By Rick Pedone
Sports Editor

Coming off its open date, Poinciana made a statement Friday with an impressive 35-21 5A District 7 win over Lake Nona that revitalized the Eagles’ season.

The Eagles, 2-5, improved to 1-2 in the district and remain in contention for their second-ever playoff berth.

Poinciana hosts Port Orange Atlantic Friday at 7 p.m. for another district contest.

Versatile senior Michael Cirino had a career night by scoring four touchdowns and intercepting three passes as the Poinciana defense forced seven turnovers and handed the Lions (5-2) only their second loss of the season.

Coach Corey Fleming said his team meant to send a message to Lake Nona, which embarrassed winless Celebration, 68-10, two weeks ago by intentionally leaving in starters in the second half to complete 10 touchdown passes, a state record.

“Our guys got a little fired up about that. They play for each other, and they play for the other schools in the county,” Fleming said. “They didn’t like the way that they took advantage of Celebration’s situation. They wanted to do something about that.”

Cirino, one of the county’s premier athletes, scored on two long touchdown plays, an 84-yard run and a 99-yard pass from Javonte Hursey. Cirino, who played quarterback most of the game, also ran 10 and 7 yards for touchdowns, and Theron Ellis ran 35 yards for Poinciana’s first score of the night.

Josh Lopez, a freshman, had an interception for the Eagles and Allyn Sanchez also had an interception.

Cirino had a pick-6 called back because of a penalty, Fleming said.

Poinciana had one of its best weeks of practice prior to the Lake Nona game, said the coach.

“I don’t think I’ve had to lead the stretching drills at all the past couple of weeks. The kids understand what they want to accomplish, and they are taking it on themselves,” he said. “We’ve had about 20 kids quit the program, but now we’ve identified who wants to be here and who is willing to to the things necessary to be successful.”

While Poinciana’s path the playoffs will require Tavares or Bishop Moore to lose at least twice, the important point, Fleming said, is that the team can win more than two games in a season for the first time since 2000 with a victory Friday. The Eagles still can have a .500 season, also for the first time since 2000.

“The guys want to show people what they are capable of. We can do that on our home field Friday,” Fleming said.