Old and new Notre Dame targets shine on Friday night in Orlando
It was almost a night to completely forget for Orlando (Fla.) Boone class of 2025 wide receiver Isaiah Mizell, a new Notre Dame target who is committed to Arizona. Aside from a couple jet sweeps that didn’t go for positive yardage, Mizell couldn’t find himself involved in the game.
Winter Garden (Fla.) West Orange had a goal in mind on the night — don’t let Mizell beat you. In the first two games of his senior season, Mizell caught 17 passes for 389 yards with 4 touchdowns. His speed is explosive, and West Orange clearly respected it by playing two high safeties the entire night. Mizell had press coverage on him with a safety over top for a high majority of the game.
It was a defensive slugfest early in the game; it was a 3-3 contest at halftime. Boone scored a defensive touchdown to take a lead, but it was followed by a kickoff return score by Michigan pledge and former Notre Dame commit Ivan Taylor on the ensuing play to tie things up.
From there, it was all West Orange. The Warriors pulled ahead to a 24-10 lead, and then Boone was finally able to score its first offensive touchdown on the night.
Boone quarterback Sam Johnson connected with Mizell for a 65-yard touchdown. It was on a double move, as Mizell cut towards the sideline before cutting back inside on a slant. The safety bit on the move, leaving Mizell in a foot race. And with his 10.49 100-meter speed, no one was going to catch Mizell.
West Orange won the contest though at 24-17.
According to the Massey Ratings, West Orange was predicted to win the game 35-14.
Mizell is new to the game of football, only starting his playing career as a sophomore. He grew up playing soccer at a high level and had potential to play professionally before turning his attention to the gridiron. He needs work on his route running and will be a project at the next level, but his speed and agility are impressive. Mizell is one heck of a competitor as well.
Mizell ranks as the No. 770 overall player and No. 116 wide receiver nationally according to the 2025 On3 Industry Ranking. He will officially visit Notre Dame the weekend of Sept. 28.
As for Taylor, his kickoff return for a score was a big-time play, and he was a tackling machine. Stats were not made available at the time of publishing this article, but Taylor was involved on stops on seemingly every other play. He got put on his back a couple times when going for big hits, but he is always looking to make an impact play. He’s an impressive one.
