BHSN Central Florida 2014-15 Boys Soccer rankings – FINAL
Here are the final BHSN-Central Florida boys soccer rankings, determined by the Bright House Sports Network editorial staff:
1. Merritt Island (19-3-1) – Mustangs could not make it back-to-back 3A championship wins over Choctaw, as the 15th nationally ranked Indians stunned Merritt Island in overtime 1-0.
2. West Orange (14-2-4) – Three of the final four games of the Warriors' season were decided by penalty kicks. West Orange nipped Evans in the region semifinals, beat Flagler Palm Coast 3-1, then won the all Central Florida state semi against #3 Freedom before losing a heartbreaker to 16th nationally ranked Cypress Bay in the 5A championship.
3. Freedom (14-3-2) – Pats enjoyed their best season ever, but saw it end in a 8-7 PK shootout loss to #2 West Orange in the 5A state semis.
4. Melbourne (16-6-2) – Jerry McCabe's Bulldogs fell a game short of returning the 4A Final Four, but featured a lineup loaded with freshman and juniors. Mel High could be the team to beat next season.
5. Oak Ridge (17-5-2) – Kenny Coutain's Pioneers knocked off #8 Lake Nona for a district championship, upset #9 Viera in the playoffs before getting edged by #4 Melbourne in the region semifinals.
6. Evans (21-6-3) – Trojans advanced to the 5A region semis, losing to eventual state runner up #2 West Orange in PK's
7. Orangewood Christian (21-1-3) – Jeff Johnson's Rams rolled though the class 1A playoffs, a run that culminatied with a 6-1 thrashing of Santa Fe in the state championship game. Chase Gwynn recorded a hat trick and added an assist en route to player of the game honors. The Rams' only loss came to 5A state semifinalist #3 Freedom.
8. Lake Nona (16-4-2) – After a stellar regular season, the Lions were denied a district title by #5 Oak Ridge and were subsequently knocked out of the 4A playoffs by #4 Melbourne in the region quarterfinals.
9. Viera (13-4-2) – Hawks stumbled late in the season, and were handed an early playoff exit by #5 Oak Ridge
10. West Shore - (16-2-1) - Penalty kicks were needed to oust Rob Robidoux's Wildcats in their 2A state semifnal matchup against Bolles.
Next 5: Lake Mary, Oviedo, Flagler Palm Coast, Cypress Creek, Pierson Taylor
Best of the Rest: Bishop Moore, East Ridge, Edgewood, Gateway, Heritage, Holy Trinity, Lake Highland Prep, Lake Howell, Matanzas, Ocoee, Olympia, Osceola, Timber Creek, Titusville, University, West Shore,Winter Springs, Winter Park.
*Schools must be eligible for FHSAA state playoffs to qualify for BHSN rankings.
Jeff Radcliffe is a reporter for Bright House Sports Network.
Follow him on twitter @Jeff_Radcliffe or e-mail him at Jeffrey.Radcliffe@bhsn.com