Friday Night Roundup: All the area high school football action

Everything you need to know from Week 1 of West, Southwest Orange County high school football

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Here's a roundup of Week One's action from around West Orange and Southwest Orange County. Starting off with the Orange Observer Game of the Week: The Ocoee Knights travel to Apopka. 

Ocoee Knights (0-0) at Apopka Blue Darters (0-0)

After a 40-0 performance against Oak Ridge High, the Knights will look to continue that sort of momentum as they head to neighbors Apopka High in this Class 7A, District 5 matchup. 

In last season's game between the two Orange County powers, defense was the winner as the Blue Darters narrowly topped the Knights by a score of 2-0. 

Week One

THURSDAY, AUG. 22

The First Academy (1-0) 28, Lipscomb Academy (Tennessee, 0-1) 23

TFA took a 28-3 lead over the Mustangs in the third quarter, the Royals held on tight as Lipscomb made a late charge to cut the lead to five points. But just as the Mustangs started to believe they could win the game, Royals' athlete Demetrice McCray caught an interception to seal the Royals' first win of the season. 

FRIDAY, AUG. 23

All games kick off at 7 p.m.

Dr. Phillips (0-0) vs. Lake Nona (0-0)

The Panthers' high-powered offense showed what it's capable of in its preseason opener against Boone High, scoring 39 points. Expect more of the same against Lake Nona High. 

Olympia (0-0) at Horizon (0-0)

A run-heavy Horizon hosts a talented but inexperienced Olympia team in the only matchup between two area teams.

Lake Buena Vista (0-0) vs. Cypress Creek (0-0)

After a historic season for the young Vipers program, second-year coach Brant Peddy hopes to continue the momentum as an independent program in 2024. 

West Orange (0-0) at Evans (0-0)

Led by an exciting senior group, the Warriors of West Orange travel to Evans for their season opener. Look for West Orange's stifling secondary to slow down any passing attack that comes their way.

Windermere (0-0) at Harmony (0-0)

With a new on-campus stadium on the way, the Wolverines will have to wait three more weeks before their first home game. The first of their road tests will be at Harmony and after a 35-0 preseason win, expect coach Riki Smith to have his team ready to go.

SSAC

CFCA (0-0) at Trinity Prep (0-1)

In Year 2 of the Kevin Blackman era, expect the Eagles to have a better grasp of the scheme on both sides of the ball.

Foundation Academy (0-1) vs. Lakeland Christian (0-0)

In a true welcome to the league moment, Foundation fell to defending SSAC state champions to open their run in the league. Coach Andre Walker will lean on his linebackers and playmakers to help the Lions bounce back in their second matchup of the season.

Legacy Charter (0-1) vs. Jordan Christian (0-0)

The Legacy Charter Eagles will look to bounce back following a tough loss in Week 0 of the season, as they host Jordan Christian Prep.

Windermere Prep (0-0) vs. Young Kids in Motion (0-0) (6 p.m. start)

In the first official game of the James Hamilton era, the Lakers will look to play simple and fast in their first home game at the school's newly renovated multi-sport facility. 

 

author

Sam Albuquerque

A native of João Pessoa, Brazil, Sam Albuquerque moved in 1997 to Central Florida as a kid. After earning a communications degree in 2016 from the University of Central Florida, he started his career covering sports as a producer for a local radio station, ESPN 580 Orlando. He went on to earn a master’s degree in editorial journalism from Northwestern University, before moving to South Carolina to cover local sports for the USA Today Network’s Spartanburg Herald-Journal. When he’s not working, you can find him spending time with his lovely wife, Sarah, newborn son, Noah, and dog named Skulí.