FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL: All the area's Week Five high school football action

Here's all of the Week Five high school football action happening in West Orange and Southwest Orange County. Starting with the Orange Observer Game of the Week: The Warriors of West Orange High hit the road to face the Lake Buena Vista Vipers.

Game of the Week: Lake Buena Vista (1-1) vs. West Orange (3-0)

After successful weeks for both the Vipers of Lake Buena Vista — beating Oak Ridge, 24-14 — and the West Orange Warriors — topping Boone 24-17 — the two area teams will face off in the Orange Observer Game of the Week. 

On the field for the Warriors keep an eye out for quarterback Brian Dillard, athlete Devonte Anderson and defensive back Ivan Taylor; all three of which have the type of special athletic ability that can flip a game on its head on either side of the field. For the Vipers, athlete Eric Denico and running back James Yauger have led a young LBV team so far in 2024.  

Week Five

Thursday, Sept. 19

Windermere Prep (1-2), 18

Trinity Prep (0-4), 14

After going into the half down 14-12, the Windermere Prep Lakers took the lead in the third and never looked back; taking home its first win of the 2024 season and first-year coach James Hamilton's first win ever.

Friday, Sept. 20

All games start at 7 p.m. unless noted

The First Academy (4-0) vs. Atlantic (4-0) (6:30 p.m. kick-off)

The Royals face another tough test as they host the undefeated Atlantic Eagles from Delray Beach in what is surely going to be another display of high-level high school football. Watch for quarterback Salomon Georges Jr. to look for receiver Demetrice McCray early and often. 

CFCA (1-2) vs. Father Lopez (0-3)

The Eagles of Central Florida Christian won a dramatic and emotional game last week — their first win in coach Kevin Blackman's tenure. Led by sophomore Mason Mathis and receiver Davy Murphy look for CFCA to build on the momentum in this home game against Father Lopez. 

Dr. Phillips (3-0) vs. Lake Mary (2-1)

If last year's matchup between these two is any indication of what we'll see this season at Bill Spoone Stadium this week, Lake Mary topped Dr. Phillips by a score of 76-60, then expect a lot of points to be scored. This will be a showdown between two of the best quarterbacks in Central Florida, the Panthers' Middle Tennessee commit, Stanley Anderson-Lofton and the Rams' Notre Dame commit, Noah Grubbs. 

Foundation Academy (1-2) vs. Melbourne Central Catholic (2-1)

Coming off a big win in Week Three and a bye week in Week Four, this young Foundation Lions football team will face a big test as they host Melbourne Central Catholic and its dynamic offense. Look for Lions running back Sam Wood to get the ball early and often in this one. 

Horizon (0-4) at Evans (1-2)

The Hawks of Horizon High will look to bounce back from a 21-19 district loss in Week Four, as they travel to Evans High. Running back Kaio Oliveira has been the lead back for Horizon this season with over 400 yards rushing and four touchdowns, expect him to carry the ball plenty in this matchup. 

Olympia (2-2) at Lake Nona (1-2)

Since the offseason, Olympia coach Travis Gabriel has said his team is littered with talented players but they lacked the experience needed to be as good as he knows they can become. However, last week's overtime win over Timber Creek showed Gabriel that his team is starting to grow. As the Titans travel to Lake Nona High for its Week Five matchup the hope for the Olympia faithful is that the Titans capitalize on that momentum and pull out another win. Look for Olympia's new starting quarterback Noble Davis, a West Orange transfer, to find his talented group of weapons led by running back Raymond Green and receiver Ja'Cari Jackson.

Ocoee (2-2) at Boone (2-2)

After a tough loss to Dr. Phillips in Week Four, the Knights of Ocoee High are on the road again this week as they travel to downtown Orlando to face the Braves of Boone High. A fun matchup to watch in this one will be Boone receiver Isaiah Mizell against the plethora of defensive back options Ocoee has to throw at him. Expect junior Dariyon Gordon to line up against him for most of the game.

Windermere (4-0) vs. East River (2-2)

The Wolverines' magical season continues after not letting the adversity of having to play another game on the road — after its home stadium opener got postponed — affect the results on the field. Week Five will see Windermere High play its fifth (sixth if you count preseason) game on the road, despite being the home team, as it "hosts" East River High at West Orange High School's Raymond Screws Field.