High School Football Coaches Focus on Team Identity

Coaches and players gather at the media day event to discuss their teams' preparations for the upcoming season.

News Summary

High school football coaches from Orange and Osceola Counties gather at the Florida Citrus Sports High School Football Media Days to prepare for the new season. Coaches from notable teams such as the Jones Tigers and Osceola Kowboys discuss building team identities and facing challenges for the upcoming season. Players participated in interviews, shedding light on their school preparations. With ambitious goals set, teams are working towards solid performances as they look to establish their legacy in high school football.

Orlando, Florida — High school football coaches from Orange and Osceola Counties are gearing up for the 2025 season with a strong emphasis on establishing their team identities, independent of last year’s successes. Coaches and players gathered for the Florida Citrus Sports High School Football Media Days at Camping World Stadium, showcasing their enthusiasm for the upcoming season.

During the media event, players participated in interviews and photo sessions with media representatives, offering a preview of their respective schools’ preparations for the season ahead. Notable teams such as the Jones Tigers and Osceola Kowboys are looking to build on their strong legacies while addressing the challenges of team building and player development.

Jones Tigers Prepare for Title Run

The Jones Tigers, who clinched a spot in the Class 4A state title game last year, are setting their sights on another championship in 2025. The team returns several key players, including senior quarterback Dereon Coleman, a Miami commit, and wide receiver Larry Miles, committed to Nebraska. Additionally, senior offensive lineman Jakahari Leonard, who stands at 6-foot-3 and weighs 310 pounds, and linebacker Quinton Evans, who is 6-1 and 230 pounds with multiple college offers, contribute to the Tigers’ strong roster.

The team’s offensive coordinator has emphasized the importance of intelligence and execution in their new game strategy, focusing on enhancing their overall team performance as they prepare for the challenges ahead.

Osceola Kowboys in Rebuild Mode

On the other hand, the Osceola Kowboys, with a rich history that includes seven appearances in state championship games, are focused on rebuilding following a close loss in the Class 6A title game last season. The Kowboys have experienced significant roster changes, notably the departure of star running back Taevion Swint, who committed to UCF, and offensive lineman Connor Howes, an Ole Miss signee.

Despite these losses, Osceola looks to its returning talents for strength. Defensive tackle Amier Clarke, committed to Georgia Tech, and senior athlete Ja’Kyri Watson, committed to South Florida, are expected to take on larger roles this season, alongside junior edge/tight end Jason Lewis, who stands at 6-4 and 250 pounds with an offer from UCF.

Bishop Moore’s Optimistic Outlook

Bishop Moore High School’s coach has expressed optimism regarding team camaraderie and the potential for success this season. The team is buoyed by the return of several standout players, including running back and linebacker Amar’e Johnson, who rushed for over 1,200 yards last season, and senior wide receiver Kenyon Alston, who has committed to Illinois. These players play a critical role in laying the groundwork for what the coach hopes will be a successful season.

Windermere’s Independent Success

Windermere High School, which competed as an independent last season, finished with an impressive unbeaten record of 10-0 and secured the first Orange County Independent League championship. Their coach has highlighted the positive shift in team culture and the team’s commitment to continuous improvement, which will be essential as they prepare for the upcoming season.

Upcoming Media Day and Future Initiatives

An upcoming North Central Florida High School Football Media Day is set to take place at the Best Western Gateway Grand in Gainesville, featuring participation from over 30 teams. This event aims to uplift local student-athletes and strengthen community ties. The organizer has noted the need for business sponsorship to ensure the sustainability of future events. A livestream of the media day will be available, showcasing each participating team and allowing players to share their preparations for the season.

Promising Storylines Ahead

Notable storylines for the upcoming season include Buchholz football’s adaptation following the departure of standout Trace Johnson, the drive for continued success by Hawthorne football, and Newberry football’s aspirations for a district title run. These developments will add further drama to a season that promises to be exciting for high school football fans across the region.