Sports Spotlight - West Orange Times & Observer: B.J. Bohler

B.J. Bohler, a senior defensive back for the Ocoee Knights football team (7-4), played just one season for the Knights — and he made it memorable. In his final two games — Nov. 4 against West Orange and Nov. 11 against Bartram Trail — Bohler had a blocked field goal, a pick-six interception, a kickoff return for a touchdown and a rushing touchdown on offense.

Of your four big plays from the final two games, which is the most memorable?

Definitely the pick-six (interception returned for a touchdown). Playing defensive back, you don’t get those opportunities as much. So, when I got the ball, I had to score.

You weren’t at Ocoee for some of its down seasons. Even still, how much did it mean to you to be a part of this historic season for the program?

It really meant a lot to me. Dorian (Jones), that’s like my brother right there. Just to come in and help him and Coach (Ben) Bullock and help the program turn it around … I’m thankful that they could help me and I could help them, as well.

You guys had several big wins for the program this fall, with wins against Hagerty, Lake Howell and West Orange standing out in particular. Of those, which do you think you will be most proud of 20 years from now?

I think it would be West Orange — that’s our big time rival and they had had “the Shield” for the past six or seven years. So I’m thankful I could help the team get “the Shield” back and do what I can.

Now that your senior season has ended and you have a scholarship offer awaiting you at Mercer University, what are the next steps for you?

I’ll be spending my time in study hall and getting my community service hours, stuff like that. … I’m just focusing on academics, moreso, and toward the spring I’ll get back to working out with Lo Woods’ speed training program.

The team utilized you and other defenders on offense, too. What was that like?

It made me feel like I was back in little league (football) — I used to play every position back in little league. It just brings back memories. I like to have the ball in my hands and show what I can do.

What kind of career are you hoping to pursue?

I’m not too sure, but I kind of want to follow in my dad’s footsteps. He’s a construction engineer. I’ve always been good in math and science. But also, my mom wants me to be a pharmacist, so I’ll be looking into that as well.

Which are you looking forward to more — Thanksgiving or Christmas?

Thanksgiving — who doesn’t like to eat?

Which dish are you looking forward to the most?

My grandma’s collard greens.