Windermere football wins big in stadium-opening game against Lake Buena Vista, 42-7

Amid all of the pomp and circumstance of this moment, which felt like would never arrive, the Windermere Wolverines have finally inaugurated its new, on-campus stadium — and they did so with authority, topping rivals Lake Buena Vista High, 42-7, in this homecoming match.

"I don’t think anyone could have scripted a better night," said Windermere coach Riki Smith following the win. "The field was beautiful, the fans and community came out in full force and the players showed up. (There were) a lot of smiles throughout the night. I'm grateful and thankful for the opportunity to coach these guys. To God be the glory."

Following the ribbon-cutting ceremony and a performance from the Windermere Wolverettes dance team, the game on the field took center stage.

After almost a full quarter without a score to open the homecoming game, in the waning moments of the first quarter, Wolverines sophomore receiver Jaylen Davis made history by becoming the first player to score a touchdown on the new field, taking a handoff from senior quarterback Jack Reilly four-yards to the endzone. 

That was just the spark needed for the Windermere (6-0) offense to open the floodgates against the visiting Lake Buena Vista Vipers (1-3).

Photo by Michael Eng

Windermere scored three more touchdowns in the second quarter — including two of Reilly's three passing TDs — to go into halftime with a 28-0 lead. The offense shifted gears in the second half and focused on its ground game, scoring its second and third rushing touchdowns of the night.

On the other side of the ball, the Wolverines defense was also lights out on the night, with defensive lineman Daniel Bradley adding two more sacks to his impressive season so far — making eight sacks in five games for the senior. 

Overall, Smith enjoyed what he saw tonight and the season-long development of his players on and off the field. 

"I liked our energy tonight; I thought it was outstanding," Smith said. "The guys were focused and locked in all week and it showed (on the field). I'm proud of them not only because of the team they are becoming but for their growth and maturity as young men."

Smith, who is in his third season at the helm of the program, is the school's longest-tenured and winningest football coach. 

Not only has Windermere won more games in Smith's three-year tenure than the school's first five seasons (2017-21), but this and last season have equaled the number of wins from the program's start in 2017 through the 2022 season — the Wolverines have a combined 9-7 record from the 2023-24 seasons, and a 9-49 combined record from (2017-22).

With four more games to play, which include back-to-back home games at the Wolverines' new friendly confines these next two weeks against an Oak Ridge High team that lost at home to LBV in Week Four and a Lake Howell High team that has a 1-4 record, Windermere is setting up to continue this special season. 

Next up for the Vipers is a Week One make-up home game against Cypress Creek High at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 1.