Orlando Jones Stands Tall At Central Florida Media Days

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>OCOEE – </strong>As Orlando Jones High's football program took the stage on Saturday on the Day 2 of Central Florida Media Days, there was no getting around that the Fightin' Tigers have arrived as a state powerhouse.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In finishing second the past two years, this team – under the direction of head coach <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2157122' first='Elijah' last='Williams']</strong> – has helped this region of the state close the gap with south Florida.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With reporters asking questions to the players who took part in the event at 407 Sports In Ocoee, there was a feeling that this could be the year that central Florida stands tall among the elite high school football programs across Florida.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This team not only has a challenging schedule, but even though they lost some talent, they have more than stocked the cupboard with top-flight talent. Many who have already made their college choices.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Prospects like Texas A&amp;M-bound edge rusher <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1670964' first='Frederick' last='Ards III']</strong>, <strong>Antwoine “Twon” Glover II </strong>(WR), <strong>Kesean Williams</strong> (DB), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2209590' first='Reggie' last='Harris']</strong> (DB) and <strong>Dajour Webb</strong> (DL) are just a few of what this team offers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>While Jones is considered by many as the top team in the region – do not sleep on 6A power DeLand. Veteran head coach <strong>Rick Darlington's</strong> Bulldogs are loaded and could be the best large school in the state – with tremendous talent like <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1600144' first='Gardner' last='Nordman'] </strong>(QB), <strong>Lane Roberts</strong> (LB), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1895271' first='Tucker' last='Wilson']</strong> (OL), <strong>Tario Wright</strong> (S) and <strong>Taz Logan (</strong>OL).</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>While they fell short of their goals a year ago, second-year head coach <strong>Patrick Browning</strong> and his Orlando Edgewater Eagles are very much in the discussion for being one of the top teams.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This program is always stacked with talent and this year is no exception. Prospects such as <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='221588' first='Cruz' last='James'] </strong>(QB), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='409958' first='Joe' last='Aicher']</strong> (QB), <strong>Jacob Lue Pann </strong>(PK), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2090683' first='Sincere' last='Wilkerson']</strong> (OL) and defensive end <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2152912' first='William' last='Grinage']</strong>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It seems to cannot talk about contending programs without mentioning head coach <strong>Karlos Odum</strong> and his Orlando Evans Trojans, who have a stacked deck once again.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>They will be solid with players like Georgia transfer quarterback <strong>Will Jackson</strong>, who returns to the area, Mercer commit <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1677571' first='Jayden' last='Gibson']</strong> (DB), <strong>Ronald Young</strong> (DB), receiver <strong>Caleb Leonard </strong>and receiver <strong>Charles Jacobs</strong>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Last season Orlando Bishop Moore dropped a close decision to Miami Northwestern on the road, and veteran head coach <strong>Matt Hedrick</strong> brings back some elite talent – more than capable of taking things one step further.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Hornets boats prospects such as Boston College commit <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2252936' first='Magnus' last='Talma']</strong> (WR), elite quarterback <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1841861' first='Blake' last='McCullough']</strong>, 2028 Wisconsin linebacker commit <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2124095' first='Cale' last='Britt'],</strong> USF defensive lineman commit <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1258690' first='Drew' last='Follett']</strong> and gifted <strong>Blaze Allen</strong>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Another program that has been buzzing around toward the top is head coach <strong>Geno Thompson</strong> and Winter Garden West Orange Warriors and head coach David Aubrey and the fast-rising Orlando Lake Nona Lions.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In addition to the teams that everyone will be watching in the region, programs such as third year Orlando Innovation, Orlando Olympia, who dedicated the season to its most famous alumnus, Chris Johnson, who is battling ALS, Kissimmee Tohopekaliga, Belle Isle Cornerstone Academy Charter, Kissimmee Gateway, Kissimmee Celebration, Orlando Timber Creek, Kissimmee Poinciana, Orlando Colonial, Orlando Oak Ridge and Winter Garden Horizon.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The day also saw players and coaches from Ocoee, St. Cloud, Orlando Freedom, Central Florida Christian, Orlando East River, Orlando Boone, Orlando Dr. Phillips, Apopka Wekiva, Windermere Prep, Apopka, Winter Garden Foundation Academy, Winter Park, Orlando West Oaks, Orlando Cypress Creek and first year school St. Cloud Nova Lakes showcase what they have for 2026.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>What a great job that <strong>Dan LaForest</strong>, <strong>Ontavius McCullough </strong>and their entire village did over the two days at Seminole State College in Heathrow and on Saturday at 407Sports in Ocoee.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Statewide Coverage Daily. <a href="https://prepredzone.com/florida/">https://prepredzone.com/florida/</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>You Can Contact Larry Blustein with prospect or team information at: <strong>Floridakids1@aol.com.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>COACHES, PLAYERS: </strong>Do You Have A Subscription? Contact us for a savings code so you can see what everyone has been talking about!<strong> <a href="mailto:Floridakids1@aol.com">Floridakids1@aol.com</a>.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->