ORLANDO, Fla. — The Lake Highland Prep Highlanders went undefeated last year and are the defending state champions in the Sunshine State Athletic Conference.

They are returning a lot of talent to the gridiron, including senior quarterback Karson Siqueiros-Lasky. He has been in charge of the huddle since he started playing football.

“I started with flag football, and I think for the first time in fifth grade I started tackle and I fell in love with it,” he said. “I just love having command of the field and really being able to be a leader for all the guys on the field.”

His talent on the field has led to an opportunity to play at the next level. He decided where he wanted to play in college in April.

“I’ve made my commitment to the University of Pennsylvania. I feel that is the best option for my future,” Siqueiros-Lasky said. “I love how they have a great football program — the stadium — what’s not to love about it? It’s in Philly and it’s an Ivy League school, so the best of the best education. Forty-year plan, not a four-year plan.”

Prepping for the upcoming season takes a lot of work on the field and in the weight room. The work helps build a winning culture for the fall.

“When you are lifting as a team, you are cheering your teammates to get the weight up. It really builds that family bond and that brotherhood that brings everything together,” he said. “Pushing each other to be your best, I think that really does it.”

The goal this year is to repeat what the Highlanders did last year.

“It’s to bring home another state championship, do the best we can, win every game, 1-0 every day,” Siqueiros-Lasky said. “It’s a really special place we are building here.”