Polk Showdown: Auburndale vs Lakeland Recap

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Week 1 Recap: Lakeland 31, Auburndale 21</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>After sitting through a long weather delay, Lakeland and Auburndale finally got things going Thursday night at Bruce Canova Stadium. Lakeland came in looking to bounce back after last week's tough showing against Miami Northwestern, and they did just that, grinding out a 31–21 win.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>⸻</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Key Takeaways</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Lakeland went back to their roots and leaned on the run game, with senior RB Jadarius Dobe setting the tone early.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>The defense had some guys step up, especially 2026 LB [player_tooltip player_id='1581926' first='Ziggy' last='Riley'] and 2027 DL [player_tooltip player_id='1655458' first='Drew' last='Sapp'], who made big plays all night.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Auburndale didn't shy away from the challenge. They battled, leaned on a few key playmakers, and showed why they're going to be tough to deal with this season.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>⸻</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Player Standouts</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lakeland</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Jadarius Dobe | RB (2026) Dobe ran like a senior leader is supposed to—hard, physical, and consistent. He finished with 95 yards and a touchdown on 13 carries, giving Lakeland the steady presence they needed.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='1581926' first='Ziggy' last='Riley'] | LB (2026) Everywhere you looked, Riley was flying around making plays. He brings juice and leadership to this defense and is quickly becoming one of Lakeland's most important players.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Ah'Narri Cooper | RB (2028) The sophomore added a touchdown of his own and showed flashes of being a real weapon in the years to come.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='1655458' first='Drew' last='Sapp'] | DL (2027) Sapp had a breakout night, sliding inside to nose and still finding ways to get sacks and tackles for loss. His versatility and motor stood out.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='869381' first='Zyuan' last='Dukes'] | WR (2026) A nice target on the outside who came up with a touchdown grab when the offense needed it.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Joaquin Kavoklis | QB (2027) Managed the game well and threw a touchdown. He kept things under control and did what was needed to help Lakeland finish drives.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Auburndale</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Darion Jiles | WR (2026) Jiles had himself a night, hauling in two touchdowns and giving Lakeland's defense problems with his big-play ability.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Teo Edwards | QB (2029) A freshman getting thrown into the fire against Lakeland is no easy task, but Edwards showed poise and some flashes that the Bloodhounds can build on.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='1368321' first='Elijah' last='Dias'] | LB (2026) One of the top linebackers in the state and it showed—he was flying to the ball and making tackles all over the field.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Charles Calhoun II | LB (2026) Brought toughness to the middle of the defense, laying hits and making sure Lakeland felt his presence every drive.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Jordan Tarver | ATH (2026)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A senior presence that can make plays on both sides of the ball.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>David Bess | DB (2026)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bess put together one of the more productive offseasons I've followed. Recorded an interception in game one of his senior season. More to come from him.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Jason McGough Jr &amp; [player_tooltip player_id='1727159' first='Pat' last='Weir Jr'] | ATHs (2026) Both brought energy in different ways—McGough made plays on offense and special teams, while Weir gave the team a spark with hustle and toughness in key moments.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list -->