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Lakewood's James "J.D." Thompson Breaks 100-Yard Passing Mark in 28-21 Win Over Orlando Catholic

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Wednesday, December 17th 2025 at 23:54 GMT by Orlando Sentinel
      Locale: Florida, UNITED STATES

High‑School Sports Recap – Wednesday, December 17, 2025

The Orlando Sentinel’s daily roundup of high‑school athletics captured a full spectrum of competition across the Central Florida region, from football and basketball to baseball, track, and soccer. In what was one of the busiest winter‑season weekends, dozens of schools reported wins, losses, and standout performances that will shape playoff seedings, individual award races, and even future recruiting opportunities.

Football Highlights

The high‑school football scene on Wednesday was dominated by a handful of close, high‑scoring affairs. The most notable game was between Lakewood High School (28‑21) and Orlando Catholic. Lakewood’s offense, spearheaded by senior quarterback James “J.D.” Thompson, completed 26 of 38 passes for 382 yards and four touchdowns. Thompson’s fourth touchdown—a 35‑yard spiral—broke the 100‑yard passing mark for the first time in the school’s history. On the ground, Lakewood’s running back Liam Martinez added 112 yards on 18 carries, including a decisive 12‑yard touchdown run in the final minute.

Across town, the Cocoa Beach squad edged out St. Thomas Aquinas 24‑17. Cocoa’s junior defensive end Tyler Hayes recorded a school‑record 5.5 tackles for loss and a strip‑and‑return touchdown, turning a 14‑point deficit into a victory. St. Thomas Aquinas, despite the loss, showcased a disciplined defense, holding the opposition to just 210 total yards and forcing three turnovers.

Other key matchups included: - Orange Coast (30‑14) over Bradford High, featuring a breakout performance by senior wide receiver Kira‑Lee Huang, who hauled in 9 catches for 152 yards and two touchdowns. - East Lake High (21‑18) against Smyrna High, where East Lake’s senior kicker Mason Brooks nailed a 44‑yard field goal in the closing seconds to preserve the win.

The win‑or‑lose outcomes will influence the region’s playoff seeding, especially as the South Florida 5A bracket nears its conclusion.

Basketball Showcases

In the realm of high‑school basketball, Wednesday’s games saw both seasoned veterans and emerging talents shine. The Northview boys’ team upset the top‑ranked Gulf Coast (68‑60), largely thanks to sophomore guard Lena‑Kyla Jackson who scored 28 points, dished out 6 assists, and recorded 4 steals. The upset was described by the coach as a testament to the team’s “tight defense and clutch shooting under pressure.”

The girls’ game between Shawnee Middle‑High and Hillsborough was a defensive battle that ended 49‑47 in favor of Shawnee. The key moment came when junior forward Marcus “Mack” Allen executed a buzzer‑beating three‑pointer that sent the team into the playoffs. Allen finished with 16 points, 12 rebounds, and 3 blocks.

The most celebrated individual performance of the night came from Sandy Springs senior Jordan Patel, who racked up 31 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 assists in a 79‑64 victory over Baker County. Patel’s dominant double‑double propelled Sandy Springs into the top‑ten of the state’s all‑state candidate list.

Baseball and Softball

Baseball’s Lakeview High won a 7‑3 contest against Orlando Park, with pitcher Ethan “Nate” Rios delivering a complete game, 12 strikeouts, and just 2 earned runs. Rios’ performance earned him a preseason All‑state nomination.

Softball saw St. Thomas Aquinas triumph 14‑7 over Eastside High. Senior pitcher Catherine “Cat” Kim allowed only 1 earned run across 6 innings and struck out 9 batters. Her dominant outing earned her a spot on the All‑South Florida Softball Team.

Soccer and Track

In soccer, Cocoa Beach defeated Mason High 3‑1 in a game highlighted by a penalty shootout. Junior forward Sofia Lopez converted the decisive penalty, giving Cocoa Beach a vital win as they close the regular season.

The track section noted the closing of the State Invitational with a notable performance by Tyler Hayes from Cocoa Beach, who recorded a 10.09‑second 100‑meter dash, tying the school record and setting up a strong bid for the state meet.

Individual Awards & Recognition

Several athletes were highlighted for their season‑long achievements:

• James “J.D.” Thompson (Lakewood) was named Central Florida’s Mr. Football for his record‑setting passing season.
• Lena‑Kyla Jackson (Northview) earned All‑state honors for her contributions in the upset over Gulf Coast.
• Ethan “Nate” Rios (Lakeview) received All‑state recognition as the region’s top pitcher.
• Sofia Lopez (Cocoa Beach) was awarded Player of the Match for her penalty‑shootout heroics.

These accolades not only celebrate current performances but also set the stage for collegiate recruitment efforts in the coming spring.

Playoff Implications

The results from Wednesday’s games have a ripple effect on the upcoming 5A playoffs:

• Lakewood’s victory preserves their #3 seed, giving them home‑court advantage against #6‑seeded East Lake in the first round.
• Cocoa Beach’s win keeps them within striking distance of a top‑four seed, critical for avoiding a tough early matchup.
• Northview’s upset against Gulf Coast positions them favorably against #2‑seeded Riverdale in the region’s final.

The Orlando Sentinel will continue to track these developments, offering weekly updates on playoff brackets, injury reports, and coach interviews.

Community and Fan Engagement

Beyond the scores, Wednesday’s roundup underscored the community’s role in supporting high‑school sports. Several schools hosted “Family Night” promotions, with local businesses providing sponsorships. The Cocoa Beach game, for instance, featured a “Beach‑side” theme, drawing over 1,200 spectators and generating a record‑breaking $2,500 in ticket sales for the school’s athletic fund.

Fans also celebrated the athletic department’s digital initiatives. The Sentinel’s “High‑School Sports Scores” app now includes real‑time play‑by‑play updates and player statistics, making it easier for families and recruits to stay informed.

Closing Thoughts

Wednesday’s high‑school sports roundup paints a vibrant picture of Central Florida’s competitive landscape. From the thunderous cheers in the football stadiums to the tense nail‑biters of basketball, the athletes showcased determination, skill, and sportsmanship. As the season winds down, these performances will resonate in playoff seedings, award ceremonies, and the bright futures of the region’s most promising young athletes. The Orlando Sentinel remains committed to chronicling every heartbeat of these games, ensuring that every cheer, touchdown, and record is remembered.