There are high expectations for the newly aligned Edgewater Eagles, and for good reason.

For one, Jones High is no longer in the way. Jones has dropped to Class 4A in the Florida State High School Athletic Association realignments for 2024-25, so the path appears to be much more clear for the Eagles to make a deep playoff run.

Jones eliminated Edgewater from the playoffs in each of the past two seasons, after the Eagles defeated the Tigers in back-to-back regular season games.

The rivalry will continue as the two Orlando powers face off during the regular season. The home game for Jones has been moved to Camping World Stadium for Sept. 14 at 6 p.m.

It’s one of many marquee games on the Edgewater schedule. The Eagles launched the season with a trip to Europe where they played an exhibition game against the NFL Europe-Africa Academy. They also face a revamped Orlando First Academy, as well as Metro Conference rivals Apopka, Winter Park, Dr. Phillips and Boone.

Edgewater graduated many key components from last year’s 11-1 team, but the holes have been filled.

A big factor could have been the loss of quarterback Michael Clayton, who transferred to Sanford Seminole. But Lake Nona transfer Carter Emanuel steps into his place, and he was followed to Edgewater by running back Josh Perry and massive 6-foot-7, 330-pound offensive lineman Jaden Wilkerson, who committed to Miami.

Perry ran for more than 1,000 yards for Lake Nona a year ago, and plowing the way was Wilkerson. Lyman transfer Julian Prime joins Perry in the backfield.

Edgewater’s Mr. Reliable is senior Semaj Fleming, a Boston College commit who is a speedy standout on runs and receptions. Fleming accounted for 1,226 all-purpose yards and 14 touchdowns a year ago. FIU commit Tyson Carter, Brandon Paul and Luke Anderton beef up the receiving corps.

Wilkerson makes a solid offensive line even better, joining junior Ben Bankowitz and seniors Austin Taylor and Ja’Chory Harris.

The defense should be stout, with junior lineman Aiden Anderson leading the way. There are also linebackers senior Gabe Markaj, and juniors JJ Edwards and Azavier Denmark, flex players Damien Moore and Will Marzolf. The defensive backs include seniors Ja’Torian Mack (Appalachian State commit), AJ Hughley, Jaden Brown and junior Nick Collins Jr.

Lyman compiled consecutive winning seasons (7-3 and 6-4 in 2022-23) for the first time in 18 years and returns a strong corps. The Greyhounds can count on receivers Ronald Mike and Sev Croom. Lyman lost promising sophomore running backs Prime and KJ Davis by transfer to Winter Park.

Winter Springs has eight returning starters from a winless team. But Bears coach Tim Dycus says this is the “most athletic team” he has had.

Edgewater Eagles

Coach: Cameron Duke (7th year, 74-14; career 88-29).

2023: 11-1, 3M region semifinal.

Lyman Greyhounds

Coach: Jermel Jones (4th year, 15-15; career 46-41).

2023: 6-4, missed 3M playoffs.

Winter Springs Bears

Coach: Tim Dycus (3rd year, 0-20).

2023: 0-10, missed 3M playoffs.