FHSAA's new football districts a major shift for West, Southwest Orange County programs

The Florida High School Athletic Association has announced its new football classifications, regions and districts for the 2024 and 2025 seasons — going away from its Metro and Suburban classification plan that passed just two seasons ago.

This re-classification creates a major shift for West Orange and Southwest Orange County programs, with the biggest shift coming to last season's Class 4M, District 5.

The district that combined Dr. Phillips, Ocoee, Olympia, West Orange and Windermere in one district, is no longer.

Ocoee and West Orange will stay together in Class 7A, Region 2, District 5, while Dr. Phillips and Olympia will be in Class 7A, Region 3, District 9.

However, Windermere High's fate is quite different. 

The Wolverines, along with Lake Buena Vista High and six other Orange County Public Schools, are now independent football programs and are not in a FHSAA district. 

OCPS decided to pull these eight programs from district play for the next two seasons, so instead of being obligated to play district games, they can now build their own schedules. 

It also means they cannot participate in the FHSAA playoffs.

The other six Orange County programs are Colonial High, Cypress Creek High, East River High, Oak Ridge High, University High and Innovation High. 

This re-classification is for football. The classifications for other FHSAA sports are yet to be announced. 

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FHSAA's football classifications for 2024 & 2025

Note: West Orange and Southwest Orange County schools are bolded.

Class 7A, Region 2, District 5 

• Apopka 
• Ocoee 
• West Orange
• West Port
  
  

Class 7A, Region 3, District 9

• Celebration
• Dr. Phillips
• East Ridge
• Olympia

Class 6A, Region 2, District 6

• Davenport
• Forest
• Horizon
  
• Lake Minneola
• South Lake

Class 1A, Region 2, District 6

• The First Academy
• Foundation Academy
• Holy Trinity
• Melbourne Central Catholic
• Orlando Christian Prep 

West Orange & Southwest Orange County Independents

• Central Florida Christian Academy (Sunshine State Athletic Association)
• Lake Buena Vista
• Windermere High 
• Windermere Prep (SSAA)

Sam Albuquerque is the Sports Editor for the Orange Observer. Please contact him with story ideas, results and statistics.

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