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  • High school football 2025 preview: PAL De Anza Division

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    As part of our high school football coverage to get you ready for the 2025 season, we are rolling out previews of all leagues in our coverage area.

    Today’s focus:

    PENINSULA ATHLETIC LEAGUE DE ANZA DIVISION

    (Predicted order of finish)

    No. 1 THE KING’S ACADEMY

    Coach: Dante Perez 

    2024 record: 5-6

    What to expect: The Knights suffered a blow when highly-regarded receiver Kyle Welch transferred to Riordan. But there is sufficient talent on hand to make another run at the De Anza title, one they shared with Capuchino last season. In fact, even without Welch the wide receiver position is one of the team’s strengths. Perez identified three other wideouts, all juniors, among his top players: Jaiden Flores, a 6-3, 210-pounder; Adrian Barnett, a starter on the TKA basketball team that went to the state finals; and Aaron Duncan, whom Perez characterizes as a fast and skillful athlete. The team’s top overall returning player is LB Justin Turner, who was in on a staggering 186 tackles last year, 97 solo. Three-year starter Nathaniel Vargas is the top returning lineman. Sophomore Ricky Gutierrez is slated to start at quarterback. “Our strength is in our team unity,” Perez said. “We have playmakers who can impact the game in different ways, and the players trust each other to get the job done.”

    Season opener: Aug. 29 vs. Aptos, 7 p.m. 

    No. 2 BURLINGAME

    Coach: John Philipopoulos 

    2024 record: 8-5

    What to expect: RB/FS Hayden Haba will be a primary ball carrier in Burlingame’s Wing-T offense and, in the words of Philipopoulos, “as good as any safety in our league.” Qasim Abutair will also get carries at running back and start at cornerback. Nick Armstrong, both a run and pass threat, will take over at quarterback. He will throw to his brother, Will Armstrong, who will pair with Abutair as the starting cornerbacks. ILB Ravi Krishnan, a team captain along with Haba, is the leader of the defense along with DE Quincy Yu. We have a great mix of returning starters or contributors from the previous season (including 3 of 4 starters on our DL) combined with a strong group of players coming up from the JV,” Philipopoulos said  “We expect to be in a lot of very close games against good teams and having enough depth while staying healthy will be critical.”

    Season opener: Aug. 29 vs. Half Moon Bay, 7 p.m. 

    No. 3 CAPUCHINO

    Coach: Jay Oca 

    2024 record: 8-3

    What to expect: The Mustangs tied TKA for the division title a year ago in their first year after moving up to the De Anza from the PAL Ocean. “We lost a lot but have a lot of guys waiting in the wings ready to step up,” Oca said. There is certainly some size on hand in Lealofi Tofaeono (6-1, 320). DE Rome Iosia has an offer from Portland State. Oca says RB/LB Melo Villareal will be an impact player. Returnee Kevin Hernandez is competing with sophomore Logan Arceo for the quarterback job.  

    Season opener: Aug. 29 vs. Sequoia, 7 p.m.

    No. 4 MOUNTAIN VIEW

    Coach: Rick Esparza

    2024 record: 2-8

    What to expect: Ishan Devarapalli returns at quarterback. He threw for 1,403 yards and eight touchdowns last season as a sophomore. Braden Greene, “pound for pound the strongest player on the team,” is the top returning running back. He led the team in receptions a year ago with 35. RB/LB Sam Ford will also be called on in the ground game. TE/LB Brigham Robinson is a three-year varsity performer and team leader. WR/DB Micah Perkins provides speed and athleticism. Three-year starter Erick Brito and Evan Luedke are the team’s top linemen. “We’ve had a strong offseason with regard to our physical preparation and a good group of leaders on this team that look to carry that momentum throughout the season,” Esparza said. 

    Season opener:  Aug. 29 at Palo Alto, 7 p.m.

    No. 5 SAN MATEO

    Coach: Jeff Scheller 

    2024 record: 8-3

    What to expect: The Bearcats moved up after finishing in a tie for first place last season in the PAL Ocean. Yianni Fitzgerald, a standout at linebacker a year ago, will attempt to replace his brother, Emmanuel Fitzgerald, who rushed for more than 2,500 yards the last two seasons, as a primary ball carrier in San Mateo’s triple option offense. He will share carries with Jovani Hernandez. A third Fitzgerald brother, Lukas, takes over at quarterback. Tyce Copus is a returning starter at slotback and all-league defensive back. “One of the smartest DBs in the league, always in the right position,” Scheller said. Roman Toki will also line up in the slot and play linebacker on defense. WR/FS Hamilton Pitney, the strong safety a year ago now at free safety, is another two-way starter. Logan Jandu is the top returning lineman.

    Season opener: Aug. 29 vs. Los Altos, 7 p.m.

    No. 6 CARLMONT

    Coach: Eric Rado

    2024 record: 6-4

    What to expect: The Scots are moving up after tying for third place in the PAL Ocean. Going into preseason practice Brody Zirelli and Adam Hyman were competing for the start at quarterback. Zirelli threw for 35 touchdowns on the JV team. Whichever player gets the nod will have WRs Lucas Robertson and Maximus Senechal as receiving targets. Both will also see time in the secondary on defense. There’s experience and depth on the line with center Hayden Tonga-Ma’ake, the anchor of the offensive line, Paul Taumalolo and guard Dante Navarra among the team’s top returning players.

    Season opener: Aug. 29 vs. Lincoln-San Francisco, 7 p.m.

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    Glenn Reeves

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  • High school football 2025 preview: EBAL Valley Division

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    As part of our high school football content to get you ready for the 2025 season, we are rolling out previews of all leagues in our coverage area.

    Today’s focus:

    EAST BAY ATHLETIC LEAGUE VALLEY DIVISION

    (Predicted order of finish)

    No. 1 GRANADA

    Coach: Brandon Black

    2024 record: 7-5

    What to expect: In his first season as coach, Brandon Black led Granada to a league championship and the North Coast Section Division IV semifinals. The Livermore school will be the favorite to repeat as league champion as many of its top performers return along with an infusion of key transfers. Senior Jack Badger earned all-league first-team honors last season at quarterback and will be a multi-tool player this season, playing wide receiver and defensive back. Three-star, 6-foot-5 wide receiver/tight end Damien Miles is aiming to build on a stellar junior season in which he had 40 catches for 673 yards. Wide receivers Ethan Mitchell and Skyler Stuart are fast, physical players who will also contribute as defensive backs. Leading the offense will be quarterback Caiden Van Leer, a transfer from and California whom Black said “is going to be a big surprise for Valley opponents.” The defense lost key starters from last season, but will have Cody Phillips as a returner at linebacker. 

    Season opener: Aug. 30 vs. Campolindo, 7:15 p.m.

    No. 2 LIVERMORE

    Coach: John Wade

    2024 record: 6-5

    What to expect: Since John Wade took over as coach in 2019, the Cowboys have not had a losing season. Expect that streak to continue this year. While Livermore graduated star running back Kamarri Robinson, the Cowboys will have a lethal air attack led by senior all-league first-team quarterback Mateo Lortie, who threw for 1,838 yards and 23 touchdowns last season. All-league receivers Chad Harper and A.J. Carey, along with shifty slot receiver Luke Mederos and senior Benancio Rivera, form a dynamic quartet in the passing game. Livermore’s defense will also be a strength with hard-hitting safety Griffin Lee and run-stopping linebacker Jackson Perotti leading the way. Livermore will be looking for its first league title in at least 30 years. 

    Season opener: Aug. 29 vs. Castro Valley, 7 p.m.

    No. 3 DUBLIN

    Coach: Napoleon Kaufman

    2024 record: 3-8

    What to expect: Last year was a struggle for Napoleon Kaufman in his first season coaching the Gaels. But Dublin still qualified for the NCS playoffs despite a losing record, and the postseason experience could help moving forward. Andre Armendariz, the team’s leading rusher from last season, is set to return after receiving all-league first-team honors last year. He is a team captain. Armendariz will form a dynamic backfield tandem with junior Rome Raymore, who earned all-league second-team honors in 2024. Senior wide receiver Jake Torok was also named a captain and will provide a solid option in the passing game. All-league defensive back Cayden Bennett and senior Tiras Campbell will lead Dublin’s defense. The Gaels’ non-league games includes games against Berkeley, Vanden, Heritage and Windsor. 

    Season opener: Aug. 29 vs. Berkeley, 7 p.m.

    No. 4 FOOTHILL

    Coach: Greg Haubner

    2024 record: 4-6

    What to expect: Foothill was competitive last season, even in its losses. It’ll be an uphill battle for the Falcons this season as they graduated five of their six all-league players. Returning all-league second-team honoree Christian Morales will anchor Foothill’s young offensive line. Wide receiver Jacob Weinstein is set to return for his senior year along with physical pass catcher Liam Shedd. Quarterback Gavin Brown, a junior, is returning from a knee injury. Foothill will be on the road for five of its first six games this season.

      

    Season opener: Aug. 29 at Monte Vista, 7 p.m.

    No. 5 DOUGHERTY VALLEY

    Coach: Gwangee Pittman

    2024 record: 2-8

    What to expect: Dougherty Valley will look to get back on track in Gwangee Pittman’s first year after back-to-back 2-8 seasons. The Wildcats lost four of their five all-league players to graduation, but return second-team lineman Nathan Li to anchor the offensive and defensive lines. Junior Ayden Parker was a standout at receiver and defensive back last season. The Wildcats will have two quarterbacks who could be difference makers – Junior Jimenez and Vincente Estrada. Senior Parsa Mahyari will seek to make an impact at running back and linebacker. The Wildcats have just five seniors on their 24-player roster. 

    Season opener: Aug. 29 at College Park, 7 p.m.

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    Nathan Canilao

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  • Preseason all-Bay Area News Group high school football 2025: Kickers/punters

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    As part of our high school football coverage to get you ready for the 2025 season, we are rolling out all-Bay Area News Group preseason recognition.

    Today’s position:

    KICKERS/PUNTERS

    Nathan Bearrows, Pioneer, 6-1, 170, senior

    Three-sport athlete also plays soccer and lacrosse. Holds multiple offers from smaller schools. Rated a four-star punter and 3.5-star kicker by ProKicker.com. Averaged 32 yards per punt with a long of 64, landing two inside the 20-yard line. Went 3 for 6 on field goals with a long of 30 yards.

    Zach Brien, Bishop O’Dowd, 6-2, 175, junior

    Five-star prospect finished first at the Chris Sailer Kicking NorCal training camp. Was 5 of 8 on field-goal attempts and 31 of 36 on PAT tries last season for O’Dowd.

    Braden Clark, Branham, 5-9, 135, senior

    Kicks, punts and also took a handoff for Branham last season. Has consistent 40-yard punt range with three-plus-second hangtime and 45-plus-yard field-goal range.

    Brady Emry, Clayton Valley, 5-9, 170, senior

    Four-star punter/kicker hybrid is committed to Minot State, a Division II school in North Dakota. Returning all-Diablo Athletic League honorable mention punter. Punted 27 times last season, averaging 33.8 yards per punt, landing seven punts inside the 20-yard line and hitting a long punt of 52 yards. 

    Nathan Fox, Sacred Heart Prep, 6-0, 155, senior

    Plays soccer and football at SHP. PAL special teams player of the year and all-BANG honorable mention as a sophomore. Made 34 of 36 PAT and 5 of 9 field-goal attempts last season. Also contributes at defensive back.

    Chase Graff, Archbishop Mitty, 5-11, 200, senior

    Versatile player who was named all-WCAL honorable mention at both kicker and offensive line. Also plays defensive end. Has 60-yard range on field goals. 

    Aidan James, Heritage, 5-5, 135, senior

    Returning all-BANG honorable mention. Hit two field goals in a narrow loss to Antioch last season. Converted 37 of 37 PAT and 5 of 5 on field-goal tries last season. Also plays soccer for Heritage.

    Ben Kerrigan, Monte Vista, 5-11, 155, junior

    A 4.5-star kicker and punter has 50-plus-yard field goal range and 40-plus-yard punt range as well as 70-yard kickoff range. Finished top four at The Punt Factory last man standing competition this August. 

    Saul Marks, Serra, 6-0, 160, senior

    Five-star kicker and punter is the No. 1 prospect in California and No. 10 in the United States, according to Kohl’s Kicking. Holds offers from Idaho and Idaho State. Has 70-plus-yard range on kickoffs and 60-yard range on field goals.

    Sebastian Miles, San Ramon Valley, 5-10, 180, senior

    Five-star punter by Chris Sailer Kicking is committed to Northern Arizona. Has 60-plus yard range. Attended Chris Sailer Top 12 camp.

    Ricky Miramontes, Milpitas, 6-3, 220, senior

    Strong-legged specialist averaged 57.4 yards per kickoff last season. Converted a 46-field goal last year and has range up to 60 yards this year. Also punts for Milpitas.

    Anthony Perez, Menlo-Atherton, 6-0, 230, senior

    Returning all-BANG honorable mention. Named first-team all-PAL Bay as a punter last season.

     

    Saxton Sinatra, Silver Creek, 5-9, 166, sophomore

    Three-star kicker and four-star punter is a developing prospect who was named to the 2024 Sports Illustrated all-freshman team. Has 50-plus-yard range on placekicks. 

    Zach Tabibian, Campolindo, 5-10, 180, senior

    A 4.5-star kicker and punter who has 60-plus-yard field-goal range and 70-plus kickoff range. Converted a 61-yard field goal at an MIT camp this summer and also knocked a 74-yard kickoff through the uprights during a practice session. 

    Justin Uribarri, De La Salle, 5-9, 180, senior

    A 4.5-star kicker and punter by Chris Sailer Kicking. Has 50-plus-yard range on placekicks, 40-plus on punts and 70-plus on kickoffs. 

    WHO IS ELIGIBLE

    Those eligible for all-BANG honors come from leagues based predominantly in Alameda, Contra Costa, San Mateo and Santa Clara counties. The news organization’s high school sports staff chooses the players.

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    Christian Babcock

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  • Campbell Hall Appoints Jack Leavitt as New Athletic Director

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    After an extensive nationwide search led by a committee of Campbell Hall Board Members, faculty, staff, and parent leadership, Campbell Hall is pleased to announce the appointment of Jack Leavitt as its new Athletic Director. Leavitt brings years of collegiate coaching experience and a deep passion for developing athletes, along with a proven track record in leadership, program development, and community engagement.

    For the past several years, Leavitt has served as the Head Swimming and Diving Coach at Georgetown University, where he successfully built competitive programs, mentored student-athletes, and led impactful fundraising initiatives. Under his leadership, Georgetown achieved historic success – Leavitt became the first coach in school history to secure a Big East Championship, ultimately leading the program to win four championships during his tenure.

    Beyond his accomplishments on deck, Leavitt made a significant impact as an Advisory Board Member for Horizons Greater Washington, where he supported youth development programs focused on water safety and education.

    Prior to his time at Georgetown, Leavitt held several coaching positions that further strengthened his expertise in fostering athletic excellence. His career includes roles as Head Swimming Coach at the California Institute of Technology, Assistant Coach at the United States Military Academy, Women’s Assistant Swimming Coach at New York University, and Men’s Assistant Swimming Coach at Harvard University.

    A graduate of Seton Hall University, Leavitt is a former Big East Champion in men’s swimming, a three-time school record holder, and recipient of the Seton Hall Junior Male Athlete of the Year award.

    “We are confident that Jack’s talent, experience, and leadership will be a driving force in the continued success and growth of our athletic program,” said Julian Bull, Head of School at Campbell Hall. “We look forward to the impact his fresh vision and innovative ideas will have on elevating the student-athlete experience.”

    Leavitt will officially begin his role as Athletic Director at Campbell Hall on July 1, 2025.

    Source: Campbell Hall

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  • West Pasco Flag Football is all about family

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    TAMPA, Fla. Flag Football is catching on in West Pasco.

    Kids are introduced to the sport as early as the age of three. For most of the kids who participate it will be a relationship they will take with them for the rest of their lives.

    Kyle Carlson is one of the coaches who has introduced these kids to the sport an an early age.

    “We saw an opportunity to bring NFL flag football to the West Pasco area which is such an awesome thing for kids, says Kyle, not only kids experienced in playing tackle football but kids who have never played a sport in their life”.

    This is the second season for the NFL Flag Football program in New Port Richey and from the coaches to the players, it’s a big success.

     The league has boys and girls ages three to seventeen, three hundred and fifty players are participating in this years winter league.

    “One of our missions when we found this league was to never turns kids away, right? says Carlson,We always want to give kids the opportunity to play, regardless of their ability level, their financial ability, never turn kids away is our motto”.

    League nights also have an even deeper purpose, it’s all about family, from the volunteers who coach the kids to the parents and family that offer their support from the sidelines.

    “were giving kids a platform to change their lives”.

    and these coaches and volunteers are doing that, one play and one practice at a time.

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    Mike Cairns

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  • New Angeline Athletic Complex a product of ‘Penny for Pasco’ surtax

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    LAND O’ LAKES, Fla. — Student athletics are on their way to the new Angeline Academy of Innovation.


    What You Need To Know

    • Angeline Academy of Innovation is adding student athletics through the new Angeline Athletic Complex
    • Athletics, originally, were not in the plans for the school, but the demand from parents and students is helping put a state-of-the-art facility on the map
    • Funding for the new facility is thanks, in part, to the “Penny for Pasco” surtax
    • The facility is the first artificial turf field in Pasco County


    It’s thanks, in part, to the “Penny for Pasco” — a voter-approved infrastructure surtax. Originally, athletics were not in the plans for the school. But the demand from parents and students is helping put a state-of-the-art facility on the map.

    “This is the first turf in Pasco,” said Matthew Wicks, senior supervisor for Athletics and Electives with Pasco County Schools.

    “We originally did this in partnership with Day Spring Academy,” said Wicks. “We’ve had this land for quite a long time. It used to be cows. It was a big field of cows.”

    Now, it’s the new Angeline Athletic Complex. 

    It will be home to the county’s first artificial turf field where a variety of sports, like football and soccer, can be played. It includes a rubber track and more.

    “We have these green granules and it’s, actually, a cooling pellet that we paid for because we thought it was important to keep the field a little bit cooler for our athletes,” Wicks said. “Obviously, we live in the state of Florida and it gets really hot. I’m not going to sugar coat it — it’s still going to be hot out here. But these pellets keep it 15 to 20 degrees cooler than it would on a normal turf field.”

    The facility is also home to a full-sized gym.

    “We installed live stream cameras in all of our gyms and all of our stadiums across Pasco County,” said Wicks. “This one is a huddle camera where parents are able to log-in. If dad’s on the road or mom’s on the road, grandparents live in Indiana or whatever; they can log-in and watch that game and watch their child or their grandchild play. Which I think is a pretty cool experience.”

    It was all made possible thanks to the “Penny for Pasco” sales tax.

    “It’s taxpayer dollars,” said Wicks. “It’s showing our community that we’re going to spend those dollars wisely and be fiscally responsible about it. This is one of the projects that helps with that. In the future, we want to do some more projects for some of our aging schools to be able to add facilities like this for our student athletes to be able to participate on.”

    The facility will host all sports, except golf and swimming. Angeline Academy does not field football, baseball or softball teams. However, Wicks said they will host middle school sports along with community tournaments in the near future.

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    Calvin Lewis

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  • Friday Night Hits: High school football recaps and scores in Central Florida

    Friday Night Hits: High school football recaps and scores in Central Florida

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    Friday Night Hits: All game recaps and scores of Central Florida high school football

    WELCOME TO FRIDAY NIGHT HITS ALONGSIDE KRISTEN LAGO. I AM DAREN STOLZFUS IT IS THE FINAL WEEK OF THE REGULAR SEASON. WEEK 11 AND ANOTHER HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL SEASON COMING TO AN END. IT IS FOR SOME TONIGHT. IT’S KIND OF CRAZY THAT WE’RE HERE ALREADY. WE DO HAVE SOME MAKEUP GAMES NEXT THURSDAY THANKS TO HURRICANE MILTON, BUT YES, TONIGHT SUPPOSED TO BE THE REGULAR SEASON FINALE AND THE SCHEDULE DEFINITELY REFLECTED THAT. ABSOLUTELY. SOME FANTASTIC RIVALRY SHOWDOWNS ON THE SLATE FOR TONIGHT, INCLUDING OUR GAME OF THE WEEK. DOCTOR PHILLIPS, THE SCHOOL THAT SPLIT OFF FROM WEST ORANGE NEARLY 40 YEARS AGO, HOSTING THE WARRIORS. THE BATTLE FOR THE OLD ORANGE CRATE. THEY’VE MET EIGHT TIMES IN THE LAST DECADE. EACH SCHOOL WINNING FOUR TIMES. AND THIS YEAR, BOTH WITH JUST ONE LOSS. ENTERING TONIGHT’S CLASH. THAT ORANGE CRATE? WHO DOESN’T WANT TO WIN THAT OUT IN THE SHADOWS OF UNIVERSAL STUDIOS? ONLY ONE CAN CLAIM THE CRATE HERE IN 2024. EARLY FIRST QUARTER STANLEY ANDERSON LOFTON LOOKING DEEP. HE FINDS HIS MAN CAM DIXON REELS IT IN, DOES THE REST. PANTHERS UP SEVEN TO NOTHING. A LITTLE BIT LATER, THE HANDOFF WILL GO TO KEN WHITE. HE’LL PLUNGE IN FROM ABOUT A YARD OUT. MISS PATTY MADE IT A 13 THREE LEAD FOR DP. THIRD QUARTER. THIS WAS A WEIRD ONE. DOCTOR PHILLIPS DIDN’T HAVE A SINGLE POSSESSION. WEST ORANGE CAPITALIZING ON A NEARLY TEN MINUTE DRIVE WHEN BRIAN DILLARD FINDS RYAN BROWN FOR THE SCORE. BUT DOCTOR PHILLIPS JUST TOO MUCH FOR THE WARRIORS TO HANDLE IN THIS ONE. FOURTH QUARTER. ANDERSON LOFTON WILL FIND DIXON ONCE AGAIN. SECOND TOUCHDOWN OF THE DAY FOR THOSE TWO. THE OLD ORANGE CRATE STILL BELONGS TO THE PANTHERS. WITH MORE FROM OUR GAME OF THE WEEK. HERE’S WESH 2’S ZACH MASKAVICH. HEY THERE DAREN AND CHRISTOPHER. WE TALKED ABOUT IT EARLIER. THIS MIGHT BE ONE OF THE COOLEST RIVALRY NICKNAMES IN ALL OF CENTRAL FLORIDA. THE BATTLE FOR THE OLD ORANGE CRATE. IT’S A RIVALRY THAT DATES BACK TO 1987. IN THAT VERY FIRST MEETING, IT WAS WEST ORANGE THAT CAME AWAY WITH A SEVEN NOTHING WIN. AND FAST FORWARD TO THE 2024 VERSION AND IT’S DOCTOR PHILLIPS THAT WILL KEEP THE OLD ORANGE CRATE HERE IN THE SHADOWS OF UNIVERSAL STUDIOS. AND YOU CAN TELL HOW MUCH A RIVALRY WIN OF THIS MAGNITUDE MEANS TO THE PLAYERS AND THE COACHES. IT’S A BIG GAME, BIG RIVALRY. LIKE I SAID, PREGAME, I PLAYED IN THIS GAME WHEN I WAS 15 YEARS OLD. I HELD THAT CRATE WHEN I WAS 15 AND BE 30 YEARS LATER. IT’S SOMETHING SPECIAL TO US ALL. IT MEANS A LOT TO BE ABLE TO INK OURSELVES ON THAT CRATE MY SENIOR YEAR. IT MEANS EVERYTHING TO ME. WE CAME INTO THIS WEEK KNOWING WE HAD TO MAKE UP FOR THE LOSS THAT WE HAD AGAINST EDGEWATER, WHICH WAS WEEKS PAST. WE’RE STILL TRYING TO GET BETTER EVERY DAY. THIS IS ONE STEP TOWARDS PERFECTION, SO NOW IT’S PLAYOFF TIME FOR BOTH OF THESE TEAMS. DOCTOR PHILLIPS HEADS INTO THE PLAYOFFS, FINISHING THE REGULAR SEASON EIGHT AND ONE ON THE YEAR. MEANWHILE, WEST ORANGE WILL LOOK TO BOUNCE BACK IN WEEK ONE OF THE PLAYOFFS. THEY FINISHED THE REGULAR SEASON SEVEN AND TWO ON THE SEASON AT OUR GAME OF THE WEEK AT DOCTOR PHILLIPS HIGH SCHOOL ZACH MASKAVICH WESH TWO SPORTS. THANK YOU ZACH OUR FAN PICK POLL. ANOTHER TIGHT RACE ON WESH.COM LESS THAN TEN VOTES DECIDED THIS ONE. I LOVE A CLOSE ONE, BUT BISHOP MOORE AT LAKE MARY THE GAME THAT WILL GET A LITTLE EXTRA LOVE TONIGHT. A BATTLE OF BIG TIME QUARTERBACKS IN THIS ONE. YEAH. ROSCOE THE RAM BETTING ON NOAA GRUBBS AND LAKE MARY TO FINISH OUT THE REGULAR SEASON WITH A DUB. BUT BJORN JORGENSEN AND THE HORNETS WOULD HAVE SOMETHING TO SAY ABOUT IT. OPENING DRIVE HANDOFF GOES TO AMARI JOHNSON. UP THE GUT. AND IN FOR SIX. HE GOES. HORNETS WERE BUZZING IN THE FIRST QUARTER. BISHOP MOORE WOULD DOUBLE THE LEAD RIGHT HERE. JURGENSEN ON THE KEEPER. TOUCHDOWN HORNETS. LAKE MARY DOWN 14 TO 3 BEFORE THE OFFENSE FINALLY CAME TO LIFE. FIRST GRUBBS AT THE GOAL LINE TO GIVE THE RAMS SOME ENERGY. AND THEN A LITTLE LATER HE DECIDES TO SHOW OFF THE ARM AS WELL. FAKES THE HANDOFF AND SLINGS IT TO CARSON FREEMAN. WATCH THIS. HE WILL NOT GO DOWN WITHOUT A FIGHT. MAKES HIS WAY ALL THE WAY INTO THE END ZONE. RAMS BATTLING BACK TO TAKE DOWN THE HORNETS 34 TO 16 IS THE FINAL. LITERALLY FIGHTING OCOEE LOOKING TO SPOIL JONES IS UNDEFEATED SEASON TONIGHT. FIGHTING TIGERS JUST TWO WINS AWAY FROM ACHIEVING THEIR FIRST TEN ZERO SEASON SINCE 1968. KNIGHTS PRETTY FIRED UP FOR THIS ONE, THOUGH. FIRST PASS PLAY OF THE GAME JONES QUARTERBACK TO DARIAN COLEMAN LAUNCHES IT, BUT HOW ABOUT OCOEE’S JOSH GREER WHO COMES UP WITH IT. THAT’S AN INTERCEPTION. KNIGHTS OFFENSE THOUGH CANNOT PUT TOGETHER A SCORING DRIVE. SCORELESS AFTER THE FIRST QUARTER. FIGHTING TIGERS GOING BACK TO THE RUN THIS TIME. JAQUEL SMITH WILL MUSCLE HIS WAY IN FOR THE SCORE. THAT’S HALF THE TOUCHDOWNS TONIGHT. SEVEN NOTHING AT THE BREAK. THEY HANG ON. IT IS A 14 NOTHING WIN JONES IS STILL UNDEFEATED. ALL RIGHT. FLYING OVER EVANS. OR EXCUSE ME EVANS COMING OFF BACK TO BACK LOSSES TAKING OUT THEIR FRUSTRATIONS. YEAH YOU COULD SAY THAT ON OAK RIDGE TONIGHT. PIONEERS PUNTING. NOBODY WILL PICK IT UP UNTIL DAREN ROGERS SAYS I’LL TAKE THAT. NOBODY EVEN TOUCHES HIM. TAKES IT ALL THE WAY TO THE HOUSE TO PUT THE TROJANS IN FRONT. AT THAT POINT, IT WAS 63 TO NOTHING MORE FROM EVANS, THOUGH, WAS COMING. NASIR MCMILLAN BACK TO PASS. NOBODY OPEN. SO HE TUCKS IT AND SCORES IT. NOBODY TOUCHES HIM EITHER. EVANS WITH A HUGE WIN TONIGHT 69 TO NOTHING IS THE FINAL SCORE. WHO GOT A D UP. ALL RIGHT. ONE OF THE LONGEST RUNNING RIVALRIES IN CENTRAL FLORIDA IS ONE OF THE MOST SPIRITED ONES. AS WELL. BOONE AND EDGEWATER CLOSING OUT THE REGULAR SEASON AGAINST EACH OTHER AS THEY TYPICALLY DO LOVE THESE RIVALRIES. BOONE TRYING TO BREAK THROUGH THE BRAIN. BRAIN, THE BRAINS BRAVES HAD LOST SIX STRAIGHT TO THE EAGLES, ENTERING TONIGHT, HAD IT KNOCKED OFF EDGEWATER SINCE 2017. THAT MEANS THE SPIRIT BARREL. THERE IT IS. HAS RESIDED AT EDGEWATER FOR QUITE A WHILE. EAGLES HOPING TO KEEP THAT ON THEIR SIDELINE AT NIGHT’S END. BUT BOONE WAS FEELING GOOD. HAD ONLY ALLOWED THREE POINTS IN THE LAST THREE GAMES COMBINED COMING INTO THIS ONE, BUT EDGEWATER TOPPED THAT THEIR OPENING DRIVE. CARTER EMANUEL, QUARTERBACK KEEPER MAKES IT SEVEN TO NOTHING ENSUING DRIVE. BRAVES GO FOR IT ON FOURTH DOWN IN EAGLES TERRITORY AS XAVIER DENMARK SAYS NO, NO, NO. THAT WOULD LEAD TO A QUICK SCORE HERE. JULIAN PRIME PUTTING SIX ON THE BOARD. A FEW PLAYS LATER 14 NOTHING. EDGEWATER SECOND QUARTER JOSH PERRY WEAVING HIS WAY THROUGH TRAFFIC IN FOR THE SCORE. THIS WAS ALL EDGEWATER TONIGHT 4214. THE FINAL SCORE ON TO THIS MAYOR’S CUP ON THE LINE AT WEKIVA. STAYING TRYING TO HAND THE BLUE DARTERS THEIR FIFTH STRAIGHT LOSS OF THE SEASON. BUT APOPKA NOT GOING DOWN THAT EASY. BLUE DARTERS WOULD GO UP 13. NOTHING AFTER THE TOUCHDOWN THERE FROM JACKIE SANDERS. WEKIVA CHEERLEADERS TRYING TO GET THE HOME TEAM GOING BUT NOT SURE THIS IS WHAT THEY WANTED. JACKSON KELLER EVADES THE PRESSURE, MAKES THE PASS, BUT INTO THE HANDS OF APOPKA. HENRY PICKARD. IT GOES. INTERCEPTION FOR APOPKA. BIG PLAY BY THE DEFENSE MEETS. BIG PLAY BY THE OFFENSE. TYSON DAVISON DROPS A BEAUTY HERE TO ALEXANDER ROSSI FOR THE SCORE. WEKIVA FIGHTS BACK BUT CAN’T CATCH APOPKA IN THE END. 20 TO 16 IS THE FINAL. WELL THEY SHARE A STADIUM AND A SIMILAR APPRECIATION FOR EACH OTHER. SEABREEZE AND MAINLAND MEETING IN DAYTONA BEACH. THIRD PLAY OF THE GAME SEABREEZE GOING LONG. KWASI KWAKU JUNIOR PICKS IT OFF AND LOOK AT HIM. JUST TAKE HIS TIME. WEAVES HIS WAY BACK 76 YARDS ALL THE WAY TO THE HOUSE. EIGHT GETS SIX. MAINLAND UP SIX TO NOTHING. MAINLAND’S FIRST OFFENSIVE POSSESSION WOULD END IN SIMILAR FASHION. THEY’LL TOSS IT UP HERE. SEBASTIAN JOHNSON TO JAMIL PATRICK FOR 30 YARDS AND A TOUCHDOWN 13 NOTHING 20 NOTHING. BUCKS. IN THE SECOND QUARTER, THE BAND PLENTY TO DANCE ABOUT CHRISTIAN COOPER REELING IN A TOUCHDOWN HERE IN YOUR LIVING ROOM. BUT PRIDE NEVER DIES. AND THEY DON’T ALLOW POINTS EITHER. 53 TO NOTHING. THE FINAL SCORE FLYING OVER OVIEDO NOW THE LIONS ENTERING THE DEN OUT IN EUSTIS TONIGHT EARLY GOING. OVIEDO WILL BE ON THE ATTACK. DYLAN EDWARDS WHO WILL BREAK FREE UNDERNEATH THE TREES. HE WILL GO IN FOR THE SCORE THERE. WE PROMISE YOU. SEVEN TO NOTHING. LIONS TEN NOTHING. OVIEDO. NOW MORE LIONS. HANDOFF JOHNNY COBBS GOES IN FOR SIX. ALL. OVIEDO TONIGHT. THIS IS A THEME. YET ANOTHER SHUTOUT IN CENTRAL FLORIDA. 59 TO NOTHING IS THE FINAL POINTS ON THE BOARD. FLY OVER TO MOUNT DORA HURRICANES HOSTING THE VILLAGES CHARTER HURRICANES HOWLING EARLY DOWN 13. NOTHING. HERE THEY COME. BIG RUN FROM TANNER WEARING FIVE THOUGH WOULD GET SHOVED OUT AT THE FIVE YARD LINE SOON AFTER THOUGH MOUNT DORA WOULD GET IN THE END ZONE THROUGH THE AIR. HURRICANES TRYING TO GET BACK INTO THIS ONE WITH THE VILLAGES CHARTER WOULD ANSWER PATRICK HARDING WILL FIND AMARI HILL IN FOR A LONG TOUCHDOWN. AND GET THIS THE BUFFALO BETTER BY A POINT TONIGHT. EVERY POINT MATTERS. 2726 THE FINAL SCORE SCORES FROM AROUND THE AREA. WINDERMERE PULLS OFF A PERFECT SEASON IN OVERTIME OVER HORIZON 13 SEVEN THE FINAL. THERE WINTER PARK GETS PAST OLYMPIA 2117. AND WE’VE GOT SOME MORE SCORES FOR YOU THIS TIME FROM THE PRIVATE SCHOOLS HERE. MASTERS ACADEMY WITH A BIG TIME WIN, 55 TO 14 OVER LAKE HIGHLAND PREP AND THEN MOUNT DORA FALLING 42 TO 7 TO CHRIST CHURCH ACADEMY. THOSE WERE PLAYOFF SCORES AS WELL. WE’RE JUST GETTING STARTED HERE ON FRIDAY NIGHT HITS. WHEN WE COME BACK, MORE ACTION, ESPECIALLY FROM OUT ON THE SPACE COAST. OH YEAH, AND BARBECUE ON THE LINE IN BREVARD COUNTY. HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE BARBECUE BOWL. ROCKLEDGE. COCOA IS NEXT. WELCOME BACK. OUT IN BREVARD COUNTY, THE COCOA TIGERS HAVE BEEN QUITE SELFISH WHEN IT COMES TO EATING BARBECUE. AT THE END OF THE SEASON. HOW RUDE OF THEM. COCOA. FOUR STRAIGHT WINS OVER THEIR RIVALS FROM ROCKLEDGE IN THE ANNUAL BARBECUE BOWL. BUT WHO WOULD BE EATING TONIGHT OUT TO THE BOWL WE GO. FIRST HALF, FOUR MINUTES TO GO. RAIDERS. THEY’RE IN TROUBLE. ROCKLEDGE TRYING TO MAKE UP SOME GROUND ISRAEL. MONTANEZ FLUSHED OUT OF THE POCKET. HIT WHILE HE THROWS IN THAT ONE IS INTERCEPTED. HUGE PLAY BY THE COCOA DEFENSE TANK. WHITE TAKING IT TO THE THREE YARD LINE. NEXT PLAY MALACHI CONEY GOES IN UNTOUCHED. THAT ONE PUT THE TIGERS UP 24 TO NOTHING. AND NO THEY WEREN’T DONE. NEXT TIGER DRIVE FIRST PLAY BRADY HART DART HEAVES IT DOWNFIELD 74 YARDS TO A DIVING DL HARDISON. ANYHOW, WHEN YOU SCORE LIKE THAT YOU DESERVE ALL THE HANDSHAKES FROM YOUR FRIENDS. COCOA GETS THE SHUTOUT TONIGHT 37 TO NOTHING. ALL RIGHT, LET’S GO OVER TO MERRITT ISLAND. THE MUSTANG BAND BRINGING THE NOISE. FIRST QUARTER, THE VIERA HAWKS HAVE THE FOOTBALL. ERIC NELSON DROPS BACK. PLAY ACTION! NOBODY’S OPEN, SO WHY NOT TUCK IT AND RUN IT? 67 YARDS. HE IS DRAGGED DOWN INSIDE THE TEN YARD LINE. A COUPLE PLAYS LATER, THOUGH, RYAN BUBAR FANTASTIC NAME PUNCHES HIS WAY INTO THE END ZONE. VIERA ON THE BOARD. SEVEN TO NOTHING. HAWKS IN FRONT. MUSTANGS COME RIGHT BACK THOUGH. FIRST DRIVE KEVIN VERPAELE 20 YARD STRIKE TO KEVIN VERBALLY. IF THAT’S ACTUALLY KEVIN ON BOTH ENDS. VERY IMPRESSIVE. KEVIN MERRITT ISLAND A FANTASTIC GAME OUT THERE TONIGHT. THE STANG GANG TAKES IT 17 TO 14. FINAL SCORE. SOMETHING TELLS ME THAT SCRIPT. SENIOR NIGHT NEW SMYRNA BEACH, CUDAS HOSTING HOLY TRINITY EPISCOPAL FROM MELBOURNE. FIRST QUARTER IS WHERE WE WILL START NSB UP SEVEN NOTHING. TIGERS FORCED TO PUNT. BRANT RIEMENSCHNEIDER TAKES IT ON THE SECOND BOUNCE AND NO ONE WAS CATCHING THAT GUY. BREAKING TACKLES LEFT AND RIGHT ALL THE WAY TO THE END ZONE FOR THE CUDAS TOUCHDOWN. WE’LL HEAD TO THE SECOND QUARTER NOW. NSB ROLL IN KAMARI SPURLOCK HANDS IT OFF AND THAT’S ANOTHER NEW SMYRNA BEACH TOUCHDOWN. YEAH, YOU CAN GET THE POINT HERE. CUDAS WILL WIN IT IN THE END. 42 TO 14. ALL RIGHT, LET’S FLY OVER FREEDOM HIGH SCHOOL, CYPRESS CREEK IN TOWN. SOME OF THESE GUYS PUTTING ON PADS FOR THE FINAL TIME. A PAIR OF WINLESS SQUADS BATTLING. BUT SOMEBODY GETS THEIR FIRST WIN OF THE SEASON TONIGHT. HOW ABOUT THE DEFENSE. PATRIOTS ON THE DOORSTEP. BUT WILL MONTINI INTERCEPTION IN THE END ZONE. THAT’S GOOD FOR THE BEARS. BUT HOW ABOUT SOME DEFENSE FROM THE PATRIOTS SUE LONG WARREN WITH AN ICE PICK BACK. AND FORTH. FREEDOM GOES ON TO WIN IT 30 TO 13 SCORES FROM AROUND THE AREA. LET’S GET BACK OUT TO THE SPACE COAST. O’GALLEY STILL ONE LOSS ON THEIR RECORD 43 NOTHING WINNERS TONIGHT. HERITAGE 21 SEVEN OVER THE HUSTLERS. MORE SCORES FOR YOU TITUSVILLE WITH A BIG WIN OVER ASTRONAUT 34 TO 6. AN

    Friday Night Hits: All game recaps and scores of Central Florida high school football

    It’s week 11 of Friday Night Hits!Take a look at some Central Florida high school football highlights from this Friday, Nov. 1.Game of the week: Dr. Phillips defeats West Orange 33-11 Fan Pick Poll: Lake Mary defeats Bishop Moore 34-16 Jones Tigers win 14-0 over Ocoee Evans Trojans get 69-0 win over Oak Ridge Pioneers Edgewater Eagles beat Boone Braves 42-14 Apopka wins 20-16 over Wekiva Mainland Buccaneers win 53-0 over Seabreeze Oviedo Lions secure 59-0 win over Eustis The Villages Charter Buffalo wins 27-26 over Mount Dora Cocoa Tigers win 37-0 over Rockledge Merritt Island wins 17-14 against Viera Hawks New Smyrna Beach defeats Holy Trinity Episcopal Tigers 42-14 Freedom Patriots win 30-13 over Cypress Creek Bears Previous recaps:Week 1Week 2Week 3Week 4Week 5Week 6Week 7 Week 9Week 10

    It’s week 11 of Friday Night Hits!

    Take a look at some Central Florida high school football highlights from this Friday, Nov. 1.

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  • Friday Night Hits: Game recaps and scores of Central Florida high school football

    Friday Night Hits: Game recaps and scores of Central Florida high school football

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    Friday Night Hits: All game recaps and scores of Central Florida high school football

    IT IS WEEK FIVE. HELLO, EVERYBODY. ALONGSIDE KRISTEN LAGO, I AM DAREN STOLZFUS. WHAT A NIGHT FOR SOME HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL. GORGEOUS WEATHER. NO RAIN, NOT TOO HOT, BEAUTIFUL SUNSET. AND SOME FANTASTIC FOOTBALL. I THINK IT’S BECAUSE MARQUISE WAS IN AND NOT TONY TONY. THANK YOU MARQUISE. YEAH, THIS IS WHAT WE HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR IN WEEK FIVE. WE’RE ESSENTIALLY HALFWAY THROUGH THE REGULAR SEASON. IT’S CRAZY AND WE’RE STARTING TO SEE WHO COULD BE A CONTENDER AND WHO MAYBE JUST ISN’T QUITE THERE YET. YEAH, THERE’S STILL TIME THOUGH. OUR GAME OF THE WEEK JUST DOWN THE ROAD IN COLLEGE PARK, AN ALL ORANGE COUNTY CLASH, EDGEWATER HOSTING APOPKA. I LIKE IT. EDGEWATER JUST TWO AND TWO. THEY WENT UNBEATEN THROUGH THE REGULAR SEASON THE LAST TWO YEARS. ENTERING THE NIGHT, STILL TRYING TO FIGURE THINGS OUT. BUT APOPKA, THE BLUE DARTERS DEFENSE CLEARLY THEIR CALLING CARD. THEY’VE ONLY ALLOWED SIX POINTS THROUGH FOUR GAMES SO FAR THIS SEASON. YEAH, JUST AROUND THE CORNER FROM WESH TWO STUDIOS THAT TREND THAT WOULD CHANGE TONIGHT. THAT’S BECAUSE THE PLAY OF THIS MAN CARTER EMMANUEL FIRST QUARTER HE FINDS HIMSELF HE CALLS HIS OWN NUMBER GOES UP THE MIDDLE. EAGLES QUICKLY ON TOP. YEAH. ALREADY GIVING UP MORE THAN SIX POINTS THERE. HE WASN’T CLOSE TO DONE. STILL IN THE FIRST QUARTER EMMANUEL AGAIN MISSES SOME GUYS. AND JUST LIKE THAT APOPKA IS DOWN 14. NOTHING AFTER ONE QUARTER OF PLAY EMMANUEL SHOWING HE CAN DO IT WITH HIS ARM AS WELL. THIS IS AN ABSOLUTE DIME TO SEMAJ FLEMING. IN THE END ZONE. LOOK AT THAT PERFECT STRIKE. MAKES IT 28. NOTHING. EAGLES AT THE HALF SECONDS. LEFT TO PLAY. NICE RUN FROM CHRISTIAN HENDERSON TO GET THAT RUNNING CLOCK 35. NOTHING. WOW. EDGEWATER IS FLYING FROM OUR GAME OF THE WEEK. IT IS ZACH MASKAVICH ZACH. HEY THERE DARREN AND CHRISTINE, WHEN YOU THINK ABOUT POWERHOUSE PROGRAMS IN CENTRAL FLORIDA, YOU’D BE HARD PRESSED TO FIND TWO BETTER THAN EDGEWATER AND APOPKA, ESPECIALLY IN THE REGULAR SEASON OVER THE LAST FEW YEARS. BUT TONIGHT HERE IN ORLANDO WAS THE EDGEWATER EAGLES THAT CAME SCORCHING OUT OF THE GATES. THE BLUE DARTERS HAD GIVEN UP JUST SIX COMBINED POINTS. THE ENTIRE SEASON. EDGEWATER HANGS 28 POINTS IN THE FIRST HALF, 35 IN THE GAME, THANKS TO CARTER EMMANUEL’S FOUR TOTAL TOUCHDOWNS THREE ON THE GROUND, ONE THROUGH THE AIR. I’D SAY THE EDGEWATER EAGLES BOUNCE BACK QUITE NICELY FROM LAST WEEK’S LOSS TO JONES. WE KNEW IT WAS GOING TO BE TOUGH SLEDDING AND I THOUGHT WE DID SOME GOOD STUFF IN FIELD POSITION EARLY ON AND BE ABLE TO, YOU KNOW, GET A FEW SCORES THERE EARLY AND ANYTIME YOU WIN AGAINST THE POP COMMAND, YOU’LL TAKE IT. I MEAN, WE WERE EXPECTING TO PUT UP SOME POINTS. WE HAVE A GREAT EXPLOSIVE OFFENSE AND WE CAME UP WITH A GREAT GAME PLAN. OUR COACHES SET IT UP. SET US UP. WELL YEAH IT WAS REALLY JUST PUTTING PRESSURE ON THEM AND TAKE IT OFF OF US SO THAT THEY’RE GOING TO HAVE TO DEAL WITH IT AND AND WE’LL KEEP, KEEP JUST SCORING AND SCORING AND DOING WHAT WE DO. SO CAM DUKES SQUAD IS OVER 500 AT THREE AND TWO ON THE YEAR. NEXT WEEK THEY HIT THE ROAD. THEY WILL TAKE ON THE LYMAN GREYHOUNDS. MEANWHILE, JEFF ROSSEN SQUAD FALLS TO THREE AND TWO ON THE SEASON. THEY TAKE ON WEST ORANGE COMING UP NEXT WEEK FROM OUR GAME OF THE WEEK AT EDGEWATER HIGH SCHOOL. ZACH MASKAVICH WESH TWO SPORTS. ALL RIGHT. THANK YOU ZACH. OUR FAN PICK POLL WINNER. AN INTRIGUING MATCHUP OUT IN BREVARD COUNTY. A BATTLE OF UNBEATENS FOR NO UNIVERSITY. ORANGE CITY HEADING TO THE COAST TO BATTLE FOUR ZERO O’GALLEY. I LOVE A BATTLE OF UNBEATENS. NOW, THERE WAS A REASON NEARLY 65% OF THE VOTERS ON WESH.COM WANTED TO GET THIS GAME. AND WANTED TO HAVE THEM GET A LITTLE EXTRA SHINE TONIGHT. O’GALLEY THE NUMBER 15 TEAM IN THE STATE ACCORDING TO MAXPREPS UNIVERSITY OC WITH A BIG OPPORTUNITY TO GAIN SOME RESPECT TONIGHT. FIRST QUARTER IT IS TAY WELSH BURSTING THROUGH THE HOLE, CUTS BACK AND TAKES IT TO THE HOUSE. 28 YARD TOUCHDOWN. JUST LIKE THAT. THEY ARE UP SEVEN. ZIP BUT NOT DONE YET. TAY WELSH AGAIN THIS TIME CATCHES IT IN THE FLAT AND THEN MUSCLES IN FROM 18 OUT TO PUT THE HOME TEAM UP 14. TITANS NOWHERE TO HIDE ON THIS PLAY. O’GALLEY SENIOR BRANDON BROWN BIG SACK FOR THE BIG MAN. BUT HOW ABOUT THIS NEXT PLAY? BIG BRANDON BROWN, ARE YOU READY? A BIG MAN PICK SIX. ARE YOU KIDDING ME? HE’S HAVING THE GAME OF HIS LIFE TONIGHT. O’GALLEY GETTING THE JOB DONE. COMMODORES WILL TAKE IT 40 TO 7. THAT IS THE FINAL BIG MAN TOUCHDOWN UP IN SANFORD. SEMINOLE HOSTING A LAKE WALES TEAM THAT HAD WON 31 OF THEIR LAST 32 GAMES. TALK ABOUT A HIGH CLASS SHOWDOWN. HIGHLANDERS UP THREE. NOTHING BEFORE BOCA GOT GOING MICHAEL CLAYTON FINDS XAVIER TUCKER THERE FOR THE SCORE SEMINOLE TAKES A73 LEAD LATE IN THE FIRST SAME SCORE. SECOND QUARTER CLAYTON FINDING DEVIN VOLTAIRE. HE DIVES FOR THE SCORE 14 THREE. SEMINOLE ON A RUN. MORE SEMINOLE SCORING STILL IN THE SECOND. CLAYTON BACK TO TUCKER FOR HIS SECOND SCORE OF THE GAME, 21 THREE. BEFORE THE SUN EVEN SET SEMINOLE IN A THRILLER. THEY HANG ON 4138. FINAL SCORE. ALRIGHTY. OVER TO BOONE HIGH SCHOOL, WHERE ANDY JOHNSON AND THE BRAVES TRYING TO BOUNCE BACK AFTER A TOUGH LOSS AT WEST ORANGE. WE’VE SEEN THE FORMER BRAVES AIDAN MIZZELL CATCHING TDS ON SATURDAY. HOW ABOUT LITTLE BRO GETTING IT DONE ON FRIDAY? I DIDN’T ACTUALLY CATCH THE CATCH AS I WAS FAKED OUT BY JACK BEYER, BUT LOOK AT THE FINISH. BOONE UP BY SEVEN IN THE FIRST QUARTER. THE KNIGHTS NOT BACKING DOWN THOUGH A LITTLE LATER ON JEROME DUPREE HANDS OFF TO JAMARION ROBINSON WHO BURSTS RIGHT THROUGH THE HOLE AND HE IS GONE. OCOEE RUSHING BACK TO TAKE THE LEAD NOW. BOONE MADE THIS A GAME AT THE HALF. IT WAS A TIE SCORE, BUT IT IS OCOEE WHO COMES OUT ON TOP 3531. THAT’S THE FINAL WATCH OUT FOR OCOEE. ALL RIGHT. IN THE SHADOWS OF UNIVERSAL STUDIOS, AN EPIC CLASH BETWEEN UNDEFEATED DOCTOR PHILLIPS AND NEARLY UNDEFEATED LAKE MARY. I LIKE THE THEME PARK, SORT OF RIDING THERE. DAREN. THANK YOU. ALL RIGHT, THE PANTHERS, I LIKE IT. THE PANTHERS TRYING TO PROVE THEY’RE THE REAL DEAL. DP HAD ONLY ALLOWED TEN POINTS ALL SEASON. HARD TO FIND A BETTER TEST THAN THE HIGH FLYING OFFENSE FROM THE RAMS. ALL RIGHT, RAMS COMING OFF A BYE WEEK AND JUST LOST IN OT TO LAKELAND. TONIGHT THEY VISIT THE PANTHERS. PLENTY TO DANCE ABOUT FOR DP I DIGRESS. THIRD QUARTER. HOW ABOUT STANLEY ANDERSON LOFTUS TUCKS IT. LOFTON RUNS IT SCORES IT 62 YARDS TO THE HOUSE. DOCTOR PHILLIPS TAKES THE LEAD. BUT BACK COME THE RAMS ON THE GROUND ISAIAH THOMAS REACHES FOR THE GOAL LINE. BALL COMES LOOSE. THEY SAY HE BROKE THE PLANE. LAKE MARY BACK IN FRONT BY A POINT. BUT DP BACK IN FRONT HERE STANLEY ANDERSON LOFTUS GOT IT RIGHT THAT TIME. 50 YARD STRIKE TO MICHAEL CALIXTE. THAT IS YOUR GAME WINNING TOUCHDOWN. PANTHERS UNBEATEN STILL 2620. THE FINAL SCORE. ALL RIGHT UNDEFEATED FIRST ACADEMY BACK AT HOME TONIGHT. EAGLES IN TOWN FROM ATLANTIC OVER IN DELRAY BEACH. AND THEY WERE SOARING RIGHT HERE. OR AT LEAST DEANDRE DESIGNER WAS CUTS DOWN THE SIDELINE FOR 66 YARDS. DOES THE BULK OF THE WORK FOR ATLANTIC ON THIS DRIVE. BUT IT IS LINCOLN GRAF WHO WILL PUNCH IT HOME FOR SIX AS THE EAGLES TAKE THE LEAD THERE. ATLANTIC OWNED THE FIRST QUARTER. BUT HERE COME THE ROYALS SOLOMON GEORGE’S HANDS OFF TO JALEN POWELL FOR THE EASY TD. FIRST ACADEMY COMES BACK WITH A VENGEANCE. ROYALS 4128. BIG WIN FOR TFA. SO LAKE BUENA VISTA THE VIPERS WERE HOSTING WEST ORANGE TONIGHT AND WHEN A GAME STARTS OUT LIKE THIS YOU KNOW IT JUST MAY NOT BE YOUR NIGHT. OR MAYBE IT IS. JACKIE SCOTT FUMBLES THE FOOTBALL, PICKS IT UP, STILL RUNS IT 27 YARDS TO THE HOUSE JUST LIKE GENO DREW IT UP. WARRIORS IN FRONT SEVEN TO NOTHING. WARRIORS DRIVING AGAIN A BIT LATER ANDREW CHUNG TO LUKE WILLIS NOW AT FIRST THEY SAID THIS WAS AN INCOMPLETION. THEY RULED IT A TOUCHDOWN 14 NOTHING. SECOND QUARTER MORE WEST ORANGE NEHEMIAH BURGESS BREAKS FREE. VALHALLA WEST ORANGE WINS AGAIN, 35 SEVEN. FINAL SCORE ON TO THIS RIGHT HERE. THE LAKE NONA BAND HAD PLENTY OF REASONS TO BE ROCKING TONIGHT. LIONS UP 17. NOTHING AT THE HALF WHEN WE ARRIVED BUT THE TITANS NOT OUT JUST YET. NOBLE DAVIS FINDS JAKARI JACKSON DROPS IT RIGHT IN THE BUCKET FOR A NICE GAIN RIGHT THERE. BIG PLAY SETS UP RAYMOND GREEN FOR SIX. OLYMPIA MAKING THIS A GAME 20 TO 13. IN THE FOURTH. THE HOME TEAM THOUGH THEY JUST WANTED IT MORE KEEPER CALLS HIS OWN NUMBER AND SCORES MICHAEL DOVE TUDDY. LAKE NONA WINS IT 3413. ALL RIGHT, TO CHOPPER TWO. WE GO. HAGERTY HUSKIES INVADING TIMBER CREEK TONIGHT. IT WAS A DOGFIGHT WITH THE WOLVES. HUSKIES IN CONTROL EARLY. PORTER WILLIAMS, THE CAPTAIN IN FOR THE SCORE. HAGERTY UP 2814 LATE IN THE SECOND QUARTER. HOW ABOUT DEVIN DECO THOUGH? FINDING HANNAH WILLIAMS HERE AND TIMBER CREEK FIGHTING BACK. THAT’S A TOUCHDOWN. BUT HAGERTY THE HUSKIES IMPROVED TO FOUR AND ONE. THEY WIN THIS ONE 4926. ALL RIGHT. MORE SCORES FROM AROUND THE AREA. COCO GOES ON THE ROAD TO VENICE. AND NO IT WAS NOT THURSDAY. IT JUST ENDED LIKE FIVE MINUTES AGO. 54 TO 51. TOUGH LOSS FOR THE TIGERS EVANS BEATS UP ON HORIZON 50 TO 3. ALL RIGHT. MORE SCORES FROM AROUND THE AREA FOR YOU. PINE RIDGE PANTHERS TOUGH LOSS TO THE PATRIOTS WHO GOT THE JOB DONE. UNLIKE THE OTHER PATRIOTS ANYWAYS 13 TO 6 WAS THE FINAL THERE. AND THEN SAINT CLOUD TOUGH LOSS A CLOSE ONE TO MERRITT ISLAND 26 TO 23. IN OVERTIME ON THAT ONE. ALL RIGHT. STILL PLENTY TO GET TO HERE ON FRIDAY NIGHT. HITS. ALL RIGHT. WE’RE JUST GETTING STARTED RIGHT. WHEN WE COME BACK MORE ACTION FROM AROUND CENTRAL FLORIDA, INCLUDING A BIG BATTLE UP IN DELAND. THEY CALL IT THE BATTLE FOR THE BONE RIVALRY. FOOTBALL NEXT ON FRIDAYIGHT, WELCOME BACK, BIG VOLUSIA COUNTY RIVALRY SHOWDOWN TONIGHT AT SPEC MARTIN STADIUM. THEY CALL IT THE BATTLE FOR THE BONE. I LOVE THESE DELAND HOSTING DELTONA. THE BULLDOGS HAVE BEEN FEASTING ON THAT BONE FOR A WHILE NOW. BUT IT’S A RIVALRY GAME. ANYTHING CAN HAPPEN, RIGHT? CAN IT? ALL RIGHT. NOT ONLY WAS THIS A RIVALRY GAME, BUT IT WAS HOMECOMING FOR THE BULLDOGS. LOTS OF ADDED MOTIVATION. THEY DROPPED 70 ON DELTONA LAST YEAR. FIRST QUARTER ACTION. DILLON’S MARCELLUS CAREY TAKES IT RIGHT UP THE MIDDLE. AND JUST LIKE THAT, THE DOGS ARE BARKING SEVEN TO NOTHING BUT THE WOLVES. COME RIGHT BACK. KRISTEN, CAN YOU HOWL FOR ME? JEREMIAH HANCOCK I DIDN’T THINK HE’D ACTUALLY DO IT. ALL RIGHT. HE GETS IT TO DESHAWN FLOOD ON THE END AROUND HE GOES DOWN THE SIDELINE. AND GREAT READ CUTS BACK INSIDE. AND HOW ABOUT THAT. WE GOT A GAME IN DELAND. BUT THE BULLDOGS HAD SOMETHING TO PROVE TAJ MORGAN THE FRESHMAN IN FOR THE SCORE DELAND ANOTHER BIG WIN OVER DELTONA. THEY KEEP THE TROPHY 5620. THE FINAL SCORE ON TO THIS RIGHT HERE. SATELLITE ON THE ROAD TONIGHT IN NEW SMYRNA. KUDOS BAND SETTING THE TONE. GETTING THE PARTY STARTED. MUCH LIKE THE TEAM ON FIELD. CUDA’S OFFENSE ROLLING ALEXANDER JOHNSON HANDS IT OFF UP THE MIDDLE. TOUCHDOWN NSB LITTLE LATER ON SATELLITE OFFENSE WAS DRIVING, BUT TROUBLE WAS COMING. LINDEN EICHLER JUMPS THE ROUTE NEW SMYRNA DEFENSE WITH THE BIG TIME PLAY AND IT IS THE CUDAS WHO SEAL THEIR FATE WITH THE PICK. NSB WINS IT 2110 OVER IN BREVARD COUNTY, THE PALM BAY PIRATES ON THE ROAD TAKING ON THOSE MELBOURNE BULLDOGS. HERE WE GO. BULLDOGS UP 17 AT THE BREAK. PICK IT UP IN THE THIRD QUARTER. PALM BAY. WELL, IT’S KIND OF HOW THE OFFENSE WENT TONIGHT. BIG SACK JASON MELLADO PALM TO PALM BAY’S DRIVE ENDS IN THE FOURTH QUARTER. CAMERON JOHNSON HITS THE HOLE. AND YEAH, HE’S PUSHED OUT AT THE 15 WILD PLAY HERE MICHAEL ROGERS FAKES THE HANDOFF. FUMBLES IT. PIRATES HAVE IT I DON’T KNOW BIG DOG CARTER BLACK IN THE END ZONE FOR THE SCORE. THAT’S EXACTLY WHAT THEY WANTED. LUCKY DOGS TONIGHT IN MELBOURNE. YEAH PALM BAY STILL WINLESS THIS SEASON 31. NOTHING. FINAL SCORE. ALL RIGHT WINDERMERE STILL UNABLE TO OPEN THEIR STADIUM. SO WEST ORANGE ROLLED OUT THE GREEN CARPET TONIGHT. WOLVERINES WELCOMING EAST RIVER TO WINTER GARDEN. HERE’S HOW THE FALCONS REPAY THEIR HOSPITALITY RIGHT DANIEL GILYARD HITS THE HARD QUARTERBACK. THEY’RE SACKED. DEFENSIVE BATTLE EARLY. EAST RIVER WITH THE FOOTBALL HERE. WOLVERINES PLAYING SOME TOUGH DEFENSE. LOOK NOTHING REALLY HAPPENED OFFENSIVELY. WELL CHOPPER TWO WAS HOVERING BUT THERE WAS A LOT OF OFFENSE LATE 47 SIX WINDERMERE. THEIR DREAM SEASON CONTINUES. THEY’RE NOW FIVE. AND OH WOW. LOOK AT THEM. ALL RIGHT OVER TO UNIVERSITY COUGARS HOSTING INNOVATION TONIGHT. COUGARS DRIVING WHEN WE ARRIVED ERIC RIOS WILL PULL IT DOWN AND RUNS FOR THE NICE GAIN. HE GETS SHOVED OUT RIGHT AROUND THE FIVE. BUT THEN LET’S SEE IF WE GO THERE WE GO SHOVED OUT RIGHT ON THE FIVE. BUT THEN ON FOURTH DOWN GOT A MISCOMMUNICATION, ANOTHER FUMBLE. WE GOT A LOT OF THOSE TONIGHT THAT WOULD BE COSTLY INNOVATION FIRST YEAR SCHOOL. THEY’RE NOW THREE AND TWO. ANOTHER ROAD WIN FOR THEM 2117 IS THE FINAL INTERESTING SCORE IN THE SECOND QUARTER WHEN CHOPPER TWO ARRIVED AT OAK RIDGE 15 TO 6. DON’T SEE THAT EVERY DAY. PIONEERS HOSTING THE GRENADIERS OF COLONIAL PIONEERS. DRIVING IN IS AIDEN GRAHAM. LOOKS LIKE HE’S FORDING THE RIVER. BIG GAIN KEEPS THE DRIVE MOVING. AND THEN OAK RIDGE WILL GO TO THE AIR. TAYLOR CRANE RIPS A LASER TO VINCENT JONES FOR A TOUCHDOWN. HERE. OAK RIDGE WINS BIG 4212. THE FINAL SCORE. ALL RIGHT, LET’S GET SOME SCORES FOR YOU FROM AROUND THE AREA. VIERA OVER. TOHO 48 TO 8 IS THE FINAL IN THAT ONE. AND THEN SOUTH LAKE FALLS TO MOUNT DORA. THEY GET THE HURRICANES, GET THE BEST OF THEM. 3528. ALL RIGHT, MORE SCORES. LET’S CHECK OUT THAT SCOREBOARD. WHO DO WE HAVE? LAKE HOWELL TOPPING HARMONY 25 TO 11. AND LAKE GIBSON TAKES DOWN LAKE MINNEOLA 14 TO 7. NOT PICTURED THE JONES FIGHTING TIGERS WINNING LAST NIGHT IN OVERTIME AGAINST OSCEOLA. THAT WAS WILD. THEY DON’T LIKE TO PLAY ON FRIDAYS I GUESS NOT. THE SHOW IS FRIDAY. I KNOW IT’S STILL IN STORE FOR US TOMORROW. HERE’S WHAT THE BIG FOUR HAVE FOR COLLEGE FOOTBALL. UCF OF COURSE OFF THIS WEEKEND. FLORIDA ON THE ROAD FOR THE FIRST TIME THIS YEAR IN STARKVILLE OF ALL PLACES. MIAMI ON THE ROAD COMING UP FROM SOUTH FLORIDA TO PLAY IN TAMPA AGAINST THE BULLS. AND FLORIDA STATE WILL HOST CAL IN THE BEARS FIRST ACC GAME. NOT PICTURED STETSON AT HARVARD AT NOON. BETHUNE-COOKMAN WILL PLAY HOST TO CLARK ATLANTA AT THREE. GREAT NIGHT KRISTEN, AND WE DIDN’T GET RAINED ON. HOW GREAT WAS THAT? I JUST GIVE IT UP ONE MORE TIME FOR THE WEATHER. THANK YOU SO MUCH. ALL RIGHT. FOR KRISTEN AND ZACH AND EVERYBODY BEHIND THE SCENES HERE. ALL OUR HARD WORKING PHOTOGRAPHERS OUT IN THE FIELD. IF YOU SEE HIM, HAND HIM A HOT DOG OR A HAMBURGER OR SOMETHING. THANKS FOR WATCHING FRIDAY NIGHT HITS. WE WILL SEE YOU NEXT TIME FOR WEEK SIX. HOW ARE WE THERE ALREADY? HERE’S ONE LAST LOOK AT THAT GAME WINNING TOUCH

    Friday Night Hits: All game recaps and scores of Central Florida high school football

    It’s week five of Friday Night Hits!Take a look at some Central Florida high school football highlights from this Friday, Sep. 20. Game of the week: Edgewater Eagles defeat Apopka 35-0 Fan pick poll: Eau Gallie Commodores take win against University (OC) Titans Seminoles defeat Lake Wales with thrilling win 41-38 Ocoee Knights defeat Boone Braves 35-31 Dr. Phillips Panthers defeat Lake Mary Rams 26-21 The First Academy Royals defeat Atlantic Delaray Eagles 41-28 West Orange Warriors win 35-7 against Lake Buena Vista Lake Nona Lions defeat Olympia Titans 34-13 Hagerty Huskies take the win against Timber Creek Wolves 49-26 DeLand triumphs over Deltona 56-20 New Smyrna Beach wins 21-10 against Satellite Scorpions Melbourne Bulldogs win 31-0 against Palm Bay Windermere wins 47-6 against East River Innovation Bulldogs get 21-17 win against University Cougars Oak Ridge wins big with 42-12 score against Colonial Previous recaps:Week 1: Friday Night Hits: All game recaps and scoresWeek 2: Friday Night Hits: All game recaps and scores in Central Florida Week 3: Friday Night Hits: All football game recaps and scores from Central FloridaWeek 4: Friday Night Hits: Game recaps and scores of Central Florida high school football

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  • Tohopekaliga’s Andrew Hines found football after the loss of his mother

    Tohopekaliga’s Andrew Hines found football after the loss of his mother

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    KISSIMMEE, Fla. — People who play football use it as a way to have fun. Some use it to help better themselves and some use it to get away from the reality of life.


    What You Need To Know

    • Tohopekaliga High School’s Andrew Hines lost his mother to cervical cancer in 2020
    • To help him grieve with the loss of his mother, family members suggested playing football to cope with the pain
    • Hines has committed to attend and play for the University of South Florida

    Tohopekaliga High’s Andrew Hines uses the sport for all three. When he puts on his jersey, it just means more to him.

    “It reminds me there is more to football than going out there than just hitting people,” said Hines. “Made a ton of relationships that will last a lifetime. Ultimately playing under Coach Diso (head coach Anthony Paradiso) has been amazing.”

    These are some wise words coming from someone who has only been playing the game of football for the last five seasons. The defensive lineman started playing in the eighth grade, and it’s a sport Hines has learned to love.

    “Man, the grit, being able to whoop someone that is your own size,” he said. “The thrill of being able to have a clean shot at a quarterback or clean shot at a running back and take everything out right there.”

    Since he has stepped onto the field, he has created a family bond with his teammates at Tohopekaliga.

    “I think the guys I have met are going to be family and not replace what my mother had with me, but definitely fill in that spot,” said Hines.

    In 2020, after a long battle, Kristi McCune lost her battle against cervical cancer at the age of 46.

    “She was my world. She sacrificed everything she could have ever wanted for us, my siblings and I,” he said. “I miss her voice. I still have some videos of us talking on my phone so I can go back and listen, but definitely miss hearing her voice.”

    Hines says it’s really special listening and watching to voice memos and the videos on his phone. It helps him remain connected to his mother.

    “It means the world. Being able to see her smile again, all the good moments, a good collage of everything we have done together, it means a lot,” Hines said.

    To help him grieve with the loss of his mother, family members suggested playing football to cope with the pain.

    “So we had to find something out, something to channel my energy, get my mind off of things, so we decided that Pop Warner football might be the best,” he said. “I think it has helped in a healthy way for sure.”

    The work he has put in and off the gridiron has now led to a college scholarship. Earlier this year, Andrew decided where he wanted to go.

    “January 28th, I committed to the University of South Florida,” Hines said.

    And once he stepped on campus for a visit, it didn’t take long to determine he wanted to be a Bull.

    “About three hours. I was on campus, I was there for the junior day, maybe an hour,” he said. “Coach Patrick (defensive line coach Kevin Patrick) offered me, showed me around the school a little bit by myself and I was like, ‘Man, like, this guy, he matches my energy, I love this.’”

    Another reason why Hines chose USF is the opportunity to get playing time early in his college career. He will have a chance to do that because of the combination of his size and athletic ability.

    “I’m about 6’5” and 270 pounds, but my explosiveness, my twitch, my mindset to keep getting better was a huge part of it,” Hines said.

    Playing in college and earning a scholarship would’ve made his mother full of joy, but Hines says her reaction would’ve been contrite.

    “I don’t think she would say anything. I think she would just hug me,” he said. “I think that she would be so proud of me right now and if she were to say anything, ‘I’m proud of you.’”

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    Nick Allen

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  • Friday Night Hits: All football game recaps and scores from Central Florida

    Friday Night Hits: All football game recaps and scores from Central Florida

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    Friday Night Hits: All football game recaps and scores from Central Florida

    WE ALL LIKE A JET. WE’RE TAKING A FLIGHT. I KNOW MY WORTH IS TAKING A PRICE. YOU’RE TAKING A RISK AND ROLLING THE DICE. YEAH. FRIDAY NIGHT UNDER THE LIGHTS. WE ALL LIKE A JET. YEAH, WE’RE TAKING A FLIGHT. I KNOW MY WORTH IS TAKING THE PRICE. YOU’RE TAKING A RISK. ROLLING THE DICE. YOU HEARD THE SONG. YOU WERE DANCING. THAT MEANS IT’S WEEK THREE. HELLO, EVERYBODY. ALONGSIDE KRISTEN LAGO. I’M DAREN STOLZFUS. THIS IS FRIDAY NIGHT HITS. IT WAS A SOGGY SLOG OF A NIGHT ACROSS CENTRAL FLORIDA. LIGHTNING EVERYWHERE BUT A NIGHT OF FOOTBALL. ALWAYS BETTER. THE NIGHT WITHOUT FOOTBALL, I LIKE TO SAY SO, EVEN IF IT WAS ONLY A LITTLE BIT OF FOOTBALL AND A WHOLE LOT OF LIGHTNING COMING FROM THE GIRL WHO SAT IN HER CAR FOR TWO HOURS WAITING. ANYWAYS, WELCOME TO SEPTEMBER IN FLORIDA, RIGHT? WE GET OUR SHARE OF THOSE HERE, BUT WE ALSO GET OUR SHARE OF SOME GREAT GAMES. BUT WOULD OUR GAME OF THE WEEK FALL INTO THAT CATEGORY? DAREN. AND IT HAD LIGHTNING AS WELL. TWO OF THE TOP TEAMS IN THE SUNSHINE STATE DOING BATTLE TONIGHT. THE DREADNAUGHTS OF LAKELAND MAKING THE TRIP ALL THE WAY UP TO LAKE MARY. COULD LAKELAND’S GROUND EXCUSE ME, COULD LAKELAND GROUND THAT AERIAL ATTACK FROM THE RAMS THIRD STRAIGHT. TOUGH TEST TO START THE SEASON FOR SCOTT PERRY AND COMPANY. ALL RIGHT HERE COME THE RAMS. LET’S TAKE A LOOK A COUPLE IMPRESSIVE WINS TO START THE SEASON. BUT THIS ONE WOULD BE THE BIGGEST IF THEY COULD DO IT EARLY. GOING LAKELAND STRIKES FIRST JORDAN HENDERSON WALTZES INTO THE END ZONE. MAKES IT LOOK EASY. SEVEN TO NOTHING DREADNAUGHTS NOW GET USED TO HEARING THIS. THIS ONE DELAYED DURING THE FIRST HALF, JUST LESS THAN TWO HOURS. LIGHTNING IN THE AREA. NOT GREAT, BUT LAKE MARY COMES OUT FIRED UP. NO PROBLEM THROWING IN THE RAIN FOR NOAH GRUBBS. PASS TO PARKER PERALES, THEN MORE THROUGH THE AIR. GRUBBS IS GOING TO ROLL TO HIS RIGHT AND TOSS BACK TO CHASE HENSHAW. CHASE DOES THE REST, SCAMPERS IN FOR THE SCORE. MORE IN THE AERIAL ATTACK. FOURTH QUARTER. THIS WAS A TIE GAME. GRUBBS LOOK AT THIS BALL TO BRIAN WILLIAMS, JUNIOR. HE REELS IT IN FOR THE SCORE AT LAST CHECK 2821 A MINUTE. 11 LEFT LAKE MARY TRYING TO SEAL IT WITH A FIELD GOAL. THAT WOULD BE A HUGE WIN. MAYBE, JUST MAYBE, WE’LL SEE THE GAME WINNING PLAY A LITTLE LATER ON FRIDAY NIGHT. HITS. ALL RIGHT. OVER ON OUR FAN POLL PICK FAN PICK POLL. COME ON. TWO TEAMS IN DIFFERENT STYLES SCORED 54 POINTS IN THEIR ONLY GAME SO FAR THIS SEASON, A SHUTOUT OVER UNIVERSITY AND THEN WE LOVE TO SAY THERE’S APOPKA. THE BLUE DARTERS ARE TWO AND ZERO. THEY HAVEN’T ALLOWED A POINT ALL SEASON EITHER, BUT THEY’VE SCORED A TOTAL A TOTAL OF 16 POINTS IN TWO GAMES. NOT A LOT. YEAH. WOULD WE SEE MORE TONIGHT? NOT SURE TO APOPKA WE GO WHERE. YEAH. RAIN. LOTS OF RAIN. GET USED TO THAT. ALL RIGHT DOCTOR PHILLIPS UP SIX. NOTHING TRYING TO ADD TO IT HERE STANLEY ANDERSON. LOFTON WILL WANT THAT ONE BACK SWOOPED BY CHRISTOPHER CLAYTON WHO LOOKS LIKE HE MIGHT BE GONE SOMEHOW DP GOING TO CATCH UP TO HIM. THE QUARTERBACK SLOWS HIM DOWN. NO POINTS FOR A POP OFF THE INTERCEPTION. BLUE DARTERS FIRST POINTS COME RIGHT THERE. SECOND QUARTER MICHAEL WELLS THROUGH THE UPRIGHTS. MAKES IT 6 TO 3. THAT GIVES THE DARTERS SOMETHING TO CHEER ABOUT. BUT NOT MUCH ELSE IN THAT ONE. IN FACT NOTHING ELSE IN THAT ONE. APOPKA FALLS FOR THE FIRST TIME THIS SEASON. DP WILL TAKE IT 6 TO 3. THAT IS THE FINAL. DID YOU EXPECT ANYTHING ELSE? ALL RIGHT. WE’VE WAITED LONG ENOUGH FOR THIS ONE. THE BIGGEST MATCHUP IN THE STATE HAPPENED OUT ON THE WEST SIDE TONIGHT. TWO TIME DEFENDING STATE CHAMPION COCO TIGERS ON THE ROAD AT IMG ACADEMY. YEAH WE’VE BEEN LOOKING FORWARD TO THIS ONE REGARDLESS OF CLASSIFICATION OF WHERE THEY PLAY. ACCORDING TO THE NATIONAL RANKINGS, TWO OF THE TOP TEN TEAMS IN THE COUNTRY A LOT CLASHING IN BRADENTON. YEAH, NUMBER ONE VERSUS NUMBER TWO IN THE FLORIDA RANKINGS. ONLY TWO ROAD TEAMS IN THE LAST DECADE HAVE WON AT IMG. COCO DID NOT JOIN THAT ELITE COMPANY TONIGHT. SPOILER ALERT ONE POINT GAME, SECOND QUARTER TY HAWKINS. NICE PASS TO A WIDE OPEN ADONIS MOISE 14 SIX IMG BUT STILL BEFORE THE BREAK, HOW ABOUT BRADY HART. THE FUTURE MICHIGAN WOLVERINE FINDING THE FUTURE UCF KNIGHT AND JAVIN BOGGS DOING THE REST 72 YARD PITCH AND CATCH. AND JUST LIKE THAT IT IS A ONE POINT GAME. BUT DONOVAN JOHNSON HERE WILL SCAMPER FOR THE SCORE. COCO GETS SHUT OUT IN THE SECOND HALF. TIGERS HANDED THEIR FIRST DOUBLE DIGIT LOSS SINCE WEEK TWO OF 2022. IMG ACADEMY 3413. THE FINAL SCORE FOR COCO, ALL RIGHT, AFTER A NEARLY TWO HOUR LIGHTNING DELAY, WE FINALLY HAD A COIN FLIP OVER AT EDGEWATER, TAKING ON FREEDOM COACH CAM DUKE NOT SMILING. STRANGE BECAUSE THERE WAS A LOT TO SMILE ABOUT FOR THE EAGLES FIRST PLAY FROM SCRIMMAGE HERE. CARTER EMANUEL LETS IT FLY. HE’S GOING TO FIND TYSON CARTER IN STRIDE. ONLY TOOK HIM 12 SECONDS. BUT THEY MAKE IT SEVEN. NOTHING. EDGEWATER MORE OF THAT TO COME. THIS TIME IT’S SEMAJ FLEMING IN THE WILDCAT. HE WILL TAKE IT THROUGH TRAFFIC AND IN FOR SIX. EAGLES WERE UP 21. NOTHING IN LESS THAN FIVE MINUTES. EDGEWATER EASILY BREEZES OVER THE PATRIOTS 56 TO NOTHING IS THE FINAL IN THAT 104 PATRIOTS LINEMAN LOOKING TO BOUNCE BACK FROM A LOSS LAST WEEK AT TOHOPEKALIGA, THEY WERE HOSTING SEMINOLE TONIGHT. SEMINOLE WOULD SCORE FIRST. THEY HAND THE BALL OFF TO KIMANI ROBINSON. HE SPINS. HE SCORES. NOLES GO FOR TWO. DON’T GET IT. SIX TO NOTHING. THEY WERE DRIVING AGAIN LATE IN THE FIRST. HOW ABOUT JADEN DOUGLAS THE DEFENSE FRESHMAN WITH THE PICK NEARLY BREAKS IT OFF FOR THE SCORE. BUT A TOUCHDOWN SAVING SHOESTRING TACKLE FROM XAVIER TUCKER KEEPS THE SCOREBOARD CLEAN THERE. STILL DANCING. NO POINTS AFTER THE PICK. HUGE PLAY, BUT THE GREYHOUNDS PUNTING HERE. BRANDON SIMS BLOCKS IT. BALL BOUNCES FREE SOMEHOW. CADEN REYES ENDS UP WITH IT, GETS THE SCORE. SEMINOLE TAKES IT 4313. THAT GAME WAS CALLED IN THE THIRD QUARTER. ALL RIGHT, LET’S TAKE A TRIP IN. CHOPPER TWO HORIZON AT WEKIVA. BOTH TEAMS LOOKING FOR THEIR FIRST WIN OF THE YEAR. TAKE A LOOK AT THAT. IT’S ABOUT THE ONLY ACTUAL FOOTBALL CHOPPER TWO SAW TONIGHT. WEKIVA LOST BY 37 TO EDGEWATER. THREE DAYS AGO. THEY HAD DOUBLE DUTY AGAIN THIS WEEK. WEATHER WAS AN ISSUE, BUT IN THE THIRD, AT LAST CHECK, WEKIVA WITH A TEN POINT LEAD. ALL RIGHT. ZIPPING OVER TO OCOEE. YEAH, THAT’S NEVER A GOOD SIGN. WE SAW A LOT OF THIS TONIGHT. EMPTY FIELD, EMPTY BLEACHERS, 0 TO 0 ON THE SCOREBOARD. THEY PLAYED TWO MINUTES AND 17. WE KNOW THEY PLAYED SOMETHING, BUT TO BE HONEST, WE’RE NOT SURE WHAT EXACTLY HAPPENED IN THIS GAME. THAT’S ABOUT ALL WE GOT FROM LAKE NONA AT OCOEE. ALL RIGHT. SCORES FROM AROUND THE AREA. THE FIRST ACADEMY CONTINUES THEIR HOT START TO THE SEASON. 42 SEVEN WINS OVER A VERY GOOD TREASURE COAST TITANS TEAM. 42 SEVEN SOUTH DADE COMES UP TO OSCEOLA. BUT IT LOOKS LIKE THE COWBOYS OF THE K GOING TO COME AWAY WITH THE VICTORY. ALL RIGHT, MORE SCORES COMING FOR YOU OVIEDO WITH A HUGE WIN 50 BURGER OVER LAKE BRANTLEY 55 TO NOTHING IS THE FINAL THERE. AND THEN WEST ORANGE GETS A CLOSE WIN OVER TITUSVILLE 2421 IS THE FINAL I’VE GOT AN UPDATE FROM OUR GAME OF THE WEEK LAKE MARY MISSED THE FIELD GOAL. THAT WAS TRYING TO SEAL IT. GUESS WHAT? LAKELAND SCORED IN ONE PLAY AFTER THAT, TIED AT 28. WE’LL SEE WHAT HAPPENS. ALL RIGHT. WE’RE COMING BACK IN JUST A MINUTE. HEADED OUT TO BREVARD COUNTY. CHRISTIAN. WE GOT A GOOD ONE BETWEEN MERRITT ISLAND AND DELAND. ALL RIGHT. WELCOME BACK. AS OUR GAME OF THE WEEK GOES TO OVERTIME, WE’RE TALKING SOME FOOTBALL OUT IN BREVARD COUNTY. NICE MATCHUP ON MERRITT ISLAND TONIGHT. THE TWO AND OH MUSTANGS HOSTING THE DELAND BULLDOGS I LIKE THE SOUND OF THAT. DELAND OPENED UP THE SEASON WITH A 42 TO 28 LOSS AT HOME TO MADISON COUNTY, BUT RESPONDED WITH A BIG ROAD WIN AT NEW SMYRNA BEACH. LOOKING FOR SOME SIMILAR EXCUSE ME, SIMILAR RESULTS IF I CAN SPEAK BY THE COAST AGAIN TONIGHT. ALL RIGHT. STAYING GANG OF MERRITT ISLAND, TRYING TO STAY UNBEATEN THIS YOUNG SEASON. BUT THOSE BULLDOGS DID NOT GET THE MESSAGE. SECOND DELAND DRIVE OF THE GAME CORY MARCELLUS FROM 17 YARDS OUT. LOOK AT THAT. CARRIES IT INTO THE END ZONE. TOUCHDOWN SEVEN. NOTHING. BULLDOGS IN FRONT. MUSTANGS TRYING TO RESPOND SEAN HARTMAN THE QUARTERBACK KEEPER PICKS UP THE FIRST DOWN INSIDE THE 30. MOVES THE CHAINS ON A BIG THIRD DOWN. BUT THE NEXT PLAY NAIL AND ROGERS PICKS IT OFF. THE SOPHOMORE CUTTING IN FRONT. AND HE GONE. NUMBER THREE. TAKES IT OFF FOR 614. NOTHING. DELAND IN FRONT. THE DOGS GO ON TO OUTLAST THE MUSTANGS IN A ONE SCORE GAME. HERE’S ANOTHER TOUCHDOWN 3528 DELAND TAKES IT. MOVING ON OVER TONIGHT. ROCKLEDGE RAIDERS GETTING COACHED UP FOR THE START OF THE SECOND HALF ZERO ZERO TIED UP TO START THE THIRD QUARTER MICHAEL ARBOR BOOTS IT OUT FROM 45 YARDS TO GET ROCKLEDGE ON THE BOARD. WE GOT POINTS THREE NOTHING. RAIDERS OVER HAWKS. VIERA WITH TWO MINUTES ON THE CLOCK. DOWN THREE BUT OH NO YEAH THAT’S A SACK SACK BIG SACK BY CONLON OAKLEY DONOVAN RICHARDSON WILL RUN IT IN FROM SIX YARDS OUT TO MAKE THE HOME CROWD VERY HAPPY. THEY’RE BREATHING EASY TEN TO NOTHING. ROCKLEDGE. AND THAT IS THE FINAL SCORE. ALL RIGHT. HOW’S THIS FOR YOUR FIRST TWO GAMES. 50 TO NOTHING 52 TO NOTHING. THAT’S HOW SPRUCE CREEK STARTED THIS SEASON I’D SAY PRETTY GOOD, WOULDN’T YOU? TONIGHT A STEP UP IN COMPETITION WITH CREEKSIDE VISITING PORT ORANGE DESPITE KNOWING TWO RECORD THE KNIGHTS, A PERENNIAL PLAYOFF TEAM FROM SAINT JOHNS THANKS TO SOME TECHNICAL DIFFICULTIES. NO HIGHLIGHTS THERE. SPRUCE CREEK, THOUGH IT APPEARS, THOUGH, DOES COME AWAY WITH A ONE TOUCHDOWN WIN. ALL RIGHT, BOONE ON THE ROAD AT OLYMPIA TONIGHT. WHAT DO YOU KNOW? WEATHER WAS AN ISSUE. CHOPPER TWO WAS IN THE AIR TRYING TO SEE SOME FOOTBALL. COUPLE ONE ON ONE TEAMS. THIS ONE DID GET GOING EVENTUALLY. IT WAS DELAYED AND THEN EVENTUALLY CALLED IN THE THIRD QUARTER AND EVENTUALLY THE BOONE BRAVES EVENTUALLY PICK UP THEIR SECOND WIN OF THE SEASON. EVENTUALLY WE’RE GETTING TO THE END OF THIS 127 SEVEN. THE FINAL OVER THE TITANS. ALL RIGHT. EVENTUALLY OVER IN THE LIONS DEN FOUNDATION HOSTING THE BRONSON EAGLES. JUST NOT WHILE CHOPPER TWO IS HOVERING. FOUNDATION ACADEMY WITH A STRONG PERFORMANCE THOUGH TOPPING BRONSON 42 TO NOTHING. NOT THAT WE SAW IT. NOT A BAD WAY TO PICK UP THEIR FIRST WIN OF 2024. LIONS ARE OFF FOR A WEEK BEFORE HOSTING THE HUSTLERS OF MELBOURNE CENTRAL CATHOLIC. YOU KNOW IT’S NOT RARE. CHOPPER TWO GOES ZERO FOR FOUR, BUT THAT’S WHAT HAPPENED TONIGHT. ALL RIGHT. YOU CAN SAY IT WAS BUZZING AT BISHOP MOORE. BATTLE OF THE BEES. LITERALLY THE HORNETS TAKING ON THE BARTOW YELLOWJACKETS. BISHOP MOORE UP SIX THREE. WHEN WE GOT THERE BARTOW QUARTERBACK ETHAN BRUCE IN TROUBLE. SCRAMBLING. TRIES TO GET IT TO JAMARCUS AYERS INSTEAD. YEAH. PICKED OFF BY RON SCHRODER THE FRESHMAN TAKES IT TO THE HOUSE. PUTS THE HORNETS UP 12 TO 3 IN THE FIRST QUARTER. YELLOWJACKETS THOUGH WOULD GET ANOTHER CHANCE NEXT POSSESSION BRUCE TO HIRES IN THE CORNER FOR SIX. YEAH GAME WENT ON A LITTLE LATE TONIGHT AT LAST CHECK. BISHOP MOORE WAS HOLDING THE LEAD 19 TO 9 IN THE THIRD QUARTER. ALL RIGHT HERE WE GO. THIS ONE ACTUALLY MOVED UP TO 4:00 IN THE AFTERNOON TO BEAT THE WEATHER. THOSE ARE SOME SMART PEOPLE AT ORANGEWOOD CHRISTIAN AT THE FIRST RUNNING BACK FIRED UP AUGUSTINE FRED AUGUSTINE WITH THE TOUCHDOWN. THEY GO FOR TWO. THEY GET IT. TREY ROACH TO JAKE CARTER. RAMS UP 24 SEVEN ON WINDERMERE PREP. MORE FOR THE RAMS JACKSON HUDSPETH TAKES IT INTO THE END ZONE. ORANGEWOOD CHRISTIAN GETS A NICE WIN OVER WINDERMERE PREP 38 TO 7. THE FINAL SCORE. ALL RIGHT CHRISTIAN IT WAS AN INTERESTING NIGHT. HERE’S SOME MORE SCORES. HAGERTY THE HUSKIES TAKING DOWN THE TOHOPEKALIGA TIGERS 26 TO 14. WHILE THE GATEWAY PANTHERS ESCAPE. CYPRESS CREEK WITH A WIN 12 NOTHING. AND WE HAD SOME MORE SCORES FOR YOU. SOME FINAL SCORES. THERE WE GO. O’GALLEY COMING UP WITH A BIG WIN OVER HERITAGE 21 TO NOTHING. AND THEN MASTERS ACADEMY 57 TO 20 OVER OAK HALL. LOOK AT THOSE EAGLES OVER THE EAGLES I LIKE IT. JUST ONE CHECK OKAY. STILL NO UPDATE. LET’S CHECK OUR GAME OF THE WEEK 2828 IN OVERTIME LAKELAND SCORING LATE IN THE FOURTH QUARTER TO TAKE LAKE MARY TO EXTRA TIME. WE’LL LET YOU KNOW WHAT HAPPENS TOMORROW. WE DON’T HAVE NEWS AT SIX, BUT YOU’VE GOT IT AT 11. WE SURE KNOW HOW TO PICK THESE. GAME OF THE WEEK, SNOWY GAME OF THE WEEK FOR A REASON. ALL RIGHT. TOMORROW, A BIG DAY OF COLLEGE FOOTBALL. NOT QUITE AS BIG AS THE FIRST TWO WEEKS OF THE SEASON. OR FIRST WEEK. LAST WEEK, BUT UCF AT HOME AGAINST SAM HOUSTON AT 630. YOU’LL HAVE IT ALL COVERED RIGHT HERE ON WESH. YEAH, NO. SIX, BUT WE GOT YOU AT TEN AND 11. ALL RIGHT. THANKS FOR ALL OUR CREW BEHIND THE SCENES HERE IN WINTER PARK AND OUT IN THE FIELD AND ALL THESE GREAT GAMES TONIGHT. THANKS FOR HANGING OUT WITH US ON FRIDAY NIGHT. HITS. THAT’S KRISTEN ZACH STILL WORKING ON DAREN. WE WILL SE

    Friday Night Hits: All football game recaps and scores from Central Florida

    It’s week three of Friday Night Hits!Take a look at some Central Florida high school football highlights from this Friday, Sep. 6. Game of the week: Lake Mary Rams defeat Lakeland Dreadnaughts 28-21 Fan poll pick: Dr. Phillips beat Apopka 6-3 IMG Academy Ascenders defeat Cocoa Tigers 34-13 Edgewater Eagles take huge win against Freedom Patriots 56-0 Seminole wins against Lyman 43-13 Wekiva dominates Horizon Hawks 24-14 DeLand Bulldogs take 35-28 win against Merritt Island Rockledge Raiders defeat Viera Hawks 10-0 Foundation Academy Lions take the win against Bronson Eagles 42-0 Bishop Moore Hornets lead 19-9 against Bartow Yellow Jackets Orangewood Christian defeats Windermere Prep 38-7 Boone Braves defeat Olympia 27-7 Previous recaps: Week 1: Friday Night Hits: All game recaps and scoresWeek 2: Friday Night Hits: All game recaps and scores in Central Florida

    It’s week three of Friday Night Hits!

    Take a look at some Central Florida high school football highlights from this Friday, Sep. 6.

    Previous recaps:

    Week 1: Friday Night Hits: All game recaps and scores

    Week 2: Friday Night Hits: All game recaps and scores in Central Florida

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  • Lakewood Ranch High School’s CJ McRae primed for big season with the Mustangs

    Lakewood Ranch High School’s CJ McRae primed for big season with the Mustangs

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    BRADENTON, Fla. — There are many ways an athlete can inspire.

    Lakewood Ranch High School senior CJ McRae leads his team by example. 

    “CJ is a special young man. He attacks each day with fortitude. He attacks each day with grace,” head coach Scott Paravicini said. “He lights up the room when he comes in the room. His teammates respond to him, and he leads in a really positive way.”


    What You Need To Know

    • Lakewood Ranch High’s CJ McRae plans to put up impressive numbers on the ground, but his presence on the team makes an even bigger impact
    • The senior running back has been a crucial part of the Mustangs’ offense, averaging five yards per carry in 2023
    • McRae says he hopes to lead his team to an undefeated season


    The running back has been a crucial part of the Mustangs’ offense, averaging five yards per carry in 2023. But this year, he’s setting the bar higher. 

    “I want to rush for 100 yards a game, so toward the end of the season I can have 1,000 yards. And the team goal is to go undefeated,” McRae said.

    Fans notice his speed and agility on the field.

    “I feel my strengths are speed. I’m not the biggest guy out here, but I feel like I play like I’m the biggest,” McRae said. “I have speed, and I’m shifty. There’s always ways to push through.”

    He also brings power.

    “When CJ gets the ball, he’s patient. He waits, and then he explodes,” Paravicini said. “I think that change of pace where he’s patient, following his blockers, and then when he sees that crease, he explodes, (that) separates him from a lot of other guys who just have pure speed.”

    As McRae sets out on a new season, he hasn’t lost sight of his love for the game. 

    “The feeling is just unmatched, going out here, talking a big talk throughout school and then performing, people from your school, your family just watching you. Out here, I just feel free,” McRae said.

    Paravicini said his positive attitude is infectious.

    “You can just see him having fun. He enjoys himself,” Paravicini said. “He’s like that at school. He’s like that in the classroom. He’s like that in the weight room. He’s like that on the field. He’s just a fun kid to be around.”

    And that joy uplifts all around him.

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    Olivia Stacey

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  • Moeller tops Princeton in rivalry renewal

    Moeller tops Princeton in rivalry renewal

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    OHIO — After a sluggish start, Moeller rallied for a 38-21 win over Princeton to open the Ohio High School Athletic Association’s football season.

    The Crusaders (1-0) improved their record in the all-time series to 39-7, and visit Fort Wayne Bishop Dwenger of Indiana next week. 

    The Vikings (0-1) meanwhile, take on fellow Greater Miami Conference member Sycamore. 

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    Rob Kunz

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  • N.C. track star from the Philippines sets sights on 2028 Olympics

    N.C. track star from the Philippines sets sights on 2028 Olympics

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    CLAYTON, N.C. — CJ Martin, a graduate of Clayton High School, has laced up his cleats more times than he can count before running a race. He’s won most.

    The small-town kid is on his way to one of the premiere conferences in college sports, moving to Bloomington, Indiana to run track for the Hoosiers in the Big 10 on a scholarship. However, earning glory in the college ranks isn’t his only goal.


    What You Need To Know

    •  CJ Martin graduated from Clayton High School in 2024
    •  Martin owns more than 10 track records for Clayton High School, is a state champion and an All-American
    •  Martin is moving to Bloomington, Indiana to run for Indiana University in the Big 10 on a track scholarship
    • Martin is in the process of claiming dual citizenship with the Philippines so that he can run for them in the 2028 Olympics 


    Martin wants to run in the Olympics and has his eyes on the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. He’s a sprinter and long-distance runner, who owns more than 10 track records at Clayton High. He’s a multi-state champion and an All-American, yet, if he eventually runs in the Olympics, he won’t be wearing red, white and blue. He’ll be representing his mother’s heritage and home of the Philippines. 

    “Pan-Asians, we stand out in these types of sports, football and track,” Martin said. “So I just wanna show them that you can do it too, don’t look down. I always had a chip on my shoulder, and looked over for so many years, and I’m on top now. And I just want to represent a country that doesn’t get as much spotlight in sports.”

    The feeling Martin gets when he runs is unlike anything else he’s ever felt. He’s run thousands of miles and races with a feeling of euphoria, but he also feels something else when running. 

    “When I run, I just black out. I don’t think about nothing, to be honest. There’s no thinking when I run. I don’t see a point in thinking. I just, there’s only one thing to do is to run. And that finish line,” he said. “My whole life, I’ve been the smallest. I’ve looked different. I’ve been overlooked.”

    Whether it’s because of his size, background or geographical location, Martin has had to overcome a lot, but he’s done it. His current 400-meter race times for example, are already better than those of the current 400-meter runners for the 2024 Philippines runners in this year’s Olympics in Paris.

    “Records only last for a little while, but I’m trying to make mine last forever. So I’m trying to make my name embedded in a school. No one can break it, that’s always been my goal. I want my name down in history forever.,” Martin said. 


    Luckily for Martin, he has the footprint for success in running on the international stage. He’s not looking at runners like Quincy Hall, Michael Norman or Chris Bailey. He’s looking right in his own backyard, at Clayton High School, where over about 14 years ago, American track star and silver medalist winner at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics Kenni Harrison went to school. Martin hopes to become the second Olympic champion to attend Clayton High School, a town of around 30,000 people. 

    “A lot of people know me here and watched me grow up and become who I am, so I just wanna go and make them proud,” Martin said. “It’s a small town. We haven’t really been out on the map like that. I feel like we deserve to be on a bigger platform than we already are. So it’s cool, it’s better to be an underdog. You got something to prove. Got a goal to achieve. I’m just trying to make that goal easier for everyone else to get in that spotlight.”

    Martin’s coach, who has coached seven different athletes to North Carolina state championships, was also around when Harrison was a student dominating track and field at Clayton. Kesrick Frazier is a sprint coach at the high school and coached Harrison when she was just beginning her journey. He sees many of Harrison’s characteristics in Martin and says it’s a recipe for success.

    “I think CJ, he kind of reminds me of Keni, as far as work ethics, he put a lot into his craft by, by trying to be the best,” Frazier said. “Right. every day, in and out, when he comes to the track, he tries to work to become somebody great. Ever since he was a freshman, I saw that trait in him. I saw him as an athlete, that he’s a leader. He comes out every day ready to run, ready to compete. And that shows on a track.”

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    Evan Abramson

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  • Bartow softball going for two-peat with help from their senior catcher

    Bartow softball going for two-peat with help from their senior catcher

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    BARTOW, Fla. — When you think about the views on a softball diamond, McKenzie Gibson has one of the best.

    This Bartow High School senior catcher gets to see it all, albeit from behind her mask.


    What You Need To Know

    •  The Bartow Yellow Jackets won the Class 6A state championship last season
    •  It was the softball program’s ninth state title — only one other high school in the state has more
    •  Senior catcher McKenzie Gibson is working to help her team win it’s 10th

    She says there’s no other place she’d rather be, because she likes the responsibilities that come with being a catcher.

    “Everything is just a big challenge, and every game is different,” McKenzie said.

    If you ever need to locate McKenzie, chances are, you’ll find her on the softball field. She takes great pride in her work ethic and knows what it takes to help produce the results Bartow has enjoyed these past few seasons.

    Only one other team in the state has won more titles than the Yellow Jackets. So be the best, McKenzie said you have to prepare like the best.

    “You have to be a team player and you have to work really hard,” she said. “And you can’t always show your emotions and everything because you can show, but there’s a point where you just need to know it’s a team and not a you sport.”

    That teamwork was never more evident than when McKenzie and her teammates won the Class 6A State Championship last season. For a program known for its numerous titles, last year’s ninth championship ended a seven-year drought, marking Bartow’s return to powerhouse status.

    “We know that everyone has the target on our back and that we have to do what we did last year and become better people and know we have to work hard at everything we do,” McKenzie said.

    Given the history of the program and all that’s at stake every time they take the field, McKenzie said she wears her Bartow uniform with great pride. And accepts the responsibility that comes with being a Yellow Jacket.

    “It’s just knowing that someone is there for you and that they are there to help you and pick you up,” she said. “It’s just one of the best things about us.”

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    Katherine Smith

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  • Countryside High graduate Rocco Simonelli makes big splash in college diving

    Countryside High graduate Rocco Simonelli makes big splash in college diving

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    LARGO, Fla. — When Rocco Simonelli is diving, he says nothing else can compare to the thrill.

    “You’re just in a free fall. You can’t do anything except do what you know. It’s a fun rush,” Simonelli said.

    His mom, who’s a former collegiate diver and coach, introduced Simonelli to the sport at a young age.

    But for Simonelli it was just for fun. 

    “When I started diving, I was actually little, you know, going to a local pool,” Simonelli said. “We had fun on the dive boards. My mom was a coach, so she always got me to try something new every time we went.”

    It wasn’t until high school that he decided to pursue the sport.


    What You Need To Know

    • As a youth, Rocco Simonelli was the national champion in taekwondo. He represented team USA at the Pan-American games 
    • Simonelli started diving at a young age for fun, but didn’t pursue the sport competitively until high school 
    • The Countryside High graduate recently added another accolade. He’s the National Junior College men’s champion in the 1 meter 
    • This fall, he’ll continue his training at Florida Atlantic University 

    His first love was martial arts, where he racked up many medals and awards. 

    “As a youth, he was a national champion for taekwondo. He represented team USA at the Pan-American games in taekwondo,” Ann Simonelli said. “He’s been on USA national team, AAU national team and then he started with the diving and he’s won the county. He’s won districts.”

    Although Simonelli got a later start competing in diving, he quickly found success, and decided it was the sport for him. 

    “It was tough to see him step away from some of the other sports that he was also really excelling in and continue with the diving, but because he said this is what he was loving, this is what I had to let him do and he’s proven to me that this was the right choice,” his mother said.

    The Countryside High graduate recently added another accolade. He’s the National Junior College men’s champion in the 1 meter. 

    “It means a lot. It really shows to me that all the hard work really does pay off,” he said.

    This fall, he’ll continue his training at Florida Atlantic University. 

    He’s following in his mom’s footsteps, while making a big splash of his own.

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    Olivia Stacey

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  • Local roundup: Adrianna Capozzi sparks Chelmsford softball team in win over Lowell

    Local roundup: Adrianna Capozzi sparks Chelmsford softball team in win over Lowell

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    Adrianna Capozzi went 3-for-3 with three RBI as the Chelmsford softball team tamed the Lowell, 13-1, on Monday.

    Maya Barry also collected three hits for the Lions in a game that was called due to mercy rule after the fifth. Sam Kelepouris, Kenney and Jill Capozzi also had multiple hits for Chelmsford. Allie Kenney got the win, scattering four hits and a run over five innings, striking out six while walking one.

    Lowell’s lone run came off the bat of Allana Carbonneau, belting a solo home run to left in the second.

    Tewksbury 13, Wilmington 0: Whitney Gigante went 3-for-3 with four RBI, as the Redmen rolled.

    Gigante ignited the Tewksbury offense, lacing a three-run double in the first, before adding an RBI single in the third to establish a commanding 11-0 lead. The right-handed hurler held Wilmington hitless through three strong innings, walking one while fanning seven for the win.

    Tewksbury’s potent lineup generated 16 hits, giving the pitcher all the run support she’d ultimately need. Avery Della Piana (two hits, two RBI) laced an RBI single in the first giving her team the 4-0 lead. Tewksbury tacked on four more runs in the second, highlighted by a Becca Harris solo homer.  Alyssa Adams and Anya Cranston capped the four-run rally lacing an RBI single and double, respectively,  extending its 8-0 cushion. Vanessa Landoli, Gigante and Della Piana put the game away in the third knocking in three more runs. Pitcher Aislin Davis earned the save in relief.

    Tyngsboro 5, Methuen 4: Kiley Hogan pitched seven strong innings for the Tigers, holding Methuen to five hits, a walk and four earned runs, while fanning 15. She also added two hits and an RBI.

    Carly DiMento was a force with a hit, three runs and an RBI. Madi Mical also went 2-for-4 with a pair of RBI.

    Pelham 18, Souhegan 2: Caileigh Aguiar powered the Pythons (2-0) lineup belting two doubles and a walk, while driving in six RBI.

    She also pitched five strong innings, fanning five while allowing just one earned run, before the game was called due to the mercy rule. Lauren Lacoss laced three hits, knocking in two RBI and scoring two runs. Sophia Guinazzo delivered a two-run single. Morgan Berton and Ava Bettencourt rounded out the offense each lining RBI singles.

    Baseball

    Lowell 6, Acton Boxborough 2: Ned Akashian drilled two hits including a double and an RBI, as the Red Raiders topped A-B.

    Lowell High pitcher Evan Rivera keeps delivers a pitch to Acton-Boxboro’s Liam Nelson during Monday’s game. (James Thomas photo)

    Cam Durkin clubbed an RBI single, with Collin Christiansen also hammering a hit and scoring a run. Evan Rivera earned the victory by tossing six strong innings, scattering four hits and one earned run while striking out four.

    Lowell Catholic 5, North Middlesex 4: Lowell Catholic reliver Seamus Scott escaped a two-out bases loaded jam with a strikeout, with the potential winning run on second in the bottom of the seventh.

    The Crusaders (2-1) were paced by the big bats of Aidan Virella (two hits, double), and Dan Parent (two hits, double, two RBI). Kellen Tesini provided great defense third. Scott also helped his own cause with two hits and two RBI.

    Chelmsford 10, St. John’s Prep 6 (10): Jack Keyo and Evan Kobrenski each had three hits, as the Lions clipped St. John’s Prep in extra innings.

    A back forth battle, Chelmsford exploded for four in the 10th. Finn Ramseyer helped key the comeback with two hits including a triple. Nate Michaud had a pair of hits. Grant Engelhart (double) and Jack Latham (RBI single) also came through in the clutch. Tyler Connors made two stellar plays behind the plate, before hitting a RBI single in the last inning.

    Matt Stuart pitched five innings allowing just one hit, striking out nine. He surrendered one unearned run. leaving the game with a 5-1 lead. Reliver Mike Bierwirth faced some adversity, but managed to keep the Lions tied 5-5 after six.  Joe Gourley tossed three innings of relief, surrendering a run. He also made an key defensive play backing up his catcher to save the game in the ninth. Matt Wilson came in for the 10th and struck out the side while scattering a couple hits for the relief win.

    Pelham 6, Souhegan 5: Christian Figueroa went 3-for-3, while Zach James drove in three RBI to power the Pythons.

    Nolan Drew threw 4.2 solid innings for the win. Henry Paquette closed it out for the save.

    Portsmouth 9, Alvirne 0: Bronco’s pitcher Mikey Bebris was effective until the fifth, scattering seven hits, two walks and three earned runs, while fanning 10 in 4.2 innings of work.

    Holding a 1-0 lead, Portsmouth exploded for three runs in the fifth and four in the sixth to put the game away. Jayden Alvarez managed to retire the side in order in the seventh on nine pitches, but the damage had already been done. The Alvirne offense struggled collecting just four hits, including Jaxson Polleck’s first career varsity hit.

    Girls lacrosse

    Pelham 9, Laconia 8: Ella Desimone netted four goals, as the Pythons (2-1) prevailed.

    Holding a 5-4 lead at halftime, Pelham’s offense was bolstered by two goals from Sophia Joncas. Kate Burke, Jillian LeBlanc and Jessie Phillips, rounded out the attack. Goalie Addie Breault made 14 saves in the victory.

    Boys lacrosse

    Alvirne 10, Souhegan 3: Cedrik Beaulieu buried four goals to help sink Souhegan.

    The Broncos’ offense was paced by Ryan Tobin netting two goals. Jon Santana, Ryan Hurrell, Preston Ball and Logan Reynolds, also scored in the win. Santana set offense with four assists, with Hurrell adding two helpers.  Goalie Ayden Kelly made 17 saves.  Cam Drohan fielded four ground balls.

    Volleyball

    Central Catholic 3, Lowell Catholic 2: Deryl Atem triggered a comeback with 26 kills and four blocks, as Central Catholic (3-3) stopped the Crusaders.

    Lowell Catholic held early 2-0 advantage 25-23, 25-20, before Central bounced back 25-17, 25-21, 15-13. Jaithian Medina collected 16 kills rallying his club. Michael Nguyen dished 45 assists and 16 services points. Sam Ruiz added 18 digs, with Aidan Herries handling 15 digs and scoring three aces.

    Girls tennis

    St. Thomas 5, Pelham 4: Jessica Bevens and Kathryn Haley were phenomenal for the Pythons at both singles and first doubles. Bevens won at first singles 8-1, with Haley handling things at second singles 8-2. The duo were just as effective at first doubles earning an 8-1 win.

    Fourth singles Olivia Squillante was also a force playing with sheer determination in her 8-6 win for Pelham.

    Boys tennis

    Alvirne 7, Pinkerton 2: Sam Hergenhahan held the fort for the Broncos at first singles winning 8-1, while teaming up with Owen Suprenant to win at second doubles 8-4.

    Alvirne was fueled by wins from third singles Caleb Lambert (8-5), fourth singles Sean Mendes (8-6) and sixth singles Joey Allison (8-3). Zack Proulx and Lambert loomed large at first doubles 8-4, with Mendes and Allison doing the same at third doubles 8-4.

    Bishop Guertin 8, Spaulding 1: Jack Kostansek led a strong BG showing at first singles 9-7.

    Evan Deyak dominated at second singles 8-4. Jaime Gomez-Herrera handled third singles 8-3.

    Jonny Perrot was on point at fourth singles 8-6. Max Moynihan made the most of his fifth singles match 8-4. Charlie Debrowski came up just shy of the sweep falling at sixth singles 8-5.

    Kostansek and Deyak ran wild at first doubles 8-4. Moynihan and Parrot prevailed at second doubles 8-2. Gomez-Herrera and Lizotte levied the 8-4 win at third doubles.

    College

    Bartlett’s bat bat sparks Worcester State softball: The Worcester State softball team topped Fitchburg State in a pair of Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference contests. The Lancers won 5-4 in the opener, before taking the nightcap 1-0.

    Lowell resident and Worcester State senior Emily Bartlett laced an RBI single in the third, while Dracut’s Morgan Keefe scored during a two-run rally in the sixth, as the Worcester State took game one. The Green and Gold responded in the top of the seventh. Lowell’s Adria McKenzie (2-for-3) ripped an RBI single, but the Lancers would hold on for the one-run victory. Bartlett also chipped in with a hit in the nightcap to complete the sweep.

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    Christopher Hurley

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  • High school state tournament pairings for basketball and hockey announced

    High school state tournament pairings for basketball and hockey announced

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    LOWELL — Buckle in high school sports fans. It’s state tournament time in Massachusetts.

    The MIAA released tournament pairings for boys and girls basketball, and boys and girls hockey on Saturday.

    A total of 39 area teams – 21 basketball teams and 18 hockey squads – will begin their pursuits for state championships next week.

    Locally, one team earned a No. 1 seed, the Tewksbury boys hockey team. Led by veteran coach Derek Doherty, the Redmen are the top seed in Division 2.

    Two teams are seeded second – the Tyngsboro girls basketball team in Division 4, and the Shawsheen Tech boys hockey team in Division 3.

    Boys hockey

    Division 1: In the 33-team field, set to get going is No. 9 Westford Academy and No. 20 Central Catholic.

    Both teams drew preliminary round byes and will open in the round of 32. Westford (14-3-1) will host No. 24 Braintree (8-11-1) on Thursday (7:10 p.m.) at Skate 3 in Tyngsboro.

    Central (7-13-2) will play at No. 13 Saint John’s (10-8-2) on Wednesday (6 p.m.) at the New England Sports Center in Marlboro.

    St. John’s Prep (17-3) is the top seed.

    Division 2: There figures to be plenty of local interest in this 33-team field as Tewksbury, Billerica and Lowell Catholic all qualified.

    All will open play in the round of 32.

    Leading the pack is No. 1 Tewksbury (17-3), which is looking to atone for last season’s early exit. The Redmen have 100-point scorers in Matt Cooke and Jeremy Insogna. They will host the winner of No. 32 Agawam (11-8) and No. 33 Minnechaug (11-9) on Thursday (7:10 p.m.) at the Breakaway Ice Center in Tewksbury.

    No. 6 Billerica (9-7-2) will host No. 27 Westfield (11-11) on Wednesday (7 p.m.) at the Hallenborg Pavillion in Billerica. No. 29 Lowell Catholic (9-8-3) has a tough challenge at No. 4 Woburn (12-5-1) on Wednesday (7:15 p.m.) at O’Brien Ice Rink in Woburn.

    Division 3: Four local squads – Shawsheen Tech, North Middlesex, Dracut/Tyngsboro and Nashoba Tech – are in the 40-team field.

    No. 39 Nashoba Tech (12-8-1) will play a prelim at No. 26 Middleboro (13-7), the details to be announced. Shawsheen, North Middlesex and Dracut/Tyngsboro drew preliminary round byes into the round of 32.

    No. 2 Shawsheen (19-1-0) will host the winner of No. 34 Somerville (10-8-2) and No. 31 Hopedale (5-13-2) on Thursday (7 p.m.) at the Hallenborg Pavillion in Billerica. No. 18 North Middlesex (11-9) will visit No. 15 Blackstone Valley (17-3-0) on Wednesday (7:30 p.m.) at the Ice Plex in Hopedale. No. 22 Dracut/Tyngsboro (13-5-2) will play at No. 11 Methuen (15-3-2) on Wednesday (7 p.m.) at Methuen High.

    Nauset Regional (18-1-1) grabbed the top seed.

    Division 4: Making the 32-team field were Wilmington, Lunenburg/Ayer Shirley, Littleton/Bromfield and Groton-Dunstable. All advance to the round of 32.

    No. 7 Wilmington (6-12-2) will host No. 26 Fitchburg (11-9) on Wednesday (7:15 p.m.) at the Breakaway Ice Center in Tewksbury. No. 14 Lunenburg/Ayer Shirley (15-4-1) will host No. 19 Littleton/Bromfield (11-9-0) on Wednesday (6:30 p.m.) at the Wallace Civic Center in Fitchburg.

    No. 30 Groton-Dunstable (1-18-1) will try to pull a major upset at No. 3 Norwell (15-5-1) on Wednesday (7:20 p.m.) at The Bog in Kingston.

    Winthrop (15-3-2) is the team to beat.

    Girls hockey

    Division 1: Four of the 32 teams in the field hail from the area – Methuen/Tewksbury, Billerica/Chelmsford, Westford Academy and Shawsheen Tech/Bedford. All advance to the round of 32 action.

    No. 6 Methuen/Tewksbury (14-4-2) will host No. 27 Wellesley (8-9-3) on Wednesday (5 p.m.) at Methuen High. No. 19 Billerica/Chelmsford (6-9-5) will visit No. 14 Belmont (13-2-3) on Thursday, time to be announced, at John Ryan Rink in Watertown.

    No. 20 Westford (7-10-3) will play at No. 13 Winthrop (13-3-2) on Tuesday (6:10 p.m.) at Larsen Rink in Winthrop. No. 28 Shawsheen/Bedford (13-6-0) will travel to No. 5 Hingham (16-5-1) on Wednesday (6 p.m.) at Pilgrim Arena in Hingham.

    The top seed is Notre Dame of Hingham (14-4-2).

    Division 2: The lone local representative in the 32-team field is No. 20 Stoneham/Wilmington (11-8-1), which will play at No. 13 Sandwich (10-10-2) on Wednesday (5:30 p.m.) at Gallo Arena in Bourne.

    Boys basketball

    Division 1: Not surprisingly, the powerful Merrimack Valley Conference is represented by four teams in the top 10 in the 42-team bracket.

    No. 7 Central Catholic, No. 8 Andover, No. 9 Lowell and No. 10 Lawrence have all had outstanding seasons.

    Lowell (14-6) will play the winner of No. 41 Beverly (10-10) and No. 24 Durfee (13-7) in a round of 32 game, the details to be announced.

    Lowell’s Tzar Powell-Aparicio makes an aggressive move to the basket against Lawrence’s Francisco Santanna. Lowell was a 68-54 winner in the regular-season game. (James Thomas photo)

    Undefeated North (19-0) is the No. 1 seed.

    Division 2: There are no local squads in the 41-team bracket, but there is interest in No. 12 Burlington (14-6) and No. 14 Bedford (16-3). The favorite in the field is No. 1 Malden Catholic (11-9).

    Division 3: In a 40-team field, the team to beat is Boston City League champion Charlestown (18-2), the top seed.

    Among those in the bracket are local teams Shawsheen Tech and Lowell Catholic. No. 26 Lowell Catholic (9-11) will host a preliminary round game against No. 39 Monty Tech (15-5), details to be announced. No. 12 Shawsheen (14-6) and big man Matt Breen will play at No. 14 Watertown (13-7), details to be announced.

    Division 4: Making the 48-team field were Tyngsboro, Littleton and Ayer Shirley. Playing preliminary round games are Littleton and Ayer Shirley.

    No. 31 Littleton (10-10) will host No. 34 Roxbury Prep Charter (14-5), details to be announced. No. 35 Ayer Shirley (16-4) will play at No. 30 Uxbridge (12-8), details to be announced. Advancing to the round of 32 is No. 12 Tyngsboro (12-8).

    The Tigers will host the winner of No. 44 Bromfield (11-7) and No. 21 Greenfield (14-6), details to be announced.

    The top seed is Wareham (18-3)

    Division 5: Representing the area in the 46-team field are Innovation Academy of Tyngsboro and Collegiate Charter of Lowell (8-8).

    Both will play preliminary round games. No. 25 Innovation (14-6) and 1,000-point scorer Derrick Twum will host No. 40 North Brookfield (13-5), details to be announced. No. 38 Collegiate Charter (8-8) will play at No. 27 Salem Academy (11-9), details to be announced.

    Hoosac Valley (18-2) is the No. 1 seed.

    Girls basketball

    Division 1: Two local squads are in the talented 39-team field, Central Catholic and Chelmsford.

    Both will open in the round of 32. No. 6 Central (16-4) will host the winner of No. 38 Malden (13-7) and No. 27 King Philip (9-11), details to be announced. No. 18 Chelmsford (12-8) will play at No. 15 Braintree (10-10), details to be announced.

    The top seed is undefeated Bishop Feehan (20-0).

    Division 2: Billerica and Tewksbury of the MVC qualified for the 38-team field. No. 35 Tewksbury (10-10) will play a prelim at No. 30 Westwood (6-14), details to be announced. No. 8 Billerica (18-2) will host a round of 32 game against No. 25 Middleboro (11-9), details to be announced.

    Billerica's Maggie Jones drives the ball past Andover's Kiera Lenihan during MVC girls basketball action. Billerica won the regular-season game 44-42. (James Thomas photo)
    Billerica’s Maggie Jones drives the ball past Andover’s Kiera Lenihan during MVC girls basketball action. Billerica won the regular-season game 44-42. (James Thomas photo)

    Medfield (18-2) earned the top seed.

    Division 3: Qualifying for the 40-team field were Wilmington and Lowell Catholic. No. 39 Lowell Catholic (11-9) will play at No. 26 Hudson (12-8), details to be announced. In a round of 32 game, No. 17 Wilmington (10-10) will visit No. 16 Fontbonne (12-8), details to be announced.

    Powerful Foxboro (19-2) is the No. 1 seed.

    Division 4: Making the 49-team bracket were Tyngsboro, Littleton, Ayer Shirley and Nashoba Tech.

    No. 27 Ayer Shirley (10-10) will host a prelim against No. 38 Blackstone-Millsville (10-10), details to be announced. No. 42 Nashoba Tech (9-9) will play a prelim at No. 23 Mashpee (8-11), details to be announced.

    In round of 32 games, No. 2 Tyngsboro (19-1) will host the winner of No. 34 Mystic Valley (14-6) and No. 31 Leicester (10-10), while No. 5 Littleton (15-5) will entertain the winner of No. 37 Bromfield (9-9) and No. 28 New Heights (9-3), details to be announced.

    Cathedral (14-5) is the team to beat.

    Division 5: The lone local squad in the 45-team field is No. 39 Collegiate Charter of Lowell (9-8), which will play a prelim at No. 26 Holbrook (13-7), details to be announced.

     

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    Staff Report

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  • Celebrating excellence: St. Mary’s Jordan Lee’s named to McDonald’s All-American team

    Celebrating excellence: St. Mary’s Jordan Lee’s named to McDonald’s All-American team

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    STOCKTON, Calif. (KTXL) – Jordan Lee of St. Mary’s High School in Stockton, was selected from more than 400,000 high school basketball players spanning across the country for the chance to show off their skills at the 2024 McDonald’s All-American game.

    Lee has been a stand-out player this season, averaging 24.5 points per game and is set to attend the University of Texas next season. Lee was recognized with a special jersey presentation ahead of the Rams playoff game against Oak Ridge.

    “I could talk on and on about my experience with Jordan,” Rams head coach Alle Moreno said. “It’s a special thing to coach a player like her and be around a person like her. She’s really special on and off the court.”

    “She’s just such a focused kid,” Lee’s father Roderick said. “I’m so happy to be a part of her journey.”

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    Kirsten Kellar

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  • Female athletes sue the University of Oregon alleging Title IX violations by the school

    Female athletes sue the University of Oregon alleging Title IX violations by the school

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    Thirty-two female athletes filed a lawsuit against the University of Oregon on Friday that alleges the school is violating Title IX.

    The plaintiffs, who are all either on the varsity beach volleyball team or the club rowing team, are accusing the school of “depriving women of equal treatment and benefits, equal athletic aid, and equal opportunities to participate in varsity intercollegiate athletics.”

    The lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court in Eugene, Oregon, seeks correction of the alleged violations and unspecified damages.

    The lead counsel for the women is Arthur H. Bryant of Bailey & Glasser, who is known for legal efforts to enforce Title IX, the federal law that prohibits gender inequality by educational institutions receiving federal funds.

    The beach volleyball players say they do not have facilities for practicing or competing. Instead, the team must practice and compete at a public park with inadequate facilities.

    “For example, the public park lacks any stands for spectators, has bathrooms with no doors on the stalls, and is frequently littered with feces, drug paraphernalia, and other discarded items,” the players allege in the lawsuit. “No men’s team faces anything remotely similar.”

    Oregon released a statement that said an on-campus facility for beach volleyball is currently in the development stage. It also said Oregon is “committed to providing a quality, positive experience for all our student-athletes.”

    Many of Oregon’s men’s teams, including the fifth-ranked Ducks football team, have state-of-the-art facilities, take chartered flights to games, eat catered food and have other amenities. The Ducks were playing Friday night in the Pac-12 championship game against Washington in Las Vegas.

    Of the 20 varsity sports at Oregon, only beach volleyball does not provide scholarships, although NCAA rules allow the school to give the equivalent of six full athletic scholarships to the team. Players say they wear hand-me-down uniforms and are not provided with any name, image and likeness support.

    “Based on the way the beach volleyball team has been treated, female athletes at Oregon do not need much food or water, good or clean clothes or uniforms, scholarships, medical treatment or mental health services, their own facilities, a locker room, proper transportation, or other basic necessities. Male athletes are treated incredibly better in almost every respect,” team captain and lead plaintiff Ashley Schroeder said in a statement.

    Schroeder said the team could not practice this week because someone had died at the park.

    In its statement, Oregon said it provides “all student-athletes, including our female athletes, with academic support, tutoring, student-athlete development, medical care, mental health support, meals and snacks, and nutrition and sports training.”

    The school also said it has previously committed to increasing scholarships.

    “The university believes it complies with Title IX. UO has not yet been served a copy of the complaint, and therefore we are unable to comment on any further specifics,” the university’s statement said.

    Beach volleyball has been recognized by the NCAA since 2010 and Oregon’s program was founded in 2014. The first Division I championship was held in 2016.

    The rowers say the university fails to provide equal opportunities for athletic participation by not having a varsity women’s rowing team.

    The lawsuit, which sprang from an investigation published in July by The Oregonian newspaper, cites Equity in Athletics Disclosure Act statistics which show that 49% of the student-athletes at Oregon are women, but only 25% of athletics dollars and 15% of its recruiting dollars are spent on them.

    NCAA President Charlie Baker has previously addressed possible inequities in NIL deals, saying he was concerned about potential Title IX implications because NIL opportunities seem to be disproportionately going to male athletes.

    The NCAA lifted its ban on college athletes being able to earn money for sponsorship deals and endorsements in 2020.

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  • What does the science say about the grass vs. turf debate in sports?

    What does the science say about the grass vs. turf debate in sports?

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    Which playing surface is safer for athletes: natural grass or artificial turf?

    The question is important not just in , but also for soccer, recreational sports and high school and college athletics — anywhere athletes make sudden shifts in direction that can twist joints and tear ligaments.

    Scientists continue to study the question, but there are challenges to getting the answer right. There are variables to take into account: the player’s age and physical shape, weather and surface conditions, the type of shoes and whether the injuries involved contact with other players. And surfaces have changed over the years with new technology.

    The debate was revived when Aaron Rodgers tore his Achilles’ tendon during an NFL game on artificial turf. Although Rodgers’ injury may have been just as likely on grass because of the circumstances, that hasn’t stopped the wrangling.

    What does the science say and what are the challenges?

    Some studies look back at injury rates, while making adjustments for other factors that could be in play. That type of study is good, but will never be able to keep up with innovation, said Dr. Calvin Hwang, a team doctor for Stanford’s players and the San Jose Earthquakes soccer team.

    “There’s always evolving technology, both with grass, but especially with artificial turf,” Hwang said. “The newer generation turfs may be safer than older generation turfs. And so studies that were done five or six years ago may not be including some of those newer generation turfs.”

    Still, Hwang, who treats players who play home games on grass, said the research he’s seen leads him to believe that grass is safer.

    Recently, a group of researchers reviewed studies on the topic. They looked at 53 articles published between 1972 and 2020, on injuries in professional and amateur sports, including , soccer, rugby, field hockey and ultimate Frisbee. The authors didn’t specify whether the studies included injuries involving a direct blow from another player, or just non-contact injuries.

    The studies suggest “a higher rate of foot and ankle injuries on artificial turf, both old-generation and new-generation turf, compared to natural grass,” they wrote in a paper published last year in the American Journal of Sports Medicine. Knee and hip injuries were similar on both surfaces, they wrote. The authors noted that studies reporting a higher rate of injury on grass received financial support from the artificial turf industry.

    Similar findings were reported in a separate study that analyzed 4,801 NFL foot and leg injuries during 2012-2016 regular season games. That research found 16% more injuries per play on artificial turf compared to grass. The authors concluded that if all games had been played on grass during that period there would have been 319 fewer foot and leg injuries. Looking only at non-contact injuries the risk was even higher, about 20% more injuries per play.

    In the NFL, the players’ union prefers grass and has been pushing for it. The NFL says some artificial turf fields are safer than some grass fields and wants to reduce injuries on all surfaces. About half the NFL stadiums use artificial turf.

    Both sides use the same data on non-contact injury rates, but have interpreted the figures differently.

    The data collected for the NFL and players union is not publicly available. The company that analyzes the data, IQVIA, did not respond to multiple requests for comment.

    Artificial turf is made from plastic fibers that resemble grass with a cushioning infill made of granulated rubber, sand, cork or coconut fiber.

    “The upside of turf is that players feel more nimble, they feel faster,” said Dr. Brian Cole, orthopedic surgeon and team doctor for basketball’s Chicago Bulls. “The downside is they’re faster. It’s a collision sport. Velocity goes up and collisions go up.”

    Dr. Joseph Donnelly has repaired numerous torn ACLs in female high school soccer players in the Bay Area where most high school athletes play on artificial turf. Female athletes are more likely than males to suffer ACL injuries in sports such as soccer that require sudden changes in direction, studies have shown.

    “It’s an epidemic,” said Donnelly, an orthopedic surgeon at Stanford Health Care. “When these ladies tear their ACLs, we fix them, we send them back and then they’re actually more likely to tear their opposite ACL.”

    He dug into the research. One study from 2016 used a hydraulic testing machine to simulate shoes with different style cleats pivoting on various playing surfaces. Shoes with blade-shaped cleats on artificial turf were a dangerous combination. The traction from the blade-shaped cleats increased the twisting force on the knee.

    “You’re not going to be able to change the surface you play on,” Donnelly said. “So we do try to get them to use a cleat that has a favorable interaction with the turf.”

    Some young athletes don’t want to give up their favorite cleats because they worry about performance on the field, he said. Like other sports medicine experts interviewed for this story, he thinks grass is safer.

    “There’s no question that there is less torque when you’re on grass no matter what cleats you’re wearing,” he said.

    For big stadiums, aside from player safety, there are financial pressures that favor artificial turf, which offers more flexibility for events like concerts. Weather and upkeep are part of the equation. A poorly maintained grass field can cause injuries.

    The future may be hybrid fields. The Green Bay Packers’ Lambeau Field in Wisconsin has featured Kentucky bluegrass sod weaved in with synthetic fibers since 2018.

    Grass or hybrid fields may get a boost from the 2026 World Cup. The regulations for the tournament have not yet been published, but grass has been preferred for all past men’s World Cups. Seven of the 11 U.S. venues are NFL stadiums with artificial turf. And in a recent ESPN interview, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said the stadiums will be putting in hybrid surfaces for the tournament.

    Grass field technology has improved, Cole said. “They can do it when it’s 110 (degrees) and they can do it when it’s 30 below zero in Green Bay. So it can be done. And I think the science is clearly enabling them to do it at this point.”

    ___

    The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Educational Media Group. The AP is solely responsible for all content.

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