Preview: Football returns with preseason action

By Steven Ryzewski
| 5:32 p.m. August 19, 2015

Sports

GAME OF THE WEEK

West Orange at Osceola

7:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 21

THE BUZZ: It will be no “warm-up” game when the Warriors travel down the Turnpike to Kissimmee to face the runner-up in Class 7A from 2014.

SCOUTING REPORT: On offense, who will separate themselves as West Orange’s best option at running back? Head has said the team has taken a by-committee approach so far through fall camp, but this preseason game is an opportunity for one of those players to assert himself as the starter. On defense, keep an eye on whether the Warriors get penetration up front and can slow an Osceola running game that accumulated nearly 5,000 yards a season ago.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Game will be broadcast live on Bright House Sports Network.

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IN OTHER ACTION

All games on Friday, Aug. 21, unless otherwise noted

Dr. Phillips vs. Jones

7:30 p.m.

THE BUZZ: The Panthers will host the Tigers, a team that showed significant improvement in 2014 in coach Kevin Lewis’ second year at the helm.

SCOUTING REPORT: On offense, how comfortable will quarterback Marvin Washington look in leading Dr. Phillips and getting the ball to the team’s many skill players?

Ocoee at Bishop Moore

7:30 p.m.

THE BUZZ: Despite the difference in classifications — Bishop Moore competes in Class 5A — the Hornets are regarded as one of the best teams in Central Florida and will be a good test to see where coach Ben Bullock’s Knights are after fall camp.

SCOUTING REPORT: If the Knights are able to move the ball on offense, will they falter in the red zone as they did often against University in the spring game? On defense, Ocoee’s defensive line will have its hands full with one of the region’s biggest — and most athletic — offensive lines.

Olympia at Lyman

7 p.m.

THE BUZZ: Two teams that had disappointing seasons in 2014 look to get 2015 off on the right foot.

SCOUTING REPORT: Can Olympia’s offense stay on the field and put together drives? During the Titans’ spring game, the defense looked formidable at times but suffered from fatigue as the offense consistently went three and out.

Windermere Prep at Lake Highland Prep

6 p.m.

THE BUZZ: The Lakers will take the field in the heart of downtown Orlando and look to cement roles after losing a large portion of last year’s championship roster to graduation.

SCOUTING REPORT: In 2014, quarterback Parker Davis enjoyed an embarrassment of riches in terms of skill players, and his main job was to get them the ball and let them work. Will Davis be more likely to run the ball himself as an added threat? Who will emerge as the Lakers’ top receiving and rushing threats?

Foundation Academy vs. Landmark Christian

7 p.m.

THE BUZZ: Lions host the Patriots at Walker Field ahead of Week One matchup versus West Orange.

SCOUTING REPORT: The Lions have skill players on offense, but how efficient will the team look in getting those different players the ball? Additionally, how much of the workload will be assigned to standout running back Gabriel Walker?

Legacy Charter at Trinity Christian (Deltona)

7 p.m, Thursday

THE BUZZ: The Eagles will get a nice test on the road in Deltona ahead of their Sunshine State Athletic Conference opener against CFCA.

SCOUTING REPORT: Who takes the snaps at quarterback? Hilton Lamprecht was to be the successor to last year’s signal-caller, Colton Liddell, but with the addition of CFCA transfer Gehrig Chambless, that situation could be more fluid than expected. Also, how does Legacy fare on defense after graduating some key leaders.