Friday Night Week 0 Schedule
Wildwood Middle High @ South Sumter High – 7:30 PM
Wildwood faces an early test against the #8 ranked school in Florida. With Lorenzo Fields taking over as their new head coach, Wildwood is looking to make a statement. Meanwhile, South Sumter comes in with a team many believe will dominate in 2024. Head coach Ty Lawrence summed it up with two words: “We’re ready.” South Sumter will let their results do the talking this year, and I consider them a strong preseason favorite to win the district and make yet another FHSAA playoff run. If they stay healthy, expect them to reach the Regional Finals, with a potential State Semifinal appearance this year.
Lyman @ Mount Dora High – 7:00 PM
Mount Dora High is generating buzz for a potential FHSAA playoff berth this year. Their matchup with Lyman will provide an early gauge of their standing. Although Lyman isn’t as strong as Bishop Moore or The Villages, this game should help shake off any preseason rust. With Jake Sepe at quarterback and a solid group of offensive players including Tymir Gaines, who is touted as the #1 running back in Lake County, Mount Dora High could surprise many this season.
Harmony @ The Villages – 7:30 PM
The Villages will aim to kick off their second year in their new H.G. Morse stadium with a win over Harmony. They boast one of Central Florida’s top tight ends, Jonathan Harding, while his brother Patrick Harding looks to elevate his performance and lead the team towards a potential District Championship. With Cocoa High School now in their district, the competition will be fierce. Maleek Williams, a dynamic running back, is a player to watch. Harmony is a solid team to start the season with. The Villages are primed for a bounce back season in 2024.
Tavares High @ Forest – 7:00 PM
Tavares High, once considered an easy win, has been revitalized under head coach Gavin Jones, transforming into a program that deserves respect. Will Tavares High return to a powerhouse program in Lake County? Izayia Williams, one of the top EDGE rushers in the country, is a standout player with numerous offers. He has joined the defense this year after spending last year with Leesburg High. The offense is also looking strong. Tavares is expected to be a formidable force in 2024, so keep an eye on the Dawgs! This is the most excitement I have seen from this program since the incredible 2019 season.
Eustis High @ DeLand – 7:00 PM
Eustis High is known for its grit and determination, especially after losing head coach Burnett recently. This off-season has been challenging, and the team will need to come together to continue their success. Coming off back-to-back district championships, Eustis is looking to find their spark again this year.
Pasco @ East Ridge High – 7:00 PM
Head coach Donnie Burchfield is excited for the season’s start with a home game against Pasco. East Ridge High has a solid group of returning players, and I believe this year the Knights will show that their program is on the rise. Contending for a district championship is a real possibility in 2024. The team is full of young players as the Knights lost over 30 seniors last year. Even so, there is enough leadership that the Knights are full expected to contend for plenty of wins this year. Coach Burchfield has built an impressive program that continues to exceed expectations every year.
South Lake High @ Lake Nona – 7:00 PM
South Lake High faces a tough matchup against Lake Nona. After years of challenges, this could be the year South Lake turns things around? With head coach Brad Lord in his second season, the team is poised for significant progress in 2024. While 8 or 9 wins might be optimistic, a 3-5 win season would be a great improvement. Anything beyond that would signal a program on the rise, with strong leadership at the helm I expect South Lake to contend for a district championship this year. Tre Kelly is one of the hottest up and coming quarterback prospects in Lake County so keep a good eye on the young sophomore.
Land O’ Lakes @ Lake Minneola High – 7:00 PM
Lake Minneola High has undergone significant changes for 2024, including the hiring of former NFL player Mike McGlynn as head coach. The team has reached the Regional Finals in recent years, and McGlynn’s addition is an exciting development. The players will be tested early, and I’m eager to see what they can achieve this season. One thing I have learned covering Lake Minneola High is to never count this team out of anything.
Stanton @ Umatilla High School – 7:00 PM
Umatilla High School kicks off the season against Stanton. The Bulldogs have switched to the Sunshine State Athletic Conference from the FHSAA, a move met with enthusiasm by the community. Coach Samuels enters his second year with Umatilla, and some believe the team could compete for a State Championship in 2024. After a challenging previous season, Umatilla might surprise many this year. This is the best team I have seen Umatilla produce in many years. From offense to defense they will be a force in the SSAC.
Orangewood Christian @ MDCA – 7:00 PM
Fresh off a Sunshine State Athletic Conference title, MDCA is looking forward to a strong 2024. Tyler McClinton-Hutto joins from Leesburg High to bolster the defense, while Nathan and Seth Roach will lead the offense as seniors. With head coach Kolby Tackett at the helm, MDCA is poised to be a serious contender this year. Much like Umatilla High, MDCA should be able to conetend for at least a conference championship if now an SSAC State Championship in 2024. By the way both MDCA has a home matchup against Umatilla High on August, 30th at 7:30pm. An early SSAC State Title game preview?
Leesburg High @ Dr. Krop – 7:30 PM
Leesburg High travels to Miami to face Dr. Krop, marking an exciting road trip for the team. With Coach Frank Scott now leading after his move from Eustis High, and quarterback Xavier Irrizary and other key players on the roster, Leesburg is set to contend for a district championship. The passing game’s performance against Dr. Krop will be telling, and if it rains, expect Leesburg to rely on Muscles Patterson for a strong ground game. It’s Miami in the summer so never rule out a sloppy rainy game.
