Week 3 Statement Wins Recap Look

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Lakeland vs. Lake Mary</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lakeland got it done in a marquee matchup, taking down Lake Mary behind balanced play on both sides of the ball. The Naughts made a statement in a 32-13 win against a talented program and coaching staff.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Kelin Hendrix | QB | 2027 | Lakeland | @HendrixKelin</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This kid was the spark. Hendrix accounted for three total touchdowns, opening up Lakeland's offense and keeping drives alive with both his arm and legs. He nearly cracked the county's passing charts last year as just a sophomore, and his dual-threat ability makes the Dreadnaughts dangerous. If he keeps progressing, Hendrix could be the piece that carries Lakeland back to the state stage.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Zephaniah Rogers | OLB | 2026 | Lakeland | @ZephaniahRoger5</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Four sacks in one night. Rogers made his presence felt from the first snap, using his length and burst to disrupt Lake Mary's passing game. At 6-2 with range to play in space, he looks like today's prototype outside linebacker.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1206696' first='Noah' last='Grubbs'] | QB | 2026 | Lake Mary</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Notre Dame commit didn't back down in his final meeting with Lakeland. Grubbs showed composure in the pocket and the ability to make tough throws under pressure. Even in a tough loss, he looked every bit the part of a Power Five quarterback.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1581751' first='Barrett' last='Schulz'] | WR | 2026 | Lake Mary | @BarrettSchulz</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>At 6-6, Schulz is a nightmare matchup. He not only hauled in contested grabs but also ran crisp routes and threw his body into blocks. His stock keeps climbing with performances like this one.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Auburndale vs. Lake Wales</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>What was billed as a freshman QB showdown ended up being decided by special teams. Auburndale blocked a punt in the fourth quarter, recovered it at the one-yard line, and punched in the game-winner for a 16-14 upset of Lake Wales in a Class 4A, District 7 battle.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1524509' first='James' last='Tilus'] | DE | 2026 | @JamesTilus8</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>At 6-3, 230, Tilus anchored the Bloodhounds' defensive line and caused problems all night. He's explosive off the edge and already has the frame for the next level. With refinement, Tilus could be one of Polk County's top defensive prospects.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1670990' first='Kaneilius' last='Purdy'] | ATH | 2027 | @KaneiliusPurdy</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Arguably the most polished underclassman in the county. Purdy's ability to win routes cleanly, finish catches, and still make an impact on defense sets him apart. He looked like the best athlete on the field Friday night.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Armwood vs. Tampa Bay Tech</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Armwood's defense lived up to its reputation in a 28-7 win, stifling Tampa Bay Tech for four quarters. The Hawks now sit at 3-0 and look like serious contenders in 6A.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1373043' first='Rhys' last='Brush'] | QB | 2026 | @RhysBrush</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The USF commit was in full control of the Hawks' offense, finishing with 265 all-purpose yards and two scores. His dual-threat ability and poise gave Armwood balance, keeping the Tech defense guessing all night.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1249091' first='Jaelen' last='Waters'] | CB | 2026 | @Waters_Jaelen</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Waters is as close to a shutdown corner as there is in the country. He erased his side of the field, forcing Tech to adjust its game plan. The Miami pledge continues to flash the traits that make him one of the nation's best.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Evans vs. Jones</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In one of the weekend's biggest shockers, Evans rallied late to knock off Jones, 28-25. The defining moment came when linebacker <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1407770' first='Jiah' last='Walls'] </strong>ripped the ball loose in a pile and took it 89 yards the other way for a game-winning touchdown. It was the play of the night — and maybe the season so far — for a Trojans squad that's now officially on the rise.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->