Bright House Sports Network’s preseason countdown of the Top 20 football teams in Central Florida continues today with No. 5.
No. 5 West Orange Warriors
Head Coach: Bob Head
2013 Record: 9-2 (lost to Winter Park 38-35 in 8A region quarterfinals)
Key Returners: DL Brandon Williams, WR Eddie McDoom, RB Mike Scott, RB Dexter Williams (Olympia transfer), ATH Jalen Julius (Evans transfer), WR Rontavious Williams
Key Losses: QB Hayden Griffits, RB Jamarcus Federick, WR Garrett Johnson, TE/LB Kyle Griffits, SS Kobie Grace, CB Korian Brady
Kickoff Classic: at Lake City Columbia, 7 (Aug. 22)
Team Outlook: The Warriors are coming off their first playoff appearance since 1999 and expectations are sky high. West Orange bolstered its roster when blue chip prospects Williams and Julius arrived from Olympia and Evans, respectively. Williams is a Miami commit. With the graduation of Hayden Griffits, the quarterback spot has been a battle between Gunnar Ballant and Evans transfer Woody Barrett. Williams, who has offers from UCF and Georgia Tech, is one of the area’s top recruits. The defense returns five starters and lost key players Brady and Grice in the secondary. West Orange will host Apopka in one of the best games of the regular season on October 3.