What?! Frostproof @ Mulberry? I wasn’t really excited about the top matchup games in our area so I decided to drive 30 minutes to the Phosphate Bowl on Mulberry High’s campus. Mulberry is pretty much a straight shot from my house in Valrico driving east on SR 60.

The Mulberry Panthers and Frostproof Bulldogs play in the 2S District 13 that includes the Fort Meade Miners. The winner of this game will probably be the runner up for the district.

There was nothing spectacular about these 2 teams. The probable difference in the game was the lightning speed and tenacity of Mulberry’s senior QB, Dyvonique McWilliams. Frostproof opened the scoring on a looping pass that was beautifully caught over the shoulder in the corner of the end zone by sophomore Albert Plain. Plain is not very big, 5’ 10” 150 lbs. but he is fast, coordinated and can catch. He might be someone to watch.

The Panthers answered with the speedy McWilliams running around the right side for 65 yards. When he turned the corner, he saw daylight and took off like he was racing in a track meet. Mulberry scored the winning touchdown after they downed a punt at the Frostproof 1 yard line. The Bulldogs failed to make a first down so they had to punt out of their end zone leading to Mulberry starting with excellent field position. A few plays later they scored.

That all happened in the first half. The 2nd half was dominated by both defenses and untimely turnovers. If either of these teams make it to the playoffs I could see them maybe making it past the first round but no further.

Week 11 Football Power Rankings

Not too much to add about this contest. Southeast was 0-9 coming into it and ended its season 0-10 once the 4th QT ended. Manatee started slow once again, but 2 quick scores just before halftime, turned a 14-0 lead into a 28-0 lead and at that point it became apparent we'd have a running clock eventually........ it was just a matter of when.

On to the playoffs and what looks like a 1st round game at game against Lakewood Ranch.

* Did anyone else catch any of the Venice/CAI game last night? The officiating was questionable in the 4th QT. CAI scored a TD that would have put them in the lead late in the 4th 42-41, but it was wiped out due to a holding call, On Venice's next offensive series I watched a Venice OL grab a CAI defensive lineman's jersey outside of the chest area and throw him to the ground, yet no call as the play went for a TD. Despite all that CAI was still in position to possibly pull out a win with the ball on about the Venice 40 with just about a minute left to play, only to have the CAI QB throw a INT to Venice's "Riverview transfer" and 4* db that he returned for a TD to close out the game. Wild game for sure!

Ohio State Now Involved In Michigan Sign Stealing Drama

For the first time in history, all three teams—Port Charlotte, Lemon Bay, and Charlotte—won their respective district titles. Charlotte managed to do it after losing six starters to season-ending injuries and starting ten freshman and sophomores.

Any old timers still in here?

How has everything with the football season been going so far?
“Season is going pretty well, we’re 5 and 3 and in the same spot we were last year.”

Have you been pleased with how you have played this season?
“I feel like I can always improve my game but I’ve had a solid season.”

How do you feel your team has played?
“For the team as a whole we’ve lost some games we should’ve won but not bad.”

What do you feel your team can improve on?
“Consistency in practice and games, we have a great team, we're just not consistent.”

What are the keys for your team being successful going forward?
“The biggest key is being consistent and playing hard.”

Do you want to play sports in college? If so, which one?
“I do want to play sports in college, football or basketball.”

What colleges have been recruiting you?
“Schools like USF, Troy, FAMU, and Mississippi State have all been recruiting me.”

What school is recruiting you the hardest?
“The school that is recruiting me the hardest would either be USF or Troy.”

Have you made any college trips yet?
“I’ve been to USF, FSU, and Ole Miss.”

Do you have plans for game day trips?
“I’ve made game day visits to Troy USF, FSU, Mississippi State and Auburn.”

Did you have a favorite college growing up?
“Never really got into college football.”

How has everything with the football season been going so far?
“I feel like everything has been going good so far in the season.”

Have you been pleased with how you have played this season?
“You could say I’ve been pleased, yes, rushed for over 1000 yards by game 7, so I am pretty pleased yes.”

How do you feel your team has played?
“I feel like my team has actually been playing well, we could use some more work I could say but I like where everything is going.”

What do you feel your team can improve on?
“Team could improve on having leadership, someone taking over.”

What are the keys for your team being successful going forward?
“We all work hard, we put a lot of effort out on what each guy does and it all helps out bringing success.”

Do you want to play sports in college? If so, which one?
“Yes, I want to play football in college.”

What colleges have been recruiting you?
“Schools recruiting me are Oklahoma state, ECU, Troy, WVU, Florida, Liberty, Auburn, Mississippi State, Kansas, USF, FAU, FSU, Tulane, etc.”

What school is recruiting you the hardest?
“Troy is definitely recruiting the hardest right now.”

Have you made any college trips yet?
“Yes, Mississippi State, USF, Troy, Tennessee, Florida, Auburn, FSU.”

Do you have plans for game day trips?
“Yes.”

Did you have a favorite college growing up?
“I wouldn’t really say I had a favorite team growing up but I do like Tennessee.”

How has everything with the football season been going so far?
“The football season has been going great, can’t complain. Happy to be around my teammates and watching them grow, develop, and be dominant at the same time. It’s a blessing and I’m glad.”

Have you been pleased with how you have played this season?
“I have played well this season but I feel I could be more dominant as a player and teammate.”

How do you feel your team has played?
“Phenomenal, this is the most dominant team I have ever seen in my 3 years playing at Coconut Creek High School. Potentially one of the top teams in the nation.”

What do you feel your team can improve on?
“Consistency and not playing down to our competition. Just being dominant regardless of the opponent.”

What are the keys for your team being successful going forward?
“Emphasizing the small things, details of the game, and being dominant on all cylinders.”

Do you want to play sports in college? If so, which one?
“Football.”

What colleges have been recruiting you?
“Toledo.”

What school is recruiting you the hardest?
“Toledo.”

Have you made any college trips yet?
“Yes.”

Do you have plans for game day trips?
“Not as of right now.”

Did you have a favorite college growing up?
“No.”

How has everything with the football season been going so far?
“I just came back from an injury, it’s going good, so far 7-0.”

Have you been pleased with how you have played this season?
“I feel good about my performance for my first game back.”

How do you feel your team has played?
“My team has been doing great this season.”

What do you feel your team can improve on?
“Making more tackles.”

What are the keys for your team being successful going forward?
“Never turn your back on each other.”

Do you want to play sports in college? If so, which one?
“I want to play football in college.”

What colleges have been recruiting you?
“I have not been getting recruited.”

What school is recruiting you the hardest?
“Middle Tennessee.”

Have you made any college trips yet?
“Yes I have [visited] South Alabama, Mercer, Auburn.”

Do you have plans for game day trips?
“No.”

Did you have a favorite college growing up?
“Alabama.”

How has everything with the football season been going so far?
“Everything with the football season has been going great honestly.”

Have you been pleased with how you have played this season?
“I am very pleased with how our team has been playing this year.”

How do you feel your team has played?
“We’ve been playing great so far.”

What do you feel your team can improve on?
“We can improve on being more disciplined on the field and not getting in trouble with the refs over foolish calls.”

What are the keys for your team being successful going forward?
“To keep winning one week at a time.”

Do you want to play sports in college? If so, which one?
“I’m going to play football in college.”

What colleges have been recruiting you?
“Multiple schools have been recruiting me, I prefer not to list all of them.”

What school is recruiting you the hardest?
“I also prefer not to say but they all are showing love reaching out.”

Have you made any college trips yet?
“No I haven’t made any trips to a college but I will very soon.”

Do you have plans for game day trips?
“Not currently.”

Did you have a favorite college growing up?
“Yes, Oregon was my favorite college growing up, the uniforms were just so amazing.”

Find out what colleges are recruiting Latavious Welch, Dreden Bembow, Hyajah Miller, Eddie Love Jr., and Raedyn Bruens now!


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Q&A with Eau Gallie running back Latavious Welch​

Do you want to play sports in college? If so, which one?
“I’m going to play football in college.”

What colleges have been recruiting you?
“Multiple schools have been recruiting me, I prefer not to list all of them.”

What school is recruiting you the hardest?
“I also prefer not to say but they all are showing love reaching out.”

Have you made any college trips yet?
“No I haven’t made any trips to a college but I will very soon.”

Do you have plans for game day trips?
“Not currently.”

Did you have a favorite college growing up?
“Yes, Oregon was my favorite college growing up, the uniforms were just so amazing.”


......................................................................................................

Q&A with Walton wide receiver Dreden Bembow​

Do you want to play sports in college? If so, which one?
“I want to play football in college.”

What colleges have been recruiting you?
“I have not been getting recruited.”

What school is recruiting you the hardest?
“Middle Tennessee.”

Have you made any college trips yet?
“Yes I have [visited] South Alabama, Mercer, Auburn.”

Do you have plans for game day trips?
“No.”

Did you have a favorite college growing up?
“Alabama.”


......................................................................................................

Q&A with Coconut Creek defensive back Hyajah Miller​

Do you want to play sports in college? If so, which one?
“Football.”

What colleges have been recruiting you?
“Toledo.”

What school is recruiting you the hardest?
“Toledo.”

Have you made any college trips yet?
“Yes.”

Do you have plans for game day trips?
“Not as of right now.”

Did you have a favorite college growing up?
“No.”


......................................................................................................

Q&A with Fort Walton Beach running back Eddie Love Jr.​

Do you want to play sports in college? If so, which one?
“Yes, I want to play football in college.”

What colleges have been recruiting you?
“Schools recruiting me are Oklahoma state, ECU, Troy, WVU, Florida, Liberty, Auburn, Mississippi State, Kansas, USF, FAU, FSU, Tulane, etc.”

What school is recruiting you the hardest?
“Troy is definitely recruiting the hardest right now.”

Have you made any college trips yet?
“Yes, Mississippi State, USF, Troy, Tennessee, Florida, Auburn, FSU.”

Do you have plans for game day trips?
“Yes.”

Did you have a favorite college growing up?
“I wouldn’t really say I had a favorite team growing up but I do like Tennessee.”


......................................................................................................

Q&A with Mosley defensive end Raedyn Bruens​

Do you want to play sports in college? If so, which one?
“I do want to play sports in college, football or basketball.”

What colleges have been recruiting you?
“Schools like USF, Troy, FAMU, and Mississippi State have all been recruiting me.”

What school is recruiting you the hardest?
“The school that is recruiting me the hardest would either be USF or Troy.”

Have you made any college trips yet?
“I’ve been to USF, FSU, and Ole Miss.”

Do you have plans for game day trips?
“I’ve made game day visits to Troy USF, FSU, Mississippi State and Auburn.”

Did you have a favorite college growing up?
“Never really got into college football.”


......................................................................................................

Find out what some of the top players in the state are saying about football and sports now!


......................................................................................................


Q&A with Eau Gallie running back Latavious Welch
How has everything with the football season been going so far?
“Everything with the football season has been going great honestly.”

Have you been pleased with how you have played this season?
“I am very pleased with how our team has been playing this year.”

How do you feel your team has played?
“We’ve been playing great so far.”

What do you feel your team can improve on?
“We can improve on being more disciplined on the field and not getting in trouble with the refs over foolish calls.”

What are the keys for your team being successful going forward?
“To keep winning one week at a time.”

......................................................................................................
Q&A with Walton wide receiver Dreden Bembow
How has everything with the football season been going so far?
“I just came back from an injury, it’s going good, so far 7-0.”

Have you been pleased with how you have played this season?
“I feel good about my performance for my first game back.”

How do you feel your team has played?
“My team has been doing great this season.”

What do you feel your team can improve on?
“Making more tackles.”

What are the keys for your team being successful going forward?
“Never turn your back on each other.”

......................................................................................................
Q&A with Coconut Creek defensive back Hyajah Miller
How has everything with the football season been going so far?
“The football season has been going great, can’t complain. Happy to be around my teammates and watching them grow, develop, and be dominant at the same time. It’s a blessing and I’m glad.”

Have you been pleased with how you have played this season?
“I have played well this season but I feel I could be more dominant as a player and teammate.”

How do you feel your team has played?
“Phenomenal, this is the most dominant team I have ever seen in my 3 years playing at Coconut Creek High School. Potentially one of the top teams in the nation.”

What do you feel your team can improve on?
“Consistency and not playing down to our competition. Just being dominant regardless of the opponent.”

What are the keys for your team being successful going forward?
“Emphasizing the small things, details of the game, and being dominant on all cylinders.”

......................................................................................................
Q&A with Fort Walton Beach running back Eddie Love Jr.
How has everything with the football season been going so far?
“I feel like everything has been going good so far in the season.”

Have you been pleased with how you have played this season?
“You could say I’ve been pleased, yes, rushed for over 1000 yards by game 7, so I am pretty pleased yes.”

How do you feel your team has played?
“I feel like my team has actually been playing well, we could use some more work I could say but I like where everything is going.”

What do you feel your team can improve on?
“Team could improve on having leadership, someone taking over.”

What are the keys for your team being successful going forward?
“We all work hard, we put a lot of effort out on what each guy does and it all helps out bringing success.”

......................................................................................................
Q&A with Mosley defensive end Raedyn Bruens
How has everything with the football season been going so far?
“Season is going pretty well, we’re 5 and 3 and in the same spot we were last year.”

Have you been pleased with how you have played this season?
“I feel like I can always improve my game but I’ve had a solid season.”

How do you feel your team has played?
“For the team as a whole we’ve lost some games we should’ve won but not bad.”

What do you feel your team can improve on?
“Consistency in practice and games, we have a great team, we're just not consistent.”

What are the keys for your team being successful going forward?
“The biggest key is being consistent and playing hard.”

......................................................................................................

In what was in effect the 2S District 9 championship game the South Sumter Raiders asserted their will with a manhood testing drive in the 4th quarter to defeat the Dunnellon Tigers 13-12. This game was primarily a defensive battle with South Sumpter returning a pick six and Dunnellon a punt for a TD. The real difference in the game was the Raiders successfully kicked an extra point.

Dunnellon seemed to control the momentum during most of the game. To the delight of the Tigers fans they played with passion throughout. The final result was tough for them to take. The Raiders took advantage of most of their opportunities even though they lost the ball on a fumble deep into Dunnellon’s red zone.

It was a beautiful Florida autumn night to enjoy a high school football game between 2 small town rivals who fought it out until the end.

Palmetto led the is one from the start till about midway through the 3rd QT. Palmetto's inability to adjust to Manatee's second half decision to bring everything but the kitchen sink in as far as generating a pass rush, was probably the difference in this game. In as far as things I felt worth mentioning.......Manatee is still trying to figure out something with its offensive line, as it opened up the game with Ean Johnson-Kelley at OT (Ean is probably Manatee's biggest disruptor on the DL as he led Manatee going into this game with sacks, tackles for a loss and total tackles on defense) Manatee tinkered with several other different combinations on the OL through out the game. Ean still played a considerable number of snaps on the DL, particularly when it become apparent the Manatee defense had no answer for a Palmetto offense that generated 26 1st half points.

Pinder finally got an opportunity to carry the ball beyond typical 3-6 carries a game or mop up duty at the end of the game, via a depleted Manatee RB stable and he responded for over 160 yards and 3 TD's. To become Manatee's leading ball carrier by the end of the game for the season as well as leader of rushing TD's. This is a kid that rushed for over a 1000 yards his soph and Junior seasons, but the staff felt his importance from a team standpoint was best utilized on defense rather than offense, well until last night. For me it comes down to the current offensive philosophy of the staff as well as its ability its adapt offense based on the talent it possesses......(I keep going back in my mind to how Kinnan utilized Leon Allen during the 2011 season, who is very similar to Pinder in size and style).

Manatee probably holds onto the second seed when the rankings are released this coming week and finally assured Jaquez Green a cumulative winning record after 3 years, something only 7 wins this season would do for him and also kept him from joining Jack Mackie as 1 of only 2 coaches in the last 80+ years, to be coaches at Manatee to have 3 year losing records.

Congratulations Coach Green on your first district championship!! Guarantees you a first round home playoff game.

At this point I believe everything pretty much stays the way we see it now as long as Manatee Beats Palmetto Friday night with the Top 4 seeds in the Region. Riverview's game against Sarasota hurts its over-all strength of schedule and subsequently keeps them at the #3 seed.

Didn't go to the game tonight, primarily because I was pretty sure of this out come. Was interesting after the game to hear the radio guys lament over how Manatee blew scoring opportunities, the poor tackling by the defense, the poor time clock management etc....... I thought to myself......well who ultimately is responsible for that?.......

Manatee was down 14-0 at half and 21-0 about midway point of the 3rd QT, and ended the game with a completed pass to the Riverview 1 yard line as time expired losing 21-14. So Manatee wont see the top spot in the FHSAA region rankings this coming week......probably slips to #2. They face Palmetto this coming week for the district championship. I rate the game a toss up at this point..........fortunately for Manatee it has a currently 0-8 Southeast team on its schedule for its last game of the year, which would help secure for the HBC a .500 cumulative 3 year coaching record at Manatee should Manatee lose to Palmetto next week. Wont do much for its strength of schedule ranking however and is why I still see it as a possibility Manatee possibly slip to #3 in the region rankings by the end of the season.

Congrats to the Sailors by the way, for winning its 1st game of the year!

How has everything with the football season been going so far?
“The season has been going good, we are 4-2 and coming off a must-win district game with the W.”

Have you been pleased with how you have played this season?
“I’m pleased so far this season; I think there are still things I can do better that can help us win.”

How do you feel your team has played?
“I think my team has played well at times but can make mental mistakes and cost us in the game but as far as playing, they play hard and get after it.”

What do you feel your team can improve on?
“I feel like my team can improve on team chemistry. That's really the heart of the team, also the focus and mind set of everyone needs to be better.”

What are the keys for your team being successful going forward?
“The key for our team is just playing hard and playing for each other. As far as playing on offense, just be able to run the ball and set up play action, and defensively, stop the run and put the team in 3rd and long.”

Do you want to play sports in college? If so, which one?
“Yes, I would love to get the opportunity to play at the next level. I’m from FL so I would like to go somewhere close to home, my dream school is The University of Troy. I love the school and coaches; I think they have a good program and I would be a great fit.”

What colleges have been recruiting you?
“Charlotte Carolina.”

What school is recruiting you the hardest?
“Charlotte Carolina.”

Have you made any college trips yet?
“I’ve been to South FL and Auburn.”

Do you have plans for game day trips?
“I went to Auburn’s first game vs UMass.”

Did you have a favorite college growing up?
“Growing up I love watching Alabama and Florida State.”

How has everything with the football season been going so far?
“Currently we are 5-0, [a] bounce back from last year where at this time we were 0-5.”

Have you been pleased with how you have played this season?
“Yes, extremely pleased, my jump from last year to this year has been crazy.”

How do you feel your team has played?
“I feel my team has really bought in to what we are trying to do.”

What do you feel your team can improve on?
“I feel as if we can improve on not being so starstruck whenever we are trying to install new things.”

What are the keys for your team being successful going forward?
“Pay attention to what the coaches have to say and do our assignment every snap.”

Do you want to play sports in college? If so, which one?
“I do want to play sports in college. Football.”

What colleges have been recruiting you?
“No colleges yet but soon I think they may.”

What school is recruiting you the hardest?
“See above.”

Have you made any college trips yet?
“I’ve gone on a few visits here and there to FSU, UCF, and UF.”

Do you have plans for game day trips?
“None as of now.”

Did you have a favorite college growing up?
“My favorite college growing up was Florida State, I am from Tallahassee so it sort of just happened to be that way.”

How has everything with the football season been going so far?
“It’s been alright, definitely not the way my team wanted but it’s okay.”

Have you been pleased with how you have played this season?
“I’ve played well besides one game.”

How do you feel your team has played?
“We’ve played good but not to our fullest.”

What do you feel your team can improve on?
“Our team needs to improve on being focused.”

What are the keys for your team being successful going forward?
“Staying focused and being ready to play with any team.”

Do you want to play sports in college? If so, which one?
“Yeah I want to play football in college.”

What colleges have been recruiting you?
“No colleges are looking at me.”

What school is recruiting you the hardest?
"N/A."

Have you made any college trips yet?
"N/A."

Do you have plans for game day trips?
"N/A."

Did you have a favorite college growing up?
"N/A."

How has everything with the football season been going so far?
“We’ve faced a lot of adversity this season. Lots of injuries on top of a tough schedule has been tough, but I believe we’re ready to keep battling.”

Have you been pleased with how you have played this season?
“I’ve had some good moments and worked hard to get yards where I can. I’m happy with the progress I’ve made since last year.”

How do you feel your team has played?
“It’s definitely a rebuilding year for my team. We are young but have a ton of potential. There are some great underclassmen coming up on this team.”

What do you feel your team can improve on?
“We need to build chemistry on both sides of the ball and do better about playing until the whistle blows.”

What are the keys for your team being successful going forward?
“Trust and build team culture.”

Do you want to play sports in college? If so, which one?
“I would love to play either football or lacrosse. It would just depend on which college and coaching staff seems to be the best fit for me.”

What colleges have been recruiting you?
“I’ve had contact with Flagler College and Keiser University for lacrosse and have made a connection with a few coaches for football at UWF as well as Shorter University in Georgia.”

What school is recruiting you the hardest?
“Flagler College has been the one that I’ve had the most conversations with.”

Have you made any college trips yet?
“I will be visiting Flagler later on in October and I’m hoping to have the opportunity to make some visits to a few more for lacrosse and to some for football.”

Do you have plans for game day trips?
“Not yet.”

Did you have a favorite college growing up?
“I was born and raised as a Florida State Seminole.”

How has everything with the football season been going so far?
“Good, week by week we get better as a team.”

Have you been pleased with how you have played this season?
“Yes, but I know I can play better because I put in a lot of work over the summer. It’ll show soon.”

How do you feel your team has played?
“Offensive wise, we’re getting better there. Defensive wise, great.”

What do you feel your team can improve on?
“We don’t really need to improve on anything.”

What are the keys for your team being successful going forward?
“Keys to continue being [successful] are to close out games, don’t leave any points out on the field.”

Do you want to play sports in college? If so, which one?
“Yes, football.”

What colleges have been recruiting you?
“ECU, JSU, URI, Marshall, Missouri State, And UNC-Charlotte.”

What school is recruiting you the hardest?
“N/A.”

Have you made any college trips yet?
“No.”

Do you have plans for game day trips?
“Yes, ECU in October.”

Did you have a favorite college growing up?
“Yes it’s always been LSU.”