Polk Watch: Notable Week 5 Games to Watch

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Auburndale (2-1) vs Bartow (2-2)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This one feels like a true city battle. Auburndale and Bartow both take pride in their programs, and it sets up another game of the week type of matchup. Young 2029 QB Teo Edwards continues to turn heads for Auburndale, while Bartow leans on senior 2026 QB [player_tooltip player_id='1258693' first='Ethan' last='Brous']. Both teams have plenty of weapons across the field, making this a game worth circling.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Victory Christian (4-0) vs Fort Meade (3-1)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Two of Polk County's best small/private schools meet head-to-head. VCA has been rolling under new HC Brett Smith, while Fort Meade is still chasing high expectations under Coach Jemalle Russell after their rural state title run. This game could come down to who controls the line of scrimmage.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Santa Fe (3-1) vs Keswick Christian (4-1)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Coach Walker and his staff get a chance to bounce back after their first loss of the season. This district matchup has big implications for the Hawks, who still control their own destiny if they handle business. Keswick is no pushover though, so this one will test Santa Fe's resolve.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Winter Haven (2-1) at Palm Beach Lakes (2-1)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Blue Devils take a road trip down to West Palm Beach for a matchup with a solid Palm Beach Lakes squad. HC Carl White and his defense had gone two full games without giving up a point earlier this year, but the offense needs to find its rhythm after a setback two weeks ago. A bounce-back performance is key here.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Lake Gibson (1-2) vs Lake Minneola (1-3)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>On paper, Lake Gibson has too much talent to be sitting at 1-2. The Braves need to get things figured out fast, especially with Lakeland looming in district play. They'll get another chance at home against a Lake Minneola squad that's also struggling to find its footing.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Lakeland (2-1) vs Booker T. Washington (0-4)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This should be a tune-up game for the Dreadnaughts. Booker T hasn't won a game this season, while Lakeland just put up 30+ on Lake Mary despite making a mid-season QB change. This one could get out of hand early.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Lake Wales (3-1) vs Seminole Bokey (2-2)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lake Wales still has its eyes on another deep playoff push, but they'll need to stack wins before the big showdown with Jones next month. After falling to Auburndale, the Highlanders need some leaders to step up and reset the tone heading into the back half of the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Lake Region (2-2) vs Tenoroc (1-2)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lake Region HC Steve King already has more wins than last season, and the Thunder are building confidence after back-to-back victories. Tenoroc, meanwhile, has some intriguing athletes of their own and could make this a sneaky fun matchup.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->