Polk Watch — Notable Week 3 Games Spotlight

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Santa Fe (3-0) – </strong>The Crimson Hawks have athletes across the board, a QB1 in place, and a strong run game behind a physical offensive line. They've got a personal one this week for Head Coach Gabe Walker, who has deep ties to Foundation Academy (2-1). FA lost a close one to Lake Highland, but they'll be ready. This matchup has some extra juice.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Lake Wales (2-0)</strong> – The Highlanders look every bit like a championship team: dominant run game, stout OL, and elite athletes all over. Big test this week against Auburndale (0-1), where it's a battle of the 2029 QBs: LW's Kingston Lloyd vs AB's Teo Edwards. The Bloodhounds are hungry and won't back down.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>VCA (2-0) </strong>– Under new HC Brett Smith, the Storm are putting young talent on display and gaining momentum. This program could be a real problem in a year or two, but Frostproof (3-0) provides a serious measuring stick Friday night.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Fort Meade (2-0)</strong> – The Russell family continues to steady the ship as the Miners keep the standard alive. Huge clash this week with Lakeland Christian (1-1). We'll learn a lot about where both programs stand.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Frostproof (3-0) </strong>– One of Polk County's oldest programs, the Bulldogs are off to a hot start. VCA will test their toughness and discipline in a must-watch battle of unbeatens.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Lakeland (1-1)</strong> – The Dreadnaughts are still the top program in Polk for me. They've shown some struggles early, but the talent is there. The defense remains elite, and offensively they may need to get the ball out quicker, maybe use [player_tooltip player_id='1612347' first='Jasper' last='Hebel'] more with [player_tooltip player_id='1581905' first='Jadarius' last='Dobie'] and Ah'Narri Cooper in the mix. Lake Mary (2-0) and 4-star QB [player_tooltip player_id='1206696' first='Noah' last='Grubbs'] come into Bryant Stadium this week — rematch of last year's thriller. I'll be there on the sideline for this one.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Lake Gibson (1-1)</strong> – The Braves have one of the more talented rosters in the county. Should handle Dunnellon (0-2) this week and then build toward their huge Lakeland matchup in two weeks.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Lakeland Christian (1-1)</strong> – Consistently one of Polk's top programs. Coach Danny Williams has a strong staff and a top 2027 QB in Brody Brenneman. After a confusing Week 1 loss, they bounced back big vs ZCA. Now a major test against Fort Meade.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Auburndale (0-1) </strong>– Coach Thomas and the staff have something brewing in the Dog Pound. This week against Lake Wales is their shot to make a statement. They've got the athletes to match anyone — just need it to click.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Ridge (1-1) </strong>– Coach Tate has this group tough, disciplined, and physical. They played Lake Wales hard with minimal mistakes. With one of Polk's top RBs, a solid QB1, and a massive OL, they're built to compete every week. Up next: Specially Fitzgerald Academy (2-1).</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>George Jenkins (1-1)</strong> – Coach Free has quietly put some athletes together. Curious to see if they can build a winning culture. They've got Mulberry (1-1) this week — a good chance to make some noise.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Davenport (1-1)</strong> – Matchup this week against a hot East Ridge (2-0) team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Kathleen (1-1) </strong>– Big trip to Cairo (0-2). The Red Devils are finding their stride behind young talent.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Lake Region (0-2)</strong> – The Thunder face Celebration (0-2) in what feels like a must-win game for both.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>All Saints (2-0)</strong> – The Saints are rolling and should have momentum heading into Oasis Christian (0-2).</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Tenoroc (0-1)</strong> – Looking for their first win against Weeki Wachee (2-0).</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->