Written by: Drew Johnson (@RealNews102)
Auburndale made a statement in Polk County’s Game of the Week, rolling past Bartow 28-6. The Bloodhounds look nothing like the old “Dale”—this is a program building real momentum.
Friday Night Takeaways 💭
- Auburndale: 2029 QB Teo Edwards is like that. His mobility gives this offense juice. 2026 LB Elijah Dias had a monster night with 4 sacks, while 2026 Southern Miss commit Darion Jiles continues to prove he’s one of the county’s top athletes. The backfield trio of seniors Jason McGough, and Trey Sullivan, with 2027 Pat Weir Jr all run hard behind a physical line (Riley Cooper OL). Add in 2027 Charles Calhoun, UConn commit James Tilus, Bowling Green commit Jordan Tarver, plus lockdown DB David Bess, Gavin Hall, Cassidy Ervin, and Willie Manuel on defense—#STRAPDALE.
- Bartow: Still a team to keep an eye on under HC Grady Morrell. They’ll need to tighten things up in the trenches, but there’s talent everywhere. 2026 QB Ethan Brous showed flashes, and 2027 WR Jaiziah Battle is the real deal. The 2027 group—Messiah Borders, Major McBath, La’Derrian Adams, and Ja’Kobie Terry—are all playmakers. Don’t forget 2028 DT Carmello Harden, who’s already one of the best in the county, and seniors Kendric Stacey and Caleb Bell anchoring the line.
Auburndale faces powerhouse Jones next week, while Bartow looks to rebound against Bloomingdale.
