On any given Friday night in Oviedo, the stands and sidelines at Sam Momary Field come alive — students, families, friends, cheerleaders, dancers, the band, and staff all come together under the lights to cheer for the varsity football team. This year, the energy has felt different: the team is rolling, and the team is looking forward to the biggest game of the year, the yearly matchup against Oviedo.
So far, the team has won three of their first five games. The season kicked off with a convincing 40–21 win over Lake Howell, and since then, the team has continued to deliver. They posted a 49–20 win over Tohopekaliga, and fought hard in a 22–16 loss to Boone.
“We know we have a very good team and we’re on the edge of greatness,” senior receiver Tre Weatherington said.
The strategy of continuing to learn from mistakes leading to losses and practicing harder seems to be paying off, and after a tough Boone loss, the team posted a 40–7 blowout of Timber Creek with a dominant ground attack, clean passing, and a defense that completely shut down their opponent.
With 162 points in their first five games, the offense is one of the most explosive in the area. Coaching staff, including coach Richard Quinones, indicate that in addition to the passing game approach, strategies such as “running the team’s new quarterback more since he can handle more hits,” has made the offense more versatile.
Meanwhile, the defense is holding opponents to just 17.5 points per game, keeping the team in control on both sides of the ball.
This team is finding success through balance and versatility. They can pound the ball on the ground behind a physical offensive line, or strike through the air when defenses overcommit. Quarterback Royce Jenkins credits success to date with the team being “better prepared and more focused on our goals.”
While the players consistently describe their wins as team efforts, a number of players have stepped up to distinguish their individual contributions, including Leandro Gutierrez who leads the team with 111.8 rushing yards per game and six touchdowns. Royce Jenkins is second with 61.3 rushing yards per game and four touchdowns, and Jean Direus averages 23.7 rushing yards per game.
The defense has been just as crucial. Across four games, the team has held opponents to fewer than 20 points per game and made key stops in big moments. Jonathan Lewis leads the team with four sacks, creating pressure on quarterbacks and forcing hurried throws. Gavin Miller and Jackson Broggy have also posted multiple sacks.
Ryan Davis is the leading tackler, averaging 6.8 tackles per game. He said the team has taken advantage of blitz play options to keep pressure on the quarterback.
Jonathan Gandy leads the secondary with two interceptions. This unit has been especially strong in red-zone defense, forcing punts and turnovers that have helped the offense build leads and control the tempo of games.
Although the team most recently suffered a tough loss to Lake Mary on Sept. 25, they continued to show resilience. They battled through all four quarters and had several notable plays, including an impressive kick return early in the game that put the Huskies in favorable field position and a well-executed touchdown drive in the second quarter.
“We won’t let these setbacks define us,” Jenkins said. “We will keep pushing forward to put up more wins for ourselves as a team and for our fans; the season is far from over.”
Up next, the team will play at Oviedo on Friday, Oct. 3.
