Line ‘em up! Kickoff Classics Friday signal season

It’s finally time for the county’s football teams to go up against somebody wearing a different color.

Friday marks “Week Zero” and the Kickoff Classics — games that will look like, well, real games — that don’t count in the win/loss column, but will go far to show coaches what works, what needs polished and the players who have earned starting jobs.

Weather permitting, of course — most Classics were canceled due to thunderstorms a year ago — teams will line up at 7 p.m. Friday (unless noted). Six of eight squads are playing at home: Apopka at Osceola: The Kowboys came up one win short of playing for the Class 4 Suburban state title; Blue Darters lost in overtime to Miami Columbus in the 4 Metro title game. Apopka is Orange County’s answer to Osceola, and both are looking for a measuring stick to see how they’ll handle tough 2023 schedules.

Haines City at St. Cloud (7:30): Two teams with speed and athletes coming off improved seasons (Bulldogs 6-4, Hornets 4-4). Bulldogs lost three games to county opponents last year.

Avon Park at Poinciana: How do the Eagles, Coach Randy Beeken and his stable of talented skill position players, follow up a school-record 8-2 season?

Hialeah American at Harmony: The Longhorns got to run just eight snaps in their spring game before a thunderstorm rolled in and halted it. New Coach Nick Lippert has had his team practicing at 5 a.m. to beat the heat and storms. New pieces in the backfield and defense will be on display Friday.

Pine Ridge at Celebration (7:30): Storm had skill position players but were young on the offensive and defensive lines. That youth got a year older and stronger and should allow the offense to click better.

Timber Creek at Tohopekaliga: Tigers went from 2-8 to 6-4 under new coach Anthony Paradiso, and added pieces and a couple of tougher opponents to the roster.

Gateway at Wesley Chapel: Panthers will get practice at being road warriors, with six of their first seven games, including Friday’s Classic, on the road.

Liberty at Lake Buena Vista: Chargers’ era under new Coach Dee Hart begins at an Orange County school with one win in its two seasons, and a new head coach of its own.

Note: Check out a preview of all of the county's eight public school teams in next week's News-Gazette, ahead of the Aug. 25 regular-season opening games.