Written by: Drew Johnson (@RealNews102)
Bartow hosted Fort Meade and Winter Haven for a jamboree-style Kickoff Classic, giving all three programs one final tune-up before the fall grind begins. The night offered a mix of veteran dominance, breakout performances, and glimpses of future stars.
Miners Talk – Fort Meade
Fort Meade is set to repeat for the Rural state championship. They are a really underrated group of kids who play well together. The Meade won the Polk 7v7 championship and now have shown they have some weapons to be a problem again. Here are playmakers who caught my attention.
Omari Russell | ATH | 2026 | Fort Meade | @omari_russell
Russell is a flat-out game-changer—easily one of the top two players in Polk County. He impacts games mentally and physically, lining up anywhere from DB to wildcat QB. Closed his night with an effortless pick-six, reading the ball like a seasoned pro. A must-recruit for college coaches.
Jayden McCutchen | QB | 2027 | Fort Meade | @jaydenmccut5
Back under center for the Miners, McCutchen impressed with composure, precision, and dual-threat creativity. He extended plays with his legs, made sharp throws when needed, and showed leadership that belies his age. One of Polk’s rising young QBs.
Kamar Gimartin | ATH | 2026 | Fort Meade | @2waymar
Gimartin has been nearly unstoppable all offseason, and he continued that trend with a game-sealing touchdown reception in the corner of the end zone. He has legitimate impact-player potential on both sides of the ball.
Gabriel Solomon | ATH | Fort Meade | @SolomonGabriel_
Solomon showed flashes as a defensive weapon—instinctive and physical, he’ll be a productive piece for this championship-caliber roster.
Trenches: Ty Montsdeoca — Frankie Lastinger
Yellow Jackets Talk – Bartow
Hosting at home, Bartow looked sharper than expected, with improved trench play and several skill players flashing breakout potential. A mix of veteran leadership and emerging talent gives this team intriguing upside heading into the season.
Ethan Brous | QB | 2026 | Bartow | @d1_e_9
Brous showed poise, arm strength, and touch while running the offense. Several deep passes brought the crowd alive, even with a couple of TDs called back. Looks ready to lead Bartow into a new chapter.
Jaiziah Battle | ATH | 2027 | Bartow | @JaiziahBattle
Battle continues to grow in Bartow’s scheme, displaying length, quickness, and a natural competitive edge. Contributed on both sides of the ball and projects long-term as a rangy, disruptive DB. Had a nice TD grab that was called back. One of Polk’s top athletes.
Messiah Borders | ATH | 2027 | Bartow | @Messiah2borders
Back on the field, Borders lived up to the buzz. His speed and big play ability make him a dangerous weapon, and his highlight-reel TD grab play Friday may already be a season contender, though it was called back. He showed real flashes.
Carmelo Harden | DL | 2028 | @Mello_da1_
Anchor in the trenches, already looks like a D1 prospect. Coaches need to get eyes on this kid asap. Has a high motor and ceiling.
Kendric Stacy | DT | 2026 | Bartow | @StaceyKendric23
A relentless interior force, Stacy combines power, quickness, and leadership. Coming off an 8.5-sack season, he looks primed for even more disruption.
Ja’Kobie Terry | ATH | 2027 | Bartow | @Kobie_863
One of the underrated young skill players in the county, Terry lined up all over and made plays. Expect him to be heavily featured this fall.
Notable Performers:
- Josiah White | DB – Fumble recovery, excellent reads; one of the state’s top DBs.
- Brentley Meyer | ATH – Immediate impact potential on both sides of the ball.
Blue Devils Talk – Winter Haven
Winter Haven is talented but young, with a developing QB who will need strong O-line support. The tools are in place, but growing pains are expected as this group matures.
Michael Kearney III | QB | 2026 | Winter Haven | @BelieveInK3
Kearney is an athletic QB with a developing arm and mobility to extend plays. Still learning the position, but his upside is clear and he’s gaining confidence with every rep.
Vario McBride | ATH | 2028 | Winter Haven | @hbk_dmarrr
One of several standout sophomores, McBride’s versatility allows him to fill multiple roles. Already holding a college offer, his ceiling is sky-high.
Jordan Phillips | LB | 2028 | Winter Haven | @JordanPhillipsp
At 6-4, 210, Phillips is an imposing presence for such a young player. Flies to the ball and plays with maturity—one of the more promising long-term prospects in Polk.
Jaderrick Jones | DL | 2028 | Winter Haven
Big frame and disruptive potential—Jones is a name to watch as he develops.
Andrew Simpson | RB | 2026 | @drew_ski0
A spark-plug back who can add juice to the offense, Simpson has quickness and vision to create chunk plays.
