7A-7 Lakeland (5-1) at Winter Haven (4-1)

[gwdrum75]

Pretty big matchup this week that should essentially determine who will win the district championship. Both teams are 1-0 in the district. Lakeland's remaining district game is against a 2-4 Kathleen team and Winter Haven will still need to take on 3-2 Bartow.

 

This game should carry over the excitement and drama of last year's game. Winter Haven had the chance to knock Lakeland out of the playoffs by going for a game winning two-point conversion at the end of the game. They were stopped short and Lakeland went on to win the district. Winter Haven missed the playoffs with a 7-3 record.

 

Both teams are experienced in the offensive skill positions. This game will likely come down to which offense can break the most big plays on the others defense. Winter Haven has given up 92 points in 5 games, Lakeland has given up 56 in 6 games.

 

2016 Common opponents:

Auburndale - Winter Haven 35-0, Lakeland 34-0

 

In the Bill Castle era (1976 - current), Lakeland leads the series 30-3. Winter Haven's last win was in 1992.

 

 

Game results since 1990:

2015 Lakeland 14 Winter Haven 13

2014 Lakeland 20 Winter Haven 0

2013 Lakeland 28 Winter Haven 7

2010 Lakeland 24 Winter Haven 13

2009 Lakeland 28 Winter Haven 0

2007 Lakeland 38 Winter Haven 21

2006 Lakeland 34 Winter Haven 7

2005 Lakeland 34 Winter Haven 13

2004 Lakeland 48 Winter Haven 0

2003 Lakeland 14 Winter Haven 7

1998 Lakeland 44 Winter Haven 6

1997 Lakeland 56 Winter Haven 7

1996 Lakeland 48 Winter Haven 7

1995 Lakeland 28 Winter Haven 6

1994 Lakeland 14 Winter Haven 13

1993 Lakeland 17 Winter Haven 7

1992 Winter Haven 15 Lakeland 13

1991 Lakeland 53 Winter Haven 0

1990 Lakeland 38 Winter Haven 13

[BrowardHandicapper]

That is a trend of dominance.

[Hwy17]

This will be a close game.   Winter Haven is a little suspect on defense, but 3 times they have shown that they can come back from being down and they have an offense that can score quick. 

[BrowardHandicapper]

Lakeland by 7

[BrowardHandicapper]

Wow... Winter Haven has only eclipsed 13 points TWICE in recent years versus Lakeland.

[gwdrum75]

Lakeland by 7

 

I am leaning this, or less. Someone may throw a two-point conversion in at some point to get an edge.

 

Historically (pre-1976) Winter Haven was Lakeland's biggest rival. When Castle was hired, he has said his one directive from alumni and boosters was "Beat Winter Haven". Since then, Kathleen has taken over as the bigger rival. But this is still a huge game.

[DisabledAccount]

Lakeland by 7 seems fair so ill stick with that trend

[badbird]

winter haven gave up 50 plus to Osceola.  They will have a hard time stopping AJ Davis.  Lakeland's defense will not give up more than 21.  Lakeland 35-21

[ohs vargas]

Winter haven by 3

[Hwy17]

Likelihood of a 2nd round re-match?

[gwdrum75]

Likelihood of a 2nd round re-match?

 

Winter Haven would likely have to beat Plant in Rd 1 for there to be a rematch.

[181pl]

Very nice job by the dreadnaughts. They have really turned it on as of late. They will be a good playoff team this year

[gwdrum75]

Lakeland has to come out better. Cannot spot good teams a 20 pt lead at the beginning of the game. Thankfully, they figured it out in the 2nd half. But that game was not looking good in the 1st half.

[Hwy17]

Lakeland has to come out better. Cannot spot good teams a 20 pt lead at the beginning of the game. Thankfully, they figured it out in the 2nd half. But that game was not looking good in the 1st half.

 

From what I've been reading all season,  Winter Haven has a great passing game and a really good QB but their defense is a little weak, especially in the secondary.  They jumped out ahead of Lakeland, then blew the lead.  

[gwdrum75]

From what I've been reading all season,  Winter Haven has a great passing game and a really good QB but their defense is a little weak, especially in the secondary.  They jumped out ahead of Lakeland, then blew the lead.  

 

Pretty accurate. WH jumped out to a 20-0 lead and led 23-7 at half. You really have to respect the WH offense, especially their QB. He will tuck and run if nothing is there and that burned Lakeland a few times in the 1st half. Lakeland's running game got going in the 2nd half and they adjusted on defense. But, WH will be a dangerous team to whomever they play if not taken seriously.

 

Winter Haven's QB reminds me alot of Plant's QB.