West Orange quarterback Woody Barrett handles big expectations, attention

WINTER GARDEN As the West Orange Warriors were preparing to play for a second consecutive district championship Oct. 30, which they secured with a 36-14 victory against Wekiva, one of their own was recognized nationally a day ahead of kickoff.

Senior quarterback Woody Barrett received his Under Armour All-America Game jersey Oct. 29.

“It’s a blessing,” Barrett said. “There’s no better feeling then being invited to an Under Armour All-America game — it’s like a dream come true.”

It was a special occasion for Barrett, who has played the past two seasons for the Warriors and committed to play his college football for Auburn, and his team.

Coach Bob Head, who has been coaching in the area for 12 years, said this is the first time he has had a player named an Under Armour All-American.

“To be honest, he’s the elite of the elite,” Head said. “The pressure that he’s under, each and every week, it’s unbelievable. The way he plays, in big games, he deserves it.”

Perhaps the most impressive part of Barrett’s play since joining the program is how much he has improved while handling widespread attention. 

Barrett navigated his way through a high-profile recruitment and is now — with the Under Armour invite — recognized as one of the best high school football players in the country. 

“I think he handles himself really well — he’s a perfectionist and he really wants to play well every week,” Head said. 

Barrett came to Head and offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach Collin Drafts with a boatload of physical tools and worked hard to get better. Drafts cites Barrett’s improved throwing mechanics as among his greatest improvements. He also acknowledges Barrett has some things you just cannot teach.

“That’s the best part about Woody … he’s got a knack to make plays in the biggest parts of the game,” Drafts said.

For his part, Barrett said his approach to the rest of the season is staying focused on what’s at hand.

“Remaining humble,” Barrett said. “I block the media out and just focus on football and winning games.”

That means a home contest on Friday against Ocoee and a Nov. 13 date with Boone in the first round of the playoffs. Soon enough, it will include suiting up in front of a national audience.

The Under Armour All-America Game is scheduled for noon on Jan. 2 at the Orlando Citrus Bowl, broadcast live on ESPN2.

Contact Steven Ryzewski at [email protected].