The Heartland Region districts are loaded with talented teams that will fight to compete for only so many playoffs spots once again this season.
Take a look around and you will see several teams easily of making a very deep run towards a possible state championship.
Will these teams be able to do it and bring back home the hardware in the region? Here is our thoughts for the districts this season.
7A-5
1. Lakeland
2. Kathleen
3. Haines City
4. Ridge Community
5. Bartow
6. George Jenkins
Why: Hard to believe but it’s been three years since Lakeland last won a district title. Kathleen pulled the stunner last season to not only knock off arch-rival Lakeland for the first time since the early 90’s, but win its first district title in six years. The Dreadnaughts are loaded and looking for revenge, while Kathleen seems to be semi-reloading. Haines City has the talent to overtake Kathleen for the runner-up spot but that will depend on how the Hornets adapt to the new unexpected coaching change.
6A-11
1. Lake Gibson
2. Winter Haven
3. Sebring
4. Lake Region
Why: If you were able to gamble on high school sports, it would be a no brainer to go all in on Lake Gibson making the state playoffs. Since 2000, the Braves have missed the playoffs just twice in fourteen years. Winter Haven may have something to say about the odds on favorite to win the district as the Blue Devils stunned the Braves 35-30 last season to win the district. Sebring could be the sleeper of the district with as many as 10 significant playmakers back.
5A-10
1. Lake Wales
2. Auburndale
3. Tenoroc
4. Mulberry
5. Poinciana
Why: Just like last season, the district will come down to both Lake Wales and Auburndale. Despite losing its head coach, Lake Wales has all the tools necessary to not only win the district but make another long playoff run to the state semifinals. The addition of Xavier Gaines, who will fill the vacant quarterback role, might have been the last puzzle piece of a historic run. Bloodhounds coach Kenneth Grantham was given an early Christmas gift when three members of the county 4×100 relay champions came out for spring football.
5A-13
1. Hardee
2. Booker
3. Southeast
4. Bayshore
5. Desoto County
Why: Hardee went all the way to the third round of the state playoffs before losing 41-7 to eventual state champion Plantation American Heritage. The Wildcats will be heavily favorites to not only win the district but another lengthy playoff run. Booker will push the Wildcats for the district title and have a little extra motivation as the Wildcats ended their season last year in the second round of the playoffs. Southeast is the dark horse team, how the Seminoles respond after their longtime coach retired will be a key reason.
4A-6
1. Clewiston
2. LaBelle
3. Avon Park
4. Lake Placid
Why: One thing for certain the district title is Clewiston to lose. Since 1997, the Tigers have made the state playoff 14 out of the last 17 years. The real race will be for the runner-up spot between LaBelle and Avon Park; although it’s been 10 years since the Avon Park Red Devils last made the state playoffs.
3A-4
1. Tampa Catholic
2. Lakeland Christian
3. Fort Meade
4. Berkeley Prep
5. Frostproof
Why: You thought the group of death in the World Cup was difficult, this district could be labeled the district of death as all five teams are capable of winning the district. The thought here is Lakeland Christian is loaded led by the trio of quarterback Christian Alexander (FIU commit), athlete TJ Simmons (UCLA) and wide receiver RB Marlow.
2A-4
1. Victory Christian
2. Agape Christian
3. Foundation Academy
Why: Not only is Victory Christian expected to win the district easy, but the Storm are expected to be back in Orlando competing for another state title. The return of athlete Caleb Lewis and the addition of Frostproof transfer Cecil Cherry will help the Storm reach both of their goals. Agape Christian is loaded at the skill positions and should have more than enough help to hold off Foundation Academy again for the runner-up spot.
