West, Southwest Orange's Week 9 high school football schedules and game notes

High school football in West Orange and Southwest Orange County should resume its regularly scheduled programming for Week Nine, following another week of weather-related postponements and cancellations in Week Eight. 

Barring any unforeseen changes in the forecast, this week is chockful of matchups that Orange Observer Sports Editor Sam Albuquerque was racking his brain to figure out which gridiron battle would be the Game of the Week. 

Given their undefeated record and their opponents, the Panthers of Dr. Phillips hosting the Edgewater Eagles in a battle of Central Florida powerhouse programs is the Week Nine headline game. Let's get started.

Game of the Week: Dr. Phillips (6-0) vs. Edgewater (6-2)

This matchup between two of Central Florida's most recognizable high school football brands is lining up to be one of the most exciting games of the season. 

The Panthers will put their undefeated record against one of the toughest tests on their 2024 schedule, an Edgewater High team that has only lost to two other powerhouse programs — The First Academy (6-1) and Jones High (6-0). 

With an embarrassment of talent up and down both rosters, there's too much to look out for, to mention just one. So let's just leave you with this: Get your popcorn ready, because this game should be box office. 

Week Nine

FRIDAY, OCT. 18
6 p.m. kickoff

Windermere Prep (1-4) vs. Duval Charter (1-7)

With a day full of celebrations, including pep rallies and a parade, in honor of the Lakers senior night and homecoming week; Windermere Prep will look to claim its second win of the season. 

7 p.m. kickoff

CFCA (3-3) vs. Trinity Christian (2-5)

The Eagles will try and make it four wins out of their last five games on a short week that saw CFCA travel to Trinity Prep on Monday, Oct. 14, and get its third win of the season. 

This week, against Trinity Christian, the Eagles will try to get over .500 with the help of their dynamic wide receiver Davy Murphy. The sophomore transfer from Windermere High has caught 20 passes for 588 yards with six touchdowns in six games this season. 

The First Academy (6-1) vs. Seminole (6-1)

On the Royals' senior night and homecoming game, they will welcome one of the bluest of blue blood high school football programs in Central Florida to Warden Stadium for what should be a shootout of epic proportions, the Seminole High Seminoles. 

The Noles, like TFA, are more than ready to put up points — averaging 36.5 points a game — led by quarterback Michael Clayton II and four-star offensive lineman Max Buchanan, a Miami commit. Expect the Royals to match that production with its elite passing game and for this game to be a high-scoring affair.

Foundation Academy (3-4) vs. Hollis Christian (1-6)

Coming off a one-score win on the road, Foundation returns home in the hopes of getting to .500 on the season. Look for running back Sam Wood to be a big part of the Lions' offensive attack. 

Horizon (0-7) at Lake Minneola (3-4)

Still in search of its first win of the season, the Hawks return to the road for a Class 6A, District 6 matchup. Look for running back Kaio Oliveira to continue to be the workhorse back for Horizon and add to his 593 yards and four touchdowns on the ground.

Lake Buena Vista (2-3) vs. Innovation (4-3)

The Vipers are not only coming off a big win over Cypress Creek in Week Seven but also a bye week in Week Eight as they host Orange County's newest school Innovation High. 

Expect LBV coach Brant Peddy to have his players ready to beat down the Bulls with running back James Yauger leading the way; he's rushed for 443 yards and six touchdowns in four games this season.

Legacy Charter (1-6) vs. Saint Francis Catholic (0-6)

On its senior night and homecoming game, the Eagles of Legacy Charter will lean on its do-it-all athlete, Jake Threadgill, to lead them back into the win column for the second time this season. 

Threadgill has been a wreaking ball on defense from the linebacker spot, recording 31 tackles, five for a loss, three sacks and an interception. 

Ocoee (5-2) at Winter Park (3-3)

The old football adage says that nothing travels as well as a good defense and running game; well, the Ocoee Knights have both, and when it heads to Winter Park High, the Knights' stacked defense and running game should be on full display.  

Olympia (3-4) at West Orange (6-1)

In the lone area team versus area team matchup of the week, the young Titans will head into the madhouse we like to call Raymond Screws Field on homecoming night to play the experienced Warriors. 

Windermere (7-0) vs. Lake Howell (1-6)

The dominant Wolverines will look to extend its all-time best record by one more win against the Silver Hawks at Windermere's on-campus stadium. Look for senior QB Jack Reilly to continue to build on his stellar season, which has seen him throw for 1,557 yards with 20 TDs and just one interception.