WINTER GARDEN, Fla — Playoffs are when the best athletes play their best. 
For West Orange’s Brian Dillard, he helped lead his team to victory in the regional quarterfinal playoff round in a variety of ways. During the course of the game, he played multiple positions on both sides of the ball.

“I start at quarterback. I play receiver, a little bit of running back, corner, safety, kick return, punt return,” says Dillard. “I come from a very athletic family so God has blessed the ability to play multiple positions.”

In the regional quarterfinal round of the high school playoffs, Brain threw for 2 touchdowns, and ran for another, accounting for all 3 touchdowns in the 20-19 victory over rival Apopka.

“It feels great just being able to go show what I do,” he said. “I just like helping the team, to be honest. Wherever they need me, I’m there.”

West Orange went 8-2 during the regular season, with a district championship under their belt. But victories are earned in the offseason and seniors like Nico Marti, Logan Hartman and Ivan Taylor were some of the seniors who helped guide the team in the right direction.

“Durning the off-season our seniors did a really good job leading us, make sure we are doing the right thing all the time with no one watching,” said Dillard. “I feel like this year we really bonded together. Last year we weren’t bond together, had a lot of individuals, so I felt we have come together this year.”

The sophomore is in his 2nd year on the varsity squad. Last year as a freshman, Ivan Taylor taught him the ends and outs of playing defensive back at West Orange. It helps to learn from one of the most highly recruited players in the nation.

“When I 1st came here, I started at DB (defensive back), so he was basically my mentor. Tell me coverages, stuff to do, all the reads,” he said.

And learning from the best will help Brian in the future. He hopes to play in college and eventually in the NFL, but right now he is enjoying playing with this team.

“Being able to bond with a group of guys and go play a sport I really love is great,” said Dillard.