08.24.17 Football Preview

AUGUST 24, 2017

SPORTS

SERVE’S UP! Team-by-team varsity volleyball previews … 7

Wolverines …

Steven Ryzewski

Davarius Bargnare and his teammates want to return to state.

Panthers motivated to finish

First of their name

Dr. Phillips is eager to avenge its loss in last fall’s state championship.

STEVEN RYZEWSKI SENIOR SPORTS EDITOR

SEE EMBRACE PAGE 2

2017 FOOTBALL PREVIEW Photo by Steven Ryzewski

Windermere High’s Judah Martin, left, Isaiah Jackson and Gabe Deneen are all proud to be “original Wolverines” and part of the program’s first season.

Top 10 Games of the Year............................ 2 Team-by-team previews......................... 4-5 Meet Windermere coach Greg Miller.........6

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Heartbreak comes with the territory.

It seems like an inescapable truth for a program with as much success and tradition as the Dr. Phillips High football team. When you’re good enough to be a statetitle contender each fall, anything less than a championship is going to be a disappointment.

Sure, winning more games than most programs could dream of, being relevant every season and graduating player after player into the college football ranks is better than the alternative.

But conversely, losses in the state playoffs sting more than any regular-season defeat.

For Dr. Phillips’ Class of 2018 alone, there has been the 24-21 loss to Manatee in the regional championship in 2014; the 20-19 loss to Osceola in the regional championship in 2015; and then there is the headliner of the bunch — the 14-10 loss to Miami Southridge in last fall’s FHSAA Class 8A State Championship.

After leading 10-0 through three quarters that night Camping World Stadium, Dr. Phillips was outscored 14-0 in the game’s final quarter.

It was a painful final act for the Panthers’ Class of 2017 seniors, a group head coach Rodney Wells has said is the best to come through the program.

Fortunately, painful losses are something Wells, a veteran coach

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THURSDAY, AUGUST 24, 2017

TOP 10 MUST-SEE GAMES OF 2017

SPONSORED BY SHANNON TILL STATE FARM IN FOWLER GROVES

Embrace the pain

T

here are different kinds of fans in sports. There are fans who are loyal to a particular team, and then there are fans of “the game,” at large.

For the latter, we have compiled a list of the top 10 highschool football games this fall, featuring teams from our West/ Southwest Observer Preps coverage area. There is no overlap in playing dates, so we encourage the “at-large” football fan to try and catch all 10.

And for the diehard fan of a particular team, we hope we’ve given you a great game to catch on your team’s bye week.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1B

GAME OF THE YEAR

OCT. 20 OLYMPIA AT DR. PHILLIPS, 7 P.M. Last year, for the first time since 2009, these Southwest Orange rivals met and played an exciting, competitive game of football. This year, Olympia finally should have enough star power to give Dr. Phil-

AUG. 25

OLYMPIA AT WEST ORANGE, 7 P.M. After a two-year hiatus, the Backyard Bowl has returned. The Warriors, who convincingly won the game the last time it was played in 2014, will face the Titans for the first time since head coach Kyle Hayes took over the program at Olympia and helped breathe some life into it after two down years. When the teams last played, it was West Orange who had the blue-chip quarterback (Woody Barrett), but the shoe is on the other foot this time as the Titans come to Winter Garden with Michigan-commit Joe Milton under center.

SEPT. 1

FOUNDATION ACADEMY AT THE FIRST ACADEMY, 7:30 P.M. The Foundation Academy Lions have come up short against the Royals in each of the past two seasons, but they also have improved in each of those two seasons. A common theme in each of the past two outings has been the ability of TFA’s defense to suffocate the Lions offense, allowing just 21 points combined in the two meetings. The game should serve as a good early-season indicator for both programs.

SEPT. 15

APOPKA AT DR. PHILLIPS, 7 P.M. The Blue Darters have won the past two regular-season meetings — in 2015 and 2016 — by a combined three points, underscoring just how entertaining this series has been. Although both teams graduated significant senior classes from a season ago and Apopka lost a handful of transfers to nearby Wekiva, this game still promises to be one of the best in the state during Week Four.

SEPT. 22

WEKIVA AT OLYMPIA, 7 P.M. Both Wekiva and Olympia took big steps forward in 2016 by making the playoffs. For 2017, both teams return some dynamic players and also feature talented transfer additions. This Metro Conference showdown will be one of a handful of opportunities for the Titans to score a signature win this fall.

SEPT. 29

HAGERTY AT OCOEE, 7 P.M. A budding rivalry in Class 7A, District 4, the Huskies and Knights have split their past two meetings — and the past two district championships. While the district race in 7A-4 is usually pretty wide open, and teams such as Edgewater and Lake Minneola figure to be improved, this midseason showdown still figures to have huge implications in the race for the playoffs.

OCT. 6

DR. PHILLIPS AT WEKIVA, 7 P.M. With Wekiva figuring to assert itself as one of the big dogs in Class 8A this fall, this early October showdown is all the more tantalizing. In particular, the size the Mustangs have on both their offensive and defensive line may be one of the bigger challenges the Panthers face all fall. In 2016, Dr. Phillips won this matchup, 28-7.

ORANGEWOOD CHRISTIAN AT WINDERMERE PREP, 4 P.M. The Lakers ran wild over the Rams in 2016, scoring a huge 42-0 victory on the road, but Orangewood is expected to be a considerably improved team this fall.

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OCT. 13

CFCA AT LEGACY, 7 P.M. The “Eagle Bowl” pits the CFCA Eagles against the Legacy Charter Eagles in an annual game that always brings out the best in both teams. In particular, the boys in green and yellow from CFCA will be anxious for a little payback, after Legacy pitched consecutive shutouts in the 2015 and 2016 contests. Both teams feature limited roster depth, so fans can expect some old-fashioned, two-way football from the game’s standout players.

NOV. 3

WEST ORANGE AT OCOEE, 7 P.M. Given the trajectory of these two programs over the past five to 10 years, the 2016 version of this rivalry game may as well have been the Twilight Zone. A 2-7 West Orange team arrived in Ocoee to take on a 5-4 Ocoee team that was headed to the playoffs for the first time in program history. In a game that was truly a tale of two halves, the Knights dominated the Warriors early on, before West Orange mounted a furious comeback. In the end, Ocoee just barely squeezed out the 31-29 victory. With “The Shield” spending its offseason at Ocoee High for the first time since 2009, expect the Warriors to be ultramotivated to try to return it to Beulah Road.

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lips a run for its money — and its reign as district champion — and we, the fans, are the biggest beneficiaries. Show up for a contest that always features high emotions and stay for the matchup between quarterbacks Joe Milton and BeSean McCray — two of Florida’s best.

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and a Dr. Phillips standout during his own varsity career, embraces.

“They’re going to carry that pain from the state championship throughout every practice and throughout everything that we do,” Wells said. “All those guys that were on the field, they have a chip on their shoulders — they want to get back and finish.”

That journey starts with the Panthers’ Aug. 24 opener against Orange City’s University High.

It will be followed by the usual murderer’s row of big games that Wells likes to schedule, with opponents including Timber Creek, West Orange, Apopka and Daytona Beach’s Mainland High.

The mission is to finish, but although there are a handful of returning starters who were on the field to feel that pain in downtown Orlando last December, there are also plenty of newcomers and returners who will be thrust into completely new roles.

Luckily, Wells’ affinity for scheduling tough opponents extends to the spring and the preseason, so Dr. Phillips already has a good idea of where it stands after a convincing win over Winter Park — a regional finalist in 2016 — in the spring and an exciting 30-27 loss to Osceola — state runner-up in 2015 — Aug. 18 in a Kickoff Classic.

“We’ve got a young group that’s eager,” Wells said. “I’m happy with the mesh.”

Standing out among the crop of newcomers is East Ridge-transfer quarterback BeSean McCray.

McCray, who joined the team earlier this year for the spring season, has been around his teammates for long enough to understand their motivation to return to the state final.

“I feel like I lost, too,” McCray said.

Whether or not it was his teammates’ motivation, McCray must have been channeling something in his preseason debut for the Panthers. The senior signalcaller completed 20 of his 24 pass attempts, good for 235 yards and two touchdowns.

With offensive weapons such as Davarius Bargnare, Devodney Alford and Japerri Powell, coupled with McCray’s speedy mastery of the team’s system, the Panthers are looking forward to improving each week this season — and hopefully playing into late November and December, again.

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THURSDAY, AUGUST 24, 2017

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THURSDAY, AUGUST 24, 2017

2017 Football Preview THE NEW RULES The FHSAA is rolling out two new systems for playoff qualification this fall — one for Classes 1A through 4A and another for Classes 5A through 8A. To get the best possible teams in the playoffs, the FHSAA’s leadership elected to do away with districts in the lower classifications and significantly alter the district format in the higher classifications.

In the lower classifications, there are no more districts — just four regions. The top four teams from each region — decided by a new points system — will make the 16-team field for the state playoffs in those classifications.

In the upper classifications, coaches and administrators wanted to preserve the tradition of the district structure, so a compromise was made. Districts were kept, and — as it was in the past — district champions from the 16 districts in each classification still make the playoffs and host a first-round game.

However, instead of the district runnerup also making the playoffs, the other 16 teams (four from each of four regions) that will compete in the state playoffs will be determined by the point system.

This means that a loaded district could, theoretically, have three teams make the playoffs and that a weak district may only have one team make the playoffs.

F

or teams in West and Southwest Orange, the actual route to Orlando and Camping World Stadium — whether taking State Road 408 from Ocoee or Interstate 4 from Dr. Phillips — isn’t far.

The metaphoric route from Week One to the FHSAA State Championships, though, is another story. The FHSAA’s “Road to Orlando” begins Aug, 25 with the opening week of the regular season, and — make no mistake — there are local teams with aspirations of ending the season at Camping World Stadium.

Even for the teams who may not be title contenders, though, this fall promises to be a memorable season, with several local teams bringing along talented young cores and trying to position themselves upon a solid foundation for the future.

CFCA EAGLES

COACH: Jeremy Campbell 2016 RECORD: 4-6 SSAC DIVISION (2016 CHAMP):

Coastal League - Central Florida Division (Windermere Prep) PLAYERS TO WATCH: Caleb Brenyo, senior (quarterback); Donald Saunders, sophomore (wide receiver/defensive back); Macena Gay, junior (running back/defensive back) OUTLOOK: There’s no getting around the fact that the Eagles are young and lack roster depth, but Campbell — a former Clemson Tiger during his playing days — has been encouraged by the enthusiasm and eagerness of his young squad. Within their SSAC division, Windermere Prep and Orangewood figure to be two of the bigger tests for CFCA, though games against West Oaks and Cocoa Beach figure to be important barometers of how the team is progressing early in the season.

On defense, expect the Eagles to be aggressive to make up for a lack of size on the front line.

FUN FACT: Despite being on their fifth coach in as many seasons, the CFCA Eagles have been remarkably resilient, amassing a 19-13 record over the past three seasons.

AWESOME ALUMNI: Judah Stone (c/o 2016) will be a sophomore running back at Ave Maria University this fall. As a freshman, he was the team’s No. 2 rusher and also played defense.

SCHEDULE All games at 7 p.m.

Aug. 25 — at Cornerstone Charter Sept. 1 — vs. West Oaks Academy Sept. 8 — vs. Windermere Prep* Sept. 15 — at Orangewood Christian* Sept. 22 — at Cocoa Beach Oct. 6 — vs. Lake Mary Prep* Oct. 13 — at Legacy Charter* Oct. 20 — vs. Avant Garde Academy Oct. 27 — SSAC Playoffs Nov. 3 — SSAC Playoffs * Denotes division opponent

DR. PHILLIPS

COACH: Rodney Wells 2016 RECORD/NOTES: 12-3; Class

8A State Runner-up

DISTRICT (2016 CHAMP): 8A-5

(Dr. Phillips)

PLAYERS TO WATCH: Tanner Ingle,

senior (defensive back); BeSean McCray, senior (quarterback); John Campbell, junior (offensive line); Devodney Alford, senior (running back); Davarius Bargnare, senior (wide receiver) OUTLOOK: The Panthers are younger than they were a season ago but, arguably, no less talented. The playmaking ability and speed on offense is still there, though inexperience on defense could be a liability at times, especially early in the season. Veteran coach Rodney Wells said he likes how the personality of this team is shaping up, though. The Panthers face their usual brutal non-district schedule, and within their district this fall, Olympia promises to be a tougher opponent than it has in recent years.

FUN FACT: This year marks the 30th anniversary for the Panthers, as Dr. Phillips High opened in 1987.

AWESOME ALUMNI: Ha-Ha Clinton-Dix, a defensive back for the Green Bay Packers, made his first Pro Bowl last season.

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

Aug. 24 (Thursday) — vs. Orange City University Sept. 1 — at Timber Creek Sept. 8 —at West Orange Sept. 15 — vs. Apopka Sept. 22 — vs. Mainland, 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 29 — at Oak Ridge* Oct. 6 — at Wekiva Oct. 13 — at Freedom* Oct. 20 — vs. Olympia* Oct. 26 (Thursday) — vs. Cypress Creek* * Denotes district opponent

THE FIRST ACADEMY

COACH: Leroy Kinard 2016 RECORD/NOTES: 10-1; fell in

Class 3A Regional Semifinals

REGION: 3A-R2 PLAYERS TO WATCH: Alexander

Eleyssami, senior (quarterback); Parker Mara, senior (wide receiver); Mike Shanahan, senior (offensive/defensive line); Rolous Frazier, junior (running back) OUTLOOK: After a standout season in 2016, head coach Leroy Kinard and company have many of their top playmakers back for another run at it in 2017. For the Royals, who dominated their district last year during their undefeated regular season, the end of district play is an interesting twist, though they are playing many of the same opponents this fall. Rolous Frasier is back for more after averaging nearly 10 yards per carry last fall.

FUN FACT: After a strong career at Liberty University, Royals head coach Leroy Kinard played in the NFL for the New York Jets from 1991-92.

AWESOME ALUMNI: Royals alum Garrett Williams is a junior tight end for the Clemson Tigers and was part of the program’s national championship team this past season.

SCHEDULE Aug. 25 — vs. West Oaks, 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 1 — vs. Foundation Academy, 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 8 — at Orlando Christian Prep, 7 p.m.

Sept. 15 — vs. Bayshore Christian, 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 22 — at Calvary Christian, 7 p.m.

Oct. 6 — at Four Corners, 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 13 — vs. Trinity Prep, 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 20 — vs. Agape Christian, 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 27 — at Lake Highland Prep, 7 p.m.

Nov. 3 — vs. The Villages, 7:30 p.m.

FOUNDATION ACADEMY COACH: Brad Lord 2016 RECORD/NOTES: 7-5; ad-

vanced to Class 2A Regional Final

REGION: 2A-R2 PLAYERS TO WATCH: Lance Ax-

son, senior (cornerback); Eddie Loos, senior (offensive/defensive line); Kenny Ames, senior (tight end/quarterback); Warren Sapp II, junior (defensive end); Gian Reyes, junior (defensive end) OUTLOOK: After a program-defining campaign in 2016, Brad Lord’s program is looking to continue to build on its positive momentum, with six returning starters on each side of the ball. This fall, the staff at Foundation is excited about its team’s size and abilities on the offensive line, as well as three returning starting receivers on the wings. One difference from years past for Lions fans is that, unlike the team relying heavily on one featured back such as Jaquan Patterson or Gabe Walker, Lord expects there to be more of a running-back-by-committee approach this fall. Finally, with the new playoff formatting, the Lions will have to do significantly more to make the playoffs than they have had to in the past, making this an intriguing season.

FUN FACT: The Lions are hopeful that Foundation Academy’s on-campus athletic complex,

which will be highlighted by a new football stadium, will be ready in time for the end of the season.

The Lions currently play their home games at Walker Field in Winter Garden.

AWESOME ALUMNI: Brothers Darius and Denzel Irvin are a linebacker and defensive back, respectively, for the UNC-Charlotte 49ers. Both Irvin brothers made appearances in all 12 of the 49ers’ games in 2016.

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

Aug. 25 — vs. Cambridge Christian Sept. 1 — at The First Academy, 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 8 — vs. Carrollwood Day Sept. 15 — vs. Northside Christian Sept. 29 — vs. Agape Christian Oct. 6 — vs. Seven Rivers Christian Oct. 13 — at North Florida Educational Oct. 20 — vs. Bishop McLaughlin Oct. 27 — at Poinciana Nov. 3 — at Seffner Christian, 7:30 p.m.

LEGACY CHARTER

COACH: Trent Hopper 2016 RECORD/NOTES: 6-4; made

program’s first playoff appearance

SSAC DIVISION (2016 CHAMP):

Coastal League — Central Florida Division (Windermere Prep) PLAYERS TO WATCH: Jason Dennison, senior (defensive tackle); Tomas Perez, senior (offensive line/linebacker); Jalen CollinsSwift, senior (running back); Dallas Powell, junior (defensive end/ running back); Chris Lamprecht, senior (offensive line/linebacker) OUTLOOK: There is a lot of “new” within the program for the Eagles.

The program’s defensive coordinator, Trent Hopper, also has assumed the role of head coach, with former head coach Jarrett Wiggers choosing to only be the team’s offensive coordinator this year so he can have more flexibility with his duties as the school’s athletics director. A large graduating class from 2016 and a few key departures mean this year’s squad is a lot more inexperienced than last year’s — arguably the best team in program history.

Despite that, Legacy benefits from a consistent coaching core over the past several years that has created a culture and a system players excel in, meaning the Eagles are not to be written off by anyone.

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

Aug. 25 — at Mt. Dora Christian Sept. 1 — vs. Lake Mary Prep* Sept. 8 — vs. Jupiter Christian Sept. 15 — at St. Edward’s Sept. 29 — at Windermere Prep, 4 p.m.* Oct. 6 — at Orangewood Christian* Oct. 13 — vs. CFCA* Oct. 20 — vs. TFA-Leesburg Oct. 27 — SSAC Playoffs Nov. 3 — SSAC Playoffs * Denotes district opponent

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OCOEE

SCHEDULE All games at 7 p.m.

Aug. 25 — at Cypress Creek Sept. 1 — at Wekiva Sept. 8 — at Orlando University Sept. 15 — at East River* Sept. 22 — at St. Cloud* Sept. 29 — at Lake Nona* Oct. 6 — at Harmony* Oct. 20 — at Liberty* Oct. 27 — at Celebration* Nov. 3 — at Olympia * Denotes district opponent

WINDERMERE PREP

COACH: Jacob Doss (eighth year) 2016 RECORD/NOTES: 10-1, ad-

vanced to SSAC Semifinals

SSAC DIVISION (2016 CHAMP):

OLYMPIA

COACH: Kyle Hayes 2016 RECORD/NOTES: 6-5, dis-

CLASSES 1A-4A Regional semifinals: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 10 Regional finals: 7:30 p.m.

Friday, Nov. 17 State semifinals: 7:30 p.m.

Friday, Nov. 24 CLASSES 5A-8A Regional quarterfinals: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 10 Regional semifinals: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 17 Regional finals: 7:30 p.m.

Friday, Nov. 24 State semifinals: 7:30 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 1 2017 FHSAA FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIPS (ALL CLASSIFICATIONS) WHEN: Dec. 7-9; times to be announced LOCATION: Camping World Stadium, 1 Citrus Bowl Place, Orlando

WEST ORANGE

trict runner-up

COACH: Bob Head 2016 RECORD/NOTES: 2-8 DISTRICT (2016 CHAMP): 8A-4

(Dr. Phillips)

PLAYERS TO WATCH: Tre Jackson,

DISTRICT (2016 CHAMP): 8A-5

PLAYOFF CALENDAR

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built to relieve West Orange High, home of the Warriors — and, ironically enough, the Wolverines will be “road warriors” this fall.

With the off-campus stadium not slated for completion until December at the earliest, the Wolverines will play all road games this fall.

playoff appearance and district title in program history DISTRICT (2016 CHAMP): 7A-4 (Ocoee) PLAYERS TO WATCH: Garrett Duffina, senior (defensive back/ wide receiver); Matt Hogan, junior (center); Kendall Bohler, junior (defensive back); Jeremiah Fails, junior (slotback/defensive back); Monroe Nelson, senior (defensive end); Zach Tuckfield, senior (defensive end) OUTLOOK: There’s a ton of change in the air at Ocoee — from a new head coach to a lot of new faces in new roles — but that doesn’t mean the Knights are making any excuses or lowering expectations. Ocoee won its first district title last fall, and despite all the turnover, the Knights won both their spring game and their Kickoff Classic game. That said, discipline, consistency on defense and cutting down on unforced turnovers should help Ocoee once again contend in a district that is as wide-open as ever.

FUN FACT: Ocoee head coach Jason Boltus won an arena league championship with the Jacksonville Sharks this summer.

AWESOME ALUMNI: Dorian Jones, who graduated last spring, will be a freshman defensive back this fall at Campbell University in North Carolina.

* Denotes district opponent

THURSDAY, AUGUST 24, 2017

FUN FACT: Windermere High was

COACH: Jason Boltus 2016 RECORD/NOTES: 7-4; first

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

Aug. 25 — vs. Apopka Sept. 1 — at Olympia Sept. 8 — vs. Boone Sept. 15 — at Edgewater* Sept. 22 — vs. East Ridge* Sept. 29 — vs. Hagerty* Oct. 6 — vs. West Port*, 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 13 — at Lake Howell* Oct. 27 — at Lake Minneola* Nov. 3 — vs. West Orange

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PLAYERS TO WATCH: Joe Milton, senior (quarterback); Konrie Brown, senior (running back); Ronald Teague, senior (linebacker); Troy Golden, senior (defensive end); Jordan Underwood, senior (wide receiver); Josh Green, senior (defensive back) OUTLOOK: This is going to be a fun season to follow the Titans.

One thing Olympia has lacked over the past few years is star power, but it has that back this fall. The Titans are loaded with skill players on offense and heavy-hitters on defense — and plenty of experience all the way around. The big question this fall will be whether it is enough for the Titans to put it all together and try and unseat reigning district champion — and No. 1 rival — Dr. Phillips.

FUN FACT: The Titans will debut new black “home” jerseys this fall that will incorporate Olympia High’s new accent color: teal.

AWESOME ALUMNI: Trevor Siemian was named the starting quarterback for the Denver Broncos for a second consecutive season on Aug. 21.

SCHEDULE All games at 7 p.m.

Aug. 25 — at West Orange Sept. 1 — vs. Ocoee Sept. 8 — at Edgewater Sept. 15 — at Cypress Creek* Sept. 22 — vs. Wekiva Sept. 29 — vs. Freedom* Oct. 6 — vs. Winter Park Oct. 20 — at Dr. Phillips* Oct. 26 (Thursday) — vs. Oak Ridge* Nov. 3 — vs. Windermere * Denotes district opponent

(Apopka)

senior (defensive end); Dametri Hill Jr., senior (linebacker); Brenden Cyr, sophomore (quarterback); Darrell Harding, junior (wide receiver); Keyshawn Goins, junior (wide receiver); Hawk Forsythe, senior (offensive line) OUTLOOK: The first thing one should know about the Warriors is that their 2-8 record from a season ago is deceiving. Although West Orange does not have near the firepower or star power it had in 2015 when it made the state semifinals, there are some exciting skill players on the Warriors roster, and a big part of how the team does this season will depend on how effectively it can get the ball to those playmakers in space. The Warriors have a handful of very talented defenders, which will be important when they’re trying to slow Apopka or Wekiva. Speaking of Apopka and Wekiva, an improved Warriors

team still has a tough road to travel to contend in a district this loaded.

AWESOME ALUMNI: Two former Warriors receivers — Garrett Johnson, a senior at Kentucky, and Eddie McDoom, a sophomore at Michigan — are expected to play big roles for their teams this fall.

SCHEDULE All games at 7 p.m.

Aug. 25 — vs. Olympia Sept. 1 — at Freedom Sept. 8 — vs. Dr. Phillips Sept. 15 — vs. Timber Creek Sept. 22 — vs. Cypress Creek Sept. 29 — at Wekiva* Oct. 6 — at Jones Oct. 13 — at Apopka* Oct. 20 — vs. Evans* Nov. 3 — at Ocoee

Coastal League — Central Florida Division (Windermere Prep) PLAYERS TO WATCH: Kai Patterson, junior (quarterback); Ismael Cortes, senior (running back); Khadry Jackson, junior (wide receiver); Mason Russell, junior (linebacker, fullback); Matheus Peres, junior (safety, running back) OUTLOOK: There’s really no reason to believe the Lakers cannot be just as successful as they were a season ago, with most of their key playmakers back and better than ever. Jacob Doss’s team likely will score as much as ever, with Kai Patterson quarterbacking an offense full of playmakers.

One area of weakness, size on the offensive line, likely will not cost the Lakers as much in the SSAC as it might if they were competing in the FHSAA State Series.

This should be a fun season to watch the Lakers run up and down the field.

AWESOME ALUMNI: Ryan Swoboda, who graduated this past spring, is a freshman offensive lineman for the University of Virginia.

FUN FACT: The Lakers, who usually play day games because their home field does not have lights, will bring in portable lights Oct. 20 for their Homecoming game against Santa Fe Catholic.

* Denotes district opponent

WINDERMERE

COACH: Greg Miller 2016 RECORD/NOTES: N/A

District (2016 champ): 7A-5 (Lake Nona) PLAYERS TO WATCH: Gabe Deneen, junior (offensive/defensive line); Isaiah Jackson, junior (quarterback); Judah Martin, junior (offensive/defensive line); Josh Albertson, sophomore (linebacker) OUTLOOK: With no seniors and just a handful of players with any varsity playing experience, the players and staff at Windermere High have their work cut out for them. The Wolverines feature a number of players that are relatively new to the game, so this season will see a steep learning curve for the roster, at large. Still, Greg Miller said his players have been taking the coaching his staff has been giving well, and that the team’s lack of seniors and relative inexperience will not be a crutch. Despite some tough nondistrict games, Windermere’s district slate appears relatively manageable.

SCHEDULE Aug. 25 — at St. Stephen’s, 7 p.m.

Sept. 1 — vs. Harvest Community, 4:30 p.m.

Sept. 8 — at CFCA, 7 p.m.* Sept. 15 — at Lake Mary Prep, 7 p.m.* Sept. 22 — at St. Cloud, 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 29 — vs. Legacy Charter, 4:30 p.m.* Oct. 12 (Thursday) — vs. Orangewood Christian, 4:30 p.m.* Oct. 20 — vs. Santa Fe Catholic, 7 p.m.

Oct. 27 — SSAC Playoffs Nov. 3 — SSAC Playoffs * Denotes district opponent

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THURSDAY, AUGUST 24, 2017

Greg Miller

CFCA’s Jeremy Campbell settling in during fall camp

Greg Miller, head coach for the football program at Windermere High, is embarking on an experience not many coaches can claim: building a new program from scratch.

What role has football played in your life?

Growing up, I spent my time between the Washington, D.C., area and Baltimore. (Football) really gave me kind of a sense of purpose and had me focus on the next steps in my life — from high school onto college and from college into the real world. Football for me has always kind of been that one thing that’s consistent in my life and provides discipline.

How did you get back into the game?

I was in the sales business for 15 years, and I just wasn’t happy. I was looking for the one thing I could do, long-term, for the rest of my life. Coaching was the one thing — working with young men, mentoring and sharing my experiences with them — it’s the one thing I always kept coming back to when I was figuring out what I wanted to do.

What motivates you to coach?

For me, personally, (it’s) working with kids, watching them develop and seeing them grow. Being a part of their

THE BASICS AGE: 38 HOMETOWN: Baltimore COLLEGE PLAYING EXPERIENCE: Linebacker, King’s College COLLEGE COACHING EXPERIENCE: King’s College, Lackawana College VARSITY COACHING EXPERIENCE: Pennsylvania — Wyoming Seminary Prep, Dallas High School; Florida — East Ridge, Freedom (most recent) PRIOR CAREER: Sales FAMILY: Married with five children (three boys, two girls) ages 1 to 18

development, especially those four years in high school — it’s one of the most crucial times.

What’s your favorite coaching memory from before arriving here at Windermere High?

My first year on the college level, I coached at Lackawana College — a top-level junior

college program. My first year there, we went undefeated and played in the Valley of the Sun Bowl in Arizona. We went out there and we weren’t expected to win … we played a very tough game, and we ended up winning that game on a lastsecond field goal.

How have the kids responded so far to you and your staff?

They’ve been taking the coaching. A lot of those kids just didn’t have a fundamental foundation of football and how to properly play the game. As a coaching staff, that’s what we’ve spent most of the summer and most of the spring on. They’re still learning, and there’s still a lot more to teach.

Big picture, how optimistic are you about the future for the Wolverines?

Our future looks really bright — we have a couple kids on our freshman team that can really run and those guys are really, really hungry.

— STEVEN RYZEWSKI

As chaotic of a time as preseason fall camp can be for a high-school football coach, this fall is undoubtedly an upgrade from the spring for Central Florida Christian Academy head coach Jeremy Campbell.

Campbell, hired this spring from Northside Christian in St. Petersburg, had to commute to and from east Ocoee each day, hindering his ability to build a rapport with his players and install his new system.

This fall, though, he has moved to the West Orange area and also is on campus during class hours.

“Being over here full-time now definitely helps,” Cambell said. “With me being on campus every day, I see the kids more than just at practice, and I have a relationship with them during the regular school day, as well.”

Campbell’s roster skews young and heavy on sophomores. Although that means the team will be battling inexperience early in the season, Campbell said having a young core is exciting and that his players seem eager to learn and get better.

“They’re asking questions, and I like that,” Campbell said.

CFCA played two opponents Aug. 17 during a jamboree at Orangewood Christian — the Eagles tied St. Edward’s 7-7

File photo

Jeremy Campbell came from Northside Christian in St. Pete.

and lost to Orangewood, 19-0.

The first-year head coach said he saw plenty of positive during the two exhibition quarters and also some room for improvement.

“We did some good things on Thursday,” Campbell said.

“We moved the ball well, and defensively, we got some key stops. But there’s room for improvement. We didn’t tackle well, and we didn’t throw and catch particularly well.”

— STEVEN RYZEWSKI

KICKOFF CLASSIC SCOREBOARD

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efore local teams take the field Aug. 24 and 25 for their regularseason openers, they got a chance for a final a tune-up during respective Kickoff Classic games Aug. 17 and 18. Here are the results:

ONLINE

n Olympia 50, Lake Nona 29 n West Orange 70, Windermere 0 n Ocoee 14, Oak Ridge 8 n Osceola 30, Dr. Phillips 27 n The First Academy 28, Cambridge Christian 24 n Lakeland Christian 37, Foundation Academy 0 n Windermere Prep 0, Trinity Prep 0 — Game called due to weather n CFCA 7, St. Edward’s 7 n Orangewood Christian 19, CFCA 0

For photo galleries from last week’s Kickoff Classic action, visit ObserverPreps.com.

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2017 Volleyball Preview T

he 2017 varsity volleyball season in West and South-

west Orange County promises to feature a mix of teams with state-title aspirations, teams with hopes for district titles and playoff appearances and even a couple rebuilding programs. One thing we know for sure, though, is that it promises to be exciting.

CFCA

COACH: Stacy Osborne 2016 RECORD/NOTES: 13-12 DISTRICT: 2A-5 PLAYERS TO WATCH: Alyssa

Muench, senior (outside hitter); Maddie Furtado, junior (outside hitter); Ahmtanie Guillaume, senior (setter); Sydney Talsma, senior (middle hitter); Patricia McCabe, senior (setter); Jacqueline Keener, junior (libero) OUTLOOK: With seven seniors on the roster this fall, head coach Stacy Osborne would like to see her program take a big step forward and contend in its district.

CAN’T-MISS GAMES: Sept. 7 vs.

Real Life Christian; Sept. 14 vs.

International Community School; Oct. 3 vs. Victory Christian FUN FACT: CFCA will play in the Disney KSA Tournament for the first time this season.

DR. PHILLIPS

COACH: Danny Eleutiza 2016 RECORD/NOTES: 19-18; won

district, lost in regional semis

DISTRICT: 9A-5 PLAYERS TO WATCH: Mallory

Porcher, junior (middle blocker); Emily Davis, junior (right side); Milexa Cardona, senior; Kelly Gauger, senior (libero); Alicia Virthe, freshman; Alexis Distasio, freshman OUTLOOK: After a strong debut for Eleutiza as head coach in 2016, the Panthers are back for more in 2017. This year, the roster skews young, as several pivotal players to last fall’s success have graduated. The team has just two seniors and has a trio of talented freshmen on the roster, making the Panthers an interesting team to keep an eye on this fall.

CAN’T-MISS GAMES: Sept. 26 vs.

West Orange; Oct. 3 at Olympia; Oct. 5 at Bishop Moore; Oct. 12 at Windermere FUN FACT: Last fall’s district championship for Dr. Phillips was its 11th overall and the program’s first since 2011.

AWESOME ALUMNI: Rachel Fletcher (c/o 2015) is a junior outside hitter for the Rollins Tars.

As a sophomore, she had 144 kills on the season — including a career-high 21 against Palm Beach Atlantic Nov. 4, 2016.

THE FIRST ACADEMY

COACH: Dan Hedger 2016 RECORD/NOTES: 25-4; won

FHSAA Class 4A State Title

Steven Ryzewski

The West Orange High volleyball team has been to the regional championship in consecutive seasons. This fall, players such as Taylor Head, left, Makala Heidelberg, Torey Baum, Kaeli Crews and Baylor Bumford hope they can take it a step — or two — further.

DISTRICT: 5A-6 PLAYERS TO WATCH: Matti

McKissock, senior (setter); Talia Harb, senior (setter); Elli McKissock, sophomore (libero); Emily Oerther, junior (outside hitter) OUTLOOK: The expectations don’t change much for the Royals after winning a state title, even with a few key departures via graduation and making the jump from Class 4A to 5A. Coach Dan Hedger said his team is experienced in both the varsity game and competitive club competition. Although the Royals’ district is a tough one, TFA’s players seem excited for the challenge.

CAN’T MISS GAMES: Aug. 29 vs.

West Orange; Sept. 5 vs. Bishop Moore; Oct. 3 at Lake Highland Prep FUN FACT: The Royals’ state championship last fall was the program’s sixth.

AWESOME ALUMNI: Brittany Smith will be a junior right side hitter for the Princeton University Tigers this fall. Brynna Delusio will be a freshman outside hitter for Colorado University this fall.

FOUNDATION ACADEMY

COACH: Vicky Veloz 2016 RECORD/NOTES: 16-3 DISTRICT: 3A-3 PLAYERS TO WATCH: Macey Wise,

senior (right side hitter); Anna Grace, junior (outside hitter); Gracie Allan, eighth-grader OUTLOOK: Veloz represents the third coach in as many years for the Lions, who will rely on a mix of veteran players in addition to some talented youngsters. To advance to the playoffs, the Lions likely will have to knock off either Orlando Christian Prep or TFALeesburg — last season’s playoff teams out of the district.

CAN’T MISS GAMES: Sept. 5 vs.

Legacy Charter; Sept. 22 vs. Deltona Trinity Christian; Oct. 3 vs.

Faith Christian AWESOME ALUMNI: Elyssa Stimmell is a sophomore middle blocker for Nova Southeastern.

LEGACY CHARTER

COACH: Steve Gegerson 2016 RECORD/NOTES: 1-19 DISTRICT: 3A-3 PLAYERS TO WATCH: Abby Worsh-

am, senior (middle hitter); Sarah Gegerson, senior (outside hitter); Story Phillips, senior (middle blocker); Abigail Dannels, junior (right side hitter); Jordan Odom, junior (right side hitter) OUTLOOK: After serving as an assistant coach the past three seasons under former coach Larry Kimpel, Steve Gegerson has assumed the head-coaching responsibilities for the Eagles.

Legacy returns just four players from last fall’s team, but three are seniors and should be major contributors. The Eagles are confident they can improve on last fall’s win total and lay the foundation for a positive rebuild.

CAN’T-MISS GAMES: Aug. 31 vs.

TFA-Leesburg; Sept. 14 vs. Real Life Christian; Sept. 21 vs. Foundation Academy; Oct. 5 vs. Mt. Dora Christian

OCOEE

COACH: Cathy Edwards-Lee 2016 RECORD/NOTES: 10-11 DISTRICT: 8A-5 PLAYERS TO WATCH: Christin

Lewis, senior (outside hitter); Emily Ratcliff, junior (opposite); Japhia Robinson, junior (middle hitter); Mallory Greenwood, senior (outside hitter) OUTLOOK: Playing in an eightteam district means the Knights will have little room for error come tournament time. EdwardsLee, the “dean” of volleyball coaches in West Orange County given her more than a decade at Ocoee, acknowledges this is a rebuilding year after the loss of six seniors from 2016. This year’s roster features several young players whom the Knights hope to see progress.

CAN’T-MISS GAMES: Sept. 12 vs.

West Port; Sept. 28 vs. Windermere; Oct. 5 vs. Wekiva

OLYMPIA

COACH: Mitchell Sadowsky 2016 RECORD/NOTES: 16-8,

district runner-up

DISTRICT: 9A-5 PLAYERS TO WATCH: Johnna

Shamley, senior (outside hitter); Alix Polk, senior (outside hitter); May Wilson, junior (opposite/ middle blocker) OUTLOOK: This could be a big year for the Titans, who veteran coach Mitchell Sadowsky said are deep on talent, experience and versatility. In his nine years with the program, Sadowsky said this is also one of the older lineups he has had.

CAN’T-MISS GAMES: Aug. 31 vs.

West Orange; Sept. 19 at The First Academy; Oct. 3 vs. Dr. Phillips FUN FACT: The first win of the regular season will be a special occasion for the program, because it will be win No. 150 for Sadowsky as the program’s head coach. Sadowsky is averaging better than 18 wins a season.

WEST ORANGE

COACH: Ross Usie 2016 RECORD/NOTES: 26-3; won

AWESOME ALUMNI: CJ O’Brien will be a junior at Cal Lutheran this fall and was part of a NCAA Division III National Championship team as a freshman.

WINDERMERE

COACH: Layla West 2016 RECORD/NOTES: N/A DISTRICT: 8A-5 PLAYERS TO WATCH: Ava Czyze-

wski, junior (middle hitter); Erin Welsh, junior (right side hitter); Isabel Acosta, freshman (setter); Cassidy Chambers, freshman (outside hitter); Amarie Simms, freshman (right side hitter) OUTLOOK: The brand-new team figures to be a force to be reckoned with from the get-go, even without any seniors. Czyzewski and Welsh represent talented hitters who were rezoned from West Orange, while a good core of talented freshmen came over from Bridgewater Middle — as did coach Layla West — where the Bobcats have been dominant.

CAN’T-MISS GAMES: Aug. 28 vs.

Olympia; Oct. 11 at West Orange; Oct. 12 vs. Dr. Phillips

district, lost in regional final

WINDERMERE PREP

delberg, senior (outside hitter); Taylor Head, sophomore (outside hitter); Baylor Bumford, senior (setter); Torey Baum, junior (libero); Kaeli Crews, junior (right side hitter) OUTLOOK: The Warriors are deep on athletic hitters and experienced players with competitive club backgrounds — not to mention, six of the team’s seven starters are committed to Division I college programs. After consecutive years of being defeated in the regional championship by teams from Seminole County, West Orange is looking to get over the hump and advance to state.

CAN’T-MISS GAMES: Aug. 29 at The First Academy; Sept. 12 vs.

Hagerty (at Bishop Moore); Sept.

20 vs. Bishop Moore

senior (setter); Natalie Work, freshman (outside hitter); Riley Nowicki, junior (outside hitter); Mia Russo, junior (libero) OUTLOOK: Diego Serpa started with a young core when he took the job in 2015 and this year may see some of that foundational work begin to pay off. The core of the team has been together for a few seasons now, and the Lakers are looking to make the leap to the next level for the program.

CAN’T-MISS GAMES: Aug. 31 vs.

Lake Highland Prep; Sept. 5 vs.

Montverde; Sept. 19 vs. Trinity Prep; Oct. 9 vs. Windermere FUN FACT: The Lakers will travel to Chicago in September for the Nord Anglia Tournament.

DISTRICT: 9A-3 PLAYERS TO WATCH: Makala Hei-

COACH: Diego Serpa 2016 RECORD/NOTES: 15-10 DISTRICT: 5A-6 PLAYERS TO WATCH: Peyton Warp,

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