The Orlando area has schools in three Class 4A districts after the FHSAA realigned classifications for this season and next, and among those 12 teams Jones stands head and shoulders above most of the competition.

The Tigers could get a stiff test from 2022 state champion Lake Wales in District 7, with Auburndale and Eagle Lake Lake Region the others in Jones’ district. Beyond that, Rockledge is the likely favorite among Deltona High, Pine Ridge, New Smyrna Beach and Seabreeze in District 6; and Ocala Vanguard is the favorite among Leesburg, Gainesville and Lecanto in District 5

Most of these teams in this 4A region are unlikely to challenge Jones, which has become a yearly powerhouse in coach Elijah Williams’ eight years at the school.

He could have one of the best lineups he has assembled at Jones, maybe being compared to his 2018-19 teams. The latter made it into the state title game, where it lost to Miami Northwestern. But Jones needs replacements all over the field on defense.

Offensively, seasoned starting quarterback Dereon Coleman is a smooth operator with a wrist-twitch throwing release that makes it look easy for the junior.

He has two of the top receivers in the country in Florida commit Vernell Brown III and standout transfer Larry Miles (West Orange). Senior Walki Ambroise also returns at wideout.

Jones needs a running back or two to emerge. Senior Jaquail Smith and junior Duante Wallace have the potential. Justin Livie and Kaleb Richardson anchor the offensive line.

The top defensive returner is Christian Robbins in the secondary, and the addition of transfer cornerback Courtney Patterson, an Arkansas State commit from Ocala Trinity Catholic, is big for the Tigers. He also has played at the Villages and Wildwood.

Defensive back Isaiah Sink, linebacker and defensive end Quinton Evans, defensive back Isaiah Simpson and linebacker Quamaine Myers are unproven, but ready for action.

For Williams, it will be a bit of a grooming process. He also knows that early in the season, weather could hamper his offense.

“In Florida, it usually rains in August and September, hurricane season, so it’s tough,” he said. “Teams that pass the ball, like us, typically we start out slow, so we always rely on our defense to keep us in the game. The difference this year is that our offense is going to have to move the ball until our defense builds up.”

Leesburg, coming off a banner season with a new head coach, Frank Scott, has to counter the loss of 16 players who transferred. Many of them have landed at Orlando’s The First Academy, including the quarterback, top two receivers and top two linebackers. Senior running back Lavoctris Patterson, who rushed for 602 yards and 10 touchdowns, is back.

Leesburg Yellow Jackets

Coach: Frank Scott (1st year; career 30-29).

2023: 10-2 3S region semifinal.

Deltona Wolves

Coach: Matt Martin (2nd year, 1-9).

2023: 1-9, missed 3S playoffs

Pine Ridge Panthers

Coach: Greg Miller (1st year; career 6-5).

2023: 3-6, missed 3S playoffs.

Jones Tigers

Coach: Elijah Williams (9th year, 81-19; career 124-35).

2023: 10-4, 3M state semifinal.