- October 9, 2024
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Here's a roundup of Week Six's action from around West Orange and Southwest Orange County. Starting off with the Orange Observer Game of the Week: The Windermere Wolverines remain undefeated after a 42-7 homecoming win over Lake Buena Vista High.
Game of the Week: Windermere (6-0) beats Lake Buena Vista (1-3), 42-7
With a short run at the tail end of the first quarter, Wolverines sophomore athlete Jaylen Davis made history by becoming the first player to score a touchdown in Windermere High's new on-campus stadium. That historic score by Davis led to a snowball effect in the second quarter that saw the Wolverines score three more TDs before the half and take a 28-0 lead into the break.
Reilly threw three touchdowns on the night and the Wolverines' running backs balanced the offense, adding three rushing TDs themselves. Windermere extended its lead to 42-0 at one point in the fourth quarter, which was also thanks to the stout Wolverines defense that held Lake Buena Vista scoreless until the end of the game. Windermere senior defensive lineman Daniel Bradley led the Wolverines defense by adding sacks No. 7 and 8 to his season total in the homecoming win.
Find the full game recap and photos here: Windermere football wins big in stadium-opener
UP NEXT: Windermere is off in Week Seven, before returning for a second of three consecutive home games against Oak Ridge High Thursday, Oct. 10. Lake Buena Vista will make up its Week One game in a mid-week game, hosting Cypress Creek High Tuesday, Oct. 1.
Dr. Phillips (5-0), 42
Olympia (2-4), 0
HIGHLIGHTS: In this classic district rivalry game between two schools located less than four miles away from each other, the Panthers of Dr. Phillips High took the short trip to Olympia High and rolled the Titans for the second time in a row — knocking them out in the first round of the playoffs last season. This win for the Panthers puts them squarely in the driver's seat for the district title, with both East Ridge High and Celebration High not posing much of a threat this season.
UP NEXT: Dr. Phillips will host Lake Nona in a makeup game of the two's Week One matchup, which was postponed due to inclement weather, Tuesday, Oct. 1. Olympia is off in Week Seven before traveling to Celebration for its second Class 7A, District 9 game of the season Oct. 10.
Foundation Academy (2-3), 24
Holy Trinity Epsicopal (2-3), 14
HIGHLIGHTS: The young Foundation Lions bounced back from a tough loss in Week Five to beat Holy Trinity and move to 2-3 on the season.
"We had a great game plan in place for tonight’s game that was executed very well by our boys offensively and defensively," Lions coach Andre Walker said. "What I learned from our team tonight is that we are progressing in the right direction. We’ve proved that we can bounce back from brutal losses and that we can actually win close games"
Foundation's offense was led by junior QB Braydon Marks, who threw for over 200 yards and three passing touchdowns; with his favorite target on the night being senior receiver Steven Grecco. The Lions' leading receiver, Grecco, finished with 100 yards receiving and caught one of Marks' TD passes.
On defense, linebacker Reece French led Foundation with more than 10 tackles on the night, while fellow LB Aiden Cubero led the Lions in sacks. Junior defensive back Daniel Stills was also a major factor in the win, as he spent the game taking away the Tigers' top receiving threat from the corner back position.
"I’mso proud of these players for their effort tonight," Walker said. "There also are countless unsung heroes from tonight's game, such as Stephen Ford, Tyler Bolivar, Cole Huntley, and Will Prunty, who should be praised too, but I know that I can only talk about a few!"
UP NEXT: Foundation travels to Eustis High for the second of a three-game road stint Friday, Oct. 4.
The First Academy (6-0), 39
Orlando Christian Prep (2-4), 13
HIGHLIGHTS: After a 39-13 home win over Class 1A, District 6 rivals Orlando Christian Prep, The First Academy Royals not only clinched the school's 10th-ever district championship — their first since 2016 — they've also locked down their spot in the FHSAA Class 1A playoffs, as the district champion.
"We're feeling great," said Royals coach Jeff Conaway. "Anytime you can win a district game, it's huge for morale. ... It's something that was on our list of goals, and as a team, we're able to check that one off."
The TFA offense was a balanced attack in this one. Through the air, Royals senior QB Salomon Georges Jr. found his two top targets — Orange Observer preseason offensive player of the year Demetrice McCray and Furman commit Evan James — for three touchdown passes. Two of his TDs were to McCray, a 75-yard bomb and a screen pass McCray took 38 yards to the house, while the other was a 42-yard heave that James caught over two OCP defenders. On the ground, senior running back Dane Thompkins showed just how tough he is to bring down on multiple occasions, rushing for three touchdowns in the win.
Find the full game recap and photos here: The First Academy wins first district championship since 2016
UP NEXT: The Royals of TFA will host Georgia powerhouse Rabun Gap-Nacoochee High for its Week Seven matchup Oct. 4.
Horizon (0-6), 15
Winter Springs (4-1), 21
HIGHLIGHTS: Horizon loses another heartbreaker at Winter Springs High in the last of a four consecutive-game road stint. Including this loss, the Hawks have fallen in three of the last four in games decided by one score or less.
UP NEXT: Horizon is off Week Seven before the Hawks return home for their first Class 6A, District 6 clash of the season, as the South Lake High Eagles make the trip to Southwest Orange County Oct. 10.
West Orange (5-0), 25
Apopka (3-3), 7
HIGHLIGHTS: With the Class 7A, District 5 title on the line — meaning Apopka High could clinch the district crown with a win — the West Orange Warriors defended Raymond Screws Field and topped their toughest test of the season so far.
“I'm proud of this team, proud of the way they played," coach Geno Thompson said. "they continue sacrificing for each other day in and day out. This is a special group! I am blessed to be surrounded by quality men and women on the coaching staff who care for the well-being of our kids."
The big matchup coming into this game was how the Warriors' offense would fare against a Blue Darter defense that has held four of its five opponents to six points or less, including three shutouts. However, West Orange's versatile passing game didn't seem to get the memo, as the Warriors threw for three touchdowns on the night: Two from freshman QB AJ Chung and one from starting QB Brian Dillard, finding receiver Ryne Brown for two of those scores and Dillard slotted over to receiver to catch the other TD pass from Chung. Kicker Ryder Bondurant hit a 37-yard field goal and Edison Delgado found Nolan Turner for a two-point conversion to round out West Orange's 25 points.
Dillard also made his impact felt on defense, catching an interception, which was matched by athlete Devonte Anderson. Senior Jaden McFarlane also snatched up a fumble to give the Warriors' offense another possession.
UP NEXT: The Warriors will make up its postponed Week One matchup at Evans High during what would have been its bye week at 6 p.m. Oct. 1.
Windermere Prep (1-3), 0
Faith Christian (3-3), 55
HIGHLIGHTS: Following its first win of the 2024 season, the Lakers fell to Faith Christian at home.
UP NEXT: Windermere Prep will travel to Leesburg for Week Seven to face the First Academy Eagles Oct. 4.