Scouting 4S-7: Here's why the district is more competitive despite Lakeland's dominance
LAKELAND — Newsflash: Lakeland again is favored to win the district.
OK sure, that isn't exactly breaking news. There's little doubt that Lakeland again is the favorite to win Class 4S, District 7, but the district as a whole has the potential to be stronger.
Last season, Lakeland's Bill Castle was in his 47th year so certainly the Dreadnaughts' culture was ingrained, which first-year coach Marvin Frazier, with an experienced group of assistants, is trying to continue. However, Lake Gibson with Rich Pringle, George Jenkins with Paul Freeman and Kathleen with Saul Speights all first-year head coaches at their respective schools last season, they have all had a year to install their program both on and off the field.
On the field, after a whirlwind offseason of player movement throughout the county, Lakeland's district opponents all have the potential to be stronger.
Who is the favorite in 3A-8?: Can another team beat out Lake Wales and Auburndale?
Predicting 2S-13: Can Mulberry prevent Frostproof, Fort Meade from making it a 2-team race?
Scouting 1S-5: Are Lakeland Christian and Victory set up for another showdown?
Lake Gibson, which beat Lakeland twice two years ago with a senior-laden class, appears to have more experience. Last year, the Braves had a lot of first-year starters. George Jenkins and Kathleen also boast some young talent. Jenkins looks to hold off Kathleen and take aim at Lake Gibson. Strength of schedule again will be important. George Jenkins won one more game in the regular season last year than Lake Gibson (5-5 to 4-6) but it was the Braves who made the playoffs because of their stronger schedule.
Kathleen is looking to return to being a top team in the county like they were for about 15 years under Richard Tate and Brian Armstrong.
Here's how Class 4S, District 7 shapes up for 2023.
Lakeland
Head Coach: Marvin Frazier (1st year).
Coaching Staff: RB Kerry Harbin, WR Koyal George, TE Henderson Taylor, OL Koty Hix, DC Connor Johnson, DL Jakelin Chapman, Kelvin Broome.
2022 Record: 14-0
Last Time in Playoffs: 2022, defeated Venice in Class 4S state championship game.
Home Field: Bryant Stadium.
Key Losses: QB Zach Pleuss, RB Donares Johnson, WR Daidren Zipperer, WR Tyler Williams, WR Jhoelle Velazquez, OL Gernorris Wilson, OL Darion Anderson, OL Melvin Robinson, OL Devin Vass, OL Guerlins Milfort, DL Chevaughn Hibbert, DL Larry Jones, DL Idris King, DL Tyler Jefferson, LB RJ Kelly, LB Rolijah Hardy, LB Robert Riley, LB Michael Singleton, DB Cormani McClain, DB Shadarian Harrison, DB Dontay Joyner, DB Kamaurri Mckinley, DB.
Players to Watch: RB D’marius Rucker (Sr.), /RB Markel Johnson (Sr.), TE/DE Omari Mixon (Sr.). RB Jamar Taylor Jr. (Sr.), WR Jayren ‘Pat’ Dennis (Sr.), OL Tony Emmons (Sr.), OL Davontae ‘Duke’ Kendrick (Sr.), OLCaleb Stokes (Sr.), DL Jack Procter (Sr.), (DL) Greg Dickens (Sr.), DL Cooper Martin (Jr.), LB Josh Smith (Sr.), DB Derajah Hardy (Sr.), WR/DB Brayshon Williams (Sr.), PK Calum Muldoon (Jr.), QB Zander Smith (Jr.), RB Jordan Henderson (Jr.), WR Rick Penick (Sr.), OL Ben Beymer (Jr.), LB Robert Anderson (Sr.), LB Malik Morris (So.), DB Jameson Young (Sr.), DB Keon Young (Jr.), DB Shanard Clower (Jr.), WR/DB Carlos Mitchell (Sr.).
Key Game: Sept. 29 at Lake Gibson.
Scouting Report: The Dreadnaughts certainly have reloaded on offense. Highly touted junior Zander Smith takes over at quarterback. Jordan Henderson joins D'Marius Rucker and Markell Johnson at running back, and the wide receiving corps is deep with Jamar Taylor Jr., Pat Dennis, Rick Pennick and Carlos Mitchell.
The offensive line will be a work in progress as only one starter returns. Defensively, defensive lineman Jack Procter and linebacker Joshua Smith are the top returners from last year's senior-laden squad. Smith was second in total tackles and Procter was sixth. Procter and Smith were third and fourth, respectively, in sacks.
Omari Mixon, who is playing defense for the first time, Malik Morris and Robert Anderson should be among the top new starters. The Dreadnaughts should remain strong in the secondary with returning player Derajah Hardy and newcomers Mitchell Keon Young and Jameson Young leading the way.
Outlook: Lakeland's schedule is strong and includes nationally ranked St. Joseph's Prep, so another undefeated season will be a stiff challenge. Still, Lakeland is heavily favored to win the district and make another serious run to the state title game.
Lake Gibson
Head Coach: Rich Pringle (2nd year, 4-7).
Coaching Staff: Co-OC/QB Robert Melillo, Co-OC/WR Cyron Sutton, RB Brendan Boatwright, WR/football operations Curtis Yopp, TE Michael Piasecki, OL Levi Hargrove, OL/ JVHC Anthony Desandalo, DL Michael Lewis II, DL Jarred Lee, LB Quinton Boatwright, LB AJ Deshazor , DB Adam Minggia, DB Charlie Benton, defensive analyst Isabel Pringle.
2022 Record: 4-7.
Last Time in Playoffs: 2022, lost to Lakeland, 49-0, in regional quarterfinals.
Home Field: Virgil Ramage Stadium.
Key Losses: WR Tyson Gast, QB Jackson Akins, OL Chance Lundy, DB Tyler Vann, LB Anthony Peterson.
Players to Watch: RB Fentrell Graham, QB Joel Morris, WR Kordell Lewis, WR Josh Henderson, WR Rakim Armstrong, OL Tristan Black, OL Amari Richard, OL Julius Miller, LB Wade Tyer, LB Quinton Moore, DL Jaylen Evans, DL Tommy Lane, DL Landale Lockett, DB Myshawn McKinley, DB Martavius McCall, DB Dylan Link..
Key Game: Sept. 29 vs. Lakeland.
Scouting Report: The Braves have talent at the skill positions, so the key to the offense might be how quickly sophomore quarterback Joel Morris develops. He's got a strong arm and is one of the top sophomores in the area. Fentrell Graham will be a focal point of the offense and could end up being one of the county's leading rushers.
Jamarcus Harrison is a big back, and Niquarius Childs will also see time in the backfield. Kordell Lewis is one of the top wide receivers in the county. He'll be supported by Josh Henderson and Rakim Armstrong. The line will be anchored Super 16 lineman Tristan Black along with three-year starter Amari Richard and Julius Miller, a converted tight end. Defensively, returning linebackers Wade Tyer and Quinton Moore will lead the unit along with defensive lineman Jaylen Evans, Tommy Lane and Landale Lockett, who has looked good against run and pass. Evans has been dominating since the spring. Myshawn McKinley and Martavius McCall, a cousin of cause of former standout Sam McCall, will anchor the secondary with the versatile Dylan Link moving from cornerback to safety as needed.
Outlook: Lake Gibson still has a strong schedule but look for it to bounce back with a winning record. Knocking off Lakeland might be too much to ask, but the Braves should be back in the playoffs.
George Jenkins
Head Coach: Paul Freeman (2nd year, 5-5).
Coaching Staff: John Freeman (AHC/DC), Mike Thompson (OC), Raymond Epps (JV HC/QB), Qasim Ward (WR), Clayton Monroe (OL/Recruiting Coordinator), Matt Costine (OL), Kevin Davis (OL), Kevin McCullough (LB/ST Coordinator), Edward Lake (DB).
2022 Record: 5-5.
Last Time in Playoffs: 2002, lost to Tampa Jefferson, 42-24, in the regional quarterfinals.
Home Field: Veterans Stadium.
Key Losses: Anthony Savastano, Antonio Judkins, Austin Fitts, Sincere Burroughs, Amare Minnigia, Isaac James, Owen McNabb, Josh Valentin, Tyler Burrows.
Players to Watch: QB Cam Turner (6-0, 170l, Jr.), LB Zeph Rogers (6-0, 180, So.), WR Damarian Dawson (6-1, 175, Sr.), LB Isaiah Blankenship (5-8, 215, Sr.), WR/DB Anthony Cash (6-0, 172, Sr.), DE Melik Murray (6-4, 240, Jr.), OL Robby Newman (6-3, 290, Jr.), DT Elliot Ortiz (5-10, 220, So.), TE/WR Ty Buford (6-3, 185, Sr.), DB Cole Skeen (5-8, 165, Sr.), RB/DB Eddie Lake (5-11, 170, Jr.), OL George Dietrick (5-10, 255, Jr.), WR Ethan Ricks (6-0, 180, Sr.), K Lillian Spurgin (5-7, Jr), WR Shyler Harris (6-0, 180, Sr.), RBKaleb Kramer (5-10, 179, Jr), OL Dylan Williams, OL (6-0, 215, Sr.), OL Elijah Holmes, OL (6-1, 210, Jr.).
Key Game: Sept. 8 vs. DeSoto.
Scouting Report: The Eagles graduated many key players from last season, including starting quarterback Sincere McBurroughs. Cam Turner looks to take over and will depend on a deep group of receivers, led by Anthony Cash, Damarian Dawson, Ty Buford, and Ethan Ricks.
The key will be the development of the offensive line with returning players Robby Newman, George Dietrick, Dylan Williams and John Schambach. Speedster Eddie Lake, a track athlete, returns at running back along with Isaiah Blankenship.
The strength of defensive coordinator John Freeman's defense is quickness, led by defensive end Melik Murray and defensive tackle Elliot Ortiz. Blankenship will lead the linebackers with Zeph Rogers and Deacon Warren. Jenkins graduated all four starters from the defensive backfield but have Cole Skeen and Cash are fast defensive backs.
Outlook: The Eagles could improve on their .500 record but could still be hard-pressed to make the playoffs as they're in a strong district with Lakeland and Lake Gibson. With an October schedule of Frostproof, Lakeland, Haines City and Lake Gibson — Jenkins was 0-4 vs. them last season — it's important that Jenkins gets off to a strong start. The Eagles' game against DeSoto in early September will tell a lot. Jenkins lost by a touchdown to DeSoto last year.
Kathleen
Head Coach: Saul Speights (2nd year, 2-8).
Coaching Staff: James Lovett (OC/QB/WR), James Ellison (OL), Donald Mitchell (RB), John Brown (DL), Lebiran Adams (DC/DB), Tyrell Robinson ( DL), Kevin Hendrix (JV HC).
2022 Record: 2-8.
Last Time in Playoffs: 2020, lost in the regional semifinal.
Home Field: Johnnie Johnson Stadium.
Key Losses: WR Kaime Ivey, RB BJ Kennedy, LB/S Jamal Cohen.
Players to Watch: QB/ATH Anthony Oldham (5-9, 180, Sr.), RB/LB Charles Oldham, 5-10, 190, Sr.), CB/WR – Marcellous Washington 6-0, 190, Sr.), S/WR Corion Abram 6-0, 190, Sr.), DB Brenshawn Brito 5-6, 140, Sr.), WR Benjamin Brito (5-6, 140, Sr.), OL/DL Mike Olmstead 5-8, 250, Sr.), OL/DL Ethan McArthur (5-10, 225, Jr.), LB Jimmy Paris (5-9, 180, So.), LB/ATH Jaiquan Torrence (5-9, 185, Sr.), LB/RB Darique Huntley (5-9, 195, Sr.), CB Dre’Shaun Williams (5-10, 165, Jr.), WR Jaiziah Battle (5-9, 160, Fr.), WR Rashard Kelly 5-7, 140, Fr.), QB Kelin Hendrix (5-9, 170, Fr.).
Key Game: Sept. 29 vs. George Jenkins.
Scouting Report: The Red Devils have a mix of returning talent and newcomers who are very athletic and will have some freshman playing key roles. Anthony Oldham is back at quarterback but could also see time at running back with talented freshman Kelin Hendrix taking some snaps behind center. Charles Oldham is also at running back with Hendrix's older brother Kevin Hendrix and Xavion Mitchell. Freshmen Jaiziah Battle and Rashard Kelly will be counted on at wide receiver. Veterans Ethan McArthur, Miller and Mike Olmstead anchor the offensive line but was out for 6-8, 280-pound tackle Ayden Thomas. Defensively, the Red Devils' strength is at linebacker, led by Jimmy Paris, Jaiquan Torrence and Charles Oldham. Kathleen goes six deep at the position and switched to a 3-4 defense to take advantage of that depth. Marcellous Washington, an Alcorn State-commit, is in the secondary with Corion Abram.
Outlook: The Red Devils have a tough schedule to open the season as they play Winter Haven and Bartow. A key early season game will be against George Jenkins in late September. Kathleen lost to Jenkins last season so a win will be important if the Red Devils are to move up in the district.
This article originally appeared on The Ledger: Lakeland heavily favored but can 4S-7 be more competitive?
