Breaking: Shaun Lorenzano leaving Lake Howell (Florida) to accept head coaching job at Fort Dorchester (South Carolina)

Another Florida high school head football coach is leaving the Sunshine State and taking his talents to the Palmetto State.

SBLive Sports Florida confirmed with Shaun Lorenzano that he will be stepping down as Lake Howell High School’s head football coach and taking the same position in South Carolina with power Fort Dorchester High School.

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— Shaun Lorenzano (@coachlorenzano) December 13, 2023

Lorenzano had coached the Silver Hawks for the last six seasons, compiling an overall record of 25-35 as Lake Howell’s lead man.

“Lake Howell standards, 26 years to losing to back to back years of winning,” Lorenzano said. “The building on the standards we have had at Lake Howell. A friend of mine told me about the job at Fort Dorchester and researched it. It’s a big time school, big time program. Those jobs don’t open every year. Last coach had been there like 21 years. I’m excited about it.”

Lorenzano will be taking on one of the premier jobs in South Carolina with Fort Dorchester, whom just reached the AAAAA state championship in 2022.

Longtime head coach Steve LaPrad coached the Patriots for 20 years, winning 170 games total and claiming the AAAA state championship in 2015.

With Lorenzano taking the Fort Dorchester job, he will likely face another former Orlando-area head coach in Eric Lodge, who took the head gig at Berkeley after the 2022 Florida high school football season. Fort Dorchester, which went 7-4 this fall, defeated Berkeley 52-0 this past season.

“The goal is to put Fort Dorchester perennially as a state championship contender,” Lorenzano said. “I’m just looking to carry on the legacy. I know Berkeley (Stags) is on the schedule. Over the next few weeks, I’m going to start studying our opponents, studying the players we have and come up with a game plan. Playing coach (Eric) Lodge is going to be really fun.”

From Lorenzano’s time at Orlando Cypress Creek (4 seasons, 9-32 record) Lake Howell, the new Fort Dorchester head coach hopes to take his previous experiences and carry them over into his new job with the Patriots.

Lorenzano told his players in a meeting Wednesday afternoon, which brought out the emotions in everyone.

“Lake Howell is a special place,” Lorenzano added about his time at Lake Howell. “We’ve had some success there. The kids there, they’re super supportive. Lake Howell has had a rich tradition of talent, former NFL players have come through. I’m going to miss the community the most. It’s been a joy and pleasure to serve those kids. It was a tough day from me, my coaches and my players.”

-- Andy Villamarzo | villamarzo@scorebooklive.com | @sblivefl | @sblivesc