- April 25, 2024
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The 2014 high school football season is in the books for the eight teams covered by the West Orange Times & Observer.
Here is a brief look back at how the 2014 season went for each program, including highlights, lowlights and our "Final word."
Record: 8-3
Highlight: A 40-37 win over Mount Dora Bible was perhaps the most memorable win in a very memorable season for the Eagles.
Lowlight: Both losses to Orlando Christian Prep, but specifically the second loss in the playoffs, because CFCA had opportunities early to take that game in a different direction.
Final word: The 2014 season was a flat-out success for the Eagles. Winning eight games and placing fourth in a 24-team league should do wonders for the program moving forward.
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Record: 12-1
Highlight: A 24-10 win over Plant (Tampa) in the regional semifinals avenged a season-ending loss from 2013.
Lowlight: With only one loss, there’s only one choice. A thrilling regional championship against Manatee just didn’t go the Panthers’ way down the stretch.
Final word: Another undefeated regular season in the books is always a success, but Dr. Phillips expected to compete for a state title so, by the program’s own high standards, the finish was a disappointment, in a way.
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Record: 5-6
Highlight: A win over Agape Christian on Halloween to seal a spot in the FHSAA Class 2A State Playoffs.
Lowlight: Three consecutive losses to open the season did not get things off on the right foot for the Lions.
Final word: Making the playoffs is a significant achievement, but Foundation will look back upon some of the talent it had on its roster this fall and wonder whether more was possible after a first-round playoff exit.
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Record: 5-5
Highlight: The Eagles set the tone nicely early in the season by opening up with a 61-49 win over a well-regarded Faith Christian team.
Lowlight: Three losses to end the season spoiled what had been a nice 5-2 record to that point.
Final word: Despite the late losses, 2014 was a big step for the program in only its third year. A crucial group of seniors will be missed.
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Record: 2-8
Highlight: A 20-3 win over Lake Howell in Week Four re-energized the Knights after a rough start to the season.
Lowlight: A 20-14 loss to East River in what was a winnable game killed some of the momentum the Knights had acquired after beating Lake Howell.
Final word: There were certainly some bright spots for Ocoee, the two wins and a well-played game against Oak Ridge stand out, but the Knights will wonder whether a play here or there could have changed the tone for their season.
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Olympia
Record: 1-8
Highlight: The Titans won just once, so the 27-14 victory over Evans is the choice here.
Lowlight: A blowout loss to Jones, a Class 4A opponent, in the final game of the season was not a good look for the program.
Final word: The season was tough for the program, and, as such, the administration decided to go in a different direction at the head coach position. That search is ongoing.
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Record: 11-1
Highlight: Tough call between the program’s first playoff win and first win over Apopka in more than a decade, but the win over the Blue Darters on Oct. 3 was a big step for the program.
Lowlight: Conversely, the 42-0 loss to Apopka to end the season was about as big a blemish as can be on an otherwise amazing season.
Final word: The beatdown in the playoffs will leave a bad taste in everyone’s mouth, but 2014 was a breakout year for the program.
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Record: 10-0
Highlight: Winning the SSAC Championship by whooping Orlando Christian Prep.
Lowlight: There really wasn’t one.
Final word: Lakers took a huge step forward as a young program (just five years old) by absolutely dominating the independent conference en route to the school’s first title.
