Lake Wales Looks For Perfect Season
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When Lake Wales and Daytona Beach Mainland square off for the 3S state football title today at 1:00, the Highlanders will look to close out one of their most productive seasons ever.
Coming into the DRV PNK Stadium matchup, head coach Tavaris Johnson and his team believe that they have been overlooked and not given the respect they deserve, even in Polk County where the other unbeaten team (Lakeland) will also play for a state crown on Saturday afternoon against Venice.
At 14-0, this program is led by senior prospects such as Maurico Alvarez (K, 5-10, 165), Jaramiah Anglin Jr. (QB/RB/WR/S, 6-2, 190), Javen Bundrage (OLB, 5-9, 230), Philipp Davis (CB, 6-2, 180), Terrence Edmonds (DE, 6-5, 235), Trent Grotjan (QB, 6-0, 195), versatile Corey Harris Jr. (SS, 6-0, 185) and defensive end Terrell James Terrell James 5'10" | 155 lbs | WR Hawthorne | 2023 FL (DE, 6-4, 225) leading the way.
There have also been key performances from Travoris Jones (DT, 6-2, 200), Diyante Landrum (WR, 5-11, 175), standout Sean Major (MLB, 5-10, 210), Xavier Marlow (RB, 5-10, 190) and cornerback D-Quan Medina (5-9, 170).
Junior have also played a key role – with Jaishon Berry (DT, 6-0, 225), Ladarrius “LD” Davis (OLB, 6-1, 205), A’marion Frazier (DE, 6-0, 220), Gary Love (WR, 6-0, 160), Messiah Marlow (OLB, 6-1, 185), Amare Sanders Amare Sanders 6'1" | 165 lbs | DB Miami Gulliver Prep | 2024 State FL (RB, 5-11, 170), Johnquae Richardson (RB, 5-11, 208), Ciao Rossini (MLB, 5-8, 175) and athletic Dylan Simmons (OLB, 6-0, 200) have all been impressive.
THE HIGHLANDERS (14-0)
ZEPHYRHILLS, W 33-0
Davenport Ridge Community, W 32-8
Sebring, W 20-6
EAGLE LAKE LAKE REGION, W 54-0
LAKELAND LAKE GIBSON, W 34-14
DAVENPORT, W 49-6
Kissimmee Gateway, W 42-0
Kissimmee Liberty, W 69-0
Auburndale, W 41-0
BARTOW, W 55-7
AUBURNDALE, W 34-10
OCALA VANGUARD, W 40-0
ZEPHYRHILLS, W 26-9
LAKE CITY COLUMBIA, W 37-7
For Mainland and head coach Travis Roland, this run is somewhat a surprise after dropping three games in 2022. But the Buccaneers have played very well down the stretch and are ready for this matchup.
Among the seniors who lead this program are quarterback Demarcus Creecy (6-2, 170), receiver Ajai Harrell Ajai Harrell 6'0" | 180 lbs | WR Daytona Beach Mainland | 2023 FL (6-0, 180) and linebacker Ty Richmond (6-0, 215), Cameron Boatright (CB, 5-11, 160), Malcolm Curry (OL, 5-9, 270), Jeramiah Davis (DE, 6-5, 195), Chase Irven Chase Irven 6'0" | 175 lbs | DB Daytona Beach Seabreeze | 2023 FL (OLB, 6-0, 180), Adam Minarchik (OLB, 6-2, 195), Jkwon Mitchell (DE, 6-2, 240), Javier Ortiz (OL), Bert Plummer (CB, 6-0, 170), Princeton Russell (RB) and receiver Jonathan Williams (5-8, 155) have been vital this season.
Juniors such as Nygel Allen (DE, 5-8, 190), Jerard Bell (OG, 6-1, 250), Jackie Bowdry (RB, 5-7, 145), Lawrence Campbell Jr Lawrence Campbell Jr 5'11" | 155 lbs | DB Daytona Beach Seabreeze | 2024 FL . (DB/RB, 5-11, 155), Adam Canfield (RB, 5-11, 195), Jacob Gettman (PK/P, 6-0, 160), Angelo Graham (OLB, 5-11, 180), Gavin Greathouse (PK, 5-3, 130), Jacob Ingerman (OLB, 5-11, 182), Trevon Jones (CB, 5-11, 170), Jaelin Long (OG, 6-2, 255) and gifted tight end Lawal “L.J.” McCray Lawal “L.J.” McCray 6'6" | 250 lbs | TE Daytona Beach Mainland | 2024 State FL (6-5, 240), Raymond McCullough Jr. (DE, 6-3, 240), Micah McGuire (OLB, 6-0, 190), Zay Mincey (CB, 6-3, 180), Demond Noelien (S, 5-11, 182), Madden Santiago (OT, 6-5, 320), Skyler Summers (OC, 5-10, 295), Terrance Thach (S, 5-10, 160) and receiver Emmanuel Yisrael (5-11, 150).
BUCCANEERS (11-3)
DELAND, W 42-29
ST. JOHN’S BARTRAM TRAIL, L 17-3
FLAGLER PALM COAST, W FORFEIT
Lake Minneola, W 39-26
ORANGE CITY UNIVERSITY, W 34-0
Deltona, W 41-17
Kissimmee Osceola. L 33-6
DELTONA PINE RIDGE, W 66-0
DAYTONA BEACH SEABREEZE, W 51-22
Lake Mary, L 20-14
EAU GALLIE, W 28-14
Rockledge, W 16-14
Jensen Beach, W 45-10
Fort Myers Dunbar, W 30-23
You Can Contact Larry Blustein with prospect or team information at: Floridakids1@aol.com.