Pigskin preview: West, Southwest Orange’s high school football kickoff classics

West Orange and Southwest Orange County high school football fans, rejoice! The wait is finally over: The first competitive football games of the fall 2024 season are here.

Friday, Aug. 16, will see 10 of the area’s football teams — with The First Academy starting things off a day early on Thursday — lace up their cleats to kick off their football seasons. Although the seven-area FHSAA/Independent teams in action this week will just be playing a preseason game, which won’t count toward their 2024 records, the three SSAC teams hitting the field will mark the official start to their regular season. 

To celebrate high school football’s return to the gridiron, here is a storyline to watch for each area team during opening week. 

FHSAA 

Dr. Phillips High (Class 7A, District 9)

The unknown seems to be on the defensive side of the ball for coach Rodney Wells’ team. How will the DP defense — particularly the front seven — look against a solid Boone offense? 

The First Academy (Class 1A, District 6)

With so much change, there’s a lot to be on the lookout for when the Royals hit the field, but the most important is how coach Jeff Conaway and his new-look staff put it all together and make this collection of players mesh into a team. 

Focus on the mental aspect of the game, such as unforced penalties — false starts, too many players on the field, delay of game, etc. — body language from players and coaches, and mental mistakes on the field. If the Royals avoid these shortfalls, then it’s a pretty good indicator that it might be a special season in Warden Stadium. 

Horizon High (Class 6A, District 6)

This game against West Orange High can provide a gauge of where the young Hawks program is. Led by Jamarie Pierre, expect Horizon to be able to run the football effectively, but be on the lookout for how coach Dennis Thomas’ dark-side defense looks when trying to slow the Warriors’ attack down. 

Ocoee High (Class 7A, District 5)

Versatility and athleticism will define the 2024 Ocoee Knights. The thing to focus on will be how their host of playmakers is deployed. 

Olympia High (Class 7A, District 9)

With just one starter returning — offensive lineman Parker Moss — there’s too much new with the Titans to put your finger on just one thing. Our advice: Focus on the perimeter of the field; there will be plenty of playmakers that can catch your attention. 

West Orange High (Class 7A, District 5)

This one is simple, who’s the starter at quarterback for the Warriors?

Independent

Lake Buena Vista High

After the first winning season in the young program’s history, Year 2 of coach Brant Peddy’s tenure will be one — because of roster and coaching staff shifts — where LBV will be in search of a new identity on both sides of the ball.

Windermere High

2024 will be a balance of opposites for the Wolverines. On one end there’s a lot of new — new stadium, new players and a new schedule. But for the first time in its history, Windermere will have consistency at coach. 

The key aspect to look for in the opener at Gateway High is simply whether Windermere can hit the ground running for what is the most exciting season in program history. 

SSAC

Central Florida Christian Academy

A winless 2023 season was one to forget for the Eagles, but a bright spot was the play of then-freshman and two-way player Josiah Arrington. Although CFCA is not playing this week, when it lines up at Trinity Prep Aug. 23, keep an eye on him at running back on offense and linebacker on defense.

Foundation Academy

Foundation’s first matchup in the SSAC is against the league’s reigning state champion, The Master’s Academy. This will be a true litmus test of where the new-look Lions stack up in the league. 

Legacy Charter

2024 will see a new-look offense for the Eagles, with senior Jake Threadgill most likely under center. Monitor Legacy’s shift from a pro-spread system to a quick-throw and option-run-based attack.

Windermere Prep

The Lakers will be a young team in 2024 with a first-time head coach in James Hamilton. With that comes the opportunity to earn bigger roles by taking advantage of the moment. 

Be on the lookout for those players stepping up in the Lakers’ opener against Glades Day — they’ll most likely be the ones leading the way for the rest of the season.