Polk County teams do some fine-tuning with spring football games

Inclement weather on Friday forced a full slate of games to be played one day earlier with the exception of the Tenoroc-Brooksville Central contest.

Still, the games that were in action proved to be viable learning tools for area coaches heading into the fall 2022 season. Below are games that were played.

Kathleen 6, Haines City 0

KATHLEEN: Last year Kathleen was 2-8. With the Red Devils having just three starters back on offense and defense from that team, Kathleen coach Kenny Strong was constantly evaluating Anthony Oldham and Dontae Giles — two quarterbacks battling for the starting job. Oldham started the game, but it was Giles who threw a 5-yard touchdown pass to receiver Kaime Ivey, who was the leading offensive player in the spring contest thanks to six catches. Running back Arthur Kennedy set the touchdown up after a big gain. On defense, Jalen Foster stood out, making plays all over the field.

“Our defense is resilient, we bend but don’t break,” Strong said. “We had some situations when we had the offense backed up and then we gave up a first down. … But we never gave up that touchdown.”

HAINES CITY: Last season the Hornets had their first winning season in six years with an 8-2 record. The Haines City defense — with seven defenders returning — looked strong and were led by defensive end Chris Benton and outside linebacker Greg Francis, who both did a great job applying pressure and executing solid stops.

Haines City coach Pat Herrington said his offensive line was physical, as well, thanks to returning all five starters. “We’re going to be very physical on the offensive line. That’s going to be our strong point this upcoming season,” Herrington said.

Apopka 20, Lake Gibson 7

LAKE GIBSON: Playing with an 8-4 team last year, top-rated cornerback Cormani McClain continued to prove why he is the best in his class. McClain, though, didn’t get challenged because Apopka is primarily a running team. Cornerback Jaydon Williams also did a stellar job, helping in run support. And linebacker Anthony Petersen filled the holes when needed, making tackles.

“What stood out the most is we’re still learning how to gel as a team,” Lake Gibson coach Rich Pringle said. “What impressed me most about the group is their ability to pick up entirely new defensive systems and relatively new terminology on offense and still perform."

Fort Myers 32, Lake Wales 31

LAKE WALES: Returning skill players in quarterback Trent Grotjan, wide receiver Carlos Mitchell and wide receiver-defensive back Jaremiah Anglin Jr. helped the Highlanders score in quick succession. On defense, Lake Wales tackled their respective defenders well. But while the Highlanders' offense and defense helped the team go up two scores, there were some penalties that kept Fort Myers on the field. This allowed the Green Wave to take advantage.

Highlanders head coach Tavaris Johnson said he scheduled Fort Myers for the sheer competition his team would face. And after the outcome of the game, Johnson also said he is confident his team can go back to the playoffs and clinch a sixth straight winning season.

“We played as well as we needed to today,” Johnson said. “We just been playing the ball well."