Will any of the top Central Florida teams make a run to the Citrus Bowl to play in front of a home crowd for a state championship? Some of the teams below just might do that this year.
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Below is our Central Florida Preseason Top 10 Rankings with 2013 records in parenthesis.
1. Apopka (13-2)
Why: You don’t go 26-4 over the last two seasons and lose the top spot in this poll. Last year didn’t end the way none of the Blue Darters wanted it to with a stunning loss to South Dade in the state final and should serve as plenty of motivation for getting back to Orlando. The state’s best lineman Martez Ivey is back along with do everything athlete Chandler Cox (1267 passing, 1114 rushing, 24 TDs), sophomore tailback JJ Simmons (1,158 yards, 25 TDs) and four-year starting cornerback Ben Bascom (75 tackles, 2 INTs). There is no doubt the run of 14 consecutive playoff appearances shouldn’t reach 15.
2. Dr. Phillips (11-1)
Why: When you have established yourself as one of the premier programs in the area you don’t rebuild you simply reload each year. Five consecutive 10-0 regular seasons haven’t transitioned well over into the postseason, big part of that reason is nemesis Tampa Plant in the way. Head Coach Rodney Wells may finally have the tools necessary to not only knock off Plant but get back to the state finals as well. Junior quarterback Rudy Norwood (2,051 yards) is back as is four offensive lineman and tailbacks Alvin Bryant and Emare Hogan. The addition of seniors transfers tailback Daquon Isom (Apopka), receiver Mike Macon and cornerback Jalean Perkins both from Olympia should help boost an already loaded team.
3. Mainland (12-2)
Why: Mainland has knocked on the door of the state finals two of the last three years. Unfortunately both losses were at the hands of eventual state champion Miami Central. The Buccaneers have made 20 consecutive playoff appearances, including 21 out of the last 22 years, yet only have one state title to show for it, will this be the year the Buccaneers make it to two? While 15 starters are back, the defense will be ahead of the offense early on with the return of senior safety A.J. Westbrook (52 tackles, 5 INTs, 3 fumble recoveries) and senior linebacker Marcus Brunson (135 tackles, 25 for loss, 13 sacks).
4. West Orange (8-3)
Why: You lose your top passer, rusher and receiver most teams might panic. Enter transfers junior quarterback Woody Barrett (Evans), senior tailback Dexter Williams (Olympia) and senior tailback Jalen Julius (Evans). The combination of Barrett, Williams (1072 yards, 3 TDs) and Julius, joins senior receiver Eddie McDoom and 10 solid offensive lineman will have opposing defenses scrambling. West Orange has gone from a 5-5 team three years ago, to a sudden state title contender.
5. Kissimmee Osceola (11-3)
Why: Only twenty-three seconds seperated Osceola from playing in the Class 7A state championship last season. However, a 67 yard kickoff return and a 25 yard field goal at the buzzer gave host Niceville a stunning 31-30 win over Osceola. Two straight semi final appearances, two straight stunning losses for the Kowboys. The pieces are there for another long run, thanks to a solid defense led by senior linebackers Riley Nicholson (100 tackles, 2.5 sacks), Shavai Gordon (61 tackles) and Treyvon Simmons (61 tackles). The offense was hit hard by graduation as its top passer and top four receivers are all gone. Junior tailback Laderrrian Wilson is back after 1171 yards and 15 TDs along with junior Nazayah Brown (356 yards, 11 TDs).
6. Lake Mary (11-1)
Why: There is a lot of optimism at Lake Mary and rightfully so, Lake Mary is coming off their best season in over 30 years. The offensive line is rebuilding but will be anchored by the best lineman in the county Robert Hillery. The offense is lethal with the return of senior quarterback Cannon Thompson (708 yards, 8 TDs), senior receiver Nick Westbrook (826 yards, 13 TDs), senior tailack C.J. Lamar (358 yards, 6 TDs) and sophomore tailback Marquis Mickens (550 yards, 8 TDs).
7. Winter Park (9-3)
Why: A second round playoff loss to eventual state runner up Apopka should serve as motivation for this season. Winter Park was rolling along in the season 7-0 before a 35-27 loss to district rival Oviedo, but still won the district title due to Oviedo defeating Timber Creek in Week 10. With one returning lineman back, the Wildcats backfield of quarterback J.P. Nolton (1393 passing/11 TDs, 748 rushing/6 TDs) and tailback Malik Foy (658 yards, 7 TDs) might struggle early on. Six starters are back on defense led by Thomas Whitted, which gave up 30 points in all three losses.
8. Lake Nona (8-3)
Why: When you have the top quarterback in the state and most of his playmakers back, you have plenty of optimism for a special year. Through three years senior quarterback Tucker Israel has thrown for 10,588 yards and 106 touchdowns and should be the state’s all-time passer in both cattegories by the time the season ends. Playmakers junior tailback Andre Hale (725 yards, 8 TDs), senior receiver Deondre Farrier (909 yards, 7 TDs), senior receiver Meholi Elattrach (827 yards, 7 TDs) are all back for an explosive offense. Can the defense do its part and keep the opponents offense in check?
9. Oak Ridge (8-4)
Why: To say last season was a roller coaster one would be an understatement. Oak Ridge went through three different coaches during the season and was forced to play eight regular season road games while its field was under construction. Yet despite all the road blocks the Pioneers were able to right the ship, which at one point was 3-3, and win its final four games to qualify for the playofs. Elijah Williams is back at Oak Ridge after coming on board in Week 6 and is dealt with the challenge of keeping the once bottom dweller program into a consistent playoff contender and keep this program going in the right direction. Junior Tyrek Tisdale takes over the reigns at quarterback replacing Jerrell Antoine, who became just the third quarterback to throw for over 3,000 yards. Tisdale inherits returning starting senior receivers Ny’quan Murray (1523 yards, 19 TDs) and Deangelo Antoine (706 yards). Six starters are back on a defense, that gave up 53 points in two of its four losses.
10. Timber Creek (6-4)
Why: Something was missing last season, for the first time in eight years Timber Creek was no where to be found in the state playoffs. With the state’s leading rusher back, a new streak will be started this season. Jacques Patrick is back for his fourth and final year and goes into his senior year with 5,402 yards and 70 touchdowns. Three offensive lineman return to pave the way for Patrick, who is rightfully the center point of the offense, but the Wolves have other weapons as well. Junior Preston Samoden takes over the quarterback position and will have senior receiver Tyler Womack back to lead an inexperienced group. For the Wolves to get back in the playoffs, a defense which gave up 28 points a game must get better.
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