Fast start keys West Orange in win over Foundation

By Jean Racine | Contributing writer

WINTER GARDEN The West Orange Warriors were dominant in a 36-3 victory over Foundation Academy to open the season Aug. 26.

West Orange (1-0) senior quarterback Austin Burton threw for 178 yards and three touchdowns and helped the Warriors’ offense click early in the contest. On the second play of the game, Burton connected on a 73-yard touchdown pass to senior receiver Kyveon Jones. 

Jones had two receptions for 103 yards and two touchdowns.

Afterward, West Orange coach Bob Head spoke about the Warriors’ approach to the second playing of the “Battle of Winter Garden” between the nearby rivals.

“We weren’t worried about Foundation — we were worried about West Orange,” Head said. “(We were focused on) just coming out and doing what we do; offensively, defensively and special teams coming out and just playing the best that we can play.”

Though the final score would not reflect it, Foundation’s wishbone offense gave the Warriors’ defense fits early on. As the game went on, though, the Warriors were able contain a Lions (0-1) rushing attack that accumulated a total of 101 yards.

“It’s always tough to prepare for [the wishbone offense], it’s not ever easy,” Head said. “They did a good job, they moved the ball, but I felt like we missed some tackles at times, and had some penalties.”

For Foundation, mistakes and missed opportunities in the red zone stifled any opportunity at making the contest closer.

“You can’t make mistakes when you’re playing against a powerhouse like (West Orange),” head coach Brad Lord said. “We feel confident enough to play bigger and better opponents than us.”

UP NEXT

For West Orange: The Warriors (1-0) will host Winter Park (0-1). The Wildcats, who the Warriors defeated in 2015, were defeated in a close game against Lake Nona, 27-26. The game was originally to be played in Winter Park, but the installation of a turf playing surface at Showalter Field has not been completed yet.

For Foundation: The Lions (0-1) will get another big early-season test when they host The First Academy (1-0) at Walker Field in Winter Garden. The Royals handedly defeated West Oaks, 37-0, in their opener.