Windermere football wins Orange County Independent League championship

Windermere High football claimed the first-ever Orange County Independent League championship after a 40-6 win over first-year program Innovation High.

"For out team to have an opportunity to play for a championship is a blessing," said Wolverines coach Riki Smith. "They are the first-ever Independent League Champions and no one can ever take that away from them. To God be the glory."

Beyond winning the independent league crown, the Wolverines (9-0) are one win away from finishing the regular season undefeated — which would be by far the best season in school history, 3-7 was previously the best mark in school history.

Windermere's win over the Bulls (5-4) was another dominant demonstration of its prowess in all phases of the game. 

On offense, the Wolverines were led by a pair of seniors: Quarterback Jack Reilly, who continued his great form on the season by throwing his 23rd and 24th touchdown passes on the season — extending his school record for most career passing TDs — and rushing for another TD, and running back Octavio Ulloa, who ran for two touchdowns. 

"I am really proud of how Tavi Ulloa ran the football last night," Smith said. "He set the tone for our team early."

Ulloa has played predominately on the defensive side of the ball, but due to an injury to junior Henry Rogers, the senior has taken on the bulk of the work in the offensive backfield. 

On defense, the Wolverines were led by defensive lineman Daniel Bradley and defensive back C.J. Bronaugh. Bradley picked up two sacks on the evening, he's up to 14 on the season, while Bronaugh caught two interceptions — one of which was a pick-six, his third of the season.

Windermere will finish the season on the road at Horizon High (1-8), in the fourth edition of its rivalry game: The Battle of the Groves. Not only does a win over the Hawks in Week 11 mean the Wolverines would finish undefeated, it also would be the first win over the Hawks in school history.