The district races are heating up across Central Florida. Before teams take the field on Friday, we name our Orlando High School Top Five.
We have passed the midway point of the high school season. District battles are well under way and the Playoffs are coming quickly into view.
There are some major district battles on the horizon and some very good teams are going to be sitting at home in mid-November on the road to the Citrus Bowl for the state championship.
To this point, Orlando and Orange County have seen some very good games and some surprisingly tough matchups. There have been a few surprises along the way.
These are the best teams in Central Florida:
1. West Orange (6-1)
Last Week: W 49-13 @ Lake Nona
This Week: vs. Evans
West Orange has established themselves as the best team in the area with wins over Dr. Phillips and Apopka already. Woody Barrett has been tearing up teams, running for 99 yards and three touchdowns on four carries against Lake Nona last week. With the teams the Warriors have beaten, they are clearly the top team in the region. A matchup with Wekiva still looms though after the bye week next week.
2. Lake Brantley (6-0)
Last Week: Bye Week
This Week: at Lyman
The Patriots have sort of burst onto the scene and emerged as the leaders in the clubhouse in the extremely difficult District 8A-2. And the toughest part of their district schedule is behind them. Lake Brantley has already defeated University (Orange City) and Seminole in district play. It should be straight sailing to the Playoffs for this group.
3. Apopka (6-1)
Last Week: W 46-17 vs. Olympia
This Week: vs. Wekiva
The Blue Darters are still the state champions. And their lone loss is to our top-ranked Warriors. It is still hard to ignore them, even if the Blue Darters are not quite the same as they have been the last two years. A tough district matchup — likely the one that will determine each team’s playoff life — comes this week against Wekiva.
4. Bishop Moore (6-0)
Last Week: W 34-14 vs. South Sumter
This Week: at Tavares
The Hornets did their best to challenge themselves this year out of the district. Bishop Moore took down Edgewater, Lyman and, most impressively, South Sumter. The win over the Raiders last week came in dominating fashion and ended the Raiders’ area record regular season win streak.
5. Wekiva (5-1)
Last Week: Bye Week
This Week: at Apopka
Wekiva can bull rush teams. Their rushing attack can be dangerous and has overwhelmed the weaker opponents that have dotted their schedule. The question has been what happens when the Mustangs take on more seasoned competition. That happened in Week One when Wekiva dropped a 27-0 loss to Dr. Phillips. The Mustangs have a big opportunity against the Blue Darters this week for some form of redemption. Wekiva’s playoff hopes are tied to defeating Apopka with West Orange still on the schedule.
