Bright House Sports Network’s preseason countdown of the Top 20 football teams in Central Florida continues today with No. 11.
No. 11 Oviedo Lions
Head Coach: Wes Allen
2013 Record: 6-4 (missed playoffs)
Key Returners: RB Jurell Green, ATH Jarvis Green, DL Alec Shriner, LB Brayce McKinzie, DB Justin Spencer, OL Colton Sander
Key Losses: ATH Chris Davis Jr., OL John McDaniel, DL Tyree Owens, S Tristan Perko
Kickoff Classic: at Osceola, 7:30 (Aug. 22)
Team Outlook: The Lions stumbled at the end of 2013, losing four of their last six games and failing to make the postseason. With 15 returning starters, Oviedo starts this year as the favorite in 8A, District 3. Quarterback Nick Carbone, who started five games last year because of an injury to Davis, returns with experience under center. He figures to rely heavily on backs Jurell and Jarvis Green. Jurell, who battled an ankle injury the second half of the season, rushed for nearly 900 yards and 13 touchdowns last year. Jarvis will see time in the backfield and at linebacker. Shriner and Spencer are committed to West Virginia and Western Michigan, respectively. Oviedo takes on one of the area’s most challenging schedules with six games against teams that made the playoffs last year.