Derwin James named to Sporting News Freshman All-America Team

 

Florida State safety Derwin James (Haines City alum) has been named to the Sporting News Freshman All-America team. This is the latest recognition for James who was also named a USA Today Freshman All-American.

James appeared in all 12 games this season and started the last seven. He finished second on the team in total tackles (77), tackles for a loss (7.5), sacks (3.5), forced fumbles (2) and fumble recoveries (2). James led the team in total solo tackles with 43.

For a complete list of the team click here.

Posted by Hasani Harper (@H2_PolkCoFB)

Derwin James earns USA Today Freshman All-American honors

 

Florida State safety Derwin James (Haines City alum) became the latest Seminoles true freshman to be named to USA Today’s Freshman All-American team when he received the honor on Thursday.

Despite only starting the last 7 games of the season, James finished second on the team in total tackles (77), tackles for a loss (7.5), sacks (3.5), forced fumbles (2) and fumble recoveries (2). James led the team in total solo tackles with 43.

James was the only Seminole named to the Freshman All-American team. For a complete list of the team click here.

Posted by Hasani Harper (@H2_PolkCoFB)

Buccaneers Sign Adarius Glanton from Panthers

 

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers announced on Monday the addition of former FAU Owls linebacker Adarius Glanton (Lake Gibson alum) off the Carolina Panthers’ practice squad.

Glanton was on the Panthers’ practice squad all season, but the Bucs made room for him on their own 53-man roster by waiving safety Kimario McFadden.

Glanton was an undrafted rookie in 2014 that saw action in 10 games for the Panthers as a rookie. He started two games at strongside linebacker and recorded 12 tackles and a forced fumble. He also contributed to the Panthers on special teams kick-coverage.

Posted by Hasani Harper (@H2_PolkCoFB)

Scoreboard - Week 14, 2015 Season

 

Week 14 of the 2015 Season is in the books and here are the final scores from games involving Polk County teams.

Viera 24, Lakeland 14
University Christian 31, Victory Christian 0

Derwin James earns ACC Player of the Week honors

 

Florida State freshman safety Derwin James (Haines City alum) was named the Week 11 ACC Defensive Back of the Week following his performance in the Seminoles’ 34-17 victory over NC State last Saturday.

James tallied a game-high 10 tackles, one sack, one QB hurry and recovered a fumble.

This is the first ACC honor of James’ career and this latest recognition continues to push the name of the freshman on the national map. Earlier in the season James was named the top college football freshman by Pro Football Focus.

Posted by Hasani Harper (@H2_PolkCoFB)

Chris Rainey 2015 CFL Season Highlight Reel

 

BC Lions running back Chris Rainey (Lakeland alum) 2015 CFL season is over after his team lost 35-9 against the Calgary Stampeders on Nov 15. Rainey did have a solid 2015 campaign, especially on special teams where he finished with 761 kickoff return yards with 1 touchdown and 593 punt return yards with 1 touchdown.

Rainey earned CFL top performer of the month at the end of September for his 729 combined-return yards performance over three games in which he returned two kicks for touchdowns. His 103 yard kickoff return for a touchdown and 103 yard punt return for a touchdown against the Calgary Stampeders on Sept 18 was the CFL’s first-ever pair of 100-plus yard TD returns by the same player in a single game.

Here is a highlight video Rainey shared with Polk County Football for fans to check out what he accomplished during the 2015 season.

Posted by Hasani Harper (@H2_PolkCoFB)

Adrian College defensive back Jarius Garner earns All-Conference honors

 

Adrian College junior defensive back Jarius Garner (Mulberry alum) was selected to the 2015 All-Michigan Intercollege Athletic Association football all-conference second team defense on Monday.

In eight games, Garner finished with 28 total tackles (19 solo) while leading Adrian College and tying for first in the conference with five interceptions. He also finished with 4 pass break ups and 1 blocked kick.

Posted by Hasani Harper (@H2_PolkCoFB)

Tenoroc plays East Ridge for Postseason Bowl Game

The Tenoroc Titans did not qualify for the Class 4A playoffs, but their season is not over with just quite yet. Tenoroc finished the regular season 6-4, but have one last chance to add another win to their memorable season. The Titans take on the East Ridge Knights in a postseason bowl game in Clermont today.

The Titans are led on offense by junior quarterback J’Torian Spates who has passed for 875 yards and 6 touchdowns while rushing for 351 yards and 2 touchdowns. His favorite target, senior wide receiver Keyon Walters, leads the team in receiving yards with 498 yards and 4 touchdowns. Walters also adds 300 yards rushing and 3 touchdowns on the ground this season. Another target of Spates is senior wide receiver Jordan Holder who leads the team in receptions with 20 and has 265 receiving yards on the season. Senior running back Jedarian Gaskins leads the ground attack for the Titans with 1,050 rushing yards and 8 touchdowns on 119 carries.

The Knights are led on offense by sophomore quarterback BeSean McCray who has passed for 1,404 yards and 18 touchdowns while also adding 963 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns on the ground. Senior running back Tirrek Hooten is the leading rusher with 1,570 yards and 14 touchdowns on 212 carries.

The game is scheduled to kickoff today at 7 PM.

Winter Haven to finish season in 2015 FCA Honor Bowl

The regular season is finished for most teams in the county, but Winter Haven won’t be one of them. The Blue Devils were invited to play in the 2015 FCA Honor Bowl today against Tampa King (5-5).

The Winter Haven Blue Devils finished the 2015 regular season with a 7-3 record. Those three losses were to Kissimmee Osceola, Kathleen and Lakeland; teams with a combined record of 25-4.

The 2015 FCA Honor Bowl will kickoff today at 7 PM. The site of the game will be Victory Stadium at Southeastern University. General admission is $5.00 and for any student-athletes who wear their game jersey to the game will only be charged $2.00 for admission.

DJ Law named to the MACJC All-State Team

Link: EMCC Athletics

East Mississippi Community College sophomore running back DJ Law (Haines City alum) earned second-team honors on the 2015 MACJC All-State Football Team announced Monday by the Mississippi Association of Community and Junior Colleges.

Despite missing two games due to an injury, Law still led EMCC in rushing this season with 597 rushing yards. Law also led the team in all-purpose yards finishing with 858 total yards (597 rushing, 132 receiving and 129 kickoff return yards) for an average of 122.6 yards per game. Law’s 2015 season performance included four 100-yard rushing games and a 9.3 yards per rush average ranking him second nationally. Law finished with 3 touchdown runs and 1 touchdown reception on the season.

Posted by Hasani Harper (@H2_PolkCoFB)

Utah linebacker Gionni Paul earns Week 10 National Player of the Week honors

 

Link: Walter Camp Football Foundation

Link: Athlon Sports


Week 10 of the college football season saw Utah senior linebacker Gionni Paul (Kathleen alum) walk away with a few National Player of the Week honors.

The Walter Camp Football Foundation and Athlon Sports named Gionni Paul the National FBS Defensive Player of the Week for his performance on Saturday against Washington.

Paul recorded nine tackles (two for a loss), two quarterback sacks, one interception and recovered a fumble and returned it 54 yards for a touchdown to help 12th ranked Utah defeat Washington, 34-23.

Paul joins two other Utah players (DB Eric Weddle, Sept. 24, 2006 and DE Derrick Shelby, Oct. 16, 2011) to earn Walter Camp National Player of the Week honors since 2004.

Athlon Sports considered Paul one of the 15 Best College Football Players No One is Talking About in 2015 prior to Week 10. Paul’s play on Saturday and throughout the season (team leading 84 tackles and 12.0 tackles for a loss) is at least not going unnoticed by one national outlet.

Posted by Hasani Harper (@H2_PolkCoFB)

Scoreboard - Week 11, 2015 Season

 

Week 11 of the 2015 Season is in the books and here are the final scores from games involving Polk County teams.

Mulberry 17, Frostproof 6 (Friday #GOWPolk)
Tenoroc 20, Lake Region 13
Cornerstone Charter 34, Jordan Christian Prep 0
Ridge Community 33, Auburndale 28
Fort Meade 50, George Jenkins 14
Victory Christian 55, Father Lopez 23
Santa Fe Catholic 56, Berean Christian 35
Lakeland Christian 35, Agape Christian 0
Bartow 28, Lake Wales 19
Winter Haven 46, Haines City 20

Florida State Defensive Back Derwin James named Top College Football Freshman

 

Link: Pro Football Focus

Pro Football Focus recently released their mid-season report on the nation’s best true freshman and earning the top spot was Florida State defensive back Derwin James (Haines City alum).

Pro Football Focus had this to say about James performance so far this season:

“One of the hottest players in the country, James has been a force on the FSU defense since taking over as starter in Week 6. His +17.0 overall grade ranks third among all safeties, including a +7.4 mark against the run that ranks 10th and a strong +2.8 grade against the run. James has also been a menace when rushing the passer, picking up two sacks, two hits, and six hurries on only 15 rushes.”

Through 8 games this season, James currently ranks third on the team in total tackles (39), third in pass break-ups (3) and is tied for first in forced fumbles (2). Against Syracuse (James’ third consecutive start of the season) on Oct 31, James led the team in tackles with 12 with a career high in solo tackles (7) and unassisted tackles (5).

Lakeland's James Robinson receives offer from Alabama

Lakeland junior wide receiver James Robinson continues to add to his impressive list of college verbal offers. After his performance last Friday night against cross-town rival Kathleen (4 receptions, 132 yards, 2 TDs), Robinson received a verbal offer from the Alabama Crimson Tide the next day.

I'm blessed to receive an offer from Alabama Crimson Tide , Making momma Proud 💯💪✊🏈🏈⚓⚓⚓ pic.twitter.com/kzC3kAmQZc

— RELENTLESS ⚓️✊ (@_StunnaJayy_) October 31, 2015

2015 Season, Week 11 Team Power Rankings

2015 Season, Week Eleven Team Power Rankings

Large Classification (Class 5A-8A)

  1 Lakeland (7-2) (won 35-13 vs. Kathleen)
  2 Kathleen (9-1) (lost 13-35 at Lakeland)
  3 Winter Haven (6-3) (won 14-0 at Bartow)
  4 Lake Gibson (7-3) (won 24-20 vs. Sebring)
  5 Bartow (4-5) (lost 0-14 at Winter Haven)
  6 Auburndale (3-6) (won 42-21 at Lake Wales)
  7 Lake Wales (3-5) (lost 21-42 vs. Auburndale)
  8 Ridge Community (3-6) (won 2-0 vs. Haines City via forfeit)
  9 George Jenkins (2-7) (lost 9-46 vs. Kissimmee Osceola)
10 Lake Region (2-7) (BYE WEEK)
11 Haines City (0-8) (lost 0-2 vs. Ridge Community via forfeit)


Small Classification (Class 1A-4A)
 
  1 Fort Meade (7-1) (won 34-0 at Frostproof)
  2 Lakeland Christian (8-1) (lost 14-25 at Tampa Catholix)
  3 Santa Fe Catholic (9-0) (won 56-13 vs. Orangewood Christian)
  4 Tenoroc (5-4) (lost 33-34 vs. Bishop Verot)
  5 Victory Christian (4-5) (won 49-0 vs. Cornerstone Charter)
  6 Jordan Christian Prep Prep (3-5) (BYE WEEK)
  7 Frostproof (2-6) (lost 0-34 vs. Fort Meade)
  8 Mulberry (2-6) (won 41-15 vs. Gateway Charter)
  9 All Saints' Academy (1-7) (BYE WEEK)
10 Landmark Christian (0-6) (BYE WEEK)

2015 SSAC All-Conference Teams Announced

 

Link: Sunshine State Athletic Conference

The 2015 SSAC All-Conference football teams were announced on Saturday, Oct 31 and headlining the Coral League was Santa Fe Catholic head coach Billy Dickerson who was honored as Coach of the Year. Dickerson and his staff helped lead the Crimson Hawks to their first undefeated season in school history. The Crimson Hawks finished the regular season at 8-0 and outscored their regular season opponents 288-36.

Congratulations to the Coral League Coach of the Year: Santa Fe Catholic Head Coach Billy Dickerson! SFC is 9-0! @SFCHawks @SSACFootball

— SSAC Athletics (@SSACFootball) October 31, 2015

The following list includes All-Conference First and Second Team players and Honorable Mention players from Santa Fe Catholic.

Coach of the Year - Coral League
Billy Dickerson (Santa Fe Catholic)

First Team
Henry Perry IV - Cornerbacks
Tyree Rodman - Punt Returner/Kick Returner

Second Team
Henry Perry IV - Wide Receivers
John Littlejohn - Defensive Line
Walker Richards - Safeties

Honorable Mention
David Tomkow
JJ Stone
John Kromer
John McIntire
Kenard King
Demario Vanover
Tyler Hancock

2015 FHSAA Playoffs Central - Round 01 Preview

 

The 2015 FHSAA Playoffs kickoff on Friday, Nov. 13 and six Polk County teams will begin the long journey of trying to win each week for an eventual spot in the state championship games held at the Citrus Bowl in Orlando.

7A
Sickles at Lakeland
Kathleen at Tampa Plant
Full Bracket: Click Here

6A
Brandon at Lake Gibson
Full Bracket: Click Here 

3A
Lakeland Christian at Trinity Catholic
Full Bracket: Click Here

2A
Victory Christian at Deltona Trinity Christian
Full Bracket: Click Here

1A
Fort Meade at Trenton
Full Bracket: Click Here

2015 SSAC Playoffs Central - Quarterfinals Recap

 

Link: Sunshine State Athletics Conference

2015 Sunshine State Athletic Conference playoffs scoreboard

Recap
Quarterfinals
Santa Fe Catholic 56, Orangewood Christian 13
Berean Christian 46, Christ Church Academy 18
Saint Stephen's Episcopal 56, Seven Rivers Christian 37
Boca Raton Christian 20, Orlando Christian Prep 14

Looking Ahead
Semi-finals
Santa Fe Catholic at Berean Christian, 7PM
Saint Stephen's Episcopal at Boca Raton Christian, 7PM

Consolation Games
Orlando Christian Prep at Seven Rivers Christian, 7PM
Christ Church Academy at Orlando Christian Prep, 7PM

Scoreboard - Week 10, 2015 Season

Week 10 of the 2015 Season is in the books and here are the final scores from games involving Polk County teams.

Lakeland 35, Kathleen 13 (Friday #GOWPolk)

Victory Christian 49, Cornerstone Charter 0

Lake Gibson 24, Sebring 20

Auburndale 42, Lake Wales 21

Winter Haven 14, Bartow 0

Santa Fe Catholic 56, Orangewood Christian 13

Tampa Catholic 25, Lakeland Christian 14

Bishop Verot 34, Tenoroc 33

Mulberry 41, Gateway Charter 15

Ridge Community 2, Haines City 0 (Haines City Forfeit)

Kissimmee Osceola 46, George Jenkins 9

Fort Meade 34, Frostproof 0

H8ME 6ROWN TAL3NT - Nyjee Washington, 2016 Class

Nyjee Washington
#H8ME6ROWNTAL3NT

Kathleen senior cornerback Nyjee Washington said that he enjoyed winning the Red Devils’ first game of the season against Lake Gibson. Why? It let the world know his team was for real.

“It felt so good, it was intense,” he said. “We’re very slept on, we’re very underrated. If you looked at the rankings we weren’t even ranked. We came out and shut a lot of people up so it felt very good. Defensively we could have done better, but played very well. We were put to the test and we did very well.”

That victory was the first step to the Red Devils’ 9-0 start and the team’s surprise ascension to the top of Class 7A, District 7. Kathleen’s defense has passed every test so far this season; they’ve allowed only 13.6 points per game and they’ve survived two road trips against top 7A competition. Washington has been a serious contributor to the team and said that he began to take football serious when he was encouraged by head coach Irving Strickland coming out of middle school.

“In eighth grade I was focused on basketball. But I sat down with Coach Strickland and we talked. I came out and played football and I still had it. My sophomore year, I didn’t play my freshman year. That’s when I started taking it seriously.”

He said that Strickland, who is in his eighth year as Red Devils’ head coach, is an intense teacher that works to get the best out of his players.

“Coach Stric is a good man, he pushes you. All that yelling and stuff that’s just him trying to get you mentally tough. I respect that. When I first got out here, that was hard on me because I wasn’t used to being yelled at. But he and other coaches have been molding me, and they see the potential in me.”

Washington has not received any offers from any collegiate programs, but neither have many other Red Devil defenders. He said that his desire to get to the next level is fuel to his team’s competitive fire.

“It motivates me a lot,” he said. “It pushes me to work super hard, because I want to play at the next level. You have to have that mentality that somebody is always working harder than you. So if you love what you do, you gotta stay on it.”

Washington and the Red Devils hope to clinch the Class 7A, District 7 championship and earn the team’s first undefeated season since 2003 Friday night when they take on the Lakeland Dreadnaughts.

Writer - James Bennett, Jr.
Photographer - Cameraman Hasani

Baveon Johnson to play in 2016 Under Armour All-American Game

 

Link: USA TODAY High School Sports

Link: Polk Preps

Link: ESPN

Lake Gibson senior offensive lineman Baveon Johnson is officially an Under Armour All-American Game participant. The game will be held on Jan. 2 at the Citrus Bowl in Orlando. Johnson, a Florida State commit, was surrounded by family, friends, faculty, coaches and teammates during his jersey ceremony on Tuesday at the Lake Gibson High School cafeteria.

Johnson, rated the No. 1 center and 38th-ranked player overall in the ESPN 300, was also chosen to play in the U.S. Army All-American game, but ultimately decided to commit to the Under Armour game.

Johnson joins a growing list of Polk County players to participate in the national all-star game sponsored by Under Armour. The rest of the list includes the following players:

2008 - Carlton Thomas (Frostproof) - RB

2008 - Ricky Barnum (Lake Gibson) - OL

2008 - T.J. Lawrence (Kathleen) - WR

2011 - Brandon Fulse (Fort Meade) - TE

2011 - Karlos Williams (Ridge Community) - DB

2015 - Derwin James Jr. (Haines City) - DB

Jethro Francois earns STATS FCS Freshman Player of the Week honors

 

Link: STATS FCS Football

Georgetown University freshman defensive back Jethro Francois (Victory Christian alumni) was named the STATS FCS Freshman Player of the Week on Monday. Francois became the first Hoya to earn national freshman of the week honors.

Francois set a Georgetown freshman record with 11 solo tackles, finishing with 15 total tackles, 1.5 tackles for a loss, 1 pass breakup and a half-sack in his first career start for the Hoyas in a 17-9 win at Bucknell.

Jethro Francois earns Patriot League Rookie of the Week honors

 

Link: Patriot League Official Athletic Site

Georgetown University freshman defensive back Jethro Francois (Victory Christian alumni) was named the Patriot League Rookie of the Week on Monday.

Francois set a Georgetown freshman record with 11 solo tackles, finishing with 15 total tackles, 1.5 tackles for a loss, 1 pass breakup and a half-sack in his first career start for the Hoyas in a 17-9 win at Bucknell.

Deonate Gary earns SIAC Player of the Week honors

 

Link: Central State University Marauder Athletics

Central State University junior linebacker Deonate Gary (Lakeland alumni) was named the SIAC Defensive Player of the Week on Monday.

Gary led the Marauders defense against Stillman with 5 solo tackles, a forced fumble and two interceptions in a 24-7 road victory.

Great American Rivalry Series comes to Lakeland

Link: Great American Rivalry Series

The Great American Rivalry Series will be headed back to Lakeland again to feature the annual end-of-the-season rivalry game between the Lakeland Dreadnaughts (6-2) and the Kathleen Red Devils (9-0).

More than bragging rights will be on the line in this year's game as a district championship and playoff spot are on the line for both teams. Kathleen will look to secure not only an undefeated season, but also claim a district championship against their long-time rivals, Lakeland, at Bryant Stadium for the second time in 3 years. Lakeland will look to secure a playoff spot and possibly the district championship in the process with a victory over Kathleen (Winter Haven must secure a victory over Bartow the same night).

FACA District 13 Small School Player, Coach of the Year

 

The Florida Athletic Coaches Association District 13 football meeting for player and coach of the year for small schools was held last week, and here are the results that were voted on by the coaches in attendance. The following list includes All-District First and Second Team for small schools, overall player and coach of the year and classification players and coaches of the year.

District MVP (Small Schools): Tyler King, 2016 (Fort Meade)
District Coach of the Year (Small Schools): Jemalle Cornelius (Fort Meade)

Player of the Year
Class 1A: Tyler King, 2016 (Fort Meade)
Class 2A: Deondre Pride (Victory Christian)
Class 3A: RB Marlow (Lakeland Christian)
Class 4A: Keyon Walters (Tenoroc)

Coach of the Year
Class 1A: Jemalle Cornelius (Fort Meade)
Class 2A: William Dickerson (Santa Fe Catholic)
Class 3A: Wayne Peace (Lakeland Christian)
Class 4A: Chris Davidson (Tenoroc)

2015 All-District Team (Small School)

First Team Offense
QB: Walker Richards, 2016 (Santa Fe Catholic)
RB: Tyler King, 2016 (Fort Meade)
RB: Benjamin Sirmons (Lakeland Christian)
WR: RB Marlow, 2016 (Lakeland Christian)
WR: Jordan Holder, 2016 (Tenoroc)
TE: Kahari Love, 2016 (Mulberry)
OL: John Kromer, 2016 (Santa Fe Catholic)
OL: Bryce Nelson, 2017 (Fort Meade)
OL: Mike Smith, 2016 (Frostproof)
OL: Reed McKown, 2016 (Lakeland Christian)
OL: Kris Bozeman, 2016 (Tenoroc)
K: Josue Blanco, 2016 (Lakeland Christian)
ATH: Larenz Deshazor, 2017 (Lakeland Christian)

First Team Defense
DL: Darrion Gardner, 2016 (Fort Meade)
DL: Gerald Poleon, 2016 (Victory Christian)
DL: Reed McKown, 2016 (Lakeland Christian)
DL: Kahari Love, 2016 (Mulberry)
LB: Bryce Smith, 2016 (Frostproof)
LB: Deondre Pride, 2016 (Victory Christian)
LB: Brendan Terkay, 2016 (Tenoroc)
DB: Walker Richards, 2016 (Santa Fe Catholic)
DB: Jy'Quez Wright, 2018 (Fort Meade)
DB: Cory Larkin, 2016 (Frostproof)
DB: Nick Montina, 2017 (Tenoroc)
P: Peyton Whitehead, 2016 (Tenoroc)

Second Team Offense
QB: Jessie Henson, 2016 (Fort Meade)
RB: DeMario Vanover, 2017 (Santa Fe Catholic)
RB: Josh Herrington, 2016 (Victory Christian)
WR: Henry Perry IV, 2016 (Santa Fe Catholic)
WR:Keyon Walters, 2016 (Tenoroc)
TE: Garrett Steele, 2018 (Tenoroc)
OL: Jon McIntire, 2016 (Santa Fe Catholic)
OL: Sam Billante, 2016 (Frostproof)
OL: Tavonte Rhodes, 2016 (Victory Christian)
OL: Darrell Burnside, 2016 (Tenoroc)
OL: Gerald Poleon, 2016 (Victory Christian)
K: Edgar Gonzalez, 2018 (Fort Meade)
ATH: Keyon Walters, 2016 (Tenoroc)

Second Team Defense
DL: Tyler Hancock, 2016 (Santa Fe Catholic)
DL: Mike Smith, 2016 (Frostproof)
DL: Sam Billante, 2016 (Frostproof)
DL: Keiyaunte Lowery, 2016 (Tenoroc)
LB: Austin Castillo, 2017 (Fort Meade)
LB: Ricky McFarlane, 2018 (Frostproof)
LB: Logan Mason, 2018 (Lakeland Christian)
DB: Henry Perry IV, 2016 (Santa Fe Catholic)
DB: Anfernee Clark, 2018 (Fort Meade)
DB: Josh Hayes, 2017 (Victory Christian)
DB: Jordan Devine, 2016 (Mulberry)
P: Jessie Henson, 2016 (Fort Meade)

FACA District 13 Large School Player, Coach of the Year

The Florida Athletic Coaches Association District 13 football meeting for player and coach of the year for large schools was held last week, and here are the results that were voted on by the coaches in attendance. The following list includes All-District First and Second Team for large schools, overall player and coach of the year and classification players and coaches of the year.

District MVP (Large Schools): Baveon Johnson, 2016 (Lake Gibson)
District Coach of the Year (Large Schools): Irving Strickland (Kathleen)

Player of the Year
Class 6A: Baveon Johnson, 2016 (Lake Gibson)
Class 7A: Anthony Davis, 2017 (Lakeland)
Class 8A: Ke'Andre Griner, 2016 (Ridge Community)

Coach of the Year
Class 6A: Keith Demyer (Lake Gibson)
Class 7A: Irving Strickland (Kathleen)
Class 8A: Russ Rogers (Ridge Community)

2015 All-District Team (Large School)

First Team Offense
QB: William Tate, 2017 (Winter Haven)
RB: Anthony Davis, 2017 (Lakeland)
RB: Keandre Griner, 2016 (Ridge Community)
WR: Marquis Zimmerman, 2016 (Kathleen)
WR: James Robinson, 2017 (Lakeland)
TE: Chayce Armbruster, 2016 (Winter Haven)
OL: Baveon Johnson, 2016 (Lake Gibson)
OL: Michael Wiggs, 2016 (Lake Gibson)
OL: Logan MacDonald, 2016 (Ridge Community)
OL: Jadavien Williams, 2016 (Ridge Community)
OL: Joe Issacs, 2016 (Winter Haven)
K: Ben Rice, 2016 (George Jenkins)
ATH: Xavier Gaines, 2016 (Lake Wales)

First Team Defense
DL: Justin Andrews, 2016 (Kathleen)
DL: Jordan Domineck, 2018 (George Jenkins)
DL: Keyshon Camp, 2016 (Lakeland)
DL: Keyshon Camp, 2016 (Lake Gibson)
LB: Ventrell Miller, 2017 (Kathleen)
LB: AJ Deshazor, 2017 (Lake Gibson)
LB: Josh Dunn, 2016 (Lake Wales)
DB: Taurence Wilson, 2016 (Kathleen)
DB: Mustafa Majeed, 2016 (Lake Wales)
DB: Ohaji Hawkins, 2016 (Winter Haven)
DB: Javonte Arius, 2016 (Winter Haven)
P: LJ Cummings, 2017 (Bartow)

Second Team Offense
QB: Jules St. Ge (Kathleen)
RB: Xavier Smith, 2016 (Haines City)
RB: Travell Jones, 2018 (Lake Gibson)
WR: Tariq Young, 2016 (Lakeland)
WR:Terrance Anglin, 2018 (Winter Haven)
TE: Horace Boswell, 2016 (Ridge Community)
OL: Austin Plaisted, 2016 (George Jenkins)
OL: Jake Flath, 2016 (Lakeland)
OL: Seth Roy, 2016 (Lakeland)
OL: Noah Zintel, 2016 (Lakeland)
OL: Ean Biancardi, 2016 (Lake Wales)
K: Christian Ramirez, 2017 (Bartow)
ATH: Hunter Orem, 2016 (Lake Gibson)

Second Team Defense
DL: Francisco Nelson, 2016 (Kathleen)
DL: Hunter More, 2016 (Bartow)
DL: Chonsey Christian, 2016 (Lake Wales)
DL: Demetrius Perry, 2016 (Winter Haven)
LB: Tobias Larry, 2017 (Kathleen)
LB: Chris Jones, 2017 (Bartow)
LB: Danquarius Longs, 2017 (Lakeland)
LB: Kelvin Broome, 2016 (Lakeland)
DB: Ron Robinson, 2016 (Bartow)
DB: Anthony Tyler, 2016 (Lake Region)
DB: Torrian Hampton, 2016 (Lakeland)
DB: Derrien Bomar, 2016 (Lake Gibson)
P: Kasey Maldonado, 2016 (Lake Wales)

2015 Season, Week 10 Team Power Rankings

2015 Season, Week Ten Team Power Rankings
Large Classification (Class 5A-8A)
  1 Kathleen (9-0) (won 31-26 at South Fork)
  2 Lakeland (6-2) (won 36-7 vs. Blanche Ely)
  3 Winter Haven (5-3) (BYE WEEK)
  4 Lake Gibson (6-3) (won 31-10 vs. George Jenkins)
  5 Bartow (4-4) (lost 6-44 vs. Bishop Moore)
  6 Lake Wales (3-4) (lost 13-28 at Sebring)
  7 Ridge Community (2-6) (lost 23-34 at Kissimmee Gateway)
  8 Auburndale (2-6) (won 36-15 vs. Lake Region)
  9 George Jenkins (2-6) (lost 10-31 vs. Lake Gibson)
10 Lake Region (2-7) (lost 15-36 at Auburndale)
11 Haines City (0-7) (lost 0-51 vs. Kissimmee Osceola)

Small Classification (Class 1A-4A)
  1 Lakeland Christian (8-0) (BYE WEEK)
  2 Fort Meade (6-1) (lost 0-27 at Pahokee)
  3 Santa Fe Catholic (8-0) (won 48-0 vs. Merritt Island Christian)
  4 Tenoroc (5-3) (won 20-10 vs. Mulberry) 
  5 Victory Christian (3-5) (won 28-17 at Cardinal Mooney)
  6 Jordan Christian Prep Prep (3-5) (lost 6-34 at Northside Christian)
  7 Frostproof (2-6) (won 12-7 vs. Crescent City)
  8 Mulberry (1-6) (lost 10-20 vs. Tenoroc)
  9 All Saints' Academy (1-7) (lost 0-10 at St. Joseph)
10 Landmark Christian (0-6) (BYE WEEK)

U.Va. linebacker Eric Gallon to start against UNC

Link: PilotOnline.com

Virginia Cavaliers true freshman linebacker Eric Gallon (Lakeland Christian alumni) will get his first start of his college career against UNC today according to Ed Miller of The Virginian-Pilot.

Gallon was thrust into the starting position after previous starter Zach Bradshaw was ejected last week for a targeting penalty against Syracuse. Bradshaw will be required to sit out the first half today at North Carolina.

H8ME 6ROWN TAL3NT - Jacob Waibel, 2016 Class

 

Jacob Waibel
#H8ME6ROWNTAL3NT

Fort Meade linebacker Jacob Waibel said that he had to seriously consider if he really wanted to play football after an injury sidelined him his sophomore year.

“I just moved up to varsity and I broke my leg when we played Hardee. That’s when you have to check yourself if you really want to keep doing this when it’s hurting your body and causing you injuries. You have to see if it’s really worth it.”

The Frostproof native decided to keep playing and since transferring to Fort Meade in 2014, he’s been a fixture on the Miner defense. Waibel said that the key to his recovery and return to the game wasn’t a physical challenge, but a mental one.

“The confidence in it was the hardest part about coming back,” he said. “The hardest part was when someone fell on it again and knowing it was okay but the mental aspect of thinking it may be broken again. That was the hardest thing. Track season the following year was very hard because I ran hurdles and coming down on it…it was more psychological than it was the physical leg itself.”

Waibel is a 175lb inside linebacker, “a little on the smaller side” he says, but don’t let his size deceive you. He’s third among Miner players with 32 tackles this season. Fort Meade’s defense has given up an average of 4.5 points per game and he and fellow linebacker Austin Castillo are a big reason why. Waibel said that being a cerebral, disciplined player help him consistently be one of the first players to the ball.

“You have to be very focused mentally,” he said. “You have to be very technical. I didn’t play so good last week [referencing Crescent City game], that’s why you saw me running earlier today. Personally getting myself better, coach didn’t tell me to do that or anything. I just have to keep focused and play good football.”

He said that one of the first things he noticed about his new school was the unity between students.

“The atmosphere,” he said. “Everybody’s a family in the school. My old school had cliques, but here, there’s only 75 people in my graduating class. So everybody knows everybody and we go do whatever all the time.”

Waibel is in contact with Greenville College in Illinois and Stevenson College in Maryland, both Division III schools, in track and football. Waibel runs the 300m and 110m hurdles.

“That’s the whole goal. Going to college has never been a question to me, I’m going to go regardless. If football can pay for it, that’s great.”

Writer - James Bennett, Jr.
Photographer - Titus Moye Photography

Kathleen at Lakeland gets BHSN Game of the Week Coverage

 

Bright House Sports Network updated their 2015 Game of the Week Football schedule on Monday and on Oct. 30 will be bringing coverage back to the Polk County area to broadcast the pivotal district match up between the Kathleen Red Devils and Lakeland Dreadnaughts at Bryant Stadium.

Kathleen (8-0) and ranked No. 4 in Class 7A has a road contest against South Fork (7-1) this Friday night before their annual end of the season rivalry game against No. 13 Lakeland (5-2) next week. 

Kathleen can clinch the district title outright with a win over Lakeland. Lakeland will clinch the title with a win over Kathleen and a Winter Haven win over Bartow. However, if Lakeland wins and Bartow wins, a three-way tiebreaker contest will take place since all three teams would finish with a 2-1 district record.

Artavis Pierce featured in Oregon State 'Star Wars' poster

 

Taking pictures of recruits and editing them in Photoshop to showcase on social media as a recruiting pitch is nothing new today in social media, but the football recruiting department at Oregon State decided to kick it up a notch with this 'Star Wars' themed edit.

The photo features Auburndale's own Artavis Pierce, an Oregon State commit, and several other 2016 Beavers commits from around the country. The Oregon State football staff published this edit on Monday, the same day as the new "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" trailer that was shown during the recent Monday Night Football game between the Philadelphia Eagles and New York Giants.

While the movie is set to hit theaters Dec. 18, Beavers fans will have to wait until Feb 3, 2016 to see if the recruiting force of the Oregon State football staff really is strong enough to pull in all of those verbal commits on National Signing Day.

H8ME 6ROWN TAL3NT - Austin Plaisted, 2016 Class

 

Austin Plaisted

#H8ME6ROWNTAL3NT

George Jenkins offensive lineman Austin Plaisted said that he knew he could be a great football player when he played his first varsity game as a sophomore.

“It was a whole different caliber of football that I really enjoyed,” he said. “And then it clicked, it was like, I could be proficient at this. I can become really good. That summer after my sophomore year I worked hard in the weight room and didn't give myself any days off. I was making football a job; trying to get better at everything I was able to.”

Now, the senior offensive tackle is a leader on the Eagles offensive line; protecting young upstart freshman quarterback Ski McWilliams. Plaisted has received a verbal offer from Division III program Birmingham Southern and attention from Minnesota-Deluth, the University of West Florida and Southeastern University. He also runs track and is on the weightlifting team. 

During most of his varsity career, Plaisted has been under the guidance of Eagles head coach Richard Tate. Tate has coached in Polk County for more than 12 years and has led Polk County schools Kathleen and Ridge Community to district championships. As the Eagles seek to earn their first playoff berth since 2003, Plaisted said that he enjoys the energy Tate brings to the Eagles.

“Coach Tate is one of the best coaches I've probably ever had,” he said. “He can get in your face and give you constructive criticism, or he can be your best friend; one of those guys you love to be around and you love to be coached by. He's a leader of men and he wants you to get better. He might be yelling at you and stuff, but all he wants is your success. That's all he wants from the team and all he wants from individuals.” 

In his freshman year, Plaisted didn't play football but instead attended Summerlin Academy in Bartow. He said that his time in the military school served him well.

“I really enjoyed it there. It was a good year of military school. It helped me grades in line, because they were really strict on grades. It also made me become a better person. When it makes you feel like you're not higher than anyone else it keeps you down to earth and makes you strive to become that guy.”

Plaisted has received good lessons from his coaches and schooling, but he credits his father, a former middle linebacker that played his college ball in Minnesota, with giving him one of the most important lessons of all.

“He never let me quit,” he said. “There were some seasons I wanted to quit and he just never let me. I'm so glad because I'm in my senior year and I'm really loving this sport.”

Writer - James Bennett, Jr.
Photographer - Cameraman Hasani