​The FHSAA revealed the set-up for its new Independent Football League on Wednesday and at first glance, it appears that Windermere and Mount Dora Christian are likely favorites in the two-tiered lineup.The new league, which consists of teams that declared their intention to compete separate from that of the FHSAA district competition, will compete for postseason play from within two “Pools.” Pool A (teams with more than 900 enrollment) and Pool B (teams with less than 859) are divided into North and South divisions in each.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThe teams will vie for 16 playoff spots, eight in each division, and the postseason qualifiers will be determined by the MaxPreps power rankings. The seasons will culminate with championship games at The Villages on Dec. 4. Schools are not limited to regular-season competition within the new Independent League, although some independent teams are limited in scheduling, like some teams within Orange County Public Schools. Independent OCPS schools must face at least seven OCPS Independent foes. Windermere is excluded, and will only face one independent team — Orlando Freedom — this season.FHSAA’s revised football classification adds new-look independent leagueThe other OCPS Independent teams are Colonial, Cypress Creek, Innovation, Lake Buena Vista, Oak Ridge and University.Windermere, led by fifth-year coach Riki Smith, will be putting its 20-game winning streak on the line as it heads into a season full of much more difficult competition, with the likes of 2025 playoff teams Edgewater, Dr. Phillips, St. Cloud and Winter Park on the schedule. Based on rankings from the end of last season, Windermere enters as the highest-ranked team in the Independent Pool A.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThe Wolverines, coming off back-to-back 10-0 seasons, were ranked 111 at the end of last season, and were the highest-ranked team among all of the 78 Independent League teams.Smith is quick to point out, however, that those are last year’s numbers and with the ramped-up schedule this season, things could be a lot different for the Wolverines.“I think it’s part of the growth process, maturation process here at Windermere High. We’re playing a really tough schedule,” Smith said. “I told the players this week that true growth comes from adversity,” Smith said. “Adversity is coming. Hard is coming. So, just embrace the moment and we’re gonna attack it one day at a time and the goal is to qualify for the postseason.”He does know, however, that the upgraded schedule will give Windermere an added boost in the rankings due to its schedule strength.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement“I think it’s part of the growth process or maturation process for Windermere football,” Smith said. “If you look back to my first year, we were 2-8. We’re just building and you can’t skip steps. This is the next step.“I’m excited now that it’s official. I’ve always wanted th