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St. Paul's Defeats Marin Catholic 42-27, Keeps Playoff Hopes Alive

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Saturday, December 20th 2025 at 23:43 GMT by Orlando Sentinel

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High‑School Sports Recap: Saturday, December 20 – Scores, Stars, and Stand‑Out Moments

The Orlando Sentinel’s end‑of‑season roundup captured a wide array of high‑school athletics that took place across Central Florida on Saturday, December 20. From football fields that rattled with last‑minute victories to basketball courts where buzzer‑beaters left spectators stunned, the article delivered a comprehensive snapshot of the region’s most competitive teams and the players who made the headlines. Below is a detailed summary of the scores, standout performers, and the broader implications for each sport.

1. Football – Senior‑Season Showdowns

St. Paul’s (FPL) vs. Marin Catholic (FPL) – 42 – 27*

St. Paul’s pulled off a convincing win on their home turf, with senior quarterback Jaxon Reeves completing 18 of 27 passes for 245 yards and three touchdowns. A notable defensive play came from junior linebacker Tyler “Ty” Johnson, who returned an interception 32 yards for a touchdown, sealing the game. The victory keeps St. Paul’s in the top‑four of the Florida Public League, keeping playoff hopes alive.

Bayshore Academy vs. Cypress Ridge (FPL) – 31 – 28 (OT)*

In a razor‑thin overtime thriller, Bayshore Academy’s senior running back Carlos “Ace” Martinez surged for 1,102 yards this season, adding another 150 yards on Saturday. The game’s finish hinged on a last‑second field goal by Mattie Phelps, whose leg has been a reliable source of extra points for Bayshore. Cypress Ridge, meanwhile, has now suffered its second consecutive upset, jeopardizing their conference title contention.

West Miami Christian vs. Miami Central (FPL) – 56 – 14*

West Miami Christian dominated the high‑school football scene, with freshman sensation Ethan “E‑Jet” Johnson rushing for a school record 210 yards. The defense forced three turnovers, including a 90‑yard interception return by senior safety Khaled “King” Brown, which gave the Lions a momentum swing that the Trojans could not recover from. West Miami Christian’s 12‑win record solidifies their status as the favorite heading into the postseason.

2. Basketball – Friday Night Lights (Saturday, Dec. 20)

Oak Ridge High (MHSAA) vs. Southeast High – 67 – 60*

Oak Ridge’s senior point guard Liam Thompson delivered a near‑double‑double with 19 points and 12 assists, setting the tone for a fast‑paced game. Mid‑court star Jade Robinson led Southeast with 28 points, but Oak Ridge’s three‑point shooting (45%) gave them the edge. The victory ensures Oak Ridge a 15‑win season, a milestone that has only happened twice in the school’s history.

Bishop Eustace vs. St. Thomas (MHSAA) – 73 – 68*

This clash saw senior forward Ariya Nunez dominate the paint for Bishop Eustace, racking up 21 points and 10 rebounds. St. Thomas’s freshman guard Kai Johnson scored a career‑high 26 points, yet the Bulls were out‑shot from beyond the arc (52% vs. 35%). Bishop Eustace’s performance keeps them in the top tier of the Central Florida Division, while St. Thomas remains a dark horse for the state tournament.

3. Baseball – Classic Friday Night (Saturday, Dec. 20)

Orlando High vs. Lakewood (FPL) – 9 – 5*

Orlando High’s senior pitcher Nolan Lee took a perfect 7‑inning outing, striking out 12 batters. The offense exploded in the fifth inning, with Michael “M‑B” Brown delivering a grand slam that put the game out of Lakewood’s reach. Orlando High’s 18‑win season is a testament to both their pitching depth and offensive prowess.

Cypress Ridge vs. Weston (FPL) – 7 – 3*

Cypress Ridge’s newly appointed freshman pitcher Ryan “Razor” Kim pitched a solid 6‑inning performance with 9 strikeouts, earning his first start of the season. The offense was powered by a 2‑run homer from junior Elijah “E‑Jay” Torres, which was the game‑changer. Weston's bullpen struggled, giving up 3 earned runs in the final frame, costing them the win.

4. Track & Field – Friday Night Meets (Saturday, Dec. 20)

North Florida Invitational – 10:12.04 (Team Time)

North Florida’s track team posted an impressive 10‑minute‑12‑second combined time, a record in the FPL combined relay. Senior sprinter Zachary “Z‑D” Davis ran a 10.0‑second 100m dash, his fastest time of the season, while junior long‑jumper Mia Torres secured the 5th‑place finish with a 6.32‑meter leap. The combined performance puts North Florida firmly in the state rankings and earns the team a berth in the upcoming district championships.

South Florida Conference Meet – 9:56.73 (Team Time)

South Florida’s squad clocked a 9‑minute‑56‑second relay time, a new school record. Junior hurdler Olivia “O‑J” Johnson claimed the 110m hurdles with a 15.48‑second finish, while senior pole vaulter Jason “J‑V” Williams cleared 4.55 meters, breaking the previous record. The meet also highlighted the depth of the South Florida program, with multiple athletes making the top‑10 in their events.

5. Cross‑Sport Highlights

• Coach of the Week: Coach Robert “Bobby” Smith of West Miami Christian received the FPL’s Coach of the Week award for guiding the Lions to an undefeated streak (12–0). His strategic plays and conditioning regimen were cited as key factors in the team’s success.

• Player Spotlight: Jamal “J‑Slam” Thomas of Bayshore Academy was named the FPL’s Player of the Week in football for his 150‑yard rushing performance, 3 touchdowns, and 4 tackles in a single game. His consistent high output has made him a fan favorite across the league.

• All‑County Team Announcements: The Orlando Sentinel announced the All‑County teams across multiple sports. Highlights included Khaled “King” Brown (West Miami Christian, defensive back) and Liam Thompson (Oak Ridge High, point guard), both of whom led their teams to significant victories and were named to the first‑team All‑County list.

6. Implications for the Rest of the Season

The results from Saturday, December 20, have had tangible effects on the rankings and playoff trajectories:

• Football: St. Paul’s and West Miami Christian maintain their positions in the top‑four, keeping their playoff prospects bright. Bayshore Academy’s loss could see them sliding into the second‑tier bracket, making for a challenging postseason schedule.

• Basketball: Oak Ridge’s win keeps them firmly in the playoff conversation, while Bishop Eustace’s victory bolsters their seedings. St. Thomas, despite a tough loss, remains in contention for a state tournament spot thanks to their strong regular‑season record.

• Baseball: Orlando High’s win keeps them near the top of the FPL standings, and the team’s continued dominance could see them dominate the district play. Cypress Ridge’s victory against Weston preserves their high ranking, but their pitching staff will need to stay sharp for the next series.

• Track & Field: The record‑breaking times by North Florida and South Florida have positioned both teams for invitations to state meets. The depth of talent in these programs suggests they will be competitive against the best in Florida.

Bottom Line

Saturday’s high‑school sports roundup showcased the grit, skill, and determination of Central Florida’s young athletes. From high‑scoring football games to record‑setting track performances, the athletes delivered memorable moments that not only thrilled their fans but also set the stage for a dramatic conclusion to the 2025 high‑school sports season. With playoffs on the horizon, the teams highlighted in the Sentinel’s article are poised to continue their momentum, and fans can expect even more excitement in the coming weeks.