Five things we learned about West Orange-area teams, Sept. 29, 2023

West Orange- and Southwest Orange-area teams had varying degrees of success Friday, Sept. 29. Here's what we learned from Week Six of the 2023 football season. 

1. LIONS DOMINATE ON THE FIELD
The Foundation Academy football team defeated Poinciana High School 54-18 Friday, Sept. 29. Quarterback Michael Dove went 12-for-20 in passing for 180 yards with four touchdowns. Running back J.T. Bronaugh carried the ball 15 times for 215 rushing yards, four rushing touchdowns, two receptions and one touchdown. On the defensive side of the ball, Bronaugh also had four tackles — two solo tackles — and one interception return for 23 yards while outside linebacker Stephen Ford had seven tackles — three solo tackles — one quarterback sack and one force fumble. Outside linebacker Cole West also contributed to the team during the game with eight tackles — four solo tackles — and one receiving touchdown on the offensive side of the ball.

2. KNIGHTS OUTSIDE LINEBACKER CONTINUES TO IMPRESS
The Ocoee High School football team fell to West Orange 26-14 Friday, Sept. 29, losing “The Shield” to the Warriors for the fourth consecutive year. However, defensively, the Knights continued to pose a strong front, having 98 total tackles during the game — 60 solo tackles and 38 assisted tackles — with 15 tackles being tackle-for-loss and eight quarterback sacks. Outside linebacker Michael McClenton led the Knights with 25 total tackles — 14 solo tackles and 11 assisted tackles — seven of which were tackle-for-loss, and five quarterback sacks. Defensive tackle Ezekiel Brinson had 10 total tackles during the game — seven solo tackles and three assisted tackles. 

3. ROYALS PASSING GAME IS STRONG
The First Academy football team fell to Orlando Christian Prep 44-24 Friday, Sept. 29. Despite the loss, the Royals’ passing game didn’t waver as quarterback Jack McKissock went 18-for-35 for 280 passing yards. Wide receiver Julian Anderson had two touchdown receptions for a total of 158 receiving yards. 

4. TITANS OFFENSE EXCELS

The Olympia High School football team defeated Windermere High School 61-7 Friday, Sept. 29. Quarterback Juan Gainous went 10-for-15 for a total of 362 passing yards. The Titans rushed the ball 15 times during the game for 160 passing yards.  (averaging 10.7 yards per carry). On the receiving game, Olympia received the ball 11 times for a total of 389 yards — with  wide receiver Xavier Tucker receiving the ball three times for 154 yards (averaging 51.3 yards per reception). On the defensive side of the ball, the Titans had 29 total tackles — 15 solo tackles and 14 assisted tackles — 11 of which were tackle-for-loss, and four quarterback sacks. 

5. EAGLES RUSHING GAME SHOWS PROMISE
The Central Florida Christian Academy football team fell to Saints Academy School 34-16 Friday Sept. 29. However, despite the loss, the Eagles accrued good numbers in their rushing game, carrying the ball 37 times for 180 yards — with running back Josiah Arrington carrying the ball 28 times for 148 yards and two touchdowns.