Lake Region dedicates victory to former late teammate, Jamarius Edler
DAVENPORT, FLORIDA – Lake Region dedicated its game to former wide receiver Jamarius Edler Friday and came away with a huge win in his honor, as it knocked off Davenport, 28-19.
Edler, a member of the Lake Region football and basketball teams, died Monday following a tragic accident involving a car the previous weekend. A moment of silence was held before the game.
Jamarius Elder, a former Lake Region player, was killed last weekend in a tragic auto accident. Lake Region played this week's game in his honor and came away with a 28-19 victory over Davenport.
Photo courtesy of Ryan Mills
“This game meant a lot more with the sad news of his passing,” Lake Region head coach Ryan Mills said. “Having to deal with that and having to play a game, it was a big deal for our team and our coaching staff to be able to play the way he approached things and lived his life the best way he could. It was great to get a win against a district team for him.”
Lake Region picked up a 3-yard touchdown catch from B.J. McKinney and a 20-yard rushing touchdown from Quan’tavious Callway, who also recorded a pick-6 touchdown on defense. McKinney recorded two sacks on defense.
Jayvionne Williams also scored a rushing touchdown on an 8-yard quick-pitch right to secure the win.
“We knew it was going to be an evenly matched contest but we did a lot of good things on defense,” Mills said. “We got to the ball, kept guys in front of us and made tackles. We challenged the defensive line this week.
Here is a roundup of the rest of the weekend football action in Polk County.
Lakeland 49, George Jenkins 0
LAKELAND, FLORIDA – Lakeland scored on all its first-half possessions to shutout Jenkins Friday at Memorial Stadium in a 4S District 7 meeting to remain undefeated.
Dreadnaughts senior quarterback Zach Pleuss fired three touchdown passes, including one to Tyler Williams, one to Daidren Ziperer and one to Jhoelle Velazquez.
According to Lakeland head coach Bill Castle, Ziperer injured his foot during the game and may miss some upcoming action.
Markell Johnson rushed for two touchdowns and Dontay Joyner ran a touchdown back on defense to lead the charge.
Lakeland (6-0, 2-0), ranked No. 7 in the SBLive Florida Top 25 power rankings will now face its biggest challenge of the season when it hosts unbeaten No. 23-ranked Clearwater Academy International Friday at Bryant Stadium.
“They are a really good team,” Castle said. “They are really solid. Their offensive line, well their shortest guy is 6-4. We need to play a good team like this.”
Lake Wales 42, Gateway 0
KISSIMMEE, FLORIDA – Lake Wales, ranked No. 24 in the SBLive Florida Top 25 power rankings, routed Gateway Friday and picked up its third win in an eight-day span because of makeup games caused by Hurricane Ian.
During the three-game stint, the Highlanders (6-0) outscored their opponents 125-20.
Senior quarterback Trent Grotjan was 10-for-10 passing for 190 yards with four touchdown strikes, including two to wideout Xavier Marlow. He also connected with Carlos Mitchell on a 25-yard scoring strike and Diyantae Landrum for a 20-yarder.
“Trent had a stellar night, stellar performance,” Lake Wales head coach Tavaris Johnsonson said. “We are headed in the right direction and I am very proud of the way he led the offense.”
Additionally, Corey Harris rushed eight times for 79 yards and one touchdown while Johnquae Richardson scored on a 40-yard run.
Kathleen 6, Lake Gibson 44
LAKELAND, FLORIDA – Lake Gibson quarterback Jackson was 10-of-18 passing for 180 yards and three touchdowns to lead the Braves to a route over crosstown rival Kathleen.
Touchdown catches were made by Tyson Gast, 38 yards, Kordell Lewis, 53 yards, and Levi Applewhite, 10 yards.
Fentrell Graham rushed 14 times for 111 yards and Junior Quinton returned a blocked field goal and returned it 80 yards for a touchdown. Additionally, Jalen Foster recorded a 32-yard pick-6 and Jaydon Williams returned a punt 62 yards for a touchdown.
Auburndale 44, Liberty 0
KISSIMMEE, FLORIDA – David Glover picked up two rushing touchdowns, Elijah Davis scored on a blocked punt and Jameson Turner hauled in a touchdown pass from Amari Turner to help Auburndale to a shutout win at Kissimmee Liberty.
The Bloodhounds (3-2, 1-0) also picked up two safeties in the game. They will host Lake Region (2-3, 1-1) in a 3S District 8 game Monday.
Haines City 13, Bartow 27
BARTOW, FLORIDA – Trenell Smith hauled in two touchdown passes from KJ Valentine to help lead Bartow (5-2, 2-0) to a 4S District 8 win over Haines City.
Smith scored on catches of 40 and 25 yards. Additionally, Trequan Jones returned a kickoff 85 yards for a touchdown
Mulberry 0, Frostproof 44
FROSTPROOF, FLORIDA – Bulldogs senior quarterback Nathan Jenkins fired one touchdown pass to Solomon Donovan and rushed for two more to lead Frostproof (6-1, 2-0) to a 2s District 13 win over Mulberry (2-4, 1-2).
More scores
Discovery 22, Tenoroc 3
Winter Haven 55, Ridge 25
