Foundation Academy returns to the top of Sentinel Super Six

Foundation Academy, the new No. 1 team in the Sentinel Small Schools Super Six, hosts Orangewood Christian on Friday in a matchup of two of the area’s top-ranked teams.

The Lions replaced The Master’s Academy atop the rankings despite both suffering setbacks last week. Foundation lost 56-35 at nine-time state champ Jacksonville University Christian (6-1) while Master’s struggled in a 35-10 loss at home vs. Seffner Christian (4-3).

This week’s game between Foundation and Orangewood, ranked No. 5, could serve as a preview of the upcoming Florida High School Athletic Association Class 2A playoffs. Orangewood, whose head coach, Bill Gierke, is one win from 300 for his career, competed in the independent Sunshine State Athletic Conference before rejoining FHSAA classification play this fall.

The regular season ends this week for ranked SSAC teams, including Master’s, Orlando Christian Prep and Mount Dora Christian Academy. MDCA enters the playoffs at 6-2 as Friday’s result at Windermere Prep was deemed official — a 35-28 win for the Lakers (2-5) — after the game was halted initially due to darkness with close to three minutes left.

The Sentinel Small Schools Super Six recognizes the best of the area’s 17 programs that compete in Class 2A, 3A and 4A within the FHSAA or as independents. Previous rankings are included in parentheses if different. 1. (3) Foundation Academy (6-2): Lions won 52-14 at Windermere Prep (2-5) before losing 56-35 at Jacksonville University Christian (6-1), which entered the game ranked No. 2 in the Associated Press 2A state poll. Senior QB Henry Austad has completed 61 percent of his passes for 2,061 yards with 21 TDs and five interceptions. Austad also leads the team in rushing with 352 yards and nine scores. Seth Daniels is averaging 109 all-purpose yards per game. Friday vs. No. 5 Orangewood Christian (4-3); Oct. 25 vs. West Oaks (2-5)

2. (1) The Master’s Academy (6-1): Eagles’ highpowered offense was stifled last week by visiting Seffner Christian (4-3) during a 35-10 loss. That came just one week after slipping past Orlando Christian Prep (5-1) for a 31-28 win. Master’s was averaging 46 points per game through its first six games, with Ty Poorman passing for 1,747 yards, 21 TDs and eight interceptions. Six players had recorded at least 11 receptions through six games. Friday at IMG Academy White (3-4); Oct. 25 first round of SSAC playoffs

3. (2) Orlando Christian Prep (5-1): Warriors rebounded from a 31-28 loss at Master’s with a 32-27 win vs. Bradenton IMG Academy White (3-4). Eighth-grader Demarion Jenkins has rushed for five touchdowns and intercepted two passes. B.J. Wagner leads in receiving with 12 catches for 4 TDs. OCP averages 240 yards rushing behind seniors Gabriel Tejada (477 yards, 4 TDs) and Alonzo Scott (351 yards, 4 TDs). Friday at Faith Christian (4-3); Oct. 25 first round of SSAC playoffs

4. Mount Dora Christian (6-2): Bulldogs closed their regular season with a 35-28 loss at Windermere Prep (2-5) after winning 47-27 vs. Belleview (1-7). MDCA has a bye this week before heading into the SSAC postseason. Tyler Allen finished the regular season with 1,447 yards and 19 TDs on 125 carries. Kenneth Hatley is credited with 40 tackles and a teamhigh 11 sacks. Oct. 25 first round of SSAC playoffs

5. Orangewood Christian (4-3): Rams remain in the 2A postseason picture after winning 35-17 over Trinity Prep (3-5) and losing 49-21 vs. Satellite High (5-2). Anthony Brown has rushed for 704 yards and 7 TDs on 77 carries. Kaderris Roberts continues to contribute all over the field as the team’s leading receiver (15 catches, 241 yards, 3 TDs). He also has rushed for 479 yards and 11 TDs. Friday at No. 1 Foundation Academy (6-2); Oct. 25 vs. Deltona Trinity (2-5); Nov. 1 at Lake Highland Prep (1-6)

6. (NR) The First Academy (2-4): After nearly knocking off Foundation Academy (6-2) during a 21-14 loss two weeks ago, the Royals roared back into the rankings with a 54-24 win vs. Trinity Prep (3-5). Terrence Mosley II leads TFA with 602 yards rushing and 5 TDs on 108 carries. Friday at Windermere Prep (1-5); Nov. 1 vs. The Villages (5-2)