Unbeaten Lakeland Is Hungry
In this article:
When the new classifications were announced for the 2022 high school football season, there was one school that many felt would be able to get to Fort Lauderdale to play for a state title. The Lakeland Dreadnaughts – with legendary…
Access all of Prep Redzone
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingWhen the new classifications were announced for the 2022 high school football season, there was one school that many felt would be able to get to Fort Lauderdale to play for a state title.
The Lakeland Dreadnaughts – with legendary head coach Bill Castle – hadn’t been to the title game in a few years, so with a strong senior class and some impressive underclassmen, this was the season that everything was coming together – and it did.
The unbeaten (13-0) Dreadnaughts ride into DRV PNK Stadium on Saturday after (1:00) for a showdown with defending state champion Venice in a battle for the 4S title game.
The path to this game was direct – with two of the toughest games coming to the same program – Kissimmee Osceola – winning by a combined eight points, but this team is loaded, outscoring the opposition, 518-97.
The senior class is indeed a great place to start – with big time defensive back recruit Cormani McClain Cormani McClain 6'1" | 170 lbs | OL Lakeland | 2023 State FL (6-2, 180) leading the way.
In addition to the University of Miami commit, Lakeland also boast some impressive Class of 2023 standouts such as Darian Anderson (OG, 6-2, 325), Rolijah Hardy (OLB, 6-1, 225), Shadarian Harrison (CB, 6-0, 170), Chevaughn Hibbert (DT, 6-2, 285), Tyler Jefferson Tyler Jefferson 6'2" | 220 lbs | QB Fort White | 2023 FL (DE, 6-3, 205), Donares Johnson Donares Johnson 6'0" | 200 lbs | LB Lakeland | 2023 FL (RB, 5-10, 170), Jerrod Johnson (S, 6-0, 175), Larry Jones Larry Jones 6'1" | 230 lbs | LB Lakeland | 2023 FL III (LB, 6-2, 240), Dontay Joyner (CB, 6-0, 170), (LB, 6-2, 220), Idris King (DE, 6-3, 230) and cornerback Kamaurri McKinley (6-2, 185).
There are also Guerlens Milfort Guerlens Milfort 6'2" | 275 lbs | DL Lakeland | 2023 State FL (DE, 6-2, 275), K’Darius Parker (TE, 6-2, 225), Zachary Pleuss Zachary Pleuss 6'0" | 180 lbs | QB Lakeland Senior | 2023 FL (QB, 6-0, 170), Robert Riley Robert Riley 6'2" | 185 lbs | LB Lakeland | 2023 FL (OLB, 6-2, 185), Melvin Robinson Jr. (OT, 6-5, 295), Michael Singleton (CB, 6-3, 190), Devin Vass (OL, 6-6, 255), Jhoelle Velazquez (WR, 5-9, 155), Tyler J. Williams Tyler J. Williams 6'2" | 190 lbs | WR Sumner | 2023 State FL (WR, 6-5, 194), Gernorris Wilson (OT, 6-5, 300), Twan Wilson (Athlete, 6-2, 175) and receiver Daidren Zipperer (6-1, 170).
THE DREADNAUGHTS ARE LOADED FOR THE FUTURE
Just like so many quality teams, Lakeland is indeed ready for the future as well – with Class of 2024 standouts Jayren “Pat” Dennis (WR, 6-4, 185), Markell Johnson (RB, 5-10, 180), Devontae Kendrick (OL, 6-4, 330), Omari Mixon (TE, 6-2, 200), Jack Proctor (DE, 6-3, 190), D’Marius Rucker (RB, 5-9, 175), Joshua Smith (OLB, 6-2, 220), Jamar Taylor Jr Jamar Taylor Jr 6'1" | 205 lbs | WR Lakeland | 2024 FL . (WR, 6-2, 195), Omari X. Thompson (DL, 5-11, 225), Michael Walker (RB, 6-1, 235) and athlete Brayshon Williams Brayshon Williams 5'11" | 170 lbs | DB Lakeland | 2024 State FL (6-0, 175).
Also keep an eye on Class of 2025 standout Isaiah Pratt (LB, 5-10, 210) as well as some other young contributors.
THE DREADNAUGHTS (13-0)
Clearwater, W 42-6
WINTER HAVEN, W 39-6
KISSIMMEE OSCEOLA, W 25-22
LAKELAND LAKE GIBSON, W 47-14
Bartow, W 38-0
Lakeland George Jenkins, W 49-0
CLEARWATER ACADEMY INTERNATIONAL, W 44-6
Lakeland Kathleen, W 35-0
St. Petersburg Lakewood, W 48-20
LAKELAND LAKE GIBSON, W 48-0
NEW PORT RICHEY MITCHELL, W 47-10
LAKE MINNEOLA, W 41-8
KISSIMMEE OSCEOLA, W 14-7
PHOTO COURTESY OF LAKELAND HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL
Contact Larry Blustein at Floridakids1@aol.com for more information.