POLK COUNTY PRESEASON TOP 5 TEAMS
1. Lakeland – Kathleen fans are screaming right now after thumping the Dreadnaughts last season. However, the Red Devils lost a bunch to graduation while the 9-2 2013 Dreadnaughts return plenty including QB Aaron Johnson, WR James Robinson, RBs Ra’don Dwight and AJ Davis. The Naughts are big upfront on both sides of the ball with a few surprise players such as ATH Leroy Deshazor and LB Kelvin Broome. The 2013 district runner up will start the season with a chip on their shoulder. Last season the Mighty Naughts averaged 31.5 points a game and allowed 18 points per game. Many feel as though they are not as dominant as past years. Will Lakeland prove them wrong?
2. Winter Haven – No team in Polk County has officially won more games in the past five years than the Blue Devils. Charlie Tate has molded a program that is on the brink of a state championship. Last year, Winter Haven finished the season as the 9-3 District Champions. This year, they want more. The strength of the 2014 team will be the offensive and defensive line. Michael Arnold, Romello Sekura and Johnny Footman make up the core of the offensive and defensive line that will push around the majority of their opponents. The defensive secondary will be really good with Jarrod Kelley, Ohaji Hawkins and Javonte Arius.
3. Lake Wales – Here are a few names you better get use to hearing this season; LB Eddie Joseph, OT Ean Biancardi, RB Earnest Hamilton and LB Leon Hawthorn. Those players are a few that will be highly instrumental in the success of the Highlanders this season. Add them to the same pot with RB Justin Henderson, S Marcus Walker and ATH Darion Staten, The Highlanders become one of the most talented teams in the BCP area. They did not look too hot in the spring game versus Miramar. In large part because they did not have a true QB behind center. That problem should be solved as 2016 QB Xavier Gaines transfers over from Frostproof. The offensive backfield will be talented and defense will be tough.
4. Lake Gibson – One season ago Lake Gibson lost 3 games by a total of 18 points. High expectations fell short. Now, many return with as much desire and even more expectations than one year ago. Hunter Orem will take over duties at QB for four-year starter Trey Congdon. In front of him will be one of the best offensive lines in the BCP area starting with Michael Wiggs and Baveon Johnson. ATH Chris Clarke and ATH Thomas Boles are solid ball carries and the linebackers could be second to none with AJ Deshazor and DJ Brown. The Braves will be very aggressive on defense and will spread the field on offense. Expect the garnet and gold to make their case for district champions.
5. Victory Christian – How in the world does a 2A school make the Top 5 in Polk County? Let’s start with the County’s returning leading passer, Caleb Lewis who threw for over 3,000 yards last year. Now we add RBs E’Andre Smith and Jaylyn McKinney. Throw in a few 6-3 offensive linemen, one being OT/DT Brandon Elledge. Then give Caleb Lewis WR Alvin Harper JR to play pitch and catch with. The icing on the cake is the biggest hitter in Polk County, Cecil Cherry who also transfers from Frostproof. Victory has some serious talent for a 2A school and if all this talent gels together, this team could play for the 2A state championship again this season.