Every two years, the FHSAA reclassifies teams based on enrollment, which creates new districts and sometimes new rivals, and the reclassification benefitted a few Polk County teams.
For example, the Polk teams in Class 6A, District 9 either struggled last year or faced offseason changes in terms of coaching changes and/or the loss of key players to graduation and transfer. But it will be somewhat of an even playing field as there is no powerhouse in the district, leaving it wide open and potentially competitive.
The same is true in Class 3A, District 7 as teams that haven’t had a lot of success have a chance to win a district title.
Polk’s top teams, Lakeland and Lake Wales, Auburndale and Lakeland Christian are in the districts that feature other top teams — or potentially competitive teams — in their classification.
Among the biggest changes, Auburndale moved up, leaving Lake Wales while joining Lakeland. Kathleen went the other way, while Polk’s biggest schools were consolidated into one district.
Three Polk teams aren’t in a district. All Saints moved back into the FHSAA and will be in the Independent division with a chance to play in the postseason based on end of the season rankings.
Frostproof and Santa Fe Catholic will be fighting for playoff spots in the Sunshine State Athletic Association.
Here is how the districts involving Polk teams shape up.
6A-9: District up for grabs
Predicted finish (’25 record): Winter Haven (6-5), George Jenkins (1-9), Ridge Community (6-5), Davenport (4-6), Haines City (2-8), Poinciana (3-7),
Analysis: This district is wide open as turmoil best sums up the district. Good teams from last year had coaching changes and lost key players. Ridge Community was a district champion last season, but this is a rebuilding year as Richard Tate retired and the Bolts were hit hard by graduation and the loss of key players who transferred out. Davenport was 4-3 and on the verge of a playoff spot before dropping three in a row. Winter Haven was a playoff team and could be on the rise. However, it has to rebuild the defense after several key players transferred. The Broncos also are rebuilding after the graduation of quarterback Josh Middleton. The rest of the teams struggled last year. Jenkins got a boost by the return of quarterback Brayden Padgett, while Poinciana isn’t a traditional power. Winter Haven is the preseason favorite despite, while Jenkins could be a sleeper.
5A-6: Lakeland in charge of strong district
Predicted finish (’25 record): Lakeland (12-3), Auburndale (8-3), Osceola (7-5) Sebring (5-6), Lake Gibson (5-6).
Analysis: Lakeland goes into the season ranked No. 9 in the overall MaxPreps state rankings. In a strong district that includes Auburndale, Osceola and Sebring, Lakeland’s strength could be a benefit to the others. If Lakeland can move into the top eight, it could open another playoff spot for the district teams. The No. 2 team in the district is a bit open. Auburndale’s offense should be strong around Teo Edwards’ passing and running, but the offensive line remains a question. The Bloodhounds will have to fend off traditional powerhouse Osceola, which was state runner-up in 2024. The Osceola Kowboys were a bit down last year by their standards but still made the second round of the playoffs. The Kowboys are rebuilding their offense has they graduated their starting quarterback (more than 1,000 yards of total offense) and two running backs, who combined for 1,914 yards rushing. Sebring finished 5-6 the past two seasons but had gone 26-10 over the past three seasons. Bartow and Lake Gibson are both revamping their offense after losses due to graduation and transfers.
4A-7: Lake Wales still chasing Orlando Jones
Predicted finish (’25 record): Jones (12-3), Lake Wales (10-3), Lake Region (5-5), Kathleen (2-8), Brandon (1-9).
Analysis: Jones, the Class 4A state runner-up, remains the team to beat in the district. The Tigers graduated the quarterback who passed for nearly 3,000 yards, a 1,000-yard rusher and two 1,000-yard receivers. But they also have had an influx of top payers and will remain the team to beat until someone knocks them off. Lake Wales hopes to be that team. Offensively, Lake Wales could be even stronger than last year, so defense will be key. Jones and Lake Wales remain the class of the district. Lake Region will look to continue to improve and play its way into an at-large playoff bid. Kathleen and Brandon are simply trying to build their programs.
3A-7: Mulberry, Tenoroc to battle for title
Predicted finish (’25 record): Tenoroc (4-7), Mulberry (4-7), Discovery (0-10), Liberty (0-10).
Analysis: This is the perfect district for small programs that don’t traditionally have a lot of success. Mulberry was a district champion in a small two-team district last year, but Tenoroc could emerge as the top team, especially if its offensive line can provide stability. The Titans haven’t had a lot of success over the years. But after two subpar years following their 2021 season of 6-4, they have gone 5-4 and 4-7 with a playoff berth the past two seasons. Tenoroc will battle Mulberry for the district. The Panthers have experience back on offense in quarterback Joseph Shannon.
1A-7: LCS eyes district title and more
Predicted finish (’25 record): Lakeland Christian (8-3), Victory Christian (5-6), Fort Meade (7-4), Moore Haven (5-5), McLaughlin (2-8).
Analysis: Lakeland Christian is deep and talented on offense and defense. With Carrolwood Day out of the district, the Vikings are the team to beat. An improved Victory Christian, however, squad could challenge LCS as the two teams always play close games. Victory started 3-0 before losing five straight, including games to LCS and Fort Meade, before regrouping. Victory upset Lakeland Christian in the playoffs. Fort Meade is rebuilding after losing and graduating key players and will look to play spoiler while battling for a playoff berth. Moore Haven and second-year varsity program McLaughlin are overmatched for now by the top three teams.
This article originally appeared on The Ledger: Football | Here is how the districts shape up for Polk County teams
Reporting by Roy Fuoco, Lakeland Ledger / The Ledger
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Roy Fuoco, Lakeland Ledger | USA TODAY Network
