Spring Ball Previews: Closer Look at Polk County

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It's that time again, the Prep Redzone Polk Edition All-County Watchlist is finally here, featuring the most talented athletes in the area! These young stars have dominated their competition and showcased their impressive skills throughout the season. This watchlist is a must-read if you're a Prep Level football fan or love supporting local talent. Keep an eye out for these future superstars and don't miss out on all future All-County Lists. Let's get into some recruits who earned their name on the list.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Winter Haven&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2023: (7-4)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Key Returners: [player_tooltip player_id='829494' first='John' last='Kostuch'] (QB), Jordan Tarver (WR), Cassidy Ervin (WR)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Winter Haven Blue Devils will be a team to watch as a lot of production talent will be back for blood. Rising 2025 QB [player_tooltip player_id='829494' first='John' last='Kostuch'] is looking the part and will have a couple of weapons to work with. Head Coach Carl White can feel it's his team's time to make noise in the city. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Lakeland</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2023: (12-3)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Key Returners: [player_tooltip player_id='1127045' first='Keon' last='Young'] (DB), Malik Morris (LB), [player_tooltip player_id='827385' first='Zander' last='Smith'] (QB)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It's that time again for the back-to-back state champions to hit the gridiron for an interesting season where second-year head coach Marvin Frazier will have to hit the drawing boards with a new looking roster. Not as much fire power on offense but I expect the Dreadnaughts to have some sleeper prospects to help fill out the roster. Spring Game: May 16 vs. Jesuit</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Bartow&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2023: (7-5)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Key Returners: [player_tooltip player_id='1022076' first='Blake' last='Johnson'] (QB), Tavares Murray (DB), Cory Butler (WR)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Second-year head coach Tyler Eden is looking to make some noise this season despite losing some talented ball players to the next level. I expect this team to move with a chip on their shoulders and ready to prove they are truly back with championship aspirations.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Auburndale</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2023: (7-4)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Key Returners: Jaysean Prichard (ATH), Sammy Etienne (DB)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Bloodhounds got back their main production piece in Jaysean Prichard who will help lead this team during the fall season. Auburndale is an interesting school I want to see this spring.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Fort Meade</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2023: (9-1)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Key Returners: Keveun Mason (RB), [player_tooltip player_id='1628903' first='Omari' last='Russell'] (DB), [player_tooltip player_id='1230854' first='Darian' last='Kirkland'] (ATH), Markell Baker (RB)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>What a season Fort Meade put together last year as they had one of the better teams I've watched coming from that district and area in a while. Interested to see how they bounce back after losing some production with a new head coach at the helm.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Lake Gibson&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2023: (5-5)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Key Returners: Collin Henderson (QB), Derrick McBride (ATH), Malachi Moore (LB)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Braves will look to replace a lot of talent this fall season and will be led by a young 2027 QB. I'll be out to LG this spring to give readers a better feel of what's coming.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Mulberry&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2023: (7-4)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->