Wekiva's defense paves way to 21-7 win over Ocoee -- Observer Preps

by Nate Marrero | Student journalist

OCOEE With a game looming next week at West Orange that will have a playoff berth at stake, it was imperative for the Wekiva Mustangs to gain momentum in a non-district contest against its neighbor to the south, the Ocoee Knights. 

Wekiva (5-3) would do just that as it controlled the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball throughout the evening en route to a 21-7 win over the Knights (5-3).

“We came out and challenged them (Ocoee),” said Wekiva head coach Rich Bedesem. “Our guys came out and executed.”

Wekiva running back Jaylon Fair led the offense, rattling off multiple big runs — including a one-yard touchdown with 7:36 left in the first half.

Later, quarterback Trey McGee connected on a 50-yard pass to Wesly Touze to extend Wekiva’s lead to 21-0 in the third quarter.

On the other side of the ball, the Mustangs defense was a constant presence in the Knights' backfield as they slowed Ocoee's rushing attack and forced two pivotal turnovers in the fourth quarter.

“We had multiple three-and-outs,” said Bedesem. “So, defensively, I’m real happy with where we’re at.”

Ocoee would show signs of life in the fourth quarter, as the Knights defense forced a fumble and Marlo Tillman ran all the way inside the Mustangs' five yard-line. Corvondre Curate would score two plays later on a four-yard quarterback keeper to cut Wekiva’s lead to 21-7 with 9:31 left in the game.

That would be the last scoring drive of the game, though, as two interceptions in the game’s waning moments squandered any chances the Knights would have to come back.

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For Wekiva: The Mustangs will look to build off of their big win as they go on the road to take on the West Orange Warriors Oct. 27. The winner clinches the runner-up spot in Class 8A, District 4 and a playoff berth.

“Obviously the opponent changes, they throw the ball a little bit more and we’ll have to stop their passing game, ” said Bedesem. “We’re just gonna have to recover on Monday, let Ocoee go and get on to West Orange.”

For Ocoee: Having already clinched a district title, the Knights will round out their district schedule next week as they host the Lake Minneola Hawks (1-7).