- November 22, 2024
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Here's a roundup of Week Two's action from around West Orange and Southwest Orange County. Starting off with the Orange Observer Game of the Week: The Ocoee Knights hosting the Olympia Titans.
FRIDAY, AUG. 30
Game of the Week: Ocoee (1-1) beat Olympia (1-1), 53-10.
Led by its rushing attack's four touchdowns — two from running back Jamarian Robinson, a transfer from Wekiva High — and three passing TDs from sophomore quarterback Onrique Archie, the Knights bounced back big in their home opener over fellow area team Olympia High.
Next up: Ocoee will host Lake Nona High, while Olympia will host Boone High in its 2024 home opener. Both games kick off at 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 6.
PHOTOS & FULL GAME RECAP: Ocoee football tops Olympia in home opener, 53-10
CFCA (0-1) lost to The Out-of-Door Academy (3-0), 53-7.
Following its Week 1 postponement, the Eagles of Central Florida Christian Academy hosted undefeated Out-of-Door Academy. The Sarasota-based ODA hit the gas early and didn't let up against the home team scoring 46 unanswered points before a Mason Mathis run set up CFCA's lone TD of the game, a two-yard run.
Next up: CFCA travels to Berean Christian Friday, Sept. 6. Kickoff is set for 4 p.m.
Dr. Phillips (1-0) beat University (0-2), 54-0.
Only a weather delay could have stopped the Dr. Phillips Panthers football team on Friday night and unfortunately for the University High Cougars, that didn't happen. Senior QB Stanley Anderson-Lofton, a Middle Tennessee commit, led DP with two touchdowns in the win.
Next up: The Panthers travel to Apopka to face the Blue Darters, Friday, Sept. 6.
The First Academy (2-0) beat Edgewater (0-1), 28-24.
With 1:09 left in the fourth quarter, The First Academy QB Salomon Georgers Jr. hit WR Demetrice McCray for the game-winning touchdown pass to put the Royals up on the Edgewater Eagles, 28-24.
"I think the thing that was glaring was the resolve, the ability to keep fighting through adversity," TFA coach Jeff Conaway said. "I felt like our guys had a chance, multiple times to fold it in and concede and walk away with the loss, but they kept fighting, and our defense manufactured some big stops late. Our offense found ways to create touchdowns and extend drives. And very proud, proud of our players and our staff for the way they handled themselves."
The win for TFA snaps the Eagles' 28-game regular season winning streak.
Next up: The First Academy will host its first home game of the season, as the Royals welcome the 0-2 Treasure Coast Titans Friday, Sept. 6.
FULL GAME RECAP: The First Academy football snaps Edgewater's 28-game win streak
Foundation Academy (0-2) lost to Lake Highland Prep (1-1), 23-21.
Despite a three-touchdown performance by Sam Wood, the Lions of Foundation Academy fell in its first full home game of the season to Lake Highland Prep in heart-breaking fashion.
As time expired the Highlanders threw a five-yard touchdown to win the game and keep Foundation winless on the young season.
"Frustrated with the officiating but I won’t negate that we showed our youth and inexperience in the game." Foundation coach Andre Walker said. "There were bright spots on offense showing we could execute well in a crucial moment to take the lead. Defensively we had good moments but we were penalized too much so it took away from all the good the players were able to establish in the game. We will learn from this and be better next week versus Bronson!"
Next up: Foundation stay at home in Week 3, as it hosts Bronson on Friday, Sept. 6.
Horizon (0-2) lost to Lake Nona (1-0), 28-3.
The Horizon Hawks fall for the second week in a row, despite taking the early lead and holding Lake Nona High scoreless in the first half.
Horizon took a 3-0 lead into the half off of a Kyle O'Rourke 30-yard field goal in the second quarter, but halfway through the third quarter things started to go the Lions' way with a rushing touchdown and an interception that led to a second touchdown in the quarter. Two more touchdowns for Lake Nona in the fourth sealed the win for the road team.
Next up: Horizon will travel to Wekiva High (0-1) for its Week 3 matchup Friday, Sept. 6.
Lake Buena Vista (0-1) lost at Colonial (1-1), 24-7.
With a 7-0 lead going into the half, Lake Buena Vista High looked in prime position to get the win in their opening game of 2024. But the third quarter flipped the other way, as Colonial High scored three touchdowns in the quarter making it an 18-7 game. In the fourth, the momentum stayed with the Grenadiers as they sealed the win with a pick-six.
Next up: Lake Buena Vista will host University High in its home opener Friday, Sept. 6.
Legacy Charter (0-3) lost at Faith Christian (1-2), 42-0.
Another tough loss for the Eagles to open the 2024 season, this time it was on the road at Faith Christian. The Lions were able to establish their dominance over Legacy and hand the Eagles their third loss of the young season.
Next up: Legacy Charter will be on the road again in Week 3, traveling to Cornerstone Charter Academy Friday, Sept. 6.
West Orange (1-0) beat Wekiva (0-1), 32-14.
Led by sophomore quarterback Brian Dillard on offense and defensive backs Ivan Taylor and Devonte Anderson on the other side of the ball, the West Orange Warriors dominated its 2024 opening game in front of their always-passionate home crowd.
"The kids played for each other tonight!" West Orange High coach Geno Thompson said. "Regardless of the ups and downs throughout the game, they never pointed fingers (and) always had each other's back. This is a special group."
Dillard had four total touchdowns, while Devonte Anderson scored twice — once on a pass from Dillard, the other on a 65-yard interception return. Defensive back Ivan Taylor, a Michigan commit, joined Anderson's pick club with two interceptions of his own.
Next up: West Orange High goes on the road to face Titusville Friday, Sept. 6.
FULL GAME RECAP: West Orange football has complete performance in 32-14 win over Wekiva
Windermere (2-0) beat Cypress Creek (0-1), 42-0.
The Wolverines of Windermere High showed again why 2024 was the team's most anticipated football season ever and thanks to the players buying into what coach Riki Smith and his staff have been preaching, 2024 has been fruitful, so far.
“I told our players the most disciplined and the most physical team wins the game," Smith said. "All offseason, up (to) this moment we have put an emphasis on doing the little things right. Everything impacts everything.”
Senior quarterback Jack Reilly threw a hat-trick of touchdowns to fellow senior Lane Frost, while senior defensive lineman Daniel Bradley sacked the quarterback twice.
Next up: Windermere High travels to Colonial Friday, Sept. 6. for its Week 3 matchup.