2016 Schedule Released

WINTER GARDEN, FL – The West Orange High School boys lacrosse team has released its schedule for the upcoming 2016 season.  Once again, the Warriors will be taking on many of the best and most respected lacrosse programs in Central Florida.

The most notable change to the 2016 schedule is reflected by the newly-aligned District 11.  The Warriors will continue to battle for district supremacy with traditional foes Ocoee, East Ridge and Lake Minneola while welcoming district newcomers Apopka, Montverde Academy and Wekiva into the fold.  This will be the first time since 2011 that Apopka and West Orange will be vying for the same district crown.  Although the Warriors are on a four-game win streak over the Blue Darters, it was Apopka who ruled over the Warriors from 2009-to-2011, besting the Warriors in three-straight district title games by a combined total score differential of five goals.  Surely the Warriors will have their hands full with their renewed district rivalry with Apopka if they hope to win their fifth-straight district title in 2016.

Not only do the Warriors have another district title in their sights in 2016, they are also looking to earn their third West Metro Conference title in five years.  That task will not be easy as all roads to a conference title run through rival Dr. Phillips.  After years of never losing to the Panthers in program history, DP has bested WO in four games over the last two years.  Each of those loses has resulted in either losing the conference title or being eliminated from the state playoffs.  To add to the drama, if the Warriors wish to return to their winning ways again against the Panthers, they will have to do so on DP’s home turf – where WO is 0-3 in the past two seasons.

The non-district, non-conference schedule will provide the Warriors with a number of challenges throughout the season, as well.  The schedule is highlighted with top Central Florida programs, many of which are traditional powers that WO has found limited success against in the program’s history.

The season starts with what is becoming a traditional season-opener against Boone.  This year’s contest will take place at West Orange.  The Warriors, however, have not defeated the Braves since 2008, although many of the losses have been close – within a goal or two, or even in overtime.  WO will also host Bishop Moore, Winter Park and Timber Creek.  Combined, the Warriors hold a lifetime combine-record of only 7-32 against the three programs.  The Warriors have not defeated Bishop Moore or Winter Park since 1996 and their lone victory over Timber Creek came in 2013.  A victory over either of these programs will surely be a highlight for the young and upcoming Warriors. 

Additionally, other strong opponents fill-in the Warriors’ schedule starting with the program’s first-ever match-up against South Florida power Martin County.  The Tigers have not posted a losing record since 2011 despite playing one of the toughest schedules in South Florida year-in and year-out.  WO will host Seminole County’s Hagerty HS for only the second time ever.  The Warriors are 1-2 all-time versus the Huskies, winning the only other home game against them.  The season will concluded once again with a match-up against the always tough First Academy as part of TFA’s Wounded Warrior event.  The Warriors and Lions have always matched-up well in the past, with the Warriors holding a slight advantage with three wins and two losses against TFA.

The entire 2016 schedule can be viewed and downloaded by clicking on the SCHEDULE tab located at the top banner.