Make no mistake about it: Lakeland football is back.
After a down year in 2003, the Dreadnaughts are positioning themselves for another district title. Lakeland went 6-4 last year and ended the season with an embarrassing 41-14 loss to Hillsborough in the regional quarterfinals. But this season, the undefeated Dreadnaughts have returned to the form that earned them district crowns from 1993-2001.
Lakeland didn't just beat Riverview last Friday, the Dreadnaughts beat them up. Lakeland was physical and, at times, a bit too physical. The Dreadnaughts were penalized 12 times for 126 yards, including six personal fouls.
Lakeland also continued to throw the ball in the final minutes despite leading the Sharks 43-7. This did not sit well with some of the Riverview coaches and players. But once again, it didn't seem to faze coach Bill Castle or the Dreadnaughts.
Add these factors together with Lakeland's talent on both sides of the ball and it equals the Dreadnaughts' return to prominence and maybe, more importantly, a return of their swagger.
Plant City (3-2, 2-1) at East Bay (4-1, 3-1)
LAST YEAR: The Raiders won 24-0.
LAST WEEK: Plant City lost to Brandon 35-27, the Indians beat Bloomingdale 31-14.
This shapes up as the jewel of the area games this week. It has major 5A District 7 implications, with both teams trailing Lakeland by a game in the standings. Plant City is ranked one spot ahead of East Bay in both total offense and defense in the county. But since Brandon Zackery has returned to quarterback for the Indians, East Bay's offense has been rolling.
Riverview (2-3, 1-3) at Brandon (3-2, 1-2)
LAST YEAR: The Sharks won 28-17.
LAST WEEK: Riverview lost 43-7 against Lakeland, the Eagles beat Plant City 35-27.
Brandon has beaten a pair of good teams (Jefferson and Plant City) and lost to a pair of good teams (Lakeland and Durant). The Sharks' defense struggled with a potent Lakeland offense last week, but they are still one of the top three units in the county.
Durant (4-1, 2-1) at Lakeland (6-0, 3-0)
LAST YEAR: The Dreadnaughts won 31-27.
LAST WEEK: Durant beat Wharton 27-14, Lakeland defeated Riverview 43-7.
Durant has a chance to pull even with the Dreadnaughts in the district standings - but don't count on it. That's not as much of a knock on the Cougars as it is an affirmation of how good the Dreadnaughts are. Lakeland's sophomore tailback Chris Rainey's stat line from last week against a tough Riverview defense: seven carries for 216 yards, three catches for 70 more and five touchdowns. Wow.
Armwood (5-0, 2-0) at Alonso (0-5, 0-2)
LAST YEAR: The Hawks won 49-13.
LAST WEEK: Armwood beat King 84-0, the Ravens lost 41-18 to Robinson.
The Hawks set a school record for points last Friday when they hung 84 on King. That record might not last past this week.
Newsome (3-2) at Freedom (1-4, 0-2)
LAST YEAR: Newsome won 40-38.
LAST WEEK: The Wolves defeated North Port 24-14, Freedom lost 33-21 to Leto.
Newsome's only win last year came against Freedom, so expect the returning Patriots to play with a bit of a chip on their shoulders. Chances are it won't matter.
Upper Room Christian (4-1, 4-1) at Bloomingdale (1-4, 0-4)
LAST YEAR: Did not play.
LAST WEEK: Upper Room Christian defeated Highlands Christian 28-16, the Bulls lost to East Bay 31-14.
The good news for the Bulls is that they have a small 1A school from Broward on the schedule tonight. The bad news is Upper Room Christian has outscored its opponents 193-29 in four wins. With a tough schedule ahead, this might be Bloomingdale's best chance at a second win until Newsome in week 10.
