District domination

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1B was when my seniors and myself began (that first year we were 5-9 where this year we are … 12-4),” Grosshans said. “This season, I have just been blessed to continue to work with ... a sharp group of women who enjoy being around each other.”

The girls are set to host Orangewood Christian at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 7, after press time, for one of the Region 2 quarterfinal games.

HORIZON BOYS

The Horizon boys soccer team became the first soccer squad in school history to earn the FHSAA Class 5A, District 6 championship title.

“The district championship means a lot to the team,” head soccer coach Brad Duerksen said. “In our pre-season, we set several goals for our program. One of our goals was to win the district championship after coming so close last season. We also set a goal of going undefeated on our home field. We have been able to accomplish both of those goals this season.”

The Hawks defeated Gateway High School 2-1 during the championship game Wednesday, Feb. 1.

“The boys have put in a lot of hard work from last season to this season,” Duerksen said. “We are only a second-year program, but the boys bought into our philosophy from Day 1.”

The team was scheduled to play Matanzas High School (8-5-2) at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 8, after press time, for one of the Region 2 quarterfinal games.

GIRLS

Despite losing to Auburndale 2-1 Wednesday, Feb. 1, during the Class 5A, District 6 championship game, the Horizon girls soccer team remains standing in the battle for the state championship title.

The Lady Hawks were scheduled to host Mainland High School (14-3) for one of the Region 2 quarterfinal games at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 7, after press time.

LEGACY CHARTER

BOYS

Despite falling 3-2 to Faith Christian during the Class 2A, District 6 championship game Thursday, Feb. 2, the Legacy Charter boys soccer team has moved on to the regional bracket and continues its pursuit for a state championship title. The Eagles were bound to travel to St. Edward’s at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 8, after press time, to play the Pirates in one of the Region 2 quarterfinal games.

THE FIRST ACADEMY

GIRLS

The First Academy girls soccer team battled Montverde Academy for the Class 3A, District 5 championship title Wednesday, Feb. 1, but fell short on its quest for the district championship title 5-0.

Despite their loss, the Lady Royals advanced to the regional bracket and are part of a number of teams still battling for a regional and state championship title.

The girls were set to travel to Berkeley Prep at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb.7, after press time, to play the Buccaneers during one of the Region 2 quarterfinal games.

WEST ORANGE

BOYS

The West Orange boys soccer team became the Class 7A, District 3 champion after defeating East Ridge Wednesday, Feb. 1, during overtime.

Neither the Warriors nor the Knights were able to reach their opponents’ nets during regular arbitration, and it wasn’t until the first half of overtime that West Orange was able to score a goal to secure the championship.

The Warriors were set to host

Winter Park at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 7, after press time, during one of the Region 1 quarterfinal games.

WINDERMERE BOYS

Windermere became the Class 7A, District 5 champion after defeating Cypress Creek 4-1 Wednesday, Feb. 2, during the district championship.

“I think what it means is the hard work that the kids have put in, that means that they do have to listen and have to work as a complete unit, which means the coach, the players, the parents, and we’ve had that kind of cooperation all year,” head soccer coach Alvin Alexander said.

“This group of players (is) unlike I’ve ever played with before,” defensive midfielder Elias Baltajy said.

“We are a family and often on the pitch, and our hard work paid off,” right winger Gabriel Simoes said. “Me and all my other teammates always get to practice on time, respect the coach and take practice seriously, and that helps us in games.”

The Wolverines were bound to host Palm Harbor at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 8, after press time, during one of the Region 2 regional quarterfinal games.

Windermere Prep Boys

The Windermere Prep boys varsity soccer team (12-4-1) ended its quest for the Class 3A, District 5 after tying to Lake Highland Prep 1-1 but falling short during a penalty shoot-out 3-0 Thursday, Feb. 2, at the district championship game.

The Lakers, however, made it to the regional bracket and are still in the battle for the state championship title. The team was set to play Bishop Verot at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 8, after press time, during one of the Region 2 quarterfinal games.

WILLIE T. FINCHER SR. DIED JAN. 16, 2023

Willie T. Fincher Sr., 80 of Ocoee, Florida passed away peacefully on Monday, January 16, 2023, at his home with his loving family by his side.

Willie was born on Jan. 1, 1943, in Winter Garden, Florida, to the late Carlton and Margie Fincher.

Willie is survived by his loving wife of 29 years, Mary Lee (Godfrey) Fincher; he is survived by his children, Nancy Fincher, Willie Fincher Jr.; and his stepdaughter, Charlotte Johnson; brother, Roger Fincher; and several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and extended family and friends.

Willie will be missed dearly. Winter Oak Funeral Home & Cremations.