FRIDAY NIGHT ROUNDUP: Everything you need to know from Week Three of high school football

With lightning delays all around Central Florida, another edition of 2024 Friday Night Football was on the edge of being ruined for the second time in three weeks. Luckily for all the high school football fans in the area, most games got on the field and yielded a result.

Here's a roundup of Week Three's action from around West Orange and Southwest Orange County. Starting off with the Orange Observer Game of the Week: The Foundation Academy Lions hosting the Bronson High Eagles.

Week Three

FRIDAY, SEPT. 6

Game of the Week: Foundation Academy (1-2) beat Bronson High (0-3), 42-0
Final in the third quarter, game called due to weather

After a lightning delay pushed kickoff back to 8:30 p.m., the Lions came out firing on all cylinders against the Eagles of Bronson High and they picked up their first win of the 2024 season. 

Foundation athlete Steven Grecco got the ball rolling for his team with the two opening scores — a touchdown catch from a Gianni Rodriquez pass and a strip sack fumble that led to a recovery in the endzone by defensive lineman Stephen Ford for the TD. 

Grecco also scored the last Lions TD of the night, a pick-six to make it 42-0.

Next up: The Lions will be on a bye for Week Four, before hosting Melbourne Central Catholic Friday, Sept. 20.

Photos, game recap: Seniors lead Lions to 42-0 win in delayed, shortened game

More on Foundation football: Young leaders stepping up in Lions' transitional year

Cross country: Meet the West, Southwest Orange's top XC runners

Dr. Phillips (2-0) beats Apopka (2-1), 6-3

Thanks to its young defense and senior John Walker Poussin, who scored the game's lone touchdown, Dr. Phillips football survived on the road against a stout Apopka Blue Darters defense that was able to slow down QB Stanley Anderson-Lofton and Co.

Next up: After being tested on the road in Week Three, the Panthers will take on Ocoee High in their home opener.

The First Academy (3-0) beats Treasure Coast (0-3), 42-7
Final after second quarter, game called due to weather

Royals quarterback Salomon Georges Jr. was on fire in The First Academy's home opener against Treasure Coast — throwing five touchdowns on the night, three of which were to his favorite target wide receiver Demetrice McCray. 

Opposite McCray, Furman commit Evan James caught Georges Jr.'s first two TD passes of the night while running back Dane Thompkins rushed for the Royals' other touchdown. 

Next up: After a quick stop at home in Week Three, The First Academy will head back on the road for the third time in four weeks to play at Melbourne Central Catholic in its first district game of the season Friday, Sept. 13.

Horizon (0-3) loses at Wekiva (1-2), 28-21

Despite scoring a season-high 21 points against the Mustangs of Wekiva High, the Horizon Hawks fell on the road and remain winless in 2024. 

Next up: In Week Four, Horizon will travel to Forest High for its district opener Friday, Sept. 13.

Lake Buena Vista (0-1) leads University (0-2), 8-0
Game suspended with 8-0 with 7:29 left in third quarter

After a 35-yard touchdown run by Lake Buena Vista's James Yauger, the Vipers took an 8-0 lead over University High and seemed to be in pole position to win their first game of the season but as it did across the middle of the state, weather halted the action on the gridiron.

According to LBV's social media outlets, the game was suspended at the 7:29 mark of the third quarter with no information yet on when it will be resumed. 

Next up: Once the Vipers vs. Cougars Week Three match gets finalized, Lake Buena Vista will be on the road Friday, Sept. 13, against Oak Ridge High. 

Legacy Charter (0-4) loses at Cornerstone Charter (2-2), 31-0

The Eagles of Legacy Charter fall to the Ducks of Cornerstone Charter and remain winless in the 2024 season.

Next up: Legacy will host Trinity Prep Friday, Sept. 13. 

Ocoee (2-1) beats Lake Nona (1-1), 30-6

After opening up its Week Three matchup with a safety — a combined effort from LB Michael McClenton and DL Diego De Pina — a lightning delay halted the action at Ocoee High. But the one-hour-and-a-half delay didn't slow down an eager Knights team from coming back on the field with ferocious energy. 

Led by sophomore quarterback Onrique Archie and his two touchdown passes, Ocoee cruised to victory in their second home game of the season. 

Next up: The Knights will head on the road to Dr. Phillips High Friday, Sept. 13 for their Week Four game. 

Olympia (1-2) loses to Boone (2-1), 27-7

The Titans fell in their home opener against a solid Boone Braves football team.

Next up: Olympia is back home in Week Four, hosting Timber Creek Friday, Sept. 13.

West Orange (2-0) beats Titusville (0-2), 24-21

After a complete win in Week Two, the Warriors of West Orange went on the road to Titusville and topped the Terriers in clutch fashion — a 75-yard drive in the waning minutes of the fourth quarter led to West Orange taking the lead with around two minutes left to play, then an interception by the Warriors' defense iced the road win for coach Geno Thompson and Co. 

Next up: West Orange will host Boone High Friday, Sept. 13 

Windermere (3-0) beats Colonial (1-2), 14-12
Final in fourth quarter, game called due to weather

Windermere High's magical start continues as it topped Colonial High on the road to head into their Week Four home-opening matchup undefeated.  

Next up: For the first time in its seven-year history, Windermere will host a home football game on its campus, as the Cougars of University High visit the Wolverines Friday, Sept. 13 for the school's inaugural home game.

Windermere Prep (0-2) loses at Orangewood Christian (1-3), 38-7

After getting on the board quickly to open up the scoring in this early Friday game — 4:30 p.m. kickoff — the Lakers struggled to slow down the Rams' offensive attack and fell in this Week Three road matchup.

Next up: Windermere Prep will be on a bye for Week Four, before heading home in Week Five and hosting Trinity Prep Thursday, Sept. 19.