Written by: Drew Johnson (@RealNews102)
Week 4 didn’t disappoint. A few rivalries lived up to the hype, some programs flexed their dominance, and we saw a couple of statements that’ll carry weight the rest of the season.
Venice 29, Port Charlotte 22
Venice found a way to get it done. The Indians leaned on their ground game late and held off Port Charlotte from punching in a big 4th-quarter score. The Pirates still look dangerous in 4A, but Venice reminded everyone they know how to close out big games.
Edgewater 20, Jones 17
That Edgewater defense is for real. The Eagles clamped down on a high-powered Jones offense and proved why they’re the top team in Central Florida right now. Jones has the talent to bounce back and still make a run, but Edgewater looks like the group to beat.
Raines 44, Lake Mary 3
This one was a shocker. Raines went on the road and absolutely handled a very talented Lake Mary team. The Vikings’ defense suffocated, giving up just a field goal, and their offense rolled. Raines is sending a clear message in 3A. As for Lake Mary, they’re still a playoff threat in 7A, but this loss stings.
Clearwater Central Catholic 34, Clearwater 20
CCC just doesn’t lose these area games. It’s been 13 years since a Pinellas County team has knocked them off, and Friday was no different. Clearwater’s got some pieces and is still a team to watch in 4A, but CCC’s culture and consistency under Coach Harvey continue to set the bar.
Polk Watch | Week 4 Recap
Polk County had plenty of fireworks, with a few rivalries getting one-sided fast:
- Auburndale 41, Kathleen 13 – The Bloodhounds stay hot.
- Lake Wales 28, Sebring 14 – Defending champs handle business.
- Bartow 55, Haines City 0 – Total domination.
- Fort Meade 32, Mulberry 0 – Defense pitched another shutout.
- Lakeland Christian 31, Frostproof 22 – LCS with a solid in-county win.
- Dunnellon 9, Lake Gibson 7 – Heartbreaker for the Braves in a defensive battle.
- Lake Region 12, Gateway 7 – The Thunder grind out a win at home.
- Dover Specialty Fit 21, Ridge Community 14 – Dover edges it out.
- Lake Placid 9, Tenoroc 6 – Low-scoring, old-school game.
- All Saints 57, Oasis Christian 0 – Blowout city.
- Tavares 36, George Jenkins 0 – Tough night for Jenkins.
