Five things we learned about West Orange-area teams, Sept. 8, 2023

West Orange- and Southwest Orange-area teams had varying degrees of success Friday, Sept. 8. Here's what we learned from Week Three of the 2023 football season.

1. LIONS POSE FIGHT
Despite losing to Tohopekaliga 49-21 Friday, Sept. 8, the Foundation Academy football team took learning experiences from the game that it look forward to utilizing in future gridiron action during the upcoming games of the season. Wide receiver Sam McFarland showcased versatility during the game, playing as wide receiver and as a return specialist. He finished the game with three receptions for 48 yards and one touchdown, and one kickoff return for 65 yards and one touchdown. Defensive back Zephy Rogers completed nine total tackles — seven solo tackles — and one forced fumble. Punter Will Prunity landed all his punts inside the 20-yard line, having three punts for a total of 125 yards. His longest punt during the game recorded a total of 50 yards. 

2. WOLVERINES MAKE HISTORY
The Windermere High School football team scored the most points in a game ever recorded in Wolverines’ history, defeating Cypress Creek 65-14 Friday, Sept. 8. Quarterback Bryce Speed went 6-for-7 in passing for a total of 206 yards and carried the ball five times for a total of 42 yards. Athlete Isaiah Nell carried the ball eight times for a total of 102 yards (8.4 yards per play) during the game. On the defensive side of the ball, the Wolverines completed 53 tackles — with strong safety Joao Araujo completing 10 and linebacker Rowan Wassilyn completing nine. Kicker Lucas Glassburn totaled 552 yards on nine kickoffs during the game with an average of 61.3 per kickoff. 

3. ROYALS PASSING GAME IS EFFECTIVE
The First Academy football team defeated Belleview 43-6 Friday, Sept. 8. The Royals passing game was efficient during the game, as quarterbacks Brooks Tulp went 9-of-10 for 72 yards and Jack McKissock went 9-of-21 for 161, for a total of 233 passing yards. Running back Ryon Smith carried the ball nine times for 113 yards during the game for a total of four rushing touchdowns and one receiving touch down. On the receiving end, the Royals got possession of the ball through passing a total of 18 times for 233 yards. Kicker Santiago Suarez went 5-of-5 on field goals. 

4. KNIGHTS DEFENSE HOLDS GROUND
The Ocoee High School football team defeated Evans High School 17-8 Friday, Sept. 8. On the offensive side of the ball, the Knights carried the ball 27 times for 171 yards. Defensively, the Knights completed 91 total tackles — 70 solo tackles and 21 assisted tackles. Michael McClenton completed 24 total tackles during the game, 20 solo tackles and four assisted tackles, and three quarterback sacks. 

5. WARRIORS PASSING GAME SHOWS PROMISE
Despite losing to Edgewater 27-13 Friday, Sept. 8, the West Orange High School football team passing game is one to keep an eye on. The Warriors went 16-for-41 in passing for 217 yards. On the defensive side of the ball, West Orange had a total of 18 tackles, nine solo tackles and nine assisted tackles.