DeLand, ranked No. 1 in the Sentinel’s Super 16 Football Coaches Poll, was able to exact it’s revenge on No. 8 Lake Mary, shutting out the Rams 33-0 on Friday night. A year ago, the Rams ended DeLand’s season in a region final.
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In other games involving Super 16 teams, No. 9 Osceola was no match for Lakeland, losing 40-6; previously unbeaten No. 12 East Ridge was outscored by South Sumter 42-28; No. 7 Bishop Moore opened district play with a road rout of Seabreeze 35-7; and No. 16 St. Cloud also won easily against Lake Minneola, 50-13.
DeLand quarterback Gardner Nordman (4) leaps over the line during the Lake Mary High at DeLand High varsity football game at Spec Martin Stadium in DeLand on Friday, September 11, 2026. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
Cheerleaders cheer during the Lake Mary High at DeLand High varsity football game at Spec Martin Stadium in DeLand on Friday, September 11, 2026. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
DeLand receiver Taihj Moore dances through the line during the Lake Mary High at DeLand High game at Spec Martin Stadium in DeLand on Friday. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
DeLand High’s Nalin Rogers (3) celebrates after scoring a touchdown by returning a blocked kick during the Lake Mary High at DeLand High varsity football game at Spec Martin Stadium in DeLand on Friday, September 11, 2026. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
Patriotically-dressed students cheer during the Lake Mary High at DeLand High varsity football game at Spec Martin Stadium in DeLand on Friday, September 11, 2026. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
Lake Mary receiver Kel Gainer Jr. (9) runs past DeLand defender Jordan Banks (1) during the Lake Mary High at DeLand High varsity football game at Spec Martin Stadium in DeLand on Friday, September 11, 2026. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
DeLand players enter the field for the Lake Mary High at DeLand High varsity football game at Spec Martin Stadium in DeLand on Friday, September 11, 2026. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
Lake Mary receiver Cole Emanuel (top) hauls in a pass over DeLand defender Gardner Nordman (bottom) during the Lake Mary High at DeLand High varsity football game at Spec Martin Stadium in DeLand on Friday, September 11, 2026. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
DeLand quarterback Gardner Nordman blocks during the Lake Mary High at DeLand High varsity football game at Spec Martin Stadium in DeLand on Friday, September 11, 2026. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
DeLand running back Taihj Moore (2) runs during the Lake Mary High at DeLand High varsity football game at Spec Martin Stadium in DeLand on Friday, September 11, 2026. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
DeLand running back Kaveon Jackson runs during the Lake Mary High at DeLand High varsity football game at Spec Martin Stadium in DeLand on Friday, September 11, 2026. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
Lake Mary head coach Scott Perry coaches players during the Lake Mary High at DeLand High varsity football game at Spec Martin Stadium in DeLand on Friday, September 11, 2026. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
DeLand High’s Nalin Rogers (3) celebrates after scoring a touchdown by returning a blocked kick during the Lake Mary High at DeLand High varsity football game at Spec Martin Stadium in DeLand on Friday, September 11, 2026. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
DeLand defensive lineman Jordan Banks (1) hits Lake Mary quarterback Max Campbell (17) during the Lake Mary High at DeLand High varsity football game at Spec Martin Stadium in DeLand on Friday, September 11, 2026. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
The DeLand band performs during the Lake Mary High at DeLand High varsity football game at Spec Martin Stadium in DeLand on Friday, September 11, 2026. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
DeLand quarterback Gardner Nordman (4) is surrounded by Lake Mary defenders during the Lake Mary High at DeLand High varsity football game at Spec Martin Stadium in DeLand on Friday, September 11, 2026. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
Lake Mary quarterback Max Campbell (17) throws during the Lake Mary High at DeLand High varsity football game at Spec Martin Stadium in DeLand on Friday, September 11, 2026. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
DeLand coach Rick Darlington coaches during the Lake Mary High at DeLand High varsity football game at Spec Martin Stadium in DeLand on Friday, September 11, 2026. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
DeLand receiver Taihj Moore (left) pulls in a catch over Lake Mary defender Ronald Parkinson (1) during the Lake Mary High at DeLand High varsity football game at Spec Martin Stadium in DeLand on Friday, September 11, 2026. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
DeLand running back Taihj Moore (2) pushes into the endzone for a touchdown during the Lake Mary High at DeLand High varsity football game at Spec Martin Stadium in DeLand on Friday, September 11, 2026. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
DeLand coach Rick Darlington yells at game officials during the Lake Mary High at DeLand High varsity football game at Spec Martin Stadium in DeLand on Friday, September 11, 2026. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
DeLand dancers perform during the Lake Mary High at DeLand High varsity football game at Spec Martin Stadium in DeLand on Friday, September 11, 2026. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
DeLand defensive lineman Jordan Banks, top, tackles Lake Mary quarterback Max Campbell, causing a fumble, during the Lake Mary at DeLand football game at Spec Martin Stadium in DeLand on Friday. DeLand won 33-0. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
DeLand quarterback Gardner Nordman runs during the Lake Mary High at DeLand High varsity football game at Spec Martin Stadium in DeLand on Friday, September 11, 2026. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
DeLand quarterback Gardner Nordman throws against the Lake Mary defense Friday at Spec Martin Stadium in DeLand. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
DeLand quarterback Gardner Nordman throws during the Lake Mary High at DeLand High varsity football game at Spec Martin Stadium in DeLand on Friday, September 11, 2026. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
DeLand running back Taihj Moore (2) hangs on to a pass during the Lake Mary High at DeLand High varsity football game at Spec Martin Stadium in DeLand on Friday, September 11, 2026. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
DeLand players chase a blocked kick that was returned for a touchdown during the Lake Mary High at DeLand High varsity football game at Spec Martin Stadium in DeLand on Friday, September 11, 2026. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
Lake Mary quarterback Max Campbell throws during Lake Mary’s game against DeLand at Spec Martin Stadium in DeLand on Friday. Lake Mary lost 33-0. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
The First Academy, ranked No. 2, had its game at South Lake postponed until Saturday night at 6 o’clock.
TFA is one of few remaining unbeaten teams left from among Orlando-area teams. Two others took their first losses Friday as Orangewood Christian was stunned by Father Lopez 29-28, and Deltona got smothered by Spruce Creek 34-8.
The other unbeatens are No. 5 West Orange, which defeated Ocoee 13-12 in a controversial finish on Thursday; No. 6 Seminole, a 42-7 winner over University (Orange City); FHSAA Independent League frontrunner Innovation, which cruised past Lake Buena Vista 63-0; and unranked Gateway (Kissimmee), which rolled to a 35-7 victory over Harmony on Friday.
No. 1 DeLand def. No. 8 Lake Mary 33-0
The Bulldogs defense, previously thought of as a weakness, pitched an impressive shutout, although DeLand coach Rick Darlington did acknowledge Lake Mary was depleted, facing injury issues that included quarterback Remy Jarman, who is out 4-to-6 weeks with a broken collarbone.
The Rams’ top offensive weapon, TJ Brundidge, was hurt Friday night, leaving in the third quarter with a high-ankle sprain. His status will be questionable this week.
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DeLand’s defense had something to prove after struggling to get key stops in a 35-34 season-opening win against Lake Wales, and losing 49-35 against St. Frances of Baltimore, which is ranked No. 2 nationally by MaxPreps.
The Bulldogs (2-1) certainly silenced the critics for at least one week by shutting out last year’s Class 7A state champion.
“When is the last time you talked about DeLand‘s defense? That’s what’s so satisfying,” Darlington said.
Nalin Rogers had a 73-yard return of a blocked kick for a touchdown, Tario Wright blocked the kick and Jordan Banks also had a big game with a sack and a fumble recovery. Jeremiah Smokes also had a sack.
DeLand quarterback Gardner Nordman, who had a huge game, did not play down the fact that the Bulldogs were seeking revenge. Lake Mary ended DeLand’s perfect season last year, eliminating the Bulldogs in a region final.
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“It’s super significant to us,” Nordman said of the victory. “We were able to get it done in the fashion that we wanted to.”
Passing and running the ball while also playing defense, Nordman had numerous key plays. He completed 7 of 11 passes for 122 yards and a touchdown, carried eight times for 61 yards and had an interception on defense.
“I feel great. It’s the guys that energize me offensively and defensively,” Nordman said. “The support that I get when I go both ways is unmatched from these fans, these coaches and these players, so I’m super happy. It makes it easy to come out here and make plays.”
DeLand ran for 304 yards. Taj Moore had 135 of those on 23 carries and Keveon Jackson added 100, much of those on a 52-yard scamper in the second quarter that set up a Nordman to Korion Ross 18-yard touchdown pass.
Lake Mary’s freshman quarterback, Max Chapman, subbing for Jarman, had a decent high school debut. He was 10 of 21 passing for 158 yards.
“They’re in a tough situation,” Darlington said of Lake Mary. “Their quarterback was out and they had a new guy in. That’s hard to do. Scott (Lake Mary coach Perry) will have them back. There’s no doubt about that.”
No. 7 Bishop Moore def. Seabreeze, 35-7
Blake McCullough threw four touchdown passes as the Hornets (2-2) opened their bid for the Class 4A District 6 title. Magnus Talma and Drew Follett each had two TD catches and Cale Britt added a 65-yard interception return for a TD.
Lakeland def. No. 9 Osceola 40-6
Lakeland (3-1), ranked No. 3 in Class 5A, dominated from start to finish. The Dreadnaughts led 21-0 at the half. Osceola (2-2) turned the ball over twice and could not get much offense going.
No. 16 St. Cloud def. Lake Minneola 50-13
Jayden Taylor-Irons scored on the opening kickoff, taking a reverse hand-off 80 yards for the touchdown and it was all St. Cloud (3-1) from there. Quarterback Jeremiah Lattier threw two touchdown passes and Joel Ortiz scored a rushing touchdown and intercepted a pass on defense. Leo Morales also had a touchdown.
Father Lopez def. Orangewood Christian 29-28
Father Lopez (1-2) scored with 1:15 remaining to win. Orangewood (3-1) drove inside the FL 30-yard line, but a fourth-down attempt came up short. The Rams got school-record performances from sophomore quarterback Tanner Downs, who threw for 325 yards and 4 touchdowns, and sophomore receiver Kellin Harrington, who had 10 catches for 244 yards and 3 touchdowns.
Thursday’s Super 16 results
No. 3 Jones 24, Boone 9
No. 13 Lake Nona 24, No. 3 Edgewater 3
No. 5 West Orange 13, Ocoee 12
No. 6 Seminole 42, University 7
No. 10 Evans 38, No. 14 Winter Park 14
No. 10 Oviedo 40, Melbourne 24
Manatee 48, No. 15 Lake Brantley 27
Thursday’s other results
Innovation 63, Lake Buena Vista 0
Windermere 28, Wekiva 0
Apopka 21, Olympia 7
Lake Howell 52, East River 6
Dr. Phillips 25, Timber Creek 7
Horizon 36, Cypress Creek 6
Freedom 29, Nova Lakes 0
University (Orlando) 29, Liberty 0
Oak Ridge 40, Colonial 6
Trinity Prep 30, Master’s Academy 27
Thursday’s 8-man result
City of Life Christian 42, Florida School for the Deaf and Blind 16
Friday’s Super 16 results
No. 1 DeLand 33, No. 8 Lake Mary 0
No. 7 Bishop Moore 35, Seabreeze 7
Lakeland 40, No. 9 Osceola 6
South Sumter 42, No. 12 East Ridge 28
No. 16 St. Cloud 50, Lake Minneola 13
Friday’s other results
Tohopekaliga 48, Celebration 0
Spruce Creek 34, Deltona 8
Gateway 34, Harmony 8
Mount Dora 35, Lake Weir 19
Mount Dora Christian 42, Lake Highland Prep 14
Father Lopez 29, Orangewood Christian 28
Satellite 38, Pine Ridge 0
Poinciana 21, Ridge Community 6
Cornerstone Charter 56, Legacy Charter 0
Foundation Academy 20, CFCA 14
Geneva 17, All Saints’ Academy 0
Windermere Prep 19, Faith Christian 15
Saturday’s Super 16 Game
No. 2 TFA (3-0) at South Lake (0-2), 6 p.m.
Monday’s games
New Smyrna Beach (2-0) at Winter Springs (0-3), 6 p.m.
Viera (2-1, 0-0) at Lyman (1-2, 0-0), 5 p.m.
Vanguard (1-2, 0-0) at Leesburg (0-2, 0-0), 6 p.m.
Buddy Collings, Steve Gorches and Johnny Gorches contributed to this report. Chris Hays can be found on X.com @OS_ChrisHays.
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