Bright House Sports Network’s preseason countdown of the Top 20 football teams in Central Florida continues today with No. 10.
No. 10 Lake Nona Lions
Head Coach: Anthony Paradiso
2013 Record: 8-3 (lost to Lakeland Kathleen 55-42 in 7A region quarterfinals)
Key Returners: QB Tucker Israel, WR Deondre Farrier, WR Mehdi El Attrach, RB Andre Hale, OL Josh Rice, OL Allen Moore, DB Jonathan Martin
Key Losses: WR Ryan Sousa, LB Rey Maxwell, LB Mason Hooten, LB Johnathan Peralta
Kickoff Classic: vs. Lake Minneola, 7:30 (Aug. 22)
Team Outlook: The Lions are hoping to build on their most successful season in program history as they reached the playoffs for the first time. Israel, a fourth year starter, has 106 career touchdown passes, 20 shy of tying state record. With Farrier and El Attrach, arguably the area’s best receiving duo, Israel should set a new mark by midseason. Hale, who rushed for 728 yards and eight touchdowns, is a strong runner who adds diversity to offense. In three losses last year, Lake Nona allowed an average of 44.6 points per game. In order to make a deeper run the playoffs, the Lions must show improvement on defense. The entire linebacking corps graduated, making that task more difficult.