Ray Icaza

Agree, as most years in our area the first 2-3 weeks of HS football we have to endure showers (but we see a game). When lightning gets in the mix it is not fun for most fans to show up and not see a game.

Agree with most analysis as MNW was the better team, but Jones missed some chances early (WR wide open on opening drive and they just missed him for potential early score) and some dropped balls. Main observation was despite the weather, almost an hour delay the reported crowd was at 9,000. Shows the interest in this game despite some people poking fun at this so called "Soul Bowl".

Are you the same guy that accused Columbia of always wanting to get the last word? Thought so. I am not accusing Lakeland of recruiting this particular player, just reflecting on you bragging over a month ago, so sorry I met gloating that Lakeland "Out Recruited" Lake Gibson for this particular kid. Now you want us to believe he was just "Shopping Around". Got It.

Thanks, will probably try to watch after the Jones v MNW game tonight or catch it tomorrow. Both Rockledge and TC are on our schedule this year so get double the bang for your buck.

Strange, you seem to know alot about everyone and everything else Lakeland but not the QB. Sure!! This difference of opinion will not be decided by you or I but others who may have an interest in this topic.

Well, I commend your admission to the REALITY of some programs. Top programs attract top players, that is understood by all. We just recently got a top running back from a neighboring HS, although we don't NEED him as we got excellent RB's already. My example, you needed a QB then went and got one. Prior to that happening, that kid had approached our staff about coming to our school as he had been playing with most of our kids in the 7v7 team for the past 5 years or so. I have a theory of why he made the switch and went there, but it is just that. A theory by a keen observer, not an undisputable fact.

IMG doesn't compete for championships in the FHSAA, so the housing issue is irrelevant to the 463 or so schools that do want to win a championship. You recently bragged about how Lakeland "Out Recruited" Lake Gibson for Zach Pleuss (QB) and that is the POINT!! Get what you need by any means necessary.

Looks like our opponent for next week, Treasure Coast rode into Rockledge last night and emerged with a victory (albeit a last second FG off a TO). Wondering if Keem watched this game and if so what his takeaway is as both are forecast to be extremely good teams.

Agree, both Coach Nick as well as Coach Pinellas and their staff work tirelessly to stress discipline, good behavior, academics as well as other qualities to improve kids chances of continuing their education. It is particularly impressive with the fact it is a TITLE 1 school, like yours and they arrive as 9th graders on campus with none of those qualities instilled in them. I experienced this first hand when I returned a couple of years ago to sub at OHS to see for myself what is happening to our public education system. The entire administration at that school embraces this process. Cudos to all of them for their dedication to their kids.

Wow, you sound like a politician sugar coating the incident. "Appeared to be Evidence", "Booster Seemed to have Helped"?? Please!! No telling how many kids were involved that year but a thorough investigation by the FHSAA produced 6 Convictions with $10K fine for each. If you were honest you wouldn't be calling other local schools Lakeland Haters as they just don't want anyone poaching their players.

Congrats Coach, great start to your season and hope it provides momentum going forward.

No chance.

Roughly 30 games cancelled due to weather in our area including our anticipated match with APK. Has to be frustrating for all coaches and kids that were prepared to show what they would look like in the upcoming season. Hope we don't have a repeat next week.

They didn't appear to miss the high profile players transferring out (ie. Stacy Gage, etc. ) and looks like they just upgraded. Any Florida team will struggle with these cats.

Stand corrected as those dates were 2020.

Took the schedule off of the Maxprep site and the games you referenced played back to back were in 2019 according to them. The 2020 schedule doesn't reflect that so I could be wrong relying on them. However, my point was not when those games were played as the pain was the drive.

We are blessed with an outstanding senior class that has been together entering their 4th year with tons of experience, but also have alot of talented young players (incoming Freshman and Soph's) that will continue the winning tradition. Anxious for Friday night to arrive as I will most definitely be in Apopka come rain or shine to support our Kowboys. Lightning?? Not so much.

My understanding is that both coaches agreed to play varsity all 4 quarters with no special requirements. Each will decide what they want to achieve with this game as a springboard into the regular season. Should be a hard nosed, physical matchup as that is both teams DNA. As I have told you before, last year's weakness (OL) is expected to be a strength and due to depth I expect to see them utilizing different bodies up front to make those personnel decisions. Hopefully both teams will emerge healthy for an extremely difficult schedule going forward.

My guess regarding attendance and those mocking it, this will probably be one of the highest attended KOC's in the entire state when it is all said and done.

Some KOC's are as you pointed out, a chance to let kids prove themselves and experiment with new personnel, defenses, offenses, etc... some play 1 qtr. or a half with the JV or non-starters. That is usually an agreement between coaches prior to the game. This one we are discussing is definitely not that, they are each wanting the bragging rights.

The reference by Nolebull had to do with drive distance as nowhere did he say they played those games within the same week, but I understand if you misinterpreted his example. Looking at the AHP 2019 schedule those games he referenced were both played on back to back Fridays, not the same week. We completely understand the complications of playing on a Monday then turning around and playing that same Friday, so not easy as we did it just last year ourselves. Depending on the competition it may be more desirable than driving 4 hours each way in my humble opinion.

Both sides are talking alot of trash, so no don't think they will just be going thru the motions. Jones wants revenge and MNW wants to embarass them. Sounds like they will be fighting to get that win.

If we are talking about drive time, your example is apples and oranges. Ft. Lauderdale to Belle Glade is barely over an hour each way. Plantation to Clearwater is 4 hrs each way and to Jacksonville about 4 1/2 hrs. Not even in the same ball park for the comparison Nolebull is referencing for the drive between MNW and Jones in Orlando.

Unfortunately, injuries are part of the game though I certainly feel for the young man who is out for the season. We are pretty good depth wise with most position groups, but not all. Losing a couple of key starters in that area would definitely have an impact. I have seen the staff rotate a few more players recently from other positions to help with the numbers in the unlikely event that happens. As my ole Boy Scout motto preached, "Be Prepared".

Oh did I forget to mention, those games plus Lakewood are in the friendly confines as is the majority of the schedule.