Photos: Dr. Phillips at Winter Park spring football -- Observer Preps

WINTER PARK Two football programs fresh off of deep playoff runs met on the gridiron at Showalter Field May 17 for a spring football game. 

The Dr. Phillips Panthers — state runners-up in Class 8A in 2016 — defeated the Winter Park Wildcats — regional finalists in Class 8A in 2016 — 35-21.

After sprinting out to a 21-0 lead, Dr. Phillips led 28-14 through the end of three quarters, when junior varsity players came on to complete the game.

For the Panthers, the spring game was the first look at a few new faces — including East Ridge transfer quarterback BeSean McCray — and also a look at some old faces in new roles; standout defensive back Tanner Ingle even saw some action on offense.

Despite being behind on the scoreboard at the day’s end, Winter Park head coach Tim Shifflet said he was encouraged by what he saw and that the biggest area for his team to improve would be on the offensive and defensive lines, where the turnover from last season was the highest.

“If we can get a little better up front, we’ll be okay,” Shifflet said. “It’s a building process — spring is about just getting better.”

Dr. Phillips will begin its 2017 season Aug. 18 with a preseason game against Osceola.

Winter Park will return to the turf of Showalter Field to begin the 2017 fall season with its Kickoff Classic Aug. 18 against Edgewater.

Contact Steven Ryzewski at [email protected].