By Kyle Coppola
Mount Dora High School Football Preview for 2024
As the 2024 season approaches, the Mount Dora Hurricanes are gearing up for what promises to be an exciting year. Under the leadership of head coach Luke Hutchinson, the team is looking to build on the experiences of previous seasons and make a significant impact in their new district.
Team Overview
The Hurricanes have been working hard in the off-season to improve their skills, teamwork, and strategy. This year, they have a balanced mix of experienced seniors and promising underclassmen who are eager to showcase their talents. A host of returning offensive lineman will help the running and passing game. Luke Hutchinson has built the program the past few years and feels that this team could make the FHSAA Playoffs something Mount Dora High has not done in a very very long time. “I think with our schedule and if we don’t beat ourselves we have a good chance to compete for a district championship and make the playoffs,” says Coach Hutchinson.
Key Players
- Jake Sepe (Senior, QB): As a senior quarterback, Jake Sepe brings leadership and experience to the field. Standing at 6’0″ and weighing 180 lbs, Sepe’s presence and skills will be crucial in directing the Hurricanes’ offense.
(Jake Sepe drops back to pass. He will be a key component to the Mount Dora offense in 2024.)
- Blake Sepe (Senior, TE/OLB/MLB): Jake’s twin brother, Blake, also a senior, is versatile, playing both as a tight end and linebacker. His ability to impact both sides of the ball makes him a valuable asset.
- Tymir Gaines (Junior, RB): Gaines, a junior running back, has shown impressive agility and speed. At 5’10” and 156 lbs, he is expected to be a key player in the Hurricanes’ ground game. In Gaines is expected to contend for the top running back in Lake & Sumter County. With a solid group of offensive lineman returning, Gaines could be positioned for a huge season.
- E.J. Balderas (Senior, LB): Known for his strength and tackling ability, Balderas comes into his senior season a force to be reckoned with in the middle of the defense. Balderas has big shoes to fill, replacing Russell Fickett and Tommy Wheeler Jr. who both graduated last year. Balderas will be a key leader on defense coming into 2024. Look for him to have a big year.
- Tanner Waring (Senior, WR): If you thought last year was impressive with 7 touchdowns and 651 yards receiving, get ready for 2024. Waring is bigger, stronger and faster. He’s going to prove to be one of the top wide receivers in Lake County in 2024. With Jake Sepe at quarterback, this combo will be dangerous.
- Zy’Shonne Perry (Senior, WR): Just like Tanner Waring, Zy’Shonne Perry brings big time upside to the Hurricanes offense. Perry had 347 yards receiving in 2023 along with 8 touchdowns, averaging 10.5 yards per catch, Perry and Waring will be two incredible options that should bode well for the Mount Dora offense in 2024.
Season Expectations
The Hurricanes have been preparing rigorously for the upcoming season, focusing on strengthening their defensive and offensive plays. Coach Hutchinson recently emphasized discipline, teamwork, and resilience, which are reflected in the team’s training sessions and scrimmages.
With a solid roster and a committed coaching staff, Mount Dora aims to improve their record from last season of 7-3. They nearly made the FHSAA Playoffs last year but lost the district for the second straight year after a loss to Eustis. The Hurricanes intend to compete fiercely in their district which includes Tavares, Eustis and Bishop Moore this year. The Hurricanes’ schedule is packed with challenging opponents. The game against Bishop Moore early in the year will be a must see game.
Community Support
The Mount Dora community is known for its strong support of high school athletics, and this season will be no different. I have seen so much anticipation this year. I have not seen the community this excited about a season in a long time. Last year was exciting but this year, it’s going to be big. Mount Dora High always packs the grandstands, but you’ll be hard pressed to find seating this year with this caliber team. I suggest getting to the games early this year.
Final Thoughts
My Prediction – Mount Dora High Makes 2024 FHSAA Playoffs
As the season kicks off, the Mount Dora Hurricanes are in for a challenging season. This is the most difficult schedule I have seen Mount Dora Play in perhaps a decade. But this is the first time I truly think they can contend for a District Championship outright since the 2014 season that saw Mount Dora High make the FHSAA Playoffs. The 2024 season all depends on an early season meeting with Bishop Moore. If Mount Dora can shock everyone and pull that victory off, That will turn their district into a wild scene. Mount Dora would also become the instant favorites to win the district. But don’t look past Tavares who should be equally as strong in the district this year.
“If we come out and don’t beat ourselves and win the games we should, that would define a successful season. If we take care of business, we have a very good shot at making the FHSAA Playoffs in 2024.” says head coach Hutchinson.
I think Mount Dora has a very good chance of making the FHSAA Playoffs in 2024.
Photo Credit – Joe Ott Photography “Fan Zone”
Check out our interview with with Mount Dora High School Head Coach Luke Hutchinson and student-athletes, Jake Sepe, and E.J. Baldras.
Kyle Coppola was born in Newton, Massachusetts and received his Bachelor of Fine Arts in Communications from Curry College in 2016. After traveling to Florida on a family vacation, he decided he could not get enough of the warm weather and made the move from snowy Massachusetts to central Florida 8 years ago.
For the last decade Kyle has gained valuable experience in social media content creation, marketing and sales, writing, video production, sports announcing and even broadcasting for local radio stations, such as FM 102.9 in The Villages and FM 91.5 in Massachusetts. Every year he volunteers at The Villages Charter High School as a play-by-play sports announcer for the football games as well as a public address announcer for the basketball games, including the annual Battle at The Villages Tournament.
Outside the office Kyle is a husband and father to two beautiful girls along with their cat. In his spare time he likes to spend time with his family, travel, play golf and swim. He is also a huge sports junkie and even bigger motorsports fan and loves to attend racing events when he can.
