Apopka Blue Darters

Players to watch: Bombastic running back Deshawn Massey, who racked up 1,008 yards in 2015, should be back on the forefront of Apopka’s offense this year. Also expected back on offense are quarterbacks Taden Blaise and Joey Lee, tight end Jaron Jones, and others. Their prospects on the all-important defensive side look good, too, with veterans such as safety Dimetri King, linebackers David Britzius and Peyton Flores, defensive end Omar Davis and defensive tackle P.J. Blaine all eligible to return.

Outlook: While their gambit to repeat as Class 8 champions fell short in 2015, they still earned 8A-4’s No. 2 spot, racking up an impressive 10-2 record including 2-1 against district opponents. Statewide, they finished at No. 25, and Coach Rick Darlington is sure to help them move forward again in 2016

Boone Braves

Players to watch: Running back Brandon Bush was a powerhouse as a junior in 2015 and should be even better if he returns this fall as anticipated. He’ll have help from receivers Nikolas Deloach (who doubles at cornerback), Tyree Jones, Jonathan Joanis and Tanner Woods, with guards Kody Kasper and Zach Huddleston looking like standouts on the offensive line. Holding the line for the defense is defensive end/linebacker Malik Johnson, while cornerback Henry Johnson and linebacker Michael Cameron should also have ample moments to shine.

Outlook: After a dramatic road victory against Winter Park to clinch second place in the 8A-3 district, Boone’s playoff hopes ultimately fell short, but the team seems loaded with talent again this year. Coach Andy Johnson will doubtlessly be looking to top last year’s 6-5 record, and he should have the tools to do it.

Colonial Grenadiers

Players to watch: This looks to be a rebuilding year for Colonial, which went 6-24 over the past three seasons, and several returning players will be key to that process. On defense, linebacker Deandre Cunningham and defensive end Shaffer Garret are set to return and put some fear in opposing offenses. On offense, all-around utility player Ramon Gordon will be back after leading the team in several offensive and special- team categories.

Outlook: The Grenadiers struggled to a 1-9 finish in 2015 for last place in the 8A-3 district— and were shut out against district rivals—but they have good reason to hope for a much better outcome in 2016 and beyond. That reason lies with new head coach Clint Johnson, who previously served as an assistant at powerhouse Oak Ridge High School and even played under legendary coach Lou Holtz at Notre Dame.

Cypress Creek Bears

Players to watch: Free safety Keenan Rivers and cornerback Noula Netane should continue to gel with linebackers Mekai Otero and A.J. Alamo to give opposing offenses a hard time. And speaking of offense, Cypress Creek has the makings of a solid squad, with center Tala Faletoese and guard Darrius Williams providing protection for offensive weapons like running back Frederick Walker and wide receiver Roman Roberts.

Outlook: Though they took a beating on the field last season, going 1-9 overall, 0-4 against fellow district opponents and finishing last in 8A-5, the Bears only lost nine players to graduation, leaving them with a young-but-experienced team with some potential standouts. But with Timber Creek and Boone also playing in their district, Coach Shaun Lorenzano will have his work cut out for him.

Dr. Phillips Panthers

Players to watch: The Panthers expect six starters on offense and seven on defense to make a return this year. On offense, players to watch for include QB Marvin Washington, running back D.J. Charles, wideouts Emare Hogan and Caleb Walls, and guard Christian Bryant. On the other side of the ball, big plays are expected from cornerback Al Gilreath, safeties Tanner Ingle and Henry Caldwell, defensive linemen Robert Porcher and Christian Williams, and linebackers Dylan Meeks, Nick Smith and Marcus Tilman.

Outlook: Coming off a 7-3 regular season record and its 8th consecutive year as the competitive 8A-5 district’s champion, the Panthers saw their 2015 playoff run end in a disappointing 1-point loss to Osceola. Regardless, they’re looking strong again for 2016. “We have very high expectations for this senior class,” says Coach Rodney Wells, adding that most of them have been playing varsity since 9th or 10th grade. “They are a great group of seniors who have great character and great grades along with being very good players. For the second year in a row, we will have one of the toughest schedules in the state, but this senior class is up for the challenge.”

East River Falcons

Players to watch: Close to half of the Falcons’ 2015 squad graduated, but given their lack of success in the preceding season, that might not be such a bad thing. Several talented players are expected back, such as QB James Sellers, running back Uriah Rajkumar-Morgan and kicker Aldo Barahona, and they’ll be indispensable in helping their younger teammates develop. Veterans look even better on the defensive side, with cornerback Jamal Valentin and defensive ends Isaias Poche, Francisco Pabon, Somuadina Anigbogu and Anthony Hernandez expected back.

Outlook: East River looks to rebound from a 1-9 season in district 7A-5 last year, and new head coach Collin Drafts accepted that challenge when he took over the program in January. Coach Drafts comes to the Falcons from West Orange’s highly successful football program, where he served as offensive coordinator. He should also get a strong assist from new receivers coach Marvin Bracy, who’s a third-year professional track runner and previously played ball for Boone and FSU.

Edgewater Eagles

Players to watch: Double-threat junior Jurrod Cook is expected back at wideout and safety, and the team expects to see other returning juniors, as well. On offense, quarterback Maxwell Madrigal will be joined by receiver Stephen Cody, tight end Leiquan Trice and running back Jeremiah Laws (who doubles as a linebacker), with tackle Alex Demps and guards Dwight Collins, Francisco Castillo, Levondre Buckhannon, Matt Goin, Wesley Bonhagen and Adam Williams vying for starting positions on the line. When Cook and Laws play defense, they’ll hopefully be teaming up with cornerback Troy Hodges, linebackers Shane Faulk and Chris Cooper, defensive tackle Jyquarius Johnson, and defensive ends Johnny Matos and Miles Miller.

Outlook: The Fightin’ Eagles went 7-3 in 2015, including 5-1 against district opponents, ultimately finishing second in the 7A-4 district. However, that outcome follows their placement as No.1 in 2014, and first-year coach Chris Leak is hoping to bring home another championship this year. Says Leak, “We are a young team this year working on building chemistry, structure and discipline to our program.”

Evans Trojans

Players to watch: Incoming seniors will make up a large portion of Evans’ team in 2016, and we’ll be looking for several of them to shine. Running backs Isaiah Matthias, Jason Vinson Jr., Carlos Roundtree and Tasnan Dericho should be back, as well as receivers Dexter Smith (who also plays cornerback and safety) and Dray Major. Towering QB Kimani Binder is expected to return, too. On defense, look for defensive ends Tyrese Sanders and Ricardo Michel to shake things up, along with cornerback Ruben Joseph and linebackers La’darius Pope and Marquise Pierre.

Outlook: The Trojans are coming off back-toback 1-9 seasons, coming in dead last in 8A-4 without a single district win during 2015, which means there’s almost nowhere to go but up. Of course, having to share a district with West Orange and Apopka won’t make it easy, but the Trojans are hungry enough to give it their all.

The First Academy Royals

Players to watch: The First Academy fields a lot of double threats, starting with quarterbacks/defensive backs Greg Fields and Vince Merenda. Other Royals to watch this year should include linebacker Bryson Richards and defensive back Rolous Frazier (both of whom also play running back), running back Vince Merenda (also a solid linebacker) and offensive tackle Calvin Ashley.

Outlook: “Our goal is to make it to the FHSAA playoffs as a district winner or runner-up,” says Coach Leroy Kinard. That might be a tall order, given last year’s 5-5 finish and 1-2 record against district rivals for 3rd place in 3A-3, but with the right talent and the right moves, they could make it happen.

Freedom Patriots

Players to watch: A good percentage of last year’s team graduated earlier this year, making room for younger players to make a name for themselves in 2016. Jordan Nezius, a quarterback who doubles as a cornerback, should be one of them, as well as wideouts Manuel Rosario and Jacob Mitchell, and running backs Kyle Ritter, Darrel Wallace and Jarad Charlton. Defensive tackle Marco Ramirez is expected to do his part to stop the opposition, as are defensive end Pierre Paul; linebackers Lyndon Mauigoa, Marcus Thompson and Carld Eliscar; and cornerbacks Gabriel Souza, Austin Davis and Jose Ferrer.

Outlook: Granted, 8A-5 is a tough district given the presence of Dr. Phillips, Oak Ridge and Olympia, but we’re sure that Coach Jeffrey Higgins would like to see his team do better than the 3-7 record and 4th-place district finish they recorded last year. With the right talent and the right game plan, it could literally be a whole new ballgame in 2016.

Hagerty Huskies

Players to watch: Expect to see a lot of experienced seniors on the Huskies’ defense in 2016, starting with outside linebackers Kevin King and Christian Mastramico, and middle linebackers Asa Baker and Jacob Tse. Defensive tackle Jacoby Rocker and defensive end Chanler Sparrow should make some hits, too. On offense, kicker Aaron Rose is anticipated to return, as are wideout Matthew Lipari and tight end Josh Welden, who doubles as an outside linebacker.

Outlook: The defending 7A-4 district champions were on a roll last year, going 8-2 and 5-1 against their district peers, but with Edgewater sure to give them another run for the top spot, they’ll need to be on their toes to repeat. Fortunately, Coach Phil Ziglar knows what it takes to run a successful football program and forge young players into champions.

Jones Tigers

Players to watch: The Tigers should enjoy a solid defense thanks to veterans who are expected to return, such as cornerback Terrell Ware and linebackers Richard Calloway and Aaron Campbell, among others. On offense, quarterback James Brown should have a solid shot at the starting position, where he’d work with such talent as wide receiver Vincent Thomas and an offensive line that could include punishing center David Sanders Jr. and tackles Calvin Francis and Tyree Jackson.

Outlook: After going 11-20 with just one trip to the playoffs over the past three years, including 4-6 in 2015, Jones is looking for a fresh plan of attack. To that end, they’ve brought in Elijah Williams, who previously had a successful coaching stint at Oak Ridge and played for the Atlanta Falcons, as their new head coach. Williams had left the game for a year due to health concerns, but he’s been cleared by his doctors and is eager to help the Tigers succeed.

Lake Brantley Patriots

Players to watch: With so much of the team lost to graduation at the end of last season, numerous incoming seniors and their younger teammates will have ample time to shine this year. We’re particularly excited for the return of receiver Joshua Stough and running backs Trace Christian and Xavier Laboy on offense. They’ll get an assist from an offensive line featuring lineman Tommy Heffer, guard/tackle Zach Heh and center Mitch Owens, with QB Nathan Guzman fighting for the starting job. Elsewhere, linebackers Mark Mulhall and Jack Keating could be standouts on defense, as could defensive tackle R.J. Acevedo.

Outlook: The Patriots are hot off an undefeated 10-0 regular season in which they swept all six of their 8A-2 opponents, but it might be difficult to maintain that level of performance in 2016, given the huge number of seniors they lost at the end of last year. Coach David Delfiacco is no stranger to winning though, so we’d be surprised if he doesn’t have this young squad up to speed quickly.

Lake Highland’s Football

Lake Highland Highlanders

Players to watch: Returning starters on this year’s Highlanders squad will include linemen Christopher James and Harrison Greenhill, who play both sides of the ball, as does Alex Caron. Last year’s teamleader in tackles, linebacker J.J. Sheikh, will also return along with Alex Medary, who steps into the linebacker position after playing halfback in 2015. Other starters expected to have an impact are running backs Devyn Castor and Nick Deese, quarterback Elijah Lucas, receivers Edwin Jimenez and Jalen Townsend, linebackers Jimmy Lomas and Luis Rivera, tight end Bryton Belvin, and safety/receiver Briton Allen.

Outlook: “The team is a year older and a year stronger while returning 11 starters on offense and 10 on defense,” says Lake Highland Coach Cameron Duke. “The off-season has been a very productive one for the Highlanders, and the players have developed the family atmosphere needed to be successful in football.”

Lake Howell Silverhawks

Players to watch: Quarterback Cody Veal should be a strong contender for the Silverhawks’ starting position, and receivers James Moore Jr., Tyler Esparza, Wisdom Jenkins and Michael Holley will all be viable targets no matter who winds up taking snaps. On defense, tackles Caleb Brewer, Chris Dincov and David Melo are expected to return, along with cornerback Tyrone Hollinger.

Outlook: Lake Howell had a rough outing in 2015, finishing 1-9 while getting swept by 7A-4 opponents for dead last in the district. The good news is that a sizable number of graduating seniors at the end of last season made way for new talent to make the sort of plays the Silverhawks will need to improve their standing.

Lake Mary Rams

Players to watch: Running back Marquis Mickens has impressed his coaches at Lake Mary since day one, and he’ll continue to serve in a leadership position now that he’s in his senior year. Other offensive standouts this year should include receivers A.J. Edwards, Khaalil Lucas and David T. Shannon III, as well as tight end Michael Ziemba. Cornerbacks Mike Davis, Deshawn Graham and Blaine-Lewis Thompson are expected to hold back opposing quarterbacks on defense.

Outlook: The Rams received a split decision last year, going 5-5 overall and 4-2 against district opponents for 3rd place in the tough 8A-2. Coach Scott Perry will have an experienced group of seniors and juniors to work with this year, though, so if they can coalesce as a team, anything is possible.

Lake Nona Lions

Players to watch: Lefty QB Mike McFarlane looks ready to lead the Lions’ fairly young team to bigger and better things, and he should find eager targets in wideouts Briand Dorgil and Alex Marshall. On defense, linebackers Jacob Jacson, Skeeter Smith, Darious East and Evan Noble will hopefully make some big plays for their team, with Noble also doubling as a defensive end.

Outlook: Lake Nona finished 3rd in the 7A-5 district with a 3-7 record. However, there was a bright spot in that they went 3-2 against district opponents, indicating they’re at the cusp of a breakout year. With some good coaching from Anthony Paradiso and the right moves from some of the incoming talent, this could be a very solid year for the Lions.

Lyman Greyhounds

Players to watch: The Greyhounds will be in rebuild mode for 2016 after last year’s soft performance, but some incoming seniors do show promise, such as outside linebackers Austin Camden and Ryan Woodard. On offense, receivers William Russell and Daniel Lykes should provide good air support, while running back Reggie Scott will rely on an offensive line potentially featuring center Tony Delpalazzo.

Outlook: There will be plenty of expectations on Coach Dennis Thomas, who comes to the Greyhounds from Celebration, to improve Lyman’s football program. But given that the team went 2-8 last year for 6th place in the 8A- 2 district, it’ll be hard for them to go anywhere but up. A silver lining is that a large chunk of last year’s team graduated, providing golden opportunities for new and rising players to shine.

The Master’s Academy Eagles

Players to watch: Quarterback Matt Gillis is back for 2016, with running back Mossett Matthews and receiver Ryan Collins also expected to star on offense. Meanwhile, middle linebacker Nick Doyle should attract a lot of eyes on the defensive side for The Master’s Academy (TMA).

Outlook: “A spirited and highly effective offseason conditioning program is still forging the 2016 TMA Eagles into a much stronger, faster and athletic version of last year’s team,” says Coach Jermel Jones. “Though more physically fit, the true strengths of this energetic group of young men lies in their sense of unity and their collective football intelligence. The 2016 Eagles will play faster and smarter.”

Oak Ridge Pioneers

Players to watch: Though they lost some big names—and nearly half of their team—to graduation following the 2015 season, incoming senior QB D’andre Weaver looks ready to lead other players who are expected to return, such as receivers Levonte Jones (who doubles at cornerback), Shayun Young and Jajuan Roderick. Also expected to help the offense is running back Anthony Miranda, guard Verlin Peterson and tight ends Freddie Davis and Tyren Johnson. On defense, tackle Austin Douglas should be a key component of the front line.

Outlook: In 2015, first-year varsity coach Tyrone Sapp led his team to an 8-2 record, including 3-1 against 8A-5 opponents, securing them 2nd place overall in their division. It also marked the first time the squad made the state playoffs for a third straight season. The Pioneers have a long tradition of excellence on the gridiron, and we’d be surprised if they don’t make another run for the top this year.

Ocoee High’s Football

Ocoee Knights

Players to watch: A good chunk of 2016’s squad will be comprised of seniors, and they’ll play a key role in mentoring their younger teammates— and winning games along the way. Potential defensive standouts could include linebackers Tabari Neal and Ernst Attilus, cornerbacks Dorian Jones and Sandro Geffrard, safety Nali Wallace, and defensive ends Nathan Roberts, George Schanck and Lyston Barber. There won’t be quite as much senior talent on offense, but guard Brennen Castillo, receivers Sidney Conyers and Darryl Gay, and kicker Candido Worrell could provide some needed experience.

Outlook: They finished 4th in 7A-4 in 2015, but Ocoee still had a solid year with a 6-4 record, including 4-2 against district rivals, making it a positive campaign in all. Coach Ben Bullock will doubtlessly want to build on those successes as he leads his team into 2016, but with a third of last year’s team graduating, some rebuilding will be in order.

Olympia Titans

Players to watch: Quarterback Joe Milton had a strong outing in 2015 as a sophomore, and we’re excited to see what he does with the team this year. He should have some targets, too, including receivers Chris Cordero, Nick Scaglione and Daniel Rodrigues Fiorini, who all stand at 6’ or taller, as does tight end/fullback Kendall Batt. Defensive players who are expected to return also look good, starting with linemen Isaiah Moore and Dylan Johnson. Meanwhile, cornerbacks Andrey Hawkins and Kermen Petithomme will provide air defense backed up by linebackers George Adams and Ashton Bozarth.

Outlook: While they drew a split decision against other 8A-5 teams and finished 3rd in their district, the Titans still did well with a 6-4 overall record. If the incoming players and veterans can coalesce, we see no reason why Coach Kyle Hayes can’t lead them to bigger and better things.

Oviedo Lions

Players to watch: Clutch kicker Dylan Mogahdam returns this year, as does 6’4 punter Will Przystup. Other players to watch on offense could include running back Xandr’e McCleary and quarterback Marco Weimer. Look for the linebacker corps to include Solomon Grouse, Ja’quez Murray and Alec Lafferman, with defensive tackles Josh Figueroa on the line and safeties Nick Sala and Chris Smith hounding opposing offenses.

Outlook: Oviedo went a very respectable 7-3 last year to finish as runner-up in the competitive 8A-2 district, including a 5-1 record against district opponents. A run for the top spot will be difficult given how many experienced players the Lions lost to graduation after last season, but Coach Wes Allen and his staff should be up to the challenge.

Seminole Seminoles

Players to watch: The starting lineup will be packed with seniors on both sides of the ball. Offensive standouts are expected to include linemen Brandon Blyseth, Steele Conlin, David Dillon, Daijon Mainor and Hunter Shadrix, as well as QB Kaylan Wiggins, wideout Gabe Davis and running back D.J. Hampton. On defense, big plays are likely from defensive back Sean Timmons, defensive ends Demarco Artis and Johnny Cooper, defensive linemen Josh Fernema and Manny Taylor, and linebackers Marcus Byrd, Tyrik Daniels and Ben Roth.

Outlook: With seven starters returning on offense and six on defense, Coach Don Stark’s Seminoles stand a good chance of improving on 2015’s 7-3 record that only netted 4th place in the competitive 8A-2 district. The coaching staff will also unveil new offensive and defensive schemes designed to take full advantage of their experienced players.

Timber Creek Wolves

Players to watch: The Wolves lost a lot of seniors at the end of last season, but those departed players’ teammates look ready to carry on the team’s proud tradition in 2016. On offense, quarterback Brandon Garcia is expected to lead a talented squad that includes running back Jackson Saffold, tight end Michael Shanahan, and receivers M.J. Jarrel and Trey Grenga, with the latter doubling as a dangerous defensive back. Assuming Grenga continues to cover both sides of the ball, he’ll be joined on defense by cornerback Omouri Skinner and linebackers Antonio Valle and Tyson Daniels, among others.

Outlook: Nearly half of the Timber Creek squad that earned a 7-3 record last year, including 1st place in 8A-3 and a sweep of district rivals, graduated at the end of that season. That change leaves Coach James Buckridge with some rebuilding to do—but possibly not too much, given the heavy hitters who are expected back.

Lake Highland Football

Trinity Preparatory Saints

Players to watch: The Saints’ offensive line was a force to reckon with last year, and tackles Chad Broome-Webster and Cameron Weise are back with center Alex Moll to keep the magic going. Also look for receiver/kicker Austin Campbell and running back Chris Cayo to be key contributors on offense, while defensive back Luke Gammichia and defensive end Myles Schreck should be standouts on defense.

Outlook: Trinity’s varsity team will be in a rebuilding phase following the departure of 2015’s seniors, but thanks in part to an 8-2 record and 2nd place finish in district 3A-3 that led to last year’s appearance in the playoffs, Coach Mike Kruczek is excited about the coming season. The offensive line is a big source of optimism, too, given that all five of last year’s starters are returning to the team.

University Cougars

Players to watch: This year’s University defense will be led by a solid group of linebackers in Qualyin Crum, Jon Powell, Judell Herrera and Rodney Rosario. On offense, quarterbacks Shawn Kelley and Brandon Barbee will compete for the starting job. The key for offense will be the front line, which has only one returning starter in Robert Greene, but receivers Terrence Fields, Nykelan Marion and A.J. Uzodinma will look to light things up down the field.

Outlook: “The strength of the University High School football team will be on the defensive side of the ball returning eight starters, with a very talented LB group,” says Coach James Pusateri, whose team finished 4-6 last year and went 1-3 against district opponents to finish 4th in 8A-3. “On the offensive side of the football, the Cougars are very young with nine out of 11 starters being underclassman.”

Wekiva Mustangs

Players to watch: Jaylon Fair, a standout running back from 2015 who also puts in time as a linebacker, is expected back this year, as is quarterback Trey McGee. Look for offensive linemen Tyler Monestime and Elijah Turner to make their presence known as wideouts Wesly Touze, Chris Felder, Sean Kinscy and Jakari Smith vie for catches. Much will be expected of the defense, too, including safeties Jaden Jackson and Jaewan McPherson, defensive back Colby Billie, and linebackers Jaron Jones, Dashawn McHayle, Jerard Wesley and Anton Wynn.

Outlook: The team participated in a bit of coaching musical chairs during the offseason, with former coach Kenard Lang going to Oak Ridge and new coach Rich Bedesem coming in from Edgewater High. The Mustangs do have a tradition of excellence, and fans who weren’t happy with them missing the playoffs last year following a 6-4 season (3rd in district 8A-4) are eager to see what new guidance can do.

West Orange Warriors

Players to watch: Some headline-grabbing names graduated after last season, but West Orange still has plenty of talent in its roster. Defensive lineman Julian Pitman Jr. is expected back, as is cornerback Quincy Dames, safety Antonio Huey (who also plays wide receiver) and linebackers Marland Howard, Parker Torok and Jerric Richardson. Star wideout Naquan Renalds and solid kicker/punter Colby Adamson are also slated to return, but it’s anyone’s guess as to who will fill the shoes of departed QB Woody Barrett.

Outlook: The Warriors were the No.18 team statewide in 2015, making them the highestranked public school in Orange or Seminole counties, but we’d be surprised if Coach Bob Head and his team aren’t hungry for more. Of course, it’s tough to top a 9-1 record, including a sweep of 8A-4 rivals and 1st place in the district, but “undefeated” always has a nice ring to it.

Winter Park Wildcats

Players to watch: Quarterback Ryan Kainz will see some competition for the starting position from Jack Johnson and Ethan Bullock. Whoever’s under center will have Jordan Pouncey, Dre Williams, John Hodges and Brian Gomez (all also defensive backs) as potential targets, with Jake Anderson at running back and Tommy Daly back as the team’s all-purpose kicker. Linebacker Maverick Maensivu will lead the defense, which will also feature linebacker Xylon Chatman and defensive linemen Kyle Moss, John Coffee and Cullen Honohan.

Outlook: Flush with equal parts motivation and ability at key positions, the Wildcats are poised to be among the top combatants for the FHSAA 8A-3 district championship and state playoff series. Although they went 5-5 in 2015, their squad accounts for a combined 50 college offers, and they’ll be fielding a senior-heavy varsity team.

Winter Springs Football (photo by Allison Petro)

Winter Springs Bears

Players to watch: Incoming seniors on the Bears’ offense this year will include center Anthony Krokovich, tackle Travis McNeece Boyd and running back Antyjuan Rodriguez. Top returning players on defense are expected to include outside linebacker Devon Quesinberry and defensive end Brandon Johnson, who also fills in at tight end.

Outlook: In a classic “could’ve been better, could’ve been worse” season, Winter Springs went 4-6 overall and 2-4 versus district rivals for 5th place in 8A-2. We’re sure that Coach Curtis Smith wasn’t satisfied with that outcome, though, so look for him and his coaching staff to unveil some new moves to get the Bears to the top.