Students just got on campus this week—the same campuses where fall athletes have been working out and practicing at all month long.
This week, football teams will take to the field across the line against someone wearing a different color—finally. Preseason Kickoff Classics give coaches a look at in-game situations that don’t hurt (or help) the record.
If nothing else, this week will shape what next week looks like at practice.
Four of the eight will play at home, starting tonight at 7 p.m. Here’s what the coaches hope to get out of these games:
Thursday
Poinciana vs. Orlando Christian Prep at Austin Tindall Park: New Eagles quarterback Kamari Lewis should get a lot of snaps like in spring, and Coach Taron Mallard expects a battle among three running backs.
“We’ve also made changes to help our defensive line, we’re excited to see how the hold up against OCP’s massive o-line and run game,” he said. “I’m excited to see how this all comes together (after last year’s 8-3 season).”
Friday
Windermere at Gateway: The Panthers offense goes back into the hands of sophomores like quarterback Aristotle Span, Jr., Nydrell Thigpen and Johnny Reyes, who all played a lot as freshman. If the Panthers are going to turn a corner after a recent-best 4-6 season, they’ll show signs of life against a Windermere team that also played an independent schedule but went 10-0.
The Villages at Harmony: It’s time to play “Simon Says” again at The Ranch—Don Simon returns to coach the Longhorns after an administrative stint. Quarterback Landon Hayes showed positives in the spring game against East Ridge.
"We still have some battles for positions," Simon said about what you'll see Friday. "We really want to get some guys on film."
Timber Creek at Tohopekaliga: While the constant over three seasons with Coach Anthony Paradiso at the helm has been Tiger’s record-smashing quarterback Sabby Meassick, who he’s throwing it to (besides fellow senior Tre Punter) and handing it off to will come clearer Friday at home against a good Orlando program.
“We’ve got a lot of young kids we’re trying to get snaps Friday,” Paradiso said. “We want to see that and not lightning!”
Discovery at Celebration: Landon Yaw, Sean Nuzzi and Kobe Orr were young skill position players last year; if their learning curve has grown the Storm could strike in 2025.
St. Cloud at Innovation: We’ll see if transfer quarterback Jeremiah Lattier keeps up his impressive appearance in the Bulldogs’ spring game against a team that was impressive in its first season last year.
“It’ll be nice to go against someone else for a change,” Coach Mike Short said. “We’ve got some players who we want to see under the lights produce into becoming varsity kids in live game action.”
Liberty at University: Chargers Coach Janko Bears takes the team up to Orlando against a Cougars team that is in much the same boat, filling starting spots to replace those graduated or transferred.
Osceola at Mainland: The defending Class 6A state runners-up travel the farthest— and may have the most new starting spots to fill, on both sides of the ball.
The first is under center, as a new quarterback, Amaree Rutland in from Wekiva will take as many snaps as he can get in, and a fully-healthy Jeff Sinophat will join Tohopekaliga transfer Jaxson Hardnett in the backfield.
The defensive “back seven” will get a new look with Janari and Jabari Lofton, Alvarez Toussaint and Dorian Wright join returners like Ja’Kyri Watson, Jamario Bradford, Nathan Barrett and Colton Carter.
“Play hard and compete,” Coach Eric Pinellas said he implored his team about Friday. “Nothing too fancy this time of year.”
