Breaking down every Polk County high school football team: Outlook and players to watch

The 2024 high school football season is about to begin, and here is a quick look at Polk County's teams. We'll take a look at who is coaching, who left, who's back, who's new and what their chances are for the season.

The regular season begins Friday night and the 11-week season ― 10 games with a bye week for most teams ― will conclude in early November, followed by five weeks of a postseason for teams to advance through their regional playoffs and to the state championship game in one of the seven classifications. Lakeland is a defending state champion, having won in Class 4S last year and will compete in Class 5A this season.

All Saints

Head Coach : Stuart Weiss (8th Year, 50-19).

Coaching Staff :  Jason Smith (OC), Al Bellotto, Burton Howell, David Graham.

2023 Record : 6-3.

Key Losses : Magnus Darington, Andrew Foppe, Reece Holmes, JJ Paul, Ben Padgett, Gabriel Miller, Miguel Diaz, Clauderius Bell, Dontrevious Bell.

Players to watch : QB/LB Jackson Waters (Jr.), OL/DL Dalton Moore (Jr.), WR/DB Michael Frimpong (Jr.), RB/DE John Carter Weiss (So.), RB Braylon Paul (So.).

Outlook: The Saints play in the Sunshine State Athletic Conference. After playing 11-man football last season, the Saints return to eight-man as they regroup with a young squad after graduating a large senior class. A large middle school class bodes well for a bright future. The top two offensive players, who had nearly equal stats rushing and passing, are gone; Magnus Darington graduated and Trey Bell is now at Lake Wales. However, Jackson Waters has emerged as a double threat at quarterback. Braylon Paul will be one of the top rushers, and freshman Jayden Watson a top receiver.

Ambassadors Christian

Head Coach : Eryk Anglin.

Coaching Staff : Jay Gissendaner, Alvin Hagins, Jake Paul.

2023 Record : 1-10.

Key Losses : Julian Mosserotte.

Players to watch : Eryk Anglin (Jr.), Willie Barber (Sr.), Ladaurius Maxwell (Sr.), Alvin Hagins (Jr.), Aaron Taylor (Sr.), Jamarcus Gresham (Jr.).

Outlook: The Stallions have more talent this year and should improve their record, possibly surpassing the program’s three wins they had two years ago, which was the most in their short history.

Auburndale

Head Coach : Antonio Thomas

Coaching Staff : George Parrish (OC/RB), Danny Barnes (QB), Eric Robinson (WR), Jean Bazile (OL), Tom Sasser (DC), Ricky Ellison (LB), Lakevin Camp (DB).

2023 Record : 7-4.

Key Losses : Nate Gabriel, Bryson Jiles, Cam Underwood, Cam Payne, Chad Williams, Sammy Etienne, Jaysean Pritchard.

Players to watch : LB Elijah Dias, OL/DL Riley Cooper, Darion Jiles, Robert Stevenson III, Conell Carter, Brently Myer, QB Amari Turner, DB Arquan Glanton, William McKenzie, Jayden Mondesir.

Outlook: The Bloodhounds are rebuilding after losing some key players to graduation and transfers. In Elijah Dias, the Bloodhounds have one of the top linebackers in the county. Amari Turner, who started the last half of the 2022 season then was at Bartow last season, returns to take over at quarterback.

Bartow

Head Coach : Tyler Eden (2nd year, 7-5).

Coaching Staff : Jon Chhay, Jamaal Johnson, Grady Morrell, John Nelson, Kenny Lewis, Gabe Alverado, Jayvon Young, Justin Hayes, David Floyd, Jared Crews, Isaac Jackson, Austin Sharpless.

2023 Record : 7-5.

Key Losses : Jaydon Williams, Darrell Galva, Quavion Bird, Ladarrius Davis, Brett Tyree, KJ Valentine.

Players to watch : DB Tavares Murray (Sr.), CB Joshod Hamtpon (Sr.), LB De’Coryian Stanley (Sr.), RB Avis Brown Jr. (Sr.), WR Kam Thomas (Sr.), WR Cory Butler (Sr.), QB Blake Johnson (Sr.), DE Gavin Bauer (Sr.), OL Bryton Cox (Sr.), Josiah White (Jr.), Kendric Stacey (Jr.).

Outlook: While many teams are depending on underclassmen, the Yellow Jackets are a senior-laden squad. They’ll be looking to play an up-tempo pace on offense, built around running back Avis Brown Jr., and an improved passing game behind quarterback Blake Johnson. Kim Thomas and Cory Butler are the top receivers. Bartow has speed on defense with a strong secondary, led by Tavares Murray and Joshed Hampton. Josie White, De’Coryian Standley and Gavin Bauer also are key defensive players. Bartow should challenge for the district title.

Davenport

Head Coach : Jeff George.

Coaching Staff : Mike Smith DC, Railond Garrett OC, Alberto Rosario DL, Markel Andrews WR, Mitchell Williamson DB, Elizabeth Ramos, Mike Schneeberge.

2023 Record : 5-5.

Key Losses : Aiden George, Ormahd & Ortez Barabino, Lewis Dufrene, Kane Jones.

Players to watch : DB/WR Loobensky LaFortune (So.), WR Carl Jean-Bart (Jr.), DB/WR Jamicheal Hill (Jr.), RB Jalen Parmely (So.), FS Jiovanni Jiminez (Sr.), QB Joshua Middleton (Jr.), LB Brendo Coelho (Sr.), OL Berny Acosta (Jr.).

Outlook: The Broncos boast an experienced and big offensive line that averages nearly 300 pounds. Dual-threat quarterback Josh Middleton leads a potentially explosive offense with Carl Jean-Bart being the No. 1 receiver. Jalen Parmely leads the ground game. Team captain and middle linebacker Jiovanni Jimenez anchor an improved defense. The Broncos’ opponents will be different as Horizon is the only team they’ve played before, but they could be in the mix for the district title.

Discovery

Head Coach : Gionni Paul

Coaching Staff : Marshal Paul (OC), Andrew Jackson (DC), Demosthenes Gooddrum, Coach Jones , Coach Threeths.

2023 Record : Did not play.

Key Losses : None.

Players to watch : Clarence Green, Fermin Nieto, Cody Fulcher, Charles Reece, Camran Glass, Ja’Quarico Lucas, QB Gabriel Rivera.

Outlook: Paul is restarting the Discovery football program after it was shut down last year. Offensively, the Spartans will be looking to establish the running game.

Fort Meade

Head Coach : Maurice Russell.

Coaching Staff :  Andre Camp, Anthony Russell, Cedric Simmons, Clinton Cornelius, Adrian Neal, Eric Grace, Frank Town, Henry Grace, Victor Martin.

2023 Record : 9-1.

Key Losses : QB Carson MontsDeOca, WR Josh Porter, RB Keveun Mason, Ryan Screen.

Players to watch : LB Darian Kirkland (Sr.), Markell Baker (Sr.), OL Tyler MontsDeOaca, QB Jayden McCutchen, RB/DB Kamar Gilmartin, WR/LB Mekhi Berrien, RB/WR/DB Nasier Berrien.

Outlook: The Miners graduated all their top offensive playmakers, including quarterback Carson MontsDeOca, the area's small school offensive player of the year. Jayden McCutchen, a cousin to major league Andrew McCutchen takes over at quarterback and is a tremendous athlete. Gabriel Solomon will be one of the new playmakers at receiver with Omari Russell. Naseir Berrien has emerged as a leader and is versatile on offense and defense.

Frostproof

Head Coach : Richie Marsh.

Coaching Staff : Kylie Marsh, Sean McCraw, Shannon Benton.

2023 Record : 6-4.

Key Losses : QB Daiveon Pittman, RB Donovan Solomon, LB Omarion Jackson, DB Eddie Gammage.

Players to watch :  Hunter Brantley, Hayden Starnes, RB/DB Donte Daniels, OL/dL Jayden Gammage, QB/LB Landon Fuller, WR/DB Albert Plain.

Outlook: Landon Fuller is taking over at quarterback and showed a lot of promise with a strong summer. Donte Daniels is expected to be a workhorse at running back, while Albet Plain is a playmaker at receiver, special teams and a top defensive player. Jayden Gammage and Hunter Brantley are key lineman on offense and defense. Jatavious Ward at defensive end and Aaron Darby will also be important on defense. The Bulldogs moved into the Sunshine State Athletic Conference.

George Jenkins

Head Coach : Paul Freeman (3rd year, 9-10)

Coaching Staff : John Freeman (Asst. HC, DC), Mike Thompson, OC, Kevin McCullough (LB, STC), QasimWard (WR), Raymond Epps (WR), Pete Savastano (DB), Matt Costine (OL), Anthony Savastano (OL), Brody Miller (HC JV), Matt Von Mosch (JV).

2023 Record : 4-5.

Key Losses : Isaiah Blankenship, Anthony Cash, Damarion Dawson, Dylan Williams, Ty Buford, Latrell St. Louis, Ethan Ricks, Cole Skeens, Caleb Casanova.

Players to watch : RB/DB Tre’von Evans (Sr.), QB Cam Turner (Sr.), WR/TE (sam Frederking (Sr.), LB Deacan Warren (Sr.), Gabriel James (Sr.), OL George Deitrick (Sr.), OL Robert Newman (Sr.), OL Long Notstrom (Sr.), OL John John Schambach (Sr.), OL/Dl Genovian Smith (Sr.), DL Melik Murray (Sr.), LB Emparrah Davis (Sr.), Jonathan Rollins (Jr.), TE/WR Cody Woodard (Jr.), WR Cole Davis (Jr.), DL Markham Morris (So.), WR Jayden Williams (So.).

Outlook: Quarterback Cam Turner and tight end Sam Frederking lead an experienced passing game. Cody Woodard and Cole Davis will add length and speed to the outside to go along with Jayden Williams and Jomarion Fischer. Tre’von Evans is expected to take over as the top rusher behind a senior-laden offensive line of Robby Newman, George Dietrick, John Schambach, Brice Hardwick, Elijah Holmes, and Genovian Smith. The core of the defense will be led by returning starters Malik Murray and Elliot Ortiz. Addition of Kaleb Trevillion will be key to interior play. Josiah Grant and Markham Morris will help anchor an experienced group in the trenches. The play at linebacker will be key, led by Gabe James, Deacon Warren, and Emparrah Davis. Anchoring the secondary will be Mark Cash, Jonathan Rollins, and Bryce Miller. In a new district with no dominant team, Jenkins hopes to be contending for the top spot.

Haines City

Head Coach : Pat Herrington (4th year, 18-11).

Coaching Staff : Cleve Morrow, Raleigh Jackson, Jarvis Alston, Eddie Motley, Chris Diaz, Jonathan Anglin, Benjamin Alston Sr., Kristain Trevino, Craig Ducking, Wayne Harris.

2023 Record : 6-5.

Key Losses : KJ Tyler, Chris Charlot, Tahje McQueen, Jeff Cook, Tramel Cowart, Ja’Marius Knight, Kamau Francis, Chris Charlot

Players to watch : DE Jamal Williams (Sr.), OL/DE Jeezy Cobb (Sr.), TE/DE BJ Alston (Jr.), OL James Lewis (Sr.), ATH Kanai Washington (Sr.), LB Jamel Grover (Sr.).

Outlook: The Hornets are looking to continue the rise that started with the return of Pat Herrington as head coach. Running back Kamari Smith and quarterback Deonte Fielder, both sophomores, lead the offense. A concern is the lack of experience at wide receiver. The defensive line is the strength of the defense, anchored by Jamal Williams and BJ Alston Jr. The concerns on defense is at outside linebacker Cash Nealy and Jerry Ware Rambert have shown potential.

Jordan Christian Prep

Head Coach : Mario Bargaineer.

Coaching Staff : Kaden Griner, Hentrell Rodman, Shadiqua Patton.

2023 Record : 4-6.

Key Losses : Bryan Moore Jr.

Players to watch : WR/DB Kailis Knowles (Sr.), LB/OL Malik Johnson (Sr.), K/P Alain Austin (Sr.), WR/DE Kentricko Copper (Sr.), OL/DL Jay Wilkins (Sr.).

Outlook: The offense will be gaining new faces with more speed and more explosive big plays capabilities. Defensively, JCP will be a lot more sound at the line of scrimmage and the defensive backs will be a lot more bump and run.

Kathleen

Head Coach : Saul Speights (3rd year, 3-17).

Coaching Staff : DJ Mitchell (QB), JJ Ellison (OL), Kevin Hendrix (RB/JV HC), Ralph Alphonse (WR), LeBiran Adams (DC/DB), Jaucady Rutledge (LB), Tyrie Henry (DL), Frank Davis (Def), Reshard Tarver, Anthony Lott (Def).

2023 Record : 1-9.

Key Losses : Corion Abram, Anthony Oldham, Marcellous Washington, Benjamin Brito, Brenshawn Brito, Jaiquan Torrence, Harry Oldham.

Players to watch : OL/DL Ethan McArthur (Sr.), OLB Jimmy Paris (Jr.), DB Dreshaun Williams (Sr.), OL Ayden Thomas (Jr.), OL Bo Miller (Sr.), QB Kelin Hendrix (So.), RB Xavion Mitchell (So.), WR Rashard Kelly (So.), WR Marcus Bankston (So.), LB Paul Wright (So.).

Outlook: Speights will try to set the tone for the future as the Red Devils continue to develop a young group that has six starters with experience. The offensive line with size and speed led by Ethan McArthur, Ayden Thomas and Bo Miller could be a strength. Kelin Hendrix returns at quarterback, and running back Xavion Mitchell, and receivers Rashard Kelly and Marcus Bankston are the top playmakers. The defense is a mix of youth and experience, led by a strong group of linebacker of Jimmy Paris, Jimmie Borders, Paul Wright and Fred Brown. McArthur and George Brown lead the defensive line, and the second has Dreshaun Williams, Kalen Mitchell and Chris Everett. The district is tough with Lakeland and newcomer Sebring along with Lake Gibson.

Lake Gibson

Head Coach : Rich Pringle (3rd year, 9-12; overall 16-16).

Coaching Staff : Corey Boatman (DC/Safeties), Anthony Llosa (RB), Anthony Desandalo (OL/JV), Levi Hargrove (TE), Marc Florexil (WR), Julian Cervantes (WR/JV OC), Curtis Yopp (WR), Prince Thomas (DL), Brian Davis (OLB), Darrick White (ILB), Adam Minggia (CB).

2023 Record : 5-5.

Key Losses : RB Fentrell Graham, WR Kordell Lewis, WR Rickeem Armstrong, LB Quinton Moore Jr., LB Wade Tyer, DL Jaylen Evans, DL Tommy Lane, OL Tristan Black, OL Julius Miller, QB Joel Morris.

Players to watch : OL/DL Aydan Garcia, OL Aydan Escalera (Sr.), OLB Mel Joseph (Sr.), SS Martavius McCall (Sr.), RB Xavier Norfleet (Sr.), WR/FS Derrick McBride (Jr.), WR/CB Cason Dash (Jr.), OL/DL Leyland Callahan (Jr.), QB/ATH Ashton Frazier (Jr.), OL/DL Jerry Brown (Jr.), TE/DE Jasper Hebel (Jr.), WR/DB Adonis Cuyler (So.), OLB Chris Garcia (So.), LB Caleb Beck (So.), LB Malachi Moore (So.), QB Collin Henderson (So.).

Outlook: Although standout quarterback Joel Morris transferred, sophomore Collin Henderson has a lot of potential and will be helped by an experienced and talented trio of receivers with Derrick McBride, Cason Dash, Adonis Cuyler, Dominic Cervantes and William Roberti. Replacing 1,000-yard rusher Fentrell Graham is the trio of Xavier Norfleet, Cam Hall and Sharrod Mitchell. The offensive line has multiple returners that have playing time but only one who started all 11 games last season. QB/ATH Ashton Frazier should contribute on offense, and tight end Jasper Hebel has elite size at the position. Young core of defensive players with only 2 returning starters. Martavius McCall mans the SS position and quarterbacks the defense. McBride, will go both ways and play free safety. Dash and Cuyler rotate at CB opposite Jeremiah Epps. Senior Al Stepleton will help anchor the defensive line, while senior Mel Joseph, junior Jasper Hebel, and sophomores KJ Taylor and Mason Desandolo lead the linebackers. Every game is important as, with Lakeland in the district, the Braves need to be ranked as high as possible to ensure a playoff spot.

Lake Region

Head Coach : Jermaine King (1st year).

Coaching Staff : QB Coach: Chris Rich (QB), Reggie Hurd (RB), Rashad Vance (WR), Tevin Toney (OL), Joshua Romero (DC), Tevin Toney (DL), Curtis Lynch (LB), Rashad Vance (DB).

2023 Record : 5-5.

Key Losses : Brenton McKinney, Dawon Reid, Devin Gonzalez, Rex Harris.

Players to watch : TE/DE Nashawn Cook-Manuel (Sr.), TE/LB Israel Bernardo, WR/DB Amari Davis, ATH/DB: Jordan Thornton, ATH/DB Erik Koshinski, TE/LB Mason Goodwin, ATH /DB Christopher German.

Outlook: Jermain King takes over for Ryan Mills, who is now at Cypress Creek. The strength of the Thunder are athletes who can make plays in space. However, the offensive line is young and will need to come together quick. The offense needs to replace quarterback Kelvin Johnson, who also went to Cypress Creek. The defense is young but has potential, led by lineman Nashawn Cook Manuel, linebackers Mason Goodwin, Israel Bernardo and Abraham Ponce, and defensive backs Christopher German and Amari Davis. The Thunder play in a tough district, and their immediate goal is to try to build on the five regular-season wins they had last year.

Lake Wales

Head Coach : TaVaris Johnson (11th, 83-26).

Coaching Staff : Channing Carithers, Rashad Orr, David Campbell Sr., Don Heyward, Harry Agee, Kim Campbell, Tavaris Carr, Terrell Davis, Cody Polston, Jason Watts, James Levidiotis, Donald Grant Jr.,Clemon VJ Davis, Matthew Cain.

2023 Record : 12-1.

Key Losses : Dylan Simmons, Rashad Orr, Johnqaue Richardson, Gary Love, Rahmir Sexton, Messiah Marlow, Duel Smith, Clifford Smith, Jai’Shon Berry, Amarion Frazier, Caio Rossini, Trent Turner.

Players to watch : WR Gabrielle Legrand (Jr.), RB  As’siah Williams (Jr.), LB Khristofer Pruett, WR Kaneilius Purdy, QB Brycen Levidiotis (Sr.), QB Maxwell Seidl (Sr.). Frank Listinger (So.), Raquan Mose (Sr.), Aquim Williams (Jr.), WR Carldayle Brantley (Jr.), OL Rusty Watts (Sr.), OL Isaac Ramos (Sr.), OL Devon Bradley), RB Kyle Sanford, RB Todd Daniels (Jr.). DL Dontavious Purdy (Jr.), DL Jermaine Telot (Jr.), DL Walter Davis (Jr.), LB Samauri Wilson (Sr.), WR/DB D’Cari Smith.

Outlook: Gabrielle LaGrande and As’siah Williams are out for the season, and lineman Trent Turner transferred to Lakeland just prior to the start of practice. The Highlanders also graduated key defensive players, including big school defensive player of the year year Johnqua Richardson and Dylan Simmons. Still, the Highlanders possess a lot of talent and should challenge for a district title and make a playoff run. Senior starting quarterback Brycen Levidiotis is back and has shown growth over the summer. He’ll be behind an experienced offensive line that returns seniors Rusty Watts, Isaac Ramos and Devon Bagley. Na’Jee Reynolds and King George both have plenty of reps to add to the strength of the offensive front. Even without LeGrand, wide receiver is a strength. Kaneilius Purdy is a weapon anytime he is on the field along with track star Carldayle Brantley, who should have a breakout season. Ledielle Bruno and Jayden Johnson is proving himself to be a threat at the wideout position. The backfield is up for grabs with Kylor Sanford and Todd Daniels expected to be key players in the ground game. Defensively, juniors Dontavious Purdy, Jeremiah Telot and Walter Davis anchor a strong defensive line. The Highlanders is lacking experience at linebacker but have confidence in senior Samauri Wilson, two year starter D’Cari Smith (Jr.), Jayden Jones and Ricki Padgett. The secondary is led by rising top corner Cedarius Christian, Kaneilius Purdy, and Ammanuel Tarver. Transfer Raeshaun Pugh is explosive, sure tackler and will make an impact.

Lakeland

Head Coach : Marvin Frazier (2nd year, 12-3).

Coaching Staff : Kerry Harbin (AHC), Connor Johnson (DC), Bill Buldini (OL), Jakelin Chapman (DL), Kelvin Broome (LB), Trace Agostino (DB), Henderson Taylor (Rec. Coordinator).

2023 Record : 12-3.

Key Losses : D’marius Rucker (RB), Markell Johnson (RB) Jamar Taylor Jr (WR) Jayren Pat Dennis (WR), Rick Penick (WR), Carlos Mitchell (ATH), Caleb Stokes (OL), Davontae Kendrick (OL), Omari Mixon (DL), Jack Proctor (DL), Josh Smith (LB), Orenthal Tinsley (LB), Robert Anderson (LB), Jameson Young (DB), Derajah Hardy (DB), Marlon Jackson (DB)

Players to watch : WR Shanard Clower (Sr.), DL Cooper Martin (Sr.), DB Jermichael Gillis (Sr.), DB Keon Young (Sr.), QB Zander Smith (Sr.), DB Kavon Mckinney (Sr.), DB Sammy Etienne (Sr.), OL Ben Beymer (Sr.), LB Damarrieon Smith (Sr.), OL Kenron McNeil (Sr.), OL Devon Mccue (Sr.), RB/LB Malik Morris (Jr.), RB Jadarious Dobie (Jr.),  LB Ziggy Riley (Jr.), QB Chad Williams (Jr.), WR Jerry Thomas (Jr.), DL Santana Harvey (So.), OL Jammison Wilson (So.).

Outlook: The Dreadnaughts lost seven starters on offense and nine on defense but what they lack in experienced starters they more than make up for in talent. Quarterback Zander Smith is back and will have new targets, led by Shanard Clower, Cam Fuse and Jerry Thomas. Although Jayshean Pritchard will be out for at least the first half of the season, Jadarious Dobie is a talented back who will lead the ground game. Ben Beymer, Kenton McNeil and Devon McCue spearhead the offensive line and will be coached by former defensive coordinator Bill Buldini took a year off but has returned to coach the offensive line. The linebackers should be a strength with Malik Morris, who is one of the top juniors in the state, and Ziggy Riley. Trent Turner comes over from Lake Wales to bolster a defensive line that includes Cooper Martin. Keon Young and Kavon McKinney are back in the second and are joined by transfers Jermichael Gillis and Sammy Etienne. Young, Gillis and Etienne are Super 16 selections. Lakeland is in a tough class ― powerhouses Tampa Tech, Orlando Edgewater, Daytona Mainland and St. Thomas Aquinas all played for or won state titles in the last three seasons. The Dreadnaughts will be a contender for a third straight title.

Lakeland Christian

Head Coach : Danny Williams (9th year, 59-19).

Coaching Staff :  Kevin Grooms (OL), John O/Neal (AHC/STC/DL Coach), Kevin Brandt (LB), Thomas Berry (DC), Amp Stevens (DB), Jeff Ruiz, Sean Matias (QB), Cade Lawson (RB), Chase Lawson (OC), Antwain Adams (WR), Caleb MacDonald (asst. OL).

2023 Record : 7-4.

Key Losses : Zack Lester.

Players to watch : LB Trey Berry (Sr.), OL Parker Peacock (Sr.), RB Josh Bellamy (Sr.), RB AJ Truedell (So.), WR DJ Howard (Jr.), QB Brody Brennamen, DL Junior Sirmons (Jr.).

Outlook: The running game should be strong as the offense returns four starting linemen. Josh Bellamy, a 1,000-yard rusher, is back along with Killian O’Neal. Sophomore Aaron Truedell, who was hurt last year, will be a big playmaker this season. The passing game should improve as Brody Brennamen has shown growth and joins DJ Howard and Ian Goines at WR. Defensively, Trey Berry returns at linebacker but will move around and play several positions. Junior Sirmons will hold down the DL. O’Neal returns and will play defensive end and linebacker. The district sets up to be a showdown between LCS and Victory Christian.

Mulberry

Head Coach : Brad Metheny (120-47 overall)

Coaching Staff : Bruce Sanders, Chris Rollins, Darius Pitts, DeVone Williams, James Knight, Jason Hinton, John Corbett, LaQuinton Chandler, Manny Pulido.

2023 Record : 7-4.

Key Losses : DJ Duvult, Jermaine Mills, Adam Owens, Tim Jones, Devin Burgess, Bruce Young, Dai Dai Mc- Williams- Kaydn Nichols.

Players to watch : RB Lloyd Knight (Sr.), RB Trey Hymes (Jr.), WR Javonne Babtiste (Sr.), WR Jamarion James (Sr.), WR Collis Rhodes (Sr.), LB Quinten Meyers, LB Trevon Grant (Jr.), TE/DE Brian Mapp (Jr.).

Outlook: Team speed should be a strength. Knight and Trey Hymes leads what should be an effective ground game, and the Panthers have experience at receiver with Javonte Baptiste, Jamarion James and Collin Rhodes. Linebackers Quinten Meyers and Trevon Grant and defensive linemen Brian Mapp lead the front center on defense. Cedric Townsend, who was the team’s leading tackler and had seven interceptions, is back and leads the secondary. The Panthers are in position to continue their growth and contend for the district title.

Ridge Community

Head Coach : Richard Tate.

Coaching Staff : Robert Tate, Ali Cannon, John Davis , Larry Ferguson , Jamarcus Leatherwood, Michael Chandler, Odell Gordon.

2023 Record : 3-7.

Key Losses : None.

Players to watch : OL/DL Marc Michel, OL/DL Matt Garman, DB/WR Klein Gilles, WR Archie Walls, RB Lavonski Tubbs, OLB William Marshall, DB Chop Black.

Outlook: Look for Lavonski Tubbs to be a workhorse at running back behind an offensive line that should be the strength of the team. The line is led by Marc Michel and Matt Gorman. The Bolts won’t be one dimensional, however, as sophomore Amire Hall takes over at quarterback who has tremendous upside. Super 16 selection Klein Gilles will make an impact on both sides of the ball at wide receiver, with Archie Walls, and defensive back. Tristan Allman could be a key player at tight end. Defensively, the Bolts should be agile with great mobility. Linebacker Shane Patterson, defensive end William Marshall, Gilles and Walls will lead the defense. When Tate started Ridge’s program, the team went from 3-7 to 6-5. Look for a similar improvement in year two.

Santa Fe Catholic

Head Coach : Gabriel Walker (1st year).

Coaching Staff: Dimitri Lindsay (DC).

2023 Record : 3-5.

Key Losses : Julian Franzino, Jayden McPherson.

Players to watch : WR/CB Dathan Glover, QB Trevor Smith, RB Wyatt Vidalez, LB Joel Mendoza, DB Bryson White, RB/DE Bertran Bates, DT Damion Trevino, OL/DL Giemuel Vazquez, WR/LB Poe Stirk, DL Tony Cala.

Outlook: The offense is very fast and athletic, led by senior quarterback Trevor Smith. Dathan Glover is a top wide receiver with Poe Stirk and Wyatt Vidalez. The Crimson Hawks boast a big athletic group upfront. The strength on defense is a dominant defensive line, and they are athletic in the secondary. Santa Fe should be competitive in the SSAA.

Tenoroc

Head Coach : Anthony Troutman (1st year, 8-13 overall).

Coaching Staff : Rob Odum (DC/LB), Dion Link (DB), Treven Thompson (DB), Chauncey Clark (DL), Dakota Crawford (OL), Brandon Gengler (OL), Brayun Andrew (WR).

2023 Record : 0-10.

Key Losses : OL/DL Demarcus Thompson, WR Brandon Ashlock.

Players to watch : RB/DB Jaidon Furman (Jr.), WR/DB Sean Dickerson (Sr.), OL/DL Braeden Commander (Sr.), LB Tayvon Norton (So.), WR Jamal Johnson (Sr.), DL Jaiden Dunn (So.).

Outlook: There’s not place to go but up for the Titans. Jaidon Furman at running back and Sean Dickerson at wide receiver will be playmakers on offense. Braedon Commander will anchor the offensive line. The big concern on offense is at quarterback and depth along the offensive line. Defensive lineman Tayvon Norton and linebacker Jaiden Dunn will anchor the defense. The Titans are looking to find consistency at linebacker.

Victory Christian

Head Coach: Kendrick Stewart (8th year, 57-29).

Coaching Staff: Elijah Goodrich (OC), Chris Griffin (DC), Jake Vanderwyst (OL), Chris Clinton (LB), Hunter Hotchkiss (QB), Roderick Jefferson (WR), Kenny Byers (RB).

2023 Record: 6-6

Key Losses: Jackson Benton, Noah Cabrera, Martell Thomas, Levi Applewhite, Kooper Jones, and Elijah Blevins.

Players to watch: DB Jozia Scott (Sr.), DB My-Shawn McKinley (Sr.), DL JJ Ruhstorfer (Sr.), OL Gavin Priest (Sr.), TE Avante Etheridge (Sr.).

Outlook: The Storm are rebuilding on offense. They lost both quarterbacks, their top running back, top wide receiver and tight end and two starting offensive linemen. Preston Garcia and Cru Slouch battled at quarterback during fall practice. A strength is at wide receiver, led by Jozia Scott. Along with a new defensive scheme, Victory returns eight starters from last season and have been bolstered by My-Shawn McKinley in the secondary.

Winter Haven

Head Coach : Carl White.

Coaching Staff :  Renard Ellis, Jon Wilburn.

2023 Record : 7-4.

Key Losses : RB Alfred Smothers, RB Jatavious Scaife, Ora Farlow IV, WR Josh Petion, TE/DE Guisann Mirtil, LB Nazir Hayes, LB Treyon Ellington.

Players to watch : QB John Kustuch (Sr.), RB Xavier Morris, RB/LB Chad McClain, DB Marlon Tullis, DB Jerry Alls, WR Anthony Smith, OL Tyron Everts, LB Austin Olejniczak.

Outlook: The Blue Devils graduated 28 players, including nearly all of their offensive playmakers from last season. They return quarterback John Kustuch. He’ll have new targets at wide receiver, including Smith. Xavier Morris takes over at running back.

This article originally appeared on The Ledger: Breaking down every Polk County high school football team: Outlook and players to watch