Observer Preps 2017 Football Preview: Windermere Prep Lakers

Coach: Jacob Doss (eighth year)

2016 record/notes: 10-1, advanced to SSAC Semifinals

SSAC Division (2016 champ): 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.

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