We are pleased to announce the
2022 ED KERSHNER COACH OF THE YEAR
AARON SHEPPARD (@Shepp42)
OCOEE HS
@VSNOrlando @osvarsity @OcoeeAthletics @OcoeeFootball @OCPSAthletics @OcoeeKnights pic.twitter.com/JStVgNajm9
— Orlando TD Club (@OrlandoTD_Club) December 1, 2022
Metro Conference has an opportunity to show the talent gap between South FL and Central FL is no more. The State is watching so let's rep Apopka, Ocoee & Jones. Let's silence the doubters tomorrow night. @ApopkaFootball @OcoeeFootball @JonesHSFootball
— Ty Ray (@TyRay89636953) December 2, 2022
In my 18 yrs at APK, we've played in 10 Region Finals, 8 State Semis, 5 State Finals, and won 2 State Championships. I'm so blessed and proud to be part of this program. This place is truly special. Hoping to add a few more footballs to the board this year! #Final4 #HokaHey pic.twitter.com/6UFBC6Eo1W
— Gjerome Mogol (@MrGMogol) November 30, 2022
Let’s Go Knights!!! We are so proud of you! @ByrdOcps @OCPSAthletics @OcoeeAthletics pic.twitter.com/i4qTCLqk36
— Ocoee High School (@OcoeeKnights) December 2, 2022
Appreciate it. https://t.co/Rj60iXCV09
— Jones Tigers Football (@JonesHSFootball) December 2, 2022
O.C., BIG THREE
Dear reader, it’s time for predictions. Sports Club Florida is proud to be a platform for all high school athletes across the state. As we continue to build, we look forward to covering programs from Tallahassee to Miami, and everywhere in between. But for now, being based in Central Florida has it’s perks. For example, tonight presents an interesting opportunity for us, as three area school bid for a trip to the FHSAA state championship.
Orange County, Florida is playing for a championship bid, times three. Orlando’s Jones High School, Ocoee High School, and Apopka High School are each looking for statement wins in the state semi-finals. Now, I admit that my predictions from earlier this high school football season were dead wrong.
But an entire regular season later, I’ve definitely got things figured out this time. And even if I don’t, that’s what the comment section is for.
MY PREDICTIONS
We all knew that the talent, and coaching in Central Florida would give our area a great chance to compete with our favorite opps: South Florida high school football. Namely, the Miami area vs. Orlando area rivalry has only gotten more heated, and more exciting every year. As an Evans Trojan, I will continue to shamelessly mention how we beat Miami Northwestern in 1999, until Jones (or another area school) does too.
Apopka Soars
HOKA HEY, APK! There’s something about destiny that you can’t miss. This season, the Blue Darters have managed to fly under the radar, quietly assembling a 10-win run for the ages. It’s the perfect scenario for a disciplined program like Apopka: lofty expectation at home, and all the outside eyes focused on a flashy, top-heavy Edgewater team, providing a distraction-less path to the post-season.
Led by UCF commit Kaven Call, and a brand new offense, APK has managed to sneak up on everyone. But I have to ask: why in the world was anyone sleep on the team from Apopka, when this is their fourth consecutive semi-final appearance? Well, their secret is their foundation. APK, a state-runner up in both 2019 and 2021, never had to rebuild – just reload.
And, I think they’ll unload on Palm Beach Central tonight.
PREDICTION: APOPKA WINS.
Jones High Roars
While Apopka has been my favorite team to follow this season, Jones season might be the story of the year.
From the August heartbreak of falling to Miami Northwestern in Camping World, to the senseless, real-world tragedy that has rocked the entire West Orlando community to it’s core (fallen Tiger Gamaine Brown will be laid to rest tomorrow), to upsetting the undefeated Edgewater Eagles in their own nest. UM commit Malik Bryant’s final year has been a roller-coaster of near adversity, and though it all this program has not waivered or missed a beat. I chuckled when I noticed how short the tweets from the Tiger have been ahead of this game. It speaks to a level of focus that should be frightening. If you doubted Jones would be here, or if you’ve never doubted them, either way:
“appreciate it.”
Homestead can’t prepare for the intensity that the Tigers are going to be playing with tonight.
PREDICTION: JONES WINS.
Ocoee likely falls short (this time)
The Knights (9-4) are a young team, and a rising program with an excellent coach. Frankly, as a Trojan, I don’t look forward to visiting that school on Ocoee Crown Point Parkway, because I know how dangerous this program has become. There’s plenty of talent for Coach Sheppard to develop throughout their roster, including ball-hawking defensive standouts junior Acetron Ealey and sophomore Joshua Gurrier.
Ocoee will be better after this road game with Columbus (12-1) as a program, and huge problem for every opponent they face next season. I’m just not ready to buy state champion stock yet.
PREDICTION: COLUMBUS LIKELY WINS.
LAST WORD
Predictions, and local rivalries, aside, this is a great look for the entire Central Florida community. As a Trojan, I love to see our region finally receive the respect its due. Good luck to all three teams from Orange County! Afterall, Ty Ray is right. Once the regular season carnage is over, it becomes time to silence the doubters, represent each other, and beat Miami.
ALSO: Good luck to the 10-win Osceola Cowboys (Kissimmee is a forty-five minute community from Orlando, with no traffic), and former Evans Trojan TJ Fields, who are also seeking a big win, taking on Lakeland High School (12-0) over in Polk County.
