The Mount Dora Christian Academy Bulldogs have powered their way to the top of the Sunshine State North District rankings, sitting ahead of powerhouse programs like Lake Highland Prep and Foundation Academy. At 8-1, MDCA is enjoying one of its strongest seasons in program history under head coach Kolby Tackett, and the numbers tell the story of a team firing on all cylinders.

Junior quarterback Isaac Farling has been the driving force of the Bulldogs’ explosive offense, accounting for 21 offensive touchdowns and 1,222 total yards. Isaac has rushed for 961 yards and passed for several key scores. We knew he was a leader coming into the season but his leadership has really shown the past three games as he looks as good as he ever has in Blue and White.

(Quarterback #6 Issac Farling celebrates with Conner Decker after a recent touchdown. Photo Credit – Rich LeMoyne)

Fellow standout TJ McCormick has been equally vital to MDCA’s success. The dynamic playmaker has tallied 12 offensive touchdowns, 10 rushing and 2 passing and racked up 754 rushing yards as he closes in on the 1,000-yard mark for total offense. When he reaches it, TJ will become the second Bulldog player to achieve that milestone this season.

Senior Noah Slegers has been a steady contributor in the backfield with 530 rushing yards and four touchdowns, while Sean “SJ” Mora has provided a spark in the passing game with 119 receiving yards and two touchdowns. MDCA has not relied too heavily on the passing game with most of their yards coming on the ground but Mora is a good option if that becomes needed.

(From left to right #57 Luke Sheveling, #10 Patrick Jackson and #4 Josh Anderson are all smiles after a recent win. Photo Credit – Rich LeMoyne.)

On defense, the Bulldogs have been just as dominant. Linebacker Roberto Castillo II has been a force, recording 88 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, and an insane 10 forced fumbles, making him one of the most disruptive defenders in Central Florida. Safety Blake Banks has anchored the secondary with five interceptions, 39 tackles, and a forced fumble, while junior Brixton House has added 31 tackles and a team-leading 10.5 tackles for loss.

Robert LeBright and Luke Scheveling have also made a major impact in the trenches, combining for 16 tackles for loss, including 9.5 from LeBright.

(Noah Slegers runs the ball. Slegers has been a big part of the offensive success this season. Photo Credit – Rich LeMoyne.)

The defense has been airtight over the past three games, outscoring opponents 119-0. That is an amazing 12 consecutive quarters without allowing a point. Their most recent 49-0 rout of Marathon was the perfect sendoff into a bye week before closing out the regular season on October 24 at Eagle’s View.

“We are in the Florida Keys for the weekend after the win against Marathon,” Athletic Director Megan Ziegelhofer says. “It’s a fun team trip.”

(A brotherhood. The MDCA football team pray together in the end zone. Photo Credit – Rich LeMoyne.)

Coach Tackett, who led the Bulldogs to a Sunshine State Conference title in 2023, has this year’s squad poised for another deep postseason run. With the Sunshine State Playoffs set to begin October 31, MDCA is chasing something even bigger, a shot at a state championship.

If the Bulldogs continue their current trajectory, they may just finish what they started, not only as district leaders but as one of Florida’s most complete football teams. For now the team will get some much needed rest as they come to the final weeks of the regular season.