Five things we learned about West Orange-area teams, Sept. 22, 2023

West Orange- and Southwest Orange-area teams had varying degrees of success Friday, Sept. 22. Here's what we learned from Week Five of the 2023 football season. 

1. KNIGHTS DEFENSE KEEPS SURPRISING
The Ocoee High School football team defeated Freedom High School 54-18 Friday, Sept. 22. The Knights defense continues to show prowess game after game, this time by having a total of 73 tackles against the Patriots — 46 solo tackles and 27 assisted tackles with seven of those being tackle-for-loss. Sophomore Michael McClenton had 17 total tackles — 12 solo tackles and five assisted tackles with three of those being tackle-for-loss — and one quarterback sack. 

2. ROYALS OFFENSIVE GAME IMPRESSES
The First Academy football team got a blow out win of 56-0 against Bronson Friday, Sept. 22. Quarterback Jack McKissock went 8-for-16 for a total of  103 passing yards. Senior Brooks Tulp carried the ball twice for 90 yards and two touchdowns while freshman Obatimilehin Awosika also carried the ball twice for 58 yards. In total, the Royals carried the ball 10 times for 208 yards during the game. 

3. LIONS RUSHING GAME STAYS STRONG
Despite a 63-45 loss against Eustis High School Friday, Sept. 22, the foundation Academy football team continues to show prowess offensively and defensively every game. Running back J.T. Bronaugh carried the ball 13 times for a total of 252 rushing yards and three touchdowns. On the defensive side of the ball, defensive tackle Drew Flournoy led the Lions with two pancake block and nine total tackles — five solo tackles and four assisted tackles, with three of those being tackle-for-loss. Defensive back Zephy Rogers completed two interceptions, had six total tackles — two solo tackles and four assisted tackles — and one pass deflection. 

4. WOLVERINES DEFENSE SHOWS PROMISE
Despite a 12-7 loss against Lake Buena Vista Friday, Sept. 22, the Windermere High School football team continues to work on their game skills week after week. Quarterback Bryce Speed went 8-for-19 for a total of 122 passing yards. Running back Isaiah Nell carried the ball 11 times for 183 rushing yards. On the defensive side of the ball, the Wolverines had a total of 66 tackles, with outside linebacker Rowan Wassilyn having 10 tackles — four of which were tackle-for-loss — and one quarterback sack. 

5. HORIZON POSES STRONG FRONT
Despite a 7-0 loss against New Smyrna Beach Friday, Sept. 22, the Horizon High School football team had a total of 57 total tackles — 27 solo tackles and 30 assisted tackles with nine of those being tackle-for-loss. Linebacker Bo Kenney had 15 total tackles — seven solo tackles and eight assisted tackles with one of those being tackle-for-loss.