite the myriad adversities the Windermere High School football team has had to overcome throughout its years — with changes in coaches and the lack of an on-campus stadium to name a few — the team is propelled by its unyielding unity.
Tammy Forrester, Hala Amer and Jane Benner, three of the leading moms behind the football team, credit the unity to head coach Riki Smith.
“He’s the key piece,” Forrester, whose son, Deuce, is a junior on the team, said. “He’s amazing.”
“He’s raising young men, not just football players,” Amer, who has had two sons go through the program and will be sending another through next year, said.
Although the football team at Windermere Preparatory School doesn’t play under lights (there are none on its home field, so the Lakers play their games at 4 p.m.), that doesn’t make football season any less exciting.
The volunteer corps at the private Windermere Prep just does things a little differently. Because of the school’s size, the Windermere Preparatory Volunteer Association handles the fundraising and other activities school-wide — not only during the fall football season.
The first fundraiser of the 2024-25 school year is the Wel-
“We support the school through events and basically anything they need,” BiancoHiggins said. “We solicit volunteers throughout the year when we want to get things done and also come up with ideas to bring the school together.”
The group organized a teambuilding event last week that included volunteers grilling 400 hamburgers. A fall adult social also is in the planning stage. There are events such as glow parties and petting zoos, and the WPVA takes care of its teachers, too, through the TAG Fund for teacher appreciation gifts.
“We share the responsibility,” Bianco-Higgins said of making sure the teachers’ and students’ needs are being met. “It’s part of the Unitas aspect of the school.”
Annabelle Sikes
Hala Amer, left, Tammy Forrester and Jane Benner are three of the leading parents behind the Windermere High School football team.
Courtesy photo
The Windermere Preparatory Volunteer Association plans and coordinates all fundraising events during the school year.
FROM PAGE 5
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Marching madness
Move over, football. The thousands of high school band students throughout West Orange and Southwest Orange know those stadiums and lined fields are really for them.
Although the pigskin action on the gridiron takes most of the spotlight on Friday nights, high school football just wouldn’t be the same without the sounds — and sights — of the marching band.
Luckily for local football fans, the public high schools in West Orange and Southwest Orange are home to some of the best bands in Central Florida.
All will debut their 2024 field shows in the coming weeks, culminating months of work for the thousands of band students, staff and assistants that make the marching arts possible. The shows always are a feast for both the ears and
ing its sounds beyond Friday nights when it performs at Carnegie Hall in New York City later this year.
“The trip and performance is a massive accomplishment for the program and a lifechanging experience for our students,” said Jacob Pickett, director of bands at Olympia. “We are very excited to represent our school and program at one of the most prestigious halls in the United States.”
Pickett is joined by two other band associates, directors Cesar Lengua-Miranda and Patrick Lalka. Also assisting in leading the band are drum majors Anika Snell, Aria Abdula and Thiago Costa-Soares. This year’s theme is “The Crown.”
“We choose each year’s show based on how the performers and audience will react to the entire product,” Pickett said. “We love telling stories through music and movement, and ‘The Crown’ presents a perfect opportunity. The show will be full of drama, excitement and hope.
We look forward to presenting our show to our crowd every week.”
Pickett said he loves watching the students from start to finish — their skill level at the beginning of the year and how they progress and make connections and form relationships with other band members.
“The Olympia band program is full of students who have and share their passion for performance every chance they get,” Pickett said. “Many of our students are multitalented in music, academics, athletics, other performing arts and so much more. We consider all of our students’ strengths and try to showcase them in as many ways as possible.
the eyes, so make sure you’re in your seat halftime to catch some of these awesome performances.
OLYMPIA
The Olympia High School marching band will be tak-
“We are very blessed to live, teach and learn in Orange County,” he said. “All of the bands are incredibly talented and hard-working.”
Last year, the band participated in Olympia High’s first Homecoming parade in down-
Photos courtesy of Thomas Lightbody | TK Photography
town Windermere. Performers also participated at multiple marching contests, including the Florida Federation of Colorguards Circuit and Florida Marching Band Championships, as well as the annual and our annual Music Performance Assessment.
“We are very proud of our students and are always looking for ways to celebrate their work, dedication and passion to the arts,” Pickett said.
Pickett has been a band director for 14 years. This is his eighth year at Olympia High
and his fourth year leading the band program.
DR. PHILLIPS
Dr. Phillips High’s Panther Band — led by director Matt Malhiot and associate directors
Sarah Lightbody and Jonathan Money — is gearing up for its 2024-25 show theme, “Phantom of the Opera.” Assisting are three drum majors, Tam Do, Ian Guerreo Mundaray and Jenna Ice; and field commander Evelynn Hyatt.
Malhiot and Lightbody came up with the “Phantom” theme
because they loved the music so much when they were band students together at West Orange High School.
Lightbody said she is excited to see how much growth takes place in her second year as a band director. DP is unique in that it draws students from all over the county because it is a Visual and Performing Arts school.
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.
During the 2024-25 school year, the Panther Band is traveling to Savannah, Georgia, to take part in the city’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
WEST ORANGE
At West Orange High School, director Kenneth Boyd and associate directors Robert Krahn and Garth Steger are gearing up for the school’s 50th graduating class with a show titled “RHAP50DY.”
“After West Orange opened, Queen released ‘Bohemian Rhapsody,’ so we felt this was a fitting tribute,” Boyd said. “The show also includes Gershwin’s ‘Rhapsody in Blue,’ which just turned 100. We use this, in part, because of the title but also because we are traveling to New York in the spring, which is the home of George Gershwin, and we will get to see the New York Philharmonic perform Gershwin on the trip!”
OCOEE
Ocoee High School directors Bernie Hendricks Jr. and Jennifer Brown-Rolle are ready for another exciting year of Knight marching band. This year’s show will pay tribute to the King of Pop, Michael Jackson.
The directors say the music really can’t be classified as any style because they take elements and aspects from various colleges and drum corps, as well as their own elements, and combine everything to create a unique sound and show.
In recent years, the Ocoee band has traveled out of state to participate in parades, including the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Savannah and the Thanksgiving Day Parade in Chicago.
HORIZON
Horizon High School is sporting a Western theme for its fall show. The Sound of Horizon 2024 is “The Wonder of the West: Silverado.”
LAKE BUENA VISTA
Lake Buena Vista’s Viper Vanguard returns this season with its 2024 show, “Which Witch is Which?”
NEW-LOOK WOLVERINES
There will be a lot of “new” for the Windermere High School marching band. Not only will the Fightin’ Wolverine Band be presenting a new show — “Step Into the Limelight” — on its brand new on-campus football stadium, but also, the band will be doing so in new uniforms.
The new duds feature Windermere High’s signature lime and navy color scheme, as well as its Wolverine claw marks. The lighter material also will keep band members cooler during the hot, humid marching band season.
Photos courtesy of Thomas Lightbody | TK Photography Courtesy
Preseason standouts
SAM ALBUQUERQUE SPORTS EDITOR
West Orange and Southwest Orange always are littered with some of the most talented high school football players in the state, and the 2024 season will not be any different.
To highlight the area’s best, we’ve put together the AllOrange Observer high school football preseason teams — along with the preseason offensive and defensive players of the year.
PRESEASON OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR
DEMETRICE MCCRAY, THE FIRST ACADEMY JR. McCray, one of the various new faces lining up for The First Academy in 2024, is a four-star wide receiver prospect who holds offers from the likes of UCF, Iowa State, West Virginia, North Carolina, Ole Miss and many more.
The 6-foot, 187-pound transfer from Leesburg High caught 32 passes for 637 yards — an average of 19.9 yards a reception — with seven touchdowns as a sophomore. With size, physicality and speed, McCray not only can do it all from the receiver spot, he’s an incredible fit in the Royals offense.
TFA coach Jeff Conaway, who comes from the Gus Malzahn school of offense, uses a horizontally stretching spread offense — that throws a ton of screens — so his offense can set up the vertical passing game. McCray’s freaky athleticism allows him to both take any screen pass to the house and blow past defenders on a go route. He’s also a willing and nasty blocker in the run game. Throw in the connection between him and TFA’s starting
quarterback Salomon Georges Jr. — who also transferred from Leesburg — and McCray has all of the ingredients to be a gamechanger from Day 1.
PRESEASON DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR
IVAN TAYLOR, WEST ORANGE SR.
With NFL bloodlines — the son of two-time Super Bowl champion Ike Taylor — Ivan Taylor is a four-star defensive back who is committed to Michigan and is the 41st-ranked player in the country for the 2025 class, according to 247Sports.
The 6-foot,174-pound do-itall defensive back broke on the scene early in his time at West Orange and kept it up for the past three seasons, earning himself offers from FSU, Louisville, Notre Dame, Tennessee, USC, Wisconsin and plenty others.
As a senior, Taylor will be leading a talented Warriors secondary that should cause havoc to any opposition that tries to throw the ball. And if your answer is to run it against the West Orange defense, well, Taylor can come down into the box with the best of them and make you regret that too. 2024 should cap off a sensational career for Taylor.
Meet the Orange Observer’s top area high school football players going into the 2024 season.
PRESEASON FIRST TEAM OFFENSE QUARTERBACK
Stanley Anderson-Lofton, Dr. Phillips, Sr.
RUNNING BACKS
Jamarie Pierre, Horizon, Sr.
Jaelyn Powell, The First Academy, So.
WIDE RECEIVERS
Mykel Calixte, Dr. Phillips, Sr.
Demetrice McCray, The First Academy, Jr.
Evan James, The First Academy, Sr.
TIGHT END
Caleb Nellans, Horizon, Sr.
OFFENSIVE LINE
Chancellor Barclay, The First Academy, Jr.
Sean Kentish, The First Academy, Jr.
Nico Marti, West Orange, Sr. Parker Moss, Olympia, Sr. Evan Reinhart, Horizon, Sr.
DEFENSE DEFENSIVE LINE
Diego De Pina, Ocoee, Sr. Maurice Jones Jr., Dr. Phillips, Jr.
Xavier Wall, Olympia, Sr. Alex Willis, The First Academy, Jr.
LINEBACKERS
Aiden Cubero, Foundation Academy, Jr.
Noah Maddox, The First Academy, Jr.
Michael McClenton, Ocoee, Jr.
DEFENSIVE BACKS
Dariyon Gordon, Ocoee, Jr.
Devin Jackson, The First Academy, Jr.
Ivan Taylor, West Orange, Sr. Maliki Wright, Dr. Phillips, Sr.
UTILITY ATHLETES
Devonte Anderson, West Orange, Jr.
CJ Bronaugh, Windermere, Jr. Joshua Guerrier, Ocoee, Sr.
SPECIAL TEAMS
KICKER, PUNTER
Braedyn White, Foundation Academy, Sr.
PRESEASON SECOND TEAM OFFENSE
QUARTERBACK
Salomon Georges Jr., The First Academy, Sr.
RUNNING BACKS
Nehemiah Burgess, West Orange, Jr.
Henry Rogers, Windermere, Jr.
WIDE RECEIVERS
Marvin Brown, Ocoee, So. Ja’Cari Jackson, Olympia, Jr.
Peyton Hollern, Windermere Prep, Jr.
TIGHT END
Carson Rutledge, Olympia, Jr.
OFFENSIVE LINE
Noah Devine, The First Academy, Sr.
Deuce Forrester, Windermere, Jr.
Logan Futch, Legacy Charter, Sr.
David Gardner, Dr. Phillips, Sr.
Jonathan Robinson, Lake Buena Vista, Sr.
DEFENSE
DEFENSIVE LINE
Daniel Bradley, Windermere, Sr.
Stephen Ford, Foundation Academy, Sr.
Blaze Jones, The First Academy, Jr.
DJ Whiley, The First Academy, Jr.
LINEBACKERS
Aden Hall, The First Academy, Sr. Cole Huntley, Foundation, So. Jake Threadgill, Legacy Charter, Sr.
DEFENSIVE BACKS
Dylan Hoskins, Ocoee, Jr.
Donovan Lanier, West Orange, Sr. Kims Pierre, Ocoee, Sr. Chakai Scott, West Orange, Jr.
UTILITY
ATHLETES
Brian Dillard, West Orange, So.
Bryce Speed, Windermere, Sr. Kamauri Whitfield, The First Academy, So.
SPECIAL TEAMS KICKER, PUNTER
Allesandro Romero, CFCA, Sr.
Sam Albuquerque
The First Academy’s Demetrice McCray carries a screen pass for a touchdown.
Sam Albuquerque
West Orange High defensive back and Michigan commit Ivan Taylor returns an interception against Horizon High.
2023 RECORD
7-5 (3-1)
2024 SCHEDULE
All games start at 7 p.m.
Friday, Aug. 23, vs. Lake Nona
Friday, Aug. 30, at University
Friday, Sept. 6, at Apopka
Friday, Sept. 13, vs. Ocoee
Friday, Sept. 20, vs. Lake Mary
Friday, Sept. 27, at Olympia*^
Thursday, Oct. 10, vs. East Ridge ^
Friday, Oct. 18, vs. Edgewater
Thursday, Oct. 24, at Celebra-
tion ^
Friday, Nov. 1, vs. West Orange*
* Rivalry game
^ District game
PLAYERS TO WATCH
STANLEY ANDERSON-LOFTON, NO. 8
Position: Quarterback Year: Senior College commitment: Middle Tennessee State
Entering his third season as the Panthers QB1, Anderson-Lofton knows this offense like the back of his hand. That’s great news for DP because coach Rodney Wells said they’re relying on the senior to lead the way.
“Everything on offense goes through Stanley,” Wells said. “The experience and the leadership this season is going to come through the offense, and that starts with him.”
MALIKI WRIGHT, NO. 1
Position: Safety
Year: Senior College commitment: Duke
A 6-foot, 190-pound three-star defensive back, Wright is one of the area’s most dynamic players. Last season he recorded 74 total tackles (four for a loss), caught two interceptions and had one sack.
His coach sums up Wright’s game simply: “He’s one of the best athletes every time he steps on the field,” Wells said.
HOME FIELD
ADVANTAGE
BILL SPOONE STADIUM
Named after Dr. Phillips High’s founding principal, Bill Spoone, who was not only instrumental in building DP as a school but also in establishing its athletic culture. Bill Spoone Stadium is located on campus and seats more than 6,000 of the area’s most passionate high school football fans.
DR. PHILLIPS PANTHERS
6500 TURKEY LAKE ROAD, ORLANDO, CLASS 7A, DISTRICT 9
COACH’S CORNER
Although coach Rodney Wells’ team didn’t win a district title in 2023, the Panthers advanced the furthest in the playoffs of all area teams.
Led by third-year starting quarterback Stanley Anderson-Lofton, Dr. Phillips returns a majority of its starters on offense, has exciting young pieces on defense to blend with a couple of veteran leaders and brings back the most experienced and accomplished area head coach in Wells.
Add in that DP will enter a new district with three teams going through big transitions — Olympia High is replacing 21 starters, Celebration High had two head coaching changes since last season, and East Ridge High lost key players from each position group — and the Panthers are set to keep up the momentum from the 2023 season.
—SAM ALBUQUERQUE
“We’re back to our expectations. We want to win the district, obviously, and we want to win five playoff games. That’s been the expectation around here. We’ve been to three state championship games, and we have the guys to get to another one. We don’t have the depth that we’ve had in the past, but our first guys are going to be really, really good. So the expectation is to win the district and figure out a way to win five playoff games. The standard is the standard. Once you get there and do it like we have, that’s the standard.”
— Rodney Wells
TEAM SNAPSHOT
NO. 2: Orange Observer preseason power ranking
POSITION GROUPS TO WATCH:
Offensive line: With four of five starters returning, the big boys up front will be a strength for the Panthers.
Defensive backs: Despite losing key players from 2023, the secondary returns a star player in Maliki Wright and experienced backups from last season stepping into starting roles.
OUTLOOK: Expect a balanced offense from the Panthers this season, with the quarterback getting involved in the ground game — especially in the red zone. On defense, the perimeter will be a strength for DP.
COACHING STAFF
Head coach
Rodney Wells (13th season)
ASSISTANT COACHES
Offensive coordinator: Tyrone Sapp
Defensive coordinator: Adam Moratelli
Quarterbacks coach, special teams: Jeff Higgins
Running backs coach: James Morency
Wide receiver coach: Steve Wubker
Tight ends coach: Steve McKnight
Offensive line coach: Matt Seaburg
Defensive line coach: Robert Morgan
Defensive line coach: Mike Hebert
Defensive backs coach: Boris Jackson
Defensive, special teams assistant: Brian Ingrande
RIVALRY GAMES
West Orange Warriors
Rivalry name: “Ole” Orange Crate Game
Trophy name: “Ole” Orange Crate
2024 game: Friday, Nov. 1, vs. West Orange
2023 results: Won at West Orange, 10-3
Olympia Titans
2024 game: Friday, Sept. 27, at Olympia 2023 results: Lost to Olympia, 31-21 (Oct. 13). Won at Olympia, 17-15 (Nov. 10).
TRANSFER TRACKER
TAVION GREAVES
2023 team: Ocoee High
Position: Wide receiver
Year: Senior
In 2023 Greaves caught 33 passes for the Knights for 459 yards with three touchdowns before transferring to Olympia High in the spring. In July, the 6-foot, 178-pound receiver then announced via a social media post that he would be moving to DP for his senior season.
ZION MATTHEWS
2023 team: Osceola High
Position: Running back
Year: Junior
With 2023 starting running back Amari Major leaving DP for Seminole High, Matthews could be a big factor in the Panthers backfield. As a sophomore, he ran for 323 yards on 49 carries (6.6 yards per carry) with seven touchdowns.
2023 RECORD
5-5 (0-3)
2024 SCHEDULE
All games start at 7 p.m.
Friday, Aug. 23, vs. Olympia
Friday, Aug. 30, at Lake Nona
Friday, Sept. 6, vs. Wekiva
Friday, Sept. 13, at Forest^
Friday, Sept. 20, at Evans
Friday, Sept. 27, at Winter Springs
Thursday, Oct. 10, vs. South Lake^
Friday, Oct. 18, at Lake Minneola^
Thursday, Oct. 24, vs. Davenport^
Friday, Nov. 1, vs. Windermere*
* Rivalry game
^ District game
PLAYERS TO WATCH
JAMARIE PIERRE, NO. 32
Position: Running back
Year: Senior College offers: Syracuse, Keiser
As a junior, Pierre ran for 1,468 rushing yards on 218 carries and scored 17 touchdowns for the Hawks — earning him All-Metro Conference first-team honors. Although he’s battling back from an injury, expect Pierre to be the X-factor for a run-heavy offense.
“If he’s healthy, he’s going to have a great year,” coach Dennis Thomas said. “The kid is fast, very elusive and hard to take down.”
EVAN REINHART, NO. 77
Position: Offensive line
Year: Senior College offers: FAU
At 6-foot-6 and 310 pounds, Reinhart is a massive human. It’s no wonder his coach loves using him as not only the anchor and leader of the offensive line but also as a moveable chess piece in the Hawks’ complex rushing attack.
“Our O-Line is pretty new and young, but Evan’s obviously the veteran of the group,” Thomas said. “He’s a big guy, and we’re going to run the ball right behind him. No tricks or jokes; we’ll tell you what we’re going to do.”
COACH’S CORNER
“Our best season was 7-3. We want to do better than that this season, and we think we can. We think we have the tools and the players to do that, so we’ll do our best to do that.”
— Dennis Thomas
HORIZON HAWKS
10393 SEIDEL ROAD, WINTER GARDEN, CLASS 6A, DISTRICT 6
Now in their fourth season, the Horizon Hawks already have established themselves as a quality football program under the guidance of coach Dennis Thomas.
Through a quality, pressure-filled defense that aims to cause chaos for the opposition and a commitment to the run on offense, Horizon football has been able to win games. But in 2024, as the program matures, it’s not only the play on the field that impresses Thomas but also the culture his group has developed off of it, as well.
“Our best thing is our kids’ attitudes,” Thomas said. “Our kids, they’re great, probably the best group of kids I’ve ever been around. … I think our positive attitude and our love for each other is what’s going to get us
—SAM ALBUQUERQUE
HOME FIELD ADVANTAGE: HORIZON HIGH STADIUM
Built around a natural sinkhole wetland nicknamed the Hawks’ Eye — which, according to rumors, gives the home players special energy — Horizon High Stadium has become home to a devoted fanbase that’s grown as the program has over its short existence.
TEAM SNAPSHOT
NO. 7: Orange Observer preseason power ranking
POSITION GROUPS TO WATCH: Defensive backs: “We have some guys back in what I think is going to be a good group overall in the secondary,” Thomas said. Running backs: “What we do is run the ball,” Thomas said. “We’re gonna try to do that and try to do it well. We hope for the best for all of our backs — stats, offer, all that good stuff — but we also just want to try to win. That’s what we want to do, whatever it takes.”
OUTLOOK: “We’re always trying to evolve as a team and evolve as an offense,” Thomas said. “So, each week I think we’re going to see some new things based on our opponent, based on our personnel and based on what we think we can do. … Our defense is a pressure group, and we’re going to try to work hard to confuse offenses and try to bring pressure and try to have a good scheme that fits our kids. We also need to be sound technically so that we can do well and execute that scheme on the field.”
COACHING STAFF
HEAD COACH, defensive backs coach
Dennis Thomas (fourth season)
ASSISTANT COACHES
Offensive coordinator: Ashton Watts
Defensive coordinator, linebackers coach: Raul Gomez
Running backs coach: Marlando Stiles
Wide receivers coach: Stefen Gage
Tight ends, fullbacks coach: Matt Wargel
Offensive line coach: Andrew Metler
Defensive line coach: Anthony Byrd
Strength and conditioning coach: Christopher Maldonado Kickers coach: Keith Garbinski
RIVALRY GAME
WINDERMERE HIGH
Rivalry name: Battle of the Grove
Trophy name: The Smudge Pot 2024 game: Friday, Nov. 1, vs. Windermere
2023 results: Beat Windermere, 2813 (Nov. 3)
TRANSFER TRACKER
EMMANUEL BLACKWELL, NO. 17
2023 team: Vanden High (CA)
nity to earn some carries.
2023 RECORD
5-4 (0-1)
2024 SCHEDULE
All games start at 7 p.m.
Friday, Aug. 23, vs. Cypress Creek
Friday, Aug. 30, at Colonial Friday, Sept. 6, vs. University
Friday, Sept. 13, at Oak Ridge
Friday, Sept. 20, vs. West Orange
Friday, Sept. 27, at Windermere
Thursday, Oct. 10, at Davenport
Friday, Oct. 18, vs. Innovation
Thursday, Oct. 24, vs. East River
Friday, Nov. 1, at Liberty
PLAYERS TO WATCH
JONATHAN ROBINSON, NO. 71
Position: Offensive, defensive lines
Year: Senior
At 6-foot-1 and over 260 pounds, Robinson has the size to compete with bigger linemen but is still light enough on his feet to be used as a lead blocker in the run game. His versatility will be key for what is expected to be a good offensive line group.
ERIK DENICO, NO. 1
Position: Athlete
Year: Senior
The top returning receiver from 2023, Denico has shown flashes throughout the spring and summer that he’s ready to increase his production and workload for the Vipers in 2024.
HOME FIELD ADVANTAGE
As the school and football program grow, so does the culture and atmosphere at the Vipers’ four-year-old, on-campus stadium on Friday nights. One of Peddy’s biggest goals with his program is to build a sense of community around the team.
“The biggest thing I see nowadays is getting kids committed to a program because they just have so much stuff going on,” Peddy said. “And not being from this area, having always coached in smaller towns where the community’s been more involved, it’s kind of a fight with everything going on. So, a lot of what we’re doing is getting these kids to sacrifice, getting the parents to commit to the program as well. That for me is the biggest thing, just getting everybody to buy into the program overall.”
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LAKE BUENA VISTA VIPERS
CARTER PARKWAY, ORLANDO, INDEPENDENT
Year Three for the Lake Buena Vista High football program was a historic one, seeing the Vipers take a massive leap in the wins column — going from one win over its first two seasons to five in its first season under coach Brant Peddy.
With five starters returning on both sides of the ball returning and a second year with Peddy at the helm the Vipers are working to make the 2024 season another historic one. For Lake Buena Vista to do that, it’s going to come down to their toughness, commitment and effort.
“I just want our kids to be a nightmare for everybody,” Peddy said. “I want teams when we finish, win or lose, whatever, I want them to say they’re a nightmare (to play). I want these kids to compete. I want them to put in the effort and have that discipline. A couple of games last year, it came down to effort and discipline. So that’s the biggest thing for me right now.”
Reflecting on the offseason his group had in 2024, Peddy thinks this group has what it takes to build on what the Vipers accomplished last season — but it won’t be easy.
“As long as these kids keep fighting, and they show up every day, we should have a decent season,” Peddy said. “But that’s what it is going to be about, these kids committing and continuing to be here. We’ve had a really, really good offseason, the kids came in, they worked out and the energy level and enthusiasm was there. These kids are coachable kids, I’ve been coaching for over 27 years and this is a great group coming up, so we have something to build on. It may take some growing pains this year, but the future looks bright for us.”
TEAM SNAPSHOT
NO. 8: Orange Observer preseason power ranking
POSITION GROUP TO WATCH:
Offensive line: “Our offensive linemen are probably the leaders of this team,” Peddy said. “There’s not a whole lot of them, but that first five, they’re a good group. They really don’t come off the field for us, so they lead by example.”
OUTLOOK: “We play a lot of great teams in that independent schedule,” Peddy said. “We’re all right there; I feel like we’re all even. But you know, they all have great coaches, they have great players, I just hope that we can keep doing what we do and keep giving effort. Hopefully, we can compete with those teams and maybe we can sneak in a win or two there somewhere.”
COACHING STAFF HEAD COACH
Brant Peddy (second season)
ASSISTANT COACHES
Offensive coordinator: John Mitchell
Defensive coordinator: Brandon Pennington
Assistant coach: Oralus Bresley
Assistant coach: Andrew Cooke
Assistant coach: Anthony Duncan
Assistant coach: Justin Slaughter
COACH’S CORNER
Going into year four (as a program) … the biggest thing I’ve noticed is mentally we have to be tougher. It’s finishing, it’s giving that effort, it’s not taking a single play off and not taking the rep off. The kids are starting to get it, they’re starting to buy in, and you can see the results.”
DARYL
2023 RECORD
4-6 (1-3)
2024 SCHEDULE
All games start at 7 p.m.
Friday, Aug. 23, at Apopka^
Friday, Aug. 30, vs. Olympia
Friday, Sept. 6, at Lake Nona
Friday, Sept. 13, at Dr. Phillips
Friday, Sept. 20, at Boone
Friday, Sept. 27, vs. West Port^
Saturday, Oct. 5, vs. Hudson (noon start)
Friday, Oct. 18, at Winter Park
Thursday, Oct. 24, at West Orange*^
Friday, Nov. 1, vs. Jones
* Rivalry game
^ District game
PLAYERS TO WATCH
JOSHUA GUERRIER, NO. 1
Position: Athlete
Year: Senior College commitment: Pitt
The position designation of athlete was created for players such as Guerrier. Despite being projected to mainly play as a lockdown defensive back the next level, in his senior season at Ocoee, expect the Pitt commit to play quarterback, receiver, corner, safety, punt returner and kick returner — all while being a key locker-room leader.
“Josh is the basically commander of the secondary,” coach Buck Gurley said.
MICHAEL MCCLENTON, NO. 5
Position: Linebacker
Year: Junior College offers: Liberty, Marshall and Tennessee State
The numbers speak for themselves — 202 total tackles (45 for a loss) and 31 sacks — as does the fact he was the 2023 Orange Observer Football Player of the Year. McClenton is a wreaking ball on defense and should again be the most dominant front seven player in the area.
HOME FIELD
ADVANTAGE
With a passionate and faithful fanbase, one of the most entertaining public address announcers in West Orange County and an exciting team on the field, the home-field advantage at the Knights’ on-campus stadium is a clear factor in helping boost the home team.
OCOEE KNIGHTS
1925 OCOEE CROWN POINT PARKWAY, OCOEE, CLASS 7A, DISTRICT 5
TEAM SNAPSHOT
NO. 3: Orange Observer preseason power ranking
POSITION GROUP TO WATCH
After a tough season for a young Ocoee Knights football team in 2023, coach Buck Gurley and his boys are ready to take a major leap in 2024 thanks to their mental growth, versatility and sheer athleticism.
“We don’t want our guys to be robots; we want them to utilize their athleticism, and that’s what we’re going to do,” Gurley said. “We’re going to have a bunch of packages for all of our best guys, and we’re going have them all on the field at the same time often. Our whole mindset is, ‘You’re going to have to stop us.’ And I think at this point, we’re the only ones that can beat ourselves.”
TRANSFER TRACKER
DARIYON GORDON, NO. 10
Gurley’s probably right. Looking at how much talent this Knights team has, it is going to be difficult to slow them down. What’s more, most of those talented players — such as Joshua Guerrier, Dariyon Gordon, Michael McClention, Marvin Brown and others — all can play multiple positions on either side of the ball.
With this level of talent, a new offensive identity and a fly-around type defensive littered with athletes, the Knights in Year Two of the Gurley regime are going to be one of the most entertaining teams to watch in West Orange.
—SAM ALBUQUERQUE
Defensive backs: “When I was a defense coordinator, we never had a true opportunity to play man-to-man,” Gurley said. “But this year, we have at least seven guys (who) we can pretty much say, ‘Hey let’s man up and go after it a little bit,’” Gurley said. “Not only can we play man-to-man with this secondary, but we also have guys like Josh (Guerrier) (who) can come off the edge and blitz a little bit. … You’re going to see some exciting football from Ocoee.”
OUTLOOK: Expect the Knights to be an aggressive defense that’s going to be flying all over the field and led by elite athletes at all three levels. On offense, under new offensive coordinator Jerry Middleton, the Knights will constantly be rotating their athletes around the field with the only constant being the fear those players put into the opposition.
COACHING STAFF
HEAD COACH
Buck Gurley (second season)
ASSISTANT COACHES
Offensive coordinator: Jerry Middleton
Defensive coordinator: Mike McClenton
Special teams coordinator: Rob Karbowsky
Running backs coach: Sid Montfort
Defensive backs coach: Pernell Croskey
Defensive line coach: Jefferey Sykes
Assistant coach: Drico Johnson
Assistant coach: Korey Karbowsky
Assistant coach: Trypp Washington
Assistant coach: Marlon Williams
Assistant coach: Omar Torres
Assistant coach: Justin Hoskins
Assistant coach: Bryce Belanger
RIVALRY GAMES WEST ORANGE WARRIORS
Rivalry name: The Shield game
Trophy name: The Shield 2024 game: Thursday, Oct. 24, at West Orange
2023 results: Lost to West Orange, 26-14
COACH’S CORNER
“We went out this offseason, and we did a lot of walkthroughs, we did a lot of board work, our kids had to understand how to play the game — and I think now by us doing those things they understand how to play the game
2023 team: West Orange High | Position: Athlete | Year: Junior College offers: Florida State, Georgia, Kentucky, UCF and others
“When we saw him, we really liked him as a man-to-man cover guy for us,” Gurley said. “We just needed to see if he could grow as a tackler, but now he’s shown the growth in practice, which is good because now we can utilize him blitzing off the corner. … He’s going to have a lot of fun with this defense.”
ANTHONY KLIER-ENOS, NO. 88
2023 team: Windermere High | Position: Wide receiver | Year: Senior
At 6-foot-1 and 205 pounds, the Windermere transfer brings another high-level athlete to an already-stacked Ocoee team. Last season, he caught 30 passes for 456 yards with five total touchdowns.
— Buck Gurley
2023 RECORD
8-3 (4-0)
2024 SCHEDULE
All games start at 7 p.m.
Friday, Aug. 23, at Horizon
Friday, Aug. 30, at Ocoee
Friday, Sept. 6, vs. Boone
Friday, Sept. 13, vs. Timber Creek
Friday, Sept. 20, at Lake Nona
Friday, Sept. 27, vs. Dr. Phillips*^
Thursday, Oct. 10, at Celebration^
Friday, Oct. 18, at West Orange*
Thursday, Oct. 24, vs. East Ridge^
Friday, Nov. 1, vs. Winter Park * Rivalry game ^ District game
PLAYERS TO WATCH
PARKER MOSS, NO. 50
Position: Offensive line
Year: Senior College commitment: Lafayette College
“I’ve coached a lot of kids — a lot of (whom) have made it to the NFL, and he’s right up there with the best I’ve ever coached,” coach Travis Gabriel said. “He’s the best high school offensive lineman I’ve ever had.”
XAVIER WALL, NO. 60
Position: Defensive line
Year: Senior College offers: Valdosta State and Jacksonville A.A. Christian College
At 6-foot-4 and 300 pounds, the senior defensive lineman lives up to his last name not only in stature but also as what he can be to the opposition rushing attack — a wall.
HOME FIELD
TITAN FIELD
Titan Field, home of the Olympia football team, is an on-campus stadium that sits in a mini-valley that provides a unique view from the top of the hill at the gate’s entrance. The smaller, but cozy, stadium combined with a lively student section makes Titans home games a real treat for the Olympia faithful.
OLYMPIA TITANS
4301 S. APOPKA-VINELAND ROAD, ORLANDO, CLASS 7A, DISTRICT 9
High school football is a cyclical sport. As seniors graduate each year, a part of the team’s identity goes with them until the next crop of players become the veterans and help establish a new identity.
Nowhere is that more apparent than the Olympia locker room. The Titans lost 36 seniors to graduation after their historic 2023 season. Add in a few more players transferring out, and Olympia will return just one of 22 starters and eight total varsity players.
One could look at that and see a halfempty glass, but that’s not how Olympia coach Travis Gabriel sees it. Rather, he knows it’s an opportunity to usher in the next generation of Olympia greats and start the regrouping process.
TEAM SNAPSHOT
NO. 5: Orange Observer preseason power ranking
POSITION GROUP TO WATCH
Offensive weapons: Along with Ja’Cari Jackson and Raymond Green, juniors Eric Weems Jr. and Carson Rutledge are another pair of dynamic athletes who will be key to the Titans’ offense.
OUTLOOK: With a quarterback competition coming into the fall, coach Travis Gabriel and the Titans’ offense will fit around the personnel they have.
“We’re still working on defining the details of the offense, but we have some exciting players on that side of the ball,” he said. “We have a lot of talent.”
COACHING STAFF
HEAD COACH
Travis Gabriel (seventh season)
ASSISTANT COACHES
Defensive coordinator: Vernon Mitchell
Quarterbacks coach: Caleb Naegele
Offensive line coach: Thomas Moss
Defensive line coach: John Porter
Defensive line coach: Bryan Thomas Sr.
Linebackers coach: Ramar Dennis
Linebackers coach: Mark Kelley
Defensive backs coach: Corian Hamilton
RIVALRY GAMES DR. PHILLIPS
2024 game: Friday, Sept. 27, vs. Dr. Phillips
2023 results: Won at Dr. Phillips, 31-21 (Oct. 13). Lost to Dr. Phillips, 17-15 (Nov. 10).
WEST ORANGE
Rivalry name: The Backyard Bowl Trophy name: The Fence 2024 game: Friday, Oct. 18, at West Orange 2023 results: Beat West Orange, 34-20
TRANSFER TRACKER
JA’CARI JACKSON, NO. 2
2023 team: Ocoee
Position: Wide receiver
Year: Junior
Predominantly a quarterback at Ocoee, Jackson has made the move to receiver along with his transfer to Olympia. The 5-foot-11 star has shown dynamic ability in the pass game in the spring and should be one of the top receiving options for the Titans in 2024.
RAYMOND GREEN, NO. 1
2023 team: Ocoee
Position: Running back
COACH’S CORNER
— SAM ALBUQUERQUE
“This is Olympia; we’ve never lacked talent,” Gabriel said. “But what you can’t substitute is experience, and we don’t have that on this team right now. So, we’re just going to take this season one day at a time, and try each and every day to get better and gain that experience. … We don’t want the kids to feel like they have pressure to emulate last year’s team or the year before that. This is a whole new team, and everybody in the county knows that. … There are no real expectations, except the expectation that I put forth, which is the same one as all our other teams: We just want to be better than the last week.”
“I like the commitment from this group. We have a lot of younger kids that are committed, they’re here every day and they’re working. That’s the biggest thing I’m excited about — seeing these young kids develop. I’m looking forward to seeing a lot of these guys just get better every single day and just continue to have that excitement to want to be out here.”
— Travis Gabriel
Year: Senior
In limited work for the Knights of Ocoee last season, Green was efficient with every touch. He averaged 6.3 yards per carry and scored five touchdowns with just 33 touches. With the starting job open at Olympia, expect the senior back to dominant the workload in the Titan run game.
2023 RECORD
3-7 (2-2)
2024 SCHEDULE
All games start at 7 p.m.
Friday, Aug. 23, at Evans
Friday, Aug. 30, vs. Wekiva
Friday, Sept. 6, at Titusville
Friday, Sept. 13, vs. Boone
Friday, Sept. 20, at Lake Buena Vista
Friday, Sept. 27, vs. Apopka^
Thursday, Oct. 10, at West Port^
Friday, Oct. 18, vs. Olympia*
Thursday, Oct. 24, vs. Ocoee*^
Friday, Nov. 1, at Dr. Phillips*
* Rivalry game
^ District game
PLAYERS TO WATCH
BRIAN DILLARD, NO. 2
Position: Quarterback, wide receiver
Year: Sophomore
“Brian is our starter at QB, 100%, but he is such a good athlete that we want to make sure that we utilize his skill set and show his skill set to college coaches,” coach Geno Thompson said. “So, we want to make sure that he gets reps in at the receiver position. He also can play at DB … and he plays special teams. He is a phenomenal athlete.”
CHAKAI SCOTT, NO. 7
Position: Defensive back
Year: Junior College offers: UMass
“He’s a dog, but he gets overlooked because of his height,” Thompson said. “But pound-forpound, he’s the strongest kid on our football team … and he’s just an explosive athlete. He’s phenomenal. Right now, he has an offer from UMass, but as the season goes on, I think he’s going to blow up with offers.”
WEST ORANGE WARRIORS
1625 BEULAH ROAD, WINTER GARDEN, CLASS 7A, DISTRICT 5
“S: RAYMOND SCREWS STADIUM
Some stadiums in West Orange and Southwest Orange County may have a rabid fan base, some may seat a large number of fans and some bring the energy with a top-notch band, cheerleaders and dancers, but none does all three quite like West Orange High’s on-campus stadium, Raymond Screws Stadium. Led by the Warriors’ student section — the 12th Man — game days at West Orange are a can’t-miss experience.
COACH’S CORNER
everything that West Orange High football has been about since Geno Thompson took over the program in 2022. And with the senior class leading the way, the 2024 Warriors are ready to sacrifice what it takes to make it a special season.
“The biggest thing for us this season is the effort,” Thompson said. “It has been phenomenal all offseason, and that starts with our senior leadership. Everybody’s buying in, and they’re willing to push themselves so we have a successful team.”
The Warriors will couple that mentality with a host of talented players. With star defensive back Ivan Taylor leading the defense and a stout offensive line anchoring a run-first offense, Thompson and the West Orange faithful have a lot to be excited about.
— SAM ALBUQUERQUE
TEAM SNAPSHOT
NO. 4: Orange Observer preseason power ranking
POSITION GROUP TO WATCH:
Offensive line: “(The offensive line is) going to take us as far as we can go,” coach Geno Thompson said. “Our O-Line is head and shoulders above any other year I’ve been here. … It’s a special group.”
OUTLOOK: “I know we’re going to be able to run the football, and that’s going to allow the passing game to open up tremendously,” Thompson said. “On the defensive side, our biggest growth is going to come from the guys in the box. ... We have some experience there, but most of our backers are on the younger side.”
COACHING STAFF HEAD COACH, LINEBACKERS COACH
Geno Thompson (third season)
ASSISTANT COACHES
Offensive coordinator: Narlin Clancy
Defensive coordinator: David Mangrum
Running backs coach: Andre Dudley
Wide receivers coach: Joshua Katz
Wide receivers coach: Larry Knoll
Offensive line coach: Bryan Furrey
Defensive line coach: Vernon Frett
Defensive backs coach: Tre Davis
Equipment manager: Larry Hoyt
Sub-varsity head coach: Scott Fisher
Sub-varsity offensive coordinator: Wes Westmoreland
Sub-varsity defensive coordinator: Mandi Brown
RIVALRY GAMES OCOEE
Rivalry name: The Shield game Trophy name: The Shield 2024 game: Thursday, Oct. 24, vs. Ocoee
2023 results: Beat Ocoee, 26-14
DR. PHILLIPS
The senior leadership on this team is phenomenal. It is hands-down probably one of the best things I’ve been a part of in terms of culture, and that’s all set by the senior class. They have done a great job just lifting (one another) up and being positive. … This team, anytime there’s a mistake, they lift (one another) up.”
Rivalry name: “Ole” Orange Crate Game
Trophy name: “Ole” Orange Crate
2024 game: Friday, Nov. 1, at Dr. Phillips
2023 results: Lost to Dr. Phillips, 10-3
OLYMPIA
Rivalry name: The Backyard Bowl
Trophy name: The Fence
2024 game: Friday, Oct. 18, vs. Olympia
2023 results: Lost at Olympia, 34-20
— Geno Thompson
2023 RECORD
3-7 (0-4)
2024 SCHEDULE
All games start at 7 p.m.
Friday, Aug. 23, at Harmony
Friday, Aug. 30, at Cypress Creek
Friday, Sept. 6, at Colonial
Friday, Sept. 13, vs. University
Friday, Sept. 20, vs. East River
Friday, Sept. 27, vs. Lake Buena Vista
Thursday, Oct. 10, vs. Oak Ridge
Friday, Oct. 18, vs. Lake Howell
Thursday, Oct. 24, at Innovation
Friday, Nov. 1, vs. Horizon*
* Rivalry game
^ District game
PLAYERS TO WATCH
CJ BRONAUGH, NO. 23
Position: Athlete
Year: Junior
College offers: Oklahoma, Florida State, Penn State and others
Although projected to be a shutdown defensive back in college and for Windermere, Bronaugh also will see time at other positions in 2024 — as he did last season as a Foundation Academy player.
In 2023, he caught 21 passes for 520 yards with eight touchdowns as a receiver. As a kick returner, Bronaugh showed state championship-winning sprinter speed and returned six kicks for 247 yards with two touchdowns.
BRYCE SPEED, NO. 3
Position: Athlete
Year: Senior Speed isn’t just his name; it’s also his primary weapon on the football field. That’s why he’s changing position for his senior year. After 24 games as a starting quarterback, he will play mainly as a defensive back, receiver and punt returner this season.
“At the next level, he’s an athlete,” coach Riki Smith said. “So, as a coach, I want to put him in the best situation possible to move on to play at the next level.”
WINDERMERE WOLVERINES
5523 WINTER GARDEN-VINELAND ROAD, WINDERMERE, INDEPENDENT
The 2024 high school football season might be the most anticipated one yet for Windermere High thanks to its new on-campus stadium, the return and influx of talented players, an independent schedule and consistency for the program at head coach — with Riki Smith entering his third season at the helm.
On the field, the Wolverines will be led by an arsenal of versatile weapons, with no one representing that more than last year’s starting quarterback Bryce Speed, who will be shifting away
HOME FIELD ADVANTAGE
from under center and to defensive back, slot receiver and returner.
Along with Speed, transfers CJ Bronaugh and Micah Winslow also will be versatile contributors for Smith all over the field. The stout offensive line and athletic defensive line will bring enough size and strength to control the point of attack, and a new pro-style quarterback in West Orange transfer Jack Reilly — should allow the Wolverines to take advantage of their athletes by attacking the perimeters in the passing game.
—SAM ALBUQUERQUE
TEAM SNAPSHOT
NO. 6: Orange Observer preseason power ranking
POSITION GROUP TO WATCH:
Offensive line: With multiple starters returning — led by Deuce Forrester — and the addition of 6-foot-6 Windermere Prep transfer Noah Elkhander, the starting group of Wolverines linemen will be fun to watch.
OUTLOOK: With the shift at starting quarterback, coach Riki Smith’s offense will be different in 2024. Although Jack Reilly has the ability to use his legs as a weapon, he’s not the athlete Speed is. So, expect less involvement from the QB spot in the running game and a more pro-spread type system, with Reilly’s arm being the weapon of choice. But don’t think this means that Smith, a former running back, isn’t going to pound the rock. In limited action last season as the No. 2 back, junior Henry Rogers took advantage of his opportunity by rushing for 308 yards and six touchdowns on just 34 carries. Expect him to get plenty more touches this season.
COACHING STAFF
HEAD COACH, running backs coach Riki Smith (third season)
ASSISTANT COACHES
Offensive coordinator, quarterbacks coach: Keith Wood
Defensive coordinator, linebackers coach: Jeremy Campbell
Special teams coordinator, defensive backs coach: Jasper Strong
Defensive line coach: Lench Martinez
Offensive line: Dan Gerber Wide receivers coach: Davarius Bargnare
Assistant coach, junior varsity offensive coordinator: Donovan Hanna Junior varsity head coach, defensive coordinator: Fredrick Bush
RIVALRY GAME
HORIZON HIGH
Rivalry name: Battle of the Grove
Trophy name: The Smudge Pot 2024 game: Friday, Nov. 1, at Horizon 2023 results: Lost vs. Horizon, 28-13 (Nov. 3)
TRANSFER TRACKER
DANIEL BRADLEY, NO. 21
2023 team: Windermere Prep
Friday, Sept. 13, will be the home opening football game for the Wolverines and the start of a new era for the school as Windermere High will open the gates to host University High in its brand new on-campus football stadium. Time will tell what kind of edge the home crowd will give their hometown team, but for now, the Wolverines are just happy to finally be home.
COACH’S CORNER
“We were young last year, but this season, we’re older on defense and we have a more elaborate skill set offensively. So, the biggest component that we focus on here is becoming a better team than we were last year. That’s what I preach to the kids day in and day out. That’s our goal: to be a better football team than last year, offensively, defensively and in special teams.”
Position: Defensive line
Year: Senior
At 6-foot-4 and 240 pounds of what seems like pure muscle, Bradley will bring another physically gifted player to the Wolverines defensive line.
JACK REILLY, NO. 9
2023 team: West Orange High
Position: Quarterback
Year: Senior
Despite transferring to Windermere late in the summer, Reilly was named the Week One starter for the Wolverines after showing off his talented arm during fall camp.
— Riki Smith
Glitter, bows and painted toes
ANNABELLE SIKES NEWS EDITOR
The athleticism on display at a high school football game doesn’t only take place on the field.
West Orange is home to some of the top cheerleaders in the country, and fans would do well for themselves to pay attention to what is happening between plays on the sidelines.
The cheerleading squads at both West Orange High School and Foundation Academy have tested their mettle against the best squads in the state (and even the nation) — and have plenty of hardware as proof of their excellence.
West Orange County is home to some of the best high school cheerleaders in the state, including girls from Foundation Academy and West Orange High School.
WEST ORANGE HIGH SCHOOL
Bringing a vast amount of experience to the table, Alicia Light is in her 19th year of coaching cheerleading and her 10th year at West Orange High School.
The school’s cheer team has earned a plethora of accolades throughout the year, including a number of metro and regional championship titles, three state titles, and back-to-back titles in 2012 and 2013 in the large coed division.
Most recently, the Warrior cheerleaders became state champions in the 2A small allgirl division in 2024.
“It is an incredible feeling to have earned the state championship last year,” Light said. “It
is a true testament to the hard work and dedication of my athletes, and it was a momentous accomplishment as a coach. As a coach, this is the highest accomplishment, and I feel so lucky to have had the team that wanted to push to achieve just as much as I do.
“This team is so special due to the girls and their willingness to achieve,” she said. “They put in the work and the extra hours to hone in on their skills. They were willing to work together and to work for (one another), which is much easier said than done. They truly made it about the team overall instead of their individual success, and I believe that is what pushed them the furthest. They have an incred-
ible amount of talent, but the determination is what allowed them to be successful.”
The team this year has 26 members, including nine senior leaders.
Emily Mickulas, one of the senior leaders, has been involved with cheerleading for eight years.
“What I love most about cheerleading is building a family with my teammates and experiencing all the ups and downs of a season together,” she said. “I believe what makes this team so special is our bond, how open we are with (one another) and how we can come together as a team. My goal for this year is to have the most memorable season, to win states and to
become back-to-back champions.”
Ellie Goodmon, another one of the senior leaders, has been involved with cheerleading for five years.
“What I love the most about cheerleading is making friends and memories throughout the years and seasons,” she said. “I believe what makes this team so special is the different energy and personalities we all bring and how well we can work together to achieve anything we put our minds to. My goal for this year is to just continue to grow as a team and keep pushing ourselves to accomplish everything we want, including
Photo courtesy of Thomas Lightbody | TK Photography
back-to-back state champs.”
Similar to what her cheerleaders said, Light also has high hopes for this year’s team.
“My goal for the team this year is to be better than last year,” she said. “Basically, I want them to be able to beat our team from last year. In the end, it doesn’t matter who we compete against; it is all about being better than the last performance. Being able to push past the foundation that we set last year and being able to accomplish even more, and these girls are absolutely rising to the challenge.”
FOUNDATION ACADEMY
Last year was a huge year for the Foundation Academy cheer team, and this year the team hopes to push even harder to accomplish its goals.
Following being state runnerup in 2020 and 2021, the Lady Lions have earned the state title for the last three years.
In addition, in 2024, the team also became national and world champions.
“It was just as special as the
previous years,” Rachel Carey, who has been coaching the team for six years, said. “However, it was made sweeter because a large part of the team (was) seniors. Those athletes have been with the program since I started. Over the years, they worked so hard to build their skills. It was amazing to witness as they achieved their goals.”
Senior captain Kendall Johnson, who has been cheering for 13 years, said she loves being able to see the finished product of the team’s hard work.
“While it may be hard in the moment getting a new skill, it is so cool to experience that accomplishment in the end,” she said. “The bond that is created is what makes the team
so special. Being able to form a friendship in a challenging sport is such a blessing. My goal for the team this year is to make sure they know how important it is to put 110% into everything you do. As a team, I hope we realize that no matter what, we always put everything we have into 2 minutes and 30 seconds.”
Senior captain Shylah
Pemble, who has been cheering for six years, also believes in the true spirit of teamwork.
“I love putting in the hard work it takes to be a committed athlete and cheering on my teammates when they need it most,” she said. “I believe the moments where we come together and grind it out, cheering everyone on, makes us so special. My goal for the team this year is to help each of them realize they play important roles in this cheer program and that it wouldn’t be possible without them.”
Carey said this year’s group of cheerleaders are a breath of fresh air.
“They are so hard working and love the sport of cheer,” she said. “This group is the next generation of Foundation cheerleaders, so I am excited to watch them grow. I want this team to set their own path. They have such a unique identity compared to the past team. I want them to continue to work hard and together to let their amazing talents shine. This group is so talented, and I am excited to watch them showcase their skills.”
Courtesy photo
2023 RECORD
6-4 (0-2)
2024 SCHEDULE
All games start at 7 p.m.
Thursday, Aug. 22, at Lipscomb Academy (Tennessee)
Friday, Aug. 30, at Edgewater Friday, Sept. 6, vs. Treasure Coast
Friday, Sept. 13, at Melbourne Central Catholic^
Friday, Sept. 27, at Orlando Christian Prep^
Thursday, Oct. 4, vs. Rabun
Gap-Nacoochee (Georgia)
Friday, Oct. 11, at Holy Trinity Episcopal^
Thursday, Oct. 18, vs. Seminole
Friday, Nov. 1, at Calvary Christian ^ District game
PLAYERS TO WATCH
SALOMON GEORGES JR., NO. 1
Position: Quarterback
Year: Senior
“We talk a lot about three things that make a quarterback successful, you have to be a great leader, you have to make great decisions and you have to be accurate with the football,” coach Jeff Conaway said. “(Salomon Georges) Junior does those things. He does them really well. He leads well, he makes good decisions and he protects the football. And then when we ask him to distribute the ball, he’s accurate and knows where the ball is supposed to go.”
DEMETRICE MCCRAY, NO. 6
Position: Wide receiver
Year: Junior College offers: North Carolina, UCF, Ole Miss and others McCray, a three-star transfer from Leesburg High, is six-feet and 184 pounds of pure playmaker. In the Conaway offense, which likes to spread the defense horizontally and take advantage of gaps vertically, McCray is the perfect weapon, because he can do both — take a screen pass that’s thrown a yard past the line of scrimmage 50+ yards to the house or zoom past a corner on a go route for down-the-field bomb.
2667
THE FIRST ACADEMY ROYALS
BLVD., ORLANDO, CLASS 1A, DISTRICT 6
It’s safe to say The First Academy football coach Jeff Conaway was taking his time in Year One to assess the program before making any splashes. That changed come the end of the season. With more than 20 new players, more than half of whom hold offers to play college football, two new coordinators and more additions on the coaching staff — the Royals have re-made themselves for the 2024 season.
The new-look TFA squad has a player or two to keep an eye on at pretty much each position group, but the big fellas up front are who will be leading this stacked Royals team. The group is led by Chancellor Barclay, a four-star tackle turned guard, who is one of eight TFA
HOME FIELD ADVANTAGE:
KROY CROFOOT FIELD AT WARDEN STADIUM
Since 2008, the Royals are 68-16 when they play at Kroy Crofoot Field at Warden Stadium. That edge should continue in 2024, especially when you consider the excitement surrounding the new-look team. The renovations Warden Stadium received last season could make TFA home games the hottest ticket in town.
COACH’S CORNER
linemen standing at least six feet tall and weighing more than 255 pounds. Behind the Royals line at quarterback will be Salomon Georges Jr., a transfer from Leesburg High. He was named the Class 3S, District 8 Player of the Year last season.
On defense, expect a similar level of talent, with linebacker Noah Maddox leading the second-level group. And with the addition of Florida commit Devin Jackson to a talented defensive backfield, opposing quarterbacks can consider the back end of the field off-limits — while also dealing with a defensive line that has about six or seven high-level players in the rotation.
—SAM ALBUQUERQUE
“Our team has spent a lot of time together, and we’ve had a really productive summer where we traveled (and) competed. ... When you do that, you see the brotherhood among your players begin to take shape. It has been really exciting to see the coaches’ relationships flourish. I’ve enjoyed watching our team get to know (one another) and learn how to respect (one another). A lot of the things that we’ve been able to do in the summer … are going to be a big reason why we’ll see great rewards this fall.”
— Jeff Conaway
TEAM SNAPSHOT
NO. 1: Orange Observer preseason power ranking
POSITION GROUPS TO WATCH: Offensive, defensive lines: “We are excited about the overall ability and the depth on the offensive and defensive lines,” coach Jeff Conaway said.
OUTLOOK: Expect a high-powered, quick-tempo offense that will stretch the opposition from left to right.
COACHING STAFF
HEAD COACH
Jeff Conaway (second season)
ASSISTANT COACHES
Director of football operations: Bo Burgess
Associate head coach, cornerbacks coach: Corey Broomfield
Offensive coordinator, quarterbacks coach: Steven Moffett
Defensive coordinator: Jacob Gill
Special teams coordinator, wide receiver coach: Chris Bryant
Running backs, tight ends coach: Mike Hebert
Wide Receiver coach: Kevin Wheeler Jr. Offensive line coach: Chad Mavety
Offensive line, running backs coach: Chris Miller
Defensive line coach: Ben St. Clair
Defensive line coach: Tank Jones
Inside linebackers coach: Lee Bennett
Outside linebackers coach: Jordan
Richards
Defensive backs coach: Alec Thompson
Defensive backs coach: Fred Mills
Safeties coach: Chris Mitchell
Strength and conditioning coaches: D’Vario Montgomery and Trey Tyler
TRANSFER TRACKER
DEVIN JACKSON, NO. 7
2023 team: West Orange High
Position: Defensive back | Year: Junior Jackson’s decision to leave a dominant secondary at West Orange and join an up-and-coming group at TFA meant the missing piece of an already loaded defense had arrived. Along with Bam Whitfield and Danny Odem, Jackson will provide an element of versatility that will make this defense mighty difficult to score on.
ADEN HALL, NO. 9
2023 team: Leesburg High
Position: Linebacker | Year: Senior
A UTSA commit, Hall is a 6-foot, 195-pound inside linebacker who has a knack for blowing past blockers and getting after the ball carrier; watching him get downhill and chase down a running back or QB is going to be a treat for the Royals faithful this season.
ALEX WILLIS, NO. 42
2023 team: Timber Creek High
Position: Defensive line | Year: Junior Willis is a 6-foot-4, 243-pound defensive lineman with offers from UCF, USF, Ole Miss, Iowa State and others. The three-star prospect, who predominantly played defensive end last season, will bring a great combination of size, speed and aggression when hunting down the opposition for the Royals.
BRUTON
2023 RECORD
7-3 (1-1)
2024 SCHEDULE
All games start at 7 p.m.
Friday, Aug. 16, at The Master’s Academy
Friday, Aug. 23, vs. Lakeland
Christian
Friday, Aug. 30, vs. Lake High-
land Prep
Friday, Sept. 6, vs. Bronson
Friday, Sept. 20, vs. Melbourne Central Catholic
Friday, Sept. 27, at Holy Trinity
Episcopal
Friday, Oct. 4, at Eustis
Friday, Oct. 11, at Indian Rocks
Christian
Friday, Oct. 18, vs. Hollis
Christian Academy
Friday, Oct. 25, vs. West Oaks Academy
PLAYERS TO WATCH
AIDEN CUBERO, NO. 28
Position: Linebacker
Year: Junior
After playing just one game for the Lions in 2022, Cubero made himself vital to the Foundation defense as a sophomore last season by racking up 45 tackles (three of which were for a loss) and catching three interceptions as a safety and outside linebacker. This year, his coach expects him to take another leap.
“He put up some pretty big numbers (and) had big plays in big-time games that we played in,” Walker said. “We’re expecting his role to change from being that role player to that standout (who) leads the defense.”
Not only is his role productionwise expected to change, but also the 6-foot, 190-pound junior will see his role change on the field — shifting to the middle and playing inside linebacker for the Lions.
STEVEN GRECCO, NO. 13
Position: Athlete
Year: Senior
As a junior, Grecco had a great first season with the Lions — after transferring from West Orange High — serving as a key contributor on both sides of the ball. At receiver, he caught 18 passes for 244 yards with two touchdowns and at defensive back, he caught two interceptions and recorded 18 tackles. Like Cubero, Grecco’s expected to take a step forward this season.
“Steven Greco, who was a big-time receiver for us last year, role’s changed tremendously,” Walker said. “He’s going to be our big-play player this year. I expect that from him, and I have no doubt that he’ll get it done in a fashion that we need.”
FOUNDATION ACADEMY LIONS
15304 TILDEN ROAD, WINTER GARDEN, SUNSHINE STATE ATHLETIC CONFERENCE
After a successful 2023 season that extended the Lions streak of consecutive seasons with a winning record to eight, coach Andre Walker enters his fourth year at Foundation with an established reputation of producing quality football teams.
The 2024 season, however, will be marked by change for Foundation. A new league — as the Lions have moved from the FHSAA to the SSAC — new players stepping up into bigger roles and a chance to build a new identity as a team that will define the next era of Foundation football. Despite all the new
HOME FIELD ADVANTAGE: LION FIELD
elements coming to the Lions program, Walker is still holding this team to the same standard that’s made his previous teams successful.
With four offensive and three defensive starters returning for this season, though the Lions will be ushering new starters at most spots, there will be a key returner in most units that will help guide their position group — such as receiver and defensive back Steven Grecco, defensive lineman Stephen Ford, linebacker Aiden Cubero and kicker Braedyn White.
—SAM ALBUQUERQUE
Built in 2017 as part of the overall infrastructure of Foundation’s $1.5 million athletic complex, Lion Field is located on campus at the school’s Tilden Road location. One of the unique aspects of the Foundation home field is that motorists traveling on State Road 429 have a clear view of the field.
COACH’S CORNER
“To me, a successful season for this group will be gaining understanding and being able to work what’s being taught in a fluid, effective, fast and efficient way. … Honestly, if we can compete for a chance to play in the playoffs, that would be ultimately a successful season. If we have an opportu nity to do that, I think that’s all we can ask.”
— Andre Walker
TEAM SNAPSHOT
NO. 9: Orange Observer preseason power ranking
POSITION GROUPS TO WATCH: Linebackers: Led by Cubero and sophomore Cole Huntley, the second-level group is one of the few positional units that return multiple contributors from 2023. Combined the two had 94 tackles for the Lions and six interceptions — one of which Huntley returned 94 yards for a touchdown against Orlando Christian Prep.
Special teams: With 53 extra points made last season, senior kicker Braedyn White has established himself as a legitimate weapon for the Lions.
“The golden leg that we call Braedyn White is one of the top kickers in the area,” Walker said. “He has the distance, the accuracy and the ultimate belief from his teammates, and coaching staff.”
OUTLOOK: “My offense is truly young, but we have a great understanding of a few concepts that we hope will let us be able to play at full speed,” Walker said. “Defensively, we try and play some man-to-man and try to go get the offense. We’re not going to just sit back and wait on them. The way I like to put it is, we try to be the hammer and not the nail and be the one who delivers the blow. We do tend to blitz more often than not, but with this group, it’s all dependent upon what can we get away with. If we’re having a lot of trouble with what we’re trying to teach, we’ll switch it up a little bit.”
COACHING STAFF
HEAD COACH
Andre Walker (fourth season)
ASSISTANT COACHES
Offensive coordinator, offensive and defensive line coach: Corey Demings
Assistant head coach, defensive coordinator: Denzel Irvin
Special teams coordinator, assistant linebackers coach: Vic Rodriguez
Running backs coach: Dontrell Stills
Wide receivers coach:
Assistant offensive, defensive lines coach:
Defensive
Kevett Mickle Chaplin, assistant wide receivers coach: Eric Huntley
Connor Carson
Linebackers coach: Chris Cubero
backs coach: Lester Axson
2023 RECORD
1-7
2024 SCHEDULE
Friday, Aug. 23, vs. Young Kids
In Motion (4 p.m.)
Friday, Aug. 30, at Glades Day (6 p.m.)
Friday, Sept. 6, at Orangewood Christian (7 p.m.)
Thursday, Sept. 19, vs. Trinity Prep (4 p.m.)
Friday, Sept. 27, vs. Faith Christian (4 p.m.)
Friday, Oct. 4, at First Academy (Leesburg) (7 p.m.)
Friday, Oct. 18, vs. Duval Charter (6 p.m.)
Friday, Oct. 25, at The Out-ofDoor Academy (7 p.m.)
PLAYERS TO WATCH
PEYTON HOLLERN, NO. 2
Position: Athlete
Year: Junior
“Peyton is just an overall good football player,” coach James Hamilton said. “He’ll play offense and defense for us, anything we ask him to do — running back, receiver, corner anywhere we put him really, he does it. Because he can play anywhere on the field, he’s a game-changer for us.”
EDUARDO ARCILA, NO. 52
Position: Defensive line, offensive line
Year: Junior
“He’s not the biggest guy out, but he goes 100% play in and play out,” Hamilton said. “He’s a hard-nosed kid that works hard and really sets the tone for us on the offensive and defensive lines.”
HOME FIELD ADVANTAGE
The Lakers will play their home games at their newly renovated on-campus stadium, after playing at Deputy Scott Pine Community Park for the past few seasons.
“They’ll get out here on Fridays and work hard to protect our home field,” Hamilton said.
One of the unique aspects of their home field is the earlier kickoffs, which could be a sneaky home-field advantage for Windermere Prep considering the heat and shift in schedule for visiting clubs.
WINDERMERE PREP LAKERS
6189 WINTER GARDEN-VINELAND ROAD, WINDERMERE, INDEPENDENT
At its core, building a high school football program — especially at a small school — is about three vital things: Getting as many kids on the team as possible, establishing a culture and teaching the fundamentals of the game.
At the beginning of Year 1 for Lakers coach James Hamilton, it seems he’s checked all three boxes.
“The last few years we’ve been at about 25 to 30, in terms of roster size, so we’ve actually grown this offseason and we’re at like 40-45 kids this year,” Hamilton said. “It’s just a testament to our coaching staff. Not only have they helped in getting the kids out here, but (also) they’ve been key in helping establish a culture of hard work and competition. Because of that, you see a group of kids that believe in (one another) and believe in what we’re trying to preach.”
As for the message Hamilton and his staff are trying to get across, it’s simple: Play hard.
“We just want our guys to play hard for the whole four quarters, each game,” he said. “I think success
for us this season is doing that and taking what we practice and preach during the week and seeing it play out in the game.”
—SAM ALBUQUERQUE
TEAM SNAPSHOT
NO. 11: Orange Observer preseason power ranking
POSITION GROUPS TO WATCH:
Wide receivers: With players such as Hollern and Angelo Arrivillaga leading the way, the Lakers’ perimeter players are what’s going to make this team exciting to watch.
“We have a lot of good guys who play receiver for us and as a group, we like to get the ball out in space to let those guys make plays,” Hamilton said.
OUTLOOK: “We have some depth this year, so it’s going to be about us figuring out where we can plug the pieces in by finding out what they can and can’t do, then making our play calling fit their skill set,” Hamilton said. “With the guys we have, we have the flexibility to either run the ball or pass the ball, so that’s the good thing about it. … On defense, it’ll just be about keeping it simple, to allow the kids to play fast and play physical. That’s what it comes down to.”
COACHING STAFF
HEAD COACH
James Hamilton (first season)
ASSISTANT COACHES
Defensive coordinator, linebackers coach: Alex Hines
Special teams coordinator, offensive line coach: Tyler Dutruch
Wide receivers and defensive backs coach: Devonte Shackelfold
Defensive line coach: Marion Embry Jr.
COACH’S CORNER
“We want to continue to grow as a team. We have a lot of young guys, so we do a lot of things off the field that we hope to carry on the field. We want to continue to bond, as we have a lot of guys that are from all over the world, dealing with a lot of things we want to continue to build a brotherhood and friendships, that we hope can carry over to the field while we’re working on the fundamentals. We have a lot of kids out here, but a lot of them don’t have experience with football, so we’re focused on teaching the game and building the fundamentals.”
— James Hamilton
2023 RECORD
0-6
2024 SCHEDULE
Most games start at 7 p.m.
CENTRAL FLORIDA CHRISTIAN ACADEMY EAGLES
TEAM SNAPSHOT
Friday, Aug. 23, at Trinity Prep
Friday, Aug. 30, vs. The Out-ofDoor Academy
Friday, Sept. 6, at Berean Christian (4 p.m. start)
Saturday, Sept. 14, vs. Marco Island Academy (5 p.m. start)
Friday, Sept. 20, vs. Father Lopez
Friday, Sept. 27, at P.K. Yonge
Friday, Oct. 11, vs. Cornerstone Charter
Friday, Oct. 18, at Trinity Christian
Friday, Oct. 25, at Seven Rivers Christian (7:30 p.m. start)
PLAYERS TO WATCH
DOMINIC MCCRORY
Position: Quarterback
Year: Senior “Dominic has been the best leader (who) has come through this program since I’ve been here,” coach Kevin Blackman said. “He himself is holding us to a higher standard than we’ve held ourselves to in the past, and he understands what it is we’re trying to do here. He’s a leader in the classroom; he’s a leader at church. And, on the field, he’s improved dramatically. He came here as a tight end, but we made the move to put him at quarterback last year, and now that he’s had a year in our offense, it looks like it. I’m very proud of the progress he’s made, and I expect big things from him this year.”
MASON MATHIS
Position: Safety, quarterback
Year: Sophomore
“Mason is new here and the start of something new for us,” Blackman said. “He transferred in from TFA and came with a lot of promise, and he’s lived up to it. … He’s a leader for us. His teachers have told me he’s awesome in the classroom. He’s been a stand-up kid all-around. He’s here every day working hard, he pushes everybody, and he wants us to win. He wants to be the best, and I appreciate him driving us that direction.”
Following a difficult 2023 season, Central Florida Christian Academy coach Kevin Blackman has seen a lot of growth this offseason in his program and thinks this year’s bunch is going catch some folks off-guard.
“I expect this team to shock a lot of the teams that we play and the community,”
Blackman said. “I believe we’re in a better place than we were this time last year. We have a lot of guys … who have experience and are ready to play. We have good culture guys, a lot of leaders on this team, a lot of responsible kids on this team (who) take the game seriously and take what we’re trying to do seriously.”
Blackman’s optimism is not only fueled by the program’s growth on the field but also its literal growth, having increased the size of the coaching staff and the roster significantly from last season.
—SAM ALBUQUERQUE
COACH’S CORNER
“(In) all levels of the game, we have strengths. I think offense, defense, offensive line, defensive line, quarterbacks, running backs. I think we have the pieces at every level of the game. … We have a quarterback who can throw the ball 60 yards. We have running backs who are tough, linemen who are tough. I feel like we’re a well-rounded team this year.”
NO. 12: Orange Observer preseason power ranking
POSITION GROUPS TO WATCH: Special teams: “Special teams is going to be good for us,” coach Kevin Blackman said. “Our kicking game is going to be good. We have a kicker who can kick 40-yard field goals.”
OUTLOOK: “We run a spread offense, and we do like to get the ball out there,” Blackman said. “We’ll run the ball, too. Honestly, I think we have strengths all over the field on both sides of the ball. From week to week, things will change on defense based on whom we play. If we’re playing somebody who runs the ball 90% of the time, we’ll be ready for that. If they pass a ton, we’ll be ready for that. We have hard-nosed kids at linebacker; we have good DBs. We’re prepared for anything that we see.”
COACHING STAFF
HEAD COACH, defensive coordinator Kevin Blackman (second season)
ASSISTANT COACHES
Offensive coordinator, assistant head coach: Ben Owens
Special teams coordinator: Brandt Stomprud
Wide receivers, defensive backs coach: Noah Smith
TRANSFER TRACKER
DAVY MURPHY
2023 team: Windermere High
Position: Athlete
Year: Sophomore
Murphy, a 5-foot-11 and 160-pound athlete, played eight games for the Wolverines in 2023 and made an impact both as a receiver and kick returner as a freshman. He caught 14 passes for 229 yards and returned nine kicks for 90 yards. Expect him to make an even bigger impact for the Eagles in 2024.
HOME FIELD ADVANTAGE
THE EAGLES’ NEST
The Eagles’ Nest is an on-campus field located on the over-arching campus of Church at the Cross and has the unique feature of being visible to those driving by the campus on Good Homes Road.
— Kevin Blackman
700 GOOD HOMES ROAD, ORLANDO, INDEPENDENT
2023 RECORD
2-6
2024 SCHEDULE
All games start at 7 p.m.
Friday, Aug. 16, vs. Santa Fe Catholic
Friday, Aug. 23, vs. Jordan Christian Prep
Friday, Aug. 30, at Faith Christian
Friday, Sept. 6, at Cornerstone Christian
Friday, Sept. 13, vs. Trinity Prep
Friday, Sept. 27, at Lake Highland Prep (6 p.m. start)
Friday, Oct. 4, vs. Orangewood Christian
Friday, Oct. 11, at Bell Creek Academy
Friday, Oct. 18, vs. Saint Francis Catholic
Friday, Oct. 25, at Cedar Creek Christian
PLAYERS TO WATCH
JAKE THREADGILL, NO. 22
Position: Quarterback, linebacker
Year: Senior
With the graduation of last season’s starting quarterback Liam Lamprecht, the Eagles will see a new QB to go along with an entirely new offensive system, and Threadgill seems to be the one who will lead them on both sides of the ball. With a solid arm and a background of playing running back, the new single-wing and quick pass offense Legacy will run this season is built for the senior.
LOGAN FUTCH, NO. 55
Position: Offensive, defensive lines
Year: Senior
With good size, that classic Legacy grit and the movement ability to get in space and be an effective weapon as a lead blocker in the run game, Futch is going to be key in helping the new run-centric offense find its stride.
“Logan is our anchor on the offensive line playing mainly at right guard for us, as well as swapping sides and playing nose tackle,” coach Zachary Fox said.
HOME FIELD ADVANTAGE
OCOEE BULLDOG FIELD
Playing its home games
off-campus at Ocoee Bulldog Field — located at 560 Flewelling Ave., in Ocoee — the Eagles have created a special bond with its football home. Many of its players and coaches played youth football at the community field.
LEGACY CHARTER EAGLES
1550 E. CROWN POINT ROAD, OCOEE, SUNSHINE STATE ATHLETIC CONFERENCE
There’s a reason football is considered a blue-collar sport. Sure, a certain level of technique is needed to perform at the highest level, but most of it can be taught, which is why you often see people who never played the sport or started late pick it up so quickly. What football requires is a certain toughness and attitude because, frankly, it’s a sport that is physically, mentally and emotionally taxing. That’s one of the reasons a lot of players don’t play on both sides of the ball.
For Legacy Charter coach Zachary Fox, his 2024 Eagles team represents the core qualities that make football such a beloved sport in this country — especially at the high school level.
“There’s an interesting, hard-working, hard-nosed, almost blue-collar aspect to this program, and that’s how this team plays on the field,” Fox said. “We don’t
have the abundance of resources and the facilities or all that other stuff, so they understand that they have to work that much harder to attain the things that they want to attain. ... Everybody plays both sides of the ball, and there’s just no stop. … I love every second of it. They’re gritty, they’re tough, and they play together. They’re one big family at the end of the day, and that’s all we can ask for.”
—SAM ALBUQUERQUE
COACH’S CORNER
“I see a change over the past seven months and really just toughness and overall just being more together as a team and a brotherhood. That’s kind of been like our two T’s — together and toughness. … We put a huge emphasis on funda mentals this offseason, with a new offense and new defense, so that’s been that’s been a big change for us. But the guys adapted to it well, so that’s been awesome.”
TEAM SNAPSHOT
NO. 10: Orange Observer preseason power ranking
POSITION GROUP TO WATCH:
Linebackers: As a former linebacker, Fox knows what it takes to be successful at the position.
“I love this group; they’re gritty,” Fox said of his linebackers. “Our guys at that spot are fast-paced, tough and hard-nosed guys. That’s where they’re at already, and I love it.”
Look for Threadgill, sophomore TJ Stimmel and senior Mario Gomez to lead the group for the Eagles this season.
OUTLOOK: Things are going to look mighty different on the field this season for Legacy football on both sides of the field, thanks to shifts in the coaching staff and the obvious shift on the roster. On offense, the shift will be dramatic, going from a modern spread scheme that liked to utilize pro-style quarterbacks spraying passes all around the field to an old-school single-wing system that’ll utilize the quick passing game instead.
“We made the shift on offense because of personnel mainly, and then on defense, because of a new staff,” Fox said. “For us, not having the same quarterback that we’ve had for the past three years and this being our first year in three years that we don’t have a true pro-style quarterback to run our pro-style spread offense, we decided to make some changes. We’re looking at more of a quick-throw offense but also very fast-paced, single-wing-ish type of offense now. It just fits well with what we have. … On defense, it’s been just a mixing and mingling of what we had last year where we can while also trying to implement the new schemes that they’re most comfortable with to then create one whole new defense.”
COACHING STAFF HEAD COACH
Zachary Fox (second season)
ASSISTANT COACHES
Offensive
Zachary Fox
coordinator, offensive Jared Thomas
Defensive coordinator, defensive line: Jed Ebersole Wide receivers coach: Jordan Fate Defensive backs coach: Michael Collins
