Lake Wales Has Been Perfect

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>When spring rolled around, Lake Wales head football coach <strong>Tavaris Johnson</strong> was asked about this football team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Coming off a 9-3 season, which included a state playoff loss, he felt that this team had the talent to do some amazing things – especially because of the way 2021 had ended.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>While Lakeland has stolen the spotlight this season, it doesn't stand in the way of the fact that with a win this week in the 3S state semifinals at home against Lake City Columbia, this team can move one step closer to a perfect season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>While many programs go through growing pains during the course of a year, this team has comfortably breezed through the season – outscoring the opposition, 529-60.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The senior class has truly been a catalyst for this football program – with players such as <strong>Maurico Alvarez</strong> (K, 5-10, 165), <strong>Jaramiah Anglin Jr.</strong> (QB/RB/WR/S, 6-2, 190), <strong>Javen Bundrage</strong> (OLB, 5-9, 230), <strong>Philipp Davis</strong> (CB, 6-2, 180), <strong>Terrence Edmonds</strong> (DE, 6-5, 235), <strong>Trent Grotjan</strong> (QB, 6-0, 195), versatile <strong>Corey Harris Jr.</strong> (SS, 6-0, 185) and defensive end <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='128470' first='Terrell' last='James']</strong> (DE, 6-4, 225) leading the way.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There have also been key performances from <strong>Travoris Jones </strong>(DT, 6-2, 200), <strong>Diyante Landrum</strong> (WR, 5-11, 175), standout <strong>Sean Major</strong> (MLB, 5-10, 210), <strong>Xavier Marlow</strong> (RB, 5-10, 190) and cornerback <strong>D-Quan Medina </strong>(5-9, 170).</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>IN THIS FOR THE FUTURE</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>While much of the 2022 success has been achieved by the senior class, the juniors, sophomores and freshman have also set the tone for the future.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Class of 2024 players such as <strong>Jaishon Berry</strong> (DT, 6-0, 225), <strong>Ladarrius “LD” Davis</strong> (OLB, 6-1, 205), <strong>A'marion Frazier</strong> (DE, 6-0, 220), <strong>Gary Love</strong> (WR, 6-0, 160), Messiah Marlow (OLB, 6-1, 185), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='404531' first='Carlos' last='Mitchell']</strong> (RB, 5-11, 170), <strong>Johnquae Richardson</strong> (RB, 5-11, 208), <strong>Ciao Rossini</strong> (MLB, 5-8, 175) and athletic <strong>Dylan Simmons</strong> (OLB, 6-0, 200) have all been impressive.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Speaking about impressive, Class of 2025 sophomores <strong>Devon Bagley</strong> (OG, 6-0, 252), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1322290' first='Carldayle' last='Brantley']</strong> (WR, 5-11, 155), <strong>Jordan Henderson</strong> (RB, 5-10, 196), <strong>Isaac Ramos</strong> (OL, 6-1, 240), <strong>Max Seidl </strong>(QB, 5-10, 155) and offensive limeman <strong>Trenton Turner</strong> (OC, 6-2, 260) have been getting plenty of experience. Also Class of 2026 standout <strong>Semaj Ryan</strong> (OT, 6-2, 280) has showcased skills as well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>THE HIGHLANDERS (13-0)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>ZEPHYRHILLS, W 33-0</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Davenport Ridge Community, W 32-8</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sebring, W 20-6</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>EAGLE LAKE LAKE REGION, W 54-0</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>LAKELAND LAKE GIBSON, W 34-14</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>DAVENPORT, W 49-6</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Kissimmee Gateway, W 42-0</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Kissimmee Liberty, W 69-0</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Auburndale, W 41-0</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>BARTOW, W 55-7</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>AUBURNDALE, W 34-10</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>OCALA VANGUARD, W 40-0</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>ZEPHYRHILLS, W 26-9</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>PHOTO COURTESY OF LAKE WALES HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>You Can Contact [player_tooltip player_id='111610' first='Larry' last='Blustein'] with prospect or team information at: <strong>Floridakids1@aol.com.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->