This season will also mark a new chapter for Windermere Prep as the football program joins the newly established FHSAA Independent Series. The Lakers will compete in Division B, which includes schools with enrollments of 859 students or fewer, in the South Region. The new series gives independent schools more flexibility to build their regular-season schedules while providing a new postseason path toward an FHSAA championship. Windermere Prep will be part of a 16-team playoff field, with the top eight teams from each region qualifying based on MaxPreps rankings at the conclusion of the regular season.

The Lakers ended the season with a championship victory over Bishop McLaughlin, winning 25–14. Throughout the season, Windermere Prep scored 287 points while allowing 222, averaging 26.1 points per game.

Several players from the 2025 roster will not return this season, creating changes on both sides of the ball. Peyton Hollern was one of the Lakers' leading offensive contributors, finishing 2025 with 1,182 rushing yards and 16 rushing touchdowns. The Lakers will need to find a way to fill the gap left by Hollern's performance this upcoming season.

STAR RETURNERS TO WATCH:

With several key contributors from last season no longer on the roster, returning players will have opportunities to take on larger roles during the 2026 season. The following players stand out based on their 2025 production and the positions they are expected to play. Their statistics provide a starting point for evaluating which players could have an important role as the season progresses.

Colton Berry - Senior
Berry recorded 44 total tackles in 2025, including 28 solo tackles and 16 assists. He also recorded three tackles for loss and one sack, contributing on defense while also playing wide receiver. As one of the team's returning seniors, Berry brings experience at multiple positions and has been playing football for Windermere Prep since his freshman year. 

Aaron Zhang - Senior
Zhang, who has been an anchor on the offensive and defensive line since his freshman season, finished 2025 with 34 total tackles, including 14 solo tackles and 20 assists. He also recorded one forced fumble and one fumble recovery, providing defensive production from the offensive and defensive line. 

Jerry Zhu - Senior
Zhu contributed on both sides of the ball in 2025, recording eight total tackles, including six solo tackles and two assists. He also recorded one interception, scored one touchdown and added one kickoff return for five yards. Entering his senior season, Zhu brings experience as a returning contributor who can make an impact in multiple areas.

Koren Williams - Junior
Williams was one of Windermere Prep's leading defensive contributors in 2025, recording 91 total tackles, including 54 solo tackles and 37 assists. He averaged 8.3 tackles per game and also recorded two tackles for loss, one interception and one sack. With that level of defensive production returning, Williams will be a player to keep an eye on.

Carter Pucci - Sophomore
Pucci contributed on both sides of the ball, finishing 2025 with 33 total tackles and two interceptions on defense. He also scored three touchdowns and recorded two kickoff returns for 28 yards. Entering his sophomore year, Pucci will be one of the younger players to watch as he continues to take on opportunities on both sides of the ball.

Peyton Myers - Sophomore
Myers recorded 10 total tackles in 2025, including seven solo tackles and three assists. He also recorded one interception and contributed on special teams with one kickoff return for 12 yards. Entering his sophomore season, Myers will have an opportunity to build on his experience from last year and take on a larger role for the Lakers.

Ty Tracey- Sophomore
Tracey returns as Windermere Prep's quarterback after completing 86 of 142 passes for 1,091 yards and nine touchdowns in 2025. His 86 completions were among the higher single-season totals in the program's record book, while his 142 pass attempts gave him valuable experience heading into his junior season. With his experience and production returning, Tracey is set to be a major part of Windermere Prep's offense this season.

NEWCOMERS:
With several new players joining the team this season, these athletes bring experience, athleticism, and versatility that could make an impact on the field as the season progresses.

Akai Tonge - Senior
Although Tonge is not new to Windermere Prep, having attended the school during the 2025–26 school year, he is new to the football team this season. Tonge had a standout junior year in track, breaking the Windermere Prep school record in the 400-meter hurdles and winning both the 110-meter hurdles and 400-meter hurdles at the FHSAA Class 2A Region 2 Championships. He also ran personal-best times of 14.53 in the 110-meter hurdles and 54.54 in the 400-meter hurdles, building on his previous experience competing at the state level. With his track accomplishments demonstrating his speed and athleticism, Tonge is a new addition to the football team who will be one to watch this season.

Kaleb Walls - Senior
Walls brings experience from multiple local schools, having attended Windermere High before moving to Lake Minneola and eventually joining Windermere Prep. At Lake Minneola, Walls competed in varsity football as a wide receiver and defensive back while also participating in track and basketball. His versatility and experience playing on both sides of the ball give him a strong athletic foundation as he begins his next chapter at Windermere Prep. 

The Lakers will also welcome several other new additions to the football roster, including William Taylor, Jordan Jones, Ethan Sing, and Adam Hindman.

THE LAKERS PERSPECTIVE:
"I am excited to see where the young guys fill in for us and hopefully win another championship. I'm excited for the Lake Highland game and its my senior year."
- Atticus McDonald (Senior)

As one of the team's returning seniors, McDonald reflects the expectations surrounding the Lakers entering the 2026 season. With several key players from last year's championship team no longer on the roster, younger players will have opportunities to step into larger roles. The Lakers will look to combine that new energy with the experience of their returning players as they work toward another championship season.

2026 Windermere Prep Football Schedule:

• Sept. 4 - Cornerstone Charter Academy | 7:00 PM | Away

• Sept. 11 - Faith Christian Academy | 4:00 PM | Home - Lakers Field

• Sept. 18 - Bishop McLaughlin | 7:00 PM | Away

• Sept. 25 - Trinity Prep | 6:00 PM | Home - Lakers Field | Lower School Day

• Oct. 2 - Foundation Academy | 7:00 PM | Away

• Oct. 16 - All Saints Academy | 6:00 PM | Home - Lakers Field | Senior Night & Homecoming

• Oct. 22 - The Geneva School | 7:00 PM | Away

• Oct. 30 - Lake Highland Prep | 6:00 PM | Away

Windermere Prep enters the 2026 season as the defending SSAA 1A state champion while also beginning a new chapter in the FHSAA Independent Series. While the departure of players leave important production to replace, returning contributors like Ty Tracey, Koren Williams and Colton Berry give the Lakers a foundation to build around. New additions also bring athleticism and versatility to the roster, while the new league provides the program with a new postseason opportunity. With a mix of experienced returners and new contributors, Windermere Prep will look to carry the momentum of last season's championship run into its first season competing in the FHSAA Independent Series and compete for another state championship.

Article written by Taylor Deaver