2014 PREVIEW GUIDE: Top Games in the Heartland Region

The Heartland region has its share of games that likely will go down in the books as memorial ones.

From Lakeland to Sebring and all points in between, these games bring out fans from everywhere, ready to show their loyalty and passion for their favorite team.

While some of the games could have some big impacts on district standings, others will carry the pride of some of the longest rivalries in the state that mean more than just a district game.

Corey Davis, gives us a look here at some of the top games in the Heartland region for the season.

Aug. 29
Victory Christian at Admiral Farragut
Note: These two programs are quite familiar with each other having met five consecutive years, including twice in 2010, with Victory holding a 4-2 lead in the series. For the fourth consecutive year, the two former state runner ups meet in the season opener with Farragut having won two of the three openers.

Sept. 5
Victory Christian at Berkeley Prep
Note: It may not be a district game, but it has all the makings of a playoff game. Berkeley has won three in a row in the series including a 27-22 win in Lakeland last season. This is the kind of game that helps each team come playoff time, a nail-biting close game.

Sept. 12
Mainland at Lake Wales
Note: Mainland has been one of the state’s most consistent programs with 20 consecutive playoff appearances, 10 of those the Bucs advanced to at least the third round. On the way to the state semi-finals, Mainland pummeled Lake Wales 42-10 in Daytona. A win over Mainland would go a long way for Lake Wales towards mimicking Mainland’s program.

Sept. 19
Berkeley Prep at Lakeland Christian
Note: If last year’s meeting in Tampa is any sign of what to expect this season, saddle up then you’re in for a wild ride as Lakeland Christian held off Berkeley 27-24 in the District 4-3A opener for both teams.

Sept. 26
Haines City at Lake Wales
Note: Despite going 7-3 last season, Haines City was on the outside looking when it came playoff time thanks to district losses to Lakeland and Kathleen. The icing on an otherwise down season was a 55-20 beat down of a Lake Wales team, that went all the way to the state semi-finals and looks to repeat its success this season. Can you say revenge this season?

Oct. 3
Lake Gibson at Winter Haven
Note: When these two meet up in early October the District 11-6A title should be at stake. Winter Haven pulled the upset in Lakeland last season winning a 35-30 shootout expect the same type of game this season in Winter Haven.

Oct. 23
Auburndale at Lake Wales
Note: The District 10-5A title should be on the line when these two county rivals meet up in Lake Wales. The Highlanders rolled the Bloodhounds 37-7 on their way to the state semi-finals. Will Auburndale get their revenge this fall?

Oct 24
Tampa Catholic at Lakeland Christian
Note: Either way anyone looks at this game, many things could come out of this one. The loser of this game could be eliminated from the District 4-3A race depending on how they fared against Berkeley. A four-way or five-way tiebreaker could also throw this district into a chaotic mess.

Oct. 31
Lakeland at Kathleen
Note: The area’s biggest rivalry has been one-sided for a while but Kathleen pulled the stunner last season to not only earn a rare win over its arch-rival but also the District 5-7A championship.

Oct. 31
Hardee at Desoto
Note: Far more than bragging rights are at stake in the state’s oldest consecutive rivalry, which dates back to the early 1920s. The two also compete in District 13-5A, which means a potential playoff berth could also be on the line.

Nov. 7
Kathleen at Plantation American Heritage
Note: What a better way to get Kathleen ready for the state playoffs then playing the defending Class 5A state champions from South Florida.

Nov. 7
Sebring at Avon Park
Note: The state’s third oldest consecutive rivalry, which dates back to the late 1920’s, is the perfect way to end a season.