Lakeland High School Football Dreadnaughts 5A State Champions

What was once one of Polk County’s fiercest rivalries has become a one-sided affair in favor of Lakeland. The Dreadnaughts improved to 6-0 against Lake Gibson since 2022 with a 35-10 victory, extending a streak that has seen them outscore the Braves 255-24 during that span, a 38.5-point average margin of victory. Lake Gibson’s touchdown Thursday marked only the second time th…

Thunderstorms postponed the game for more than two hours, but the wait did not slow Lakeland. The Dreadnaughts fired on all cylinders from the opening kickoff until the contest ended shortly before halftime when sparks flew and the lights went out at Bartow Memorial Stadium.

The Dreadnaughts used a relentless aerial assault led by Kelin Hendrix (QB) to overwhelm the Yellowja…

The Dreadnaughts traveled to Sebring on Friday night and set Fireman’s Field ablaze with a powerful rushing attack, timely passing game, dominant defense, and game-changing special teams performance.

Lakeland controlled the game on the ground, rushing 34 times for 232 yards and four touchdowns. Xavion Mitchell (RB) paced the Dreadnaughts with 108 yards and a touchdown on 1…

Lakeland overwhelmed Specialty Fit Academy from the opening whistle, rolling to a 58-0 victory over the Rams at Bryant Stadium last Friday.

The shutout was Lakeland’s second of the season and marked the third time the Dreadnaughts have held an opponent to six points or fewer.

Lakeland took immediate control, scoring 23 points in the first quarter and another 21 in the s…

The Lakeland Dreadnaughts extended their strong season run on Friday night with a dominant 49–14 victory over the Auburndale Bloodhounds at Bryant Stadium.

Lakeland delivered its highest scoring performance of the season, striking early and building an insurmountable lead. The Dreadnaughts did not score in the second half and still won by a 35‑point margin. They moved ah…

Lakeland and American Heritage met at Bryant Stadium on Friday in a matchup between two programs with extensive championship histories. American Heritage has earned seven state titles, while Lakeland has secured nine. The game, however, unfolded as a series of turnovers, penalties, and stalled drives for both teams.

The decisive moment arrived with less than one minute remai…

Lakeland traveled to Markus Paul Stadium last Friday and performed like a tsunami. For the second time this season, the Dreadnaughts proved dangerous on the road, overwhelming Osceola from the opening whistle, and never loosening their grip in a 40–6 demolition.

Kelin Hendrix (QB) commanded the night with the poise of a veteran and the explosiveness of a playmaker who refu…

Venice outlasted longtime rival Lakeland 32–25 in a dramatic double-overtime battle at Bryant Stadium, sealing the win on the final play of the night.

The Indians opened fast, surging to a 14–0 lead in the first quarter and appearing ready to run away from the Dreadnaughts. Venice scored on its first two possessions — a 4-yard run by Dorien Irving-Jones (RB), followed …

Lakeland opened its season in dominant fashion Friday night at Johnny Johnson Stadium, overwhelming Kathleen 47–0. The Dreadnaughts played like seasoned road warriors, while the Red Devils looked like road kill.

The Dreadnaughts stormed to a 34–0 halftime lead and, with a running clock in the second half, coasted to a decisive shutout victory.

Kelin Hendrix (QB) deliv…

Lakeland’s offense came to play, like a battleship going to war, against Ponte Vedra.

The Dreadnaughts piled up 486 yards of offense in a 40-13 rout of Ponte Vedra on Friday night at Bryant Stadium in the FHSAA Class 5A Semifinals.

Kelin Hendrix (QB) completed 13 of 17 passes for 144 yards. He also rushed eight times for 136 yards, including a season highlight fourth-an…

To advance to the FSHAA State Semifinals, Lakeland faced the challenge of traveling to Frank Lough Field to compete against the undefeated Orlando Edgewater Eagles, in addition to navigating contentious officiating.

The Dreadnaughts leveraged all aspects of their team — offense, defense, and special teams — to secure a victory over the Eagle…

Under the lights of Bryant Stadium, the Lakeland Dreadnaughts unleashed a masterclass in ball control and defensive grit to subdue the Tampa Gaither Cowboys in the FHSAA Class 5A, Region 2 Semifinals.

Lakeland’s first offensive drive may have been historic. From the opening kickoff, Lakeland seized momentum, orchestrating a marathon drive that…

Lakeland kicked off the 2025 FHSAA Class 5A, Region 2 Football Playoffs with a commanding 35-0 victory over Wesley Chapel at Bryant Stadium on November 14th.

The Dreadnaughts leaned on their potent passing attack, echoing their strategy from the Specially Fit Academy matchup earlier this season. Quarterback Kelin Hendrix (QB) led the charge, com…

The Great American Rivalry Series came to Bryant Stadium to highlight the contest between Lakeland and Kathleen. First played in 1964, this contest has developed into a one-sided affair with the Dreadnaughts now owning a dominating 48-13 series lead over the Red Devils.

The 2025 contest stayed true to form as Lakeland blew the game open early. The Dreadnaughts took a 16-0 le…

Dreadnaught Nation watched Lakeland utilize its passing game, in an air raid style, to overpower the Rams at Bryant Stadium on October 17th.

The Dreadnaughts filled the air with passes, as Lakeland amassed an impressive 387 passing yards and five (5) touchdowns. Kelin Hendrix (QB) led the aerial assault, completing 14 of 20 passes for 311 yards …

Coming into the game against Sebring, Lakeland could secure another outright Class 5A, District 6 title with a victory.

The game was close… for the first half. The Dreadnaughts held a 7-point lead when the third quarter began. Lakeland scored a touchdown in the third quarter and reached the end zone twice in the fourth to secure the blowout victory by a 27-point margin.

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On paper, the Lakeland versus Sumner game appeared to line up as a battle between two of the state’s top one-loss teams. And it was until the Dreadnaughts blew open a 7-3 lead in the second quarter resulting in a 32-point victory.

Lakeland used its trademark rushing attack to control the game. The Dreadnaughts amassed 223 yards rushing on 26 carries. Ahnarri Cooper (RB) pa…

In recent years, the game has been a rivalry in name only.

During the past four seasons, Lakeland has kept Lake Gibson scoreless and defeated the Braves by an average of 43.25 points per game. Lake Gibson last scored in a game against the Dreadnaughts, which the Braves also lost, on September 26, 2022.

Last Friday at Virgil Ra…

Inclement weather delayed last year’s contest at Bryant Stadium before Lakeland bested Booker T. Washington (Miami) by 35 points, 48-13.

The Dreadnaughts traveled to Miami last Friday for the rematch and quickly reduced the threat of the Tornadoes to a puff of wind.

Lakeland, who is averaging surrendering 11 points per game,…

The final score gives the impression that the battle between the Lakeland Dreadnaughts and Lake Mary Rams was not close. That contradicts the truth.

Gridlocked at a 13-13 tie at the end of the third quarter, the Dreadnaughts embarked on a 19-point scoring furry to secure victory in their home opener at Bryant Stadium on September 5th.

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The contest between two storied national programs, the Lakeland Dreadnaughts and De La Salle Spartans, unfolded as an epic defensive clash.

This second meeting between Lakeland and De La Salle, both played in California, was opposite end of the spectrum from their previous clash in 2009. The Dreadnaughts defeated the Spartans, 31-30 in overtime,…

For the second time in the past three playoff games, the final score could have been mistaken for a basketball game.

The Dreadnaughts amassed an incredible 540 yards of total offense, including a dominant rushing output of 497 yards. Lakeland scored on all its first-half possessions and only punted once in the second half.

D’Marius Rucker (RB) led the Dreadnaughts by …

Dreadnaught Nation may be witnessing history.

Even the most optimistic Lakeland fans, if being intellectually honest, would not have predicted a trip to the 4S State Championship Game this season. Too many reasons this should have been a rebuilding year, including a new coaching staff, key players graduated, and as tough a regular season as Lakeland has faced. Due to a remar…

Your eyes have not deceived you. Nor is the score a misprint.

In the annals of the Lakeland Dreadnaughts, I am confident there has never been such an epic offensive outpouring – the highest scoring game in history – 125 total points. I wish former Dreadnaught Historian,
Bobby Whitehead, had been there to witness this historic night and to verify my claim.

Sample stat…

Lakeland hosted Bartow during the Class 4S, Region 2 Semi-Final last Friday at Bryant Stadium. The game was deja vu of sorts reminding Dreadnaught fans of the game played on October 5th. Like the prior meeting, Lakeland’s defense dominated and secured the victory which was never in question for the Dreadnaughts.

Lakeland applied tenacious pressure that led to multiple Bart…

Mitchell (New Port Richey) built an early 10–0 lead and appeared to be

Lakeland, led by a dominating defense effort, posted its fifth shutout of the season in devasting Kathleen last Friday at Bryant Stadium.

The victory ensures a first-place finish and 4S, District 7 Championship for the Dreadnaughts and first-year Coach Marvin Frazier. The win also secures a seeding in the 2023 FHSAA Playoffs.

The Dreadnaughts began their scoring onslaug…

The Dreadnaught Faithful knew this season would be daunting with the toughest regular season schedule in recent memory and the program going through a rebuilding season. After early season losses to nationally ranked Miami Norland and St. Joseph’s Prep, the Dreadnaughts appeared to have returned to their winning ways, most games won in dominant fashion. That came to a halt last…

The pregame hype echoed this was one of the better Eagles’ teams in recent years. Coming into Friday’s contest, the Eagles only had one blemish on their record, sustained the previous week.

From George Jenkins’ first possession, it was clear that the outcome would be very much like the recent past. Carlos Mitchell (CB/WR) intercepted an errant pass and returned it for …

The Bartow Yellowjackets entered Bryant Stadium with an undefeated record and a reputation for a high-scoring offense. Though the Yellowjackets were dealing with suspensions and injuries, the Dreadnaught Faithful expected Lakeland to be tested last Friday.

Bartow is undefeated no more.

Given that Bartow’s only points came vi…

Though Lakeland went into the game with a new head coach, multiple injuries and inclement weather, it was tradition as usual as the Dreadnaughts defeated Lake Gibson at Virgil Ramage Stadium.

Heading into the contest, Lakeland and Lake Gibson sat as the top two teams in 4S, District 7. The game was a pivotal battle in the standings with the winn…

For the majority of the first half of the game, Winter Haven appeared poised to end a losing streak to Lakeland which spanned more than three decades.

The game was an eerie scene. Injuries mounted on consecutive drives in the first quarter for the Dreadnaughts as D’Marius Rucker (RB) and Zander Smith (QB) were unable to return. Questionable calls and penalties, as evidenced …

The Dreadnaughts returned to their winning ways as they ventured to Markus Paul Stadium and sailed home with a victory over Kissimmee Osceola.

The Kowboys played without multiple key offensive players, including Taevion Swint (four-star RB and University of Central Florida commitment). Without these players, Kissimmee Osceola had little hope of winning the contest. The Dread…

St. Joseph’s Prep (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) came to Bryant Stadium boasting a football history like few other prep programs across the nation. The Hawks, who entered the game ranked No. 10 in the national SB Live/Sports Illustrated Power 25, have won 22 state championships including four of the last five. The Hawks also have multiple players committed to Division I programs …

Eager to atone for their performance against Miami Norland last week, the Dreadnaughts’ defense stormed the Packers’ offense and led Lakeland to its first regular season game win for head coach Marvin Frazier.

The contest was a defensive battle for the majority of three quarters. Both teams stymied their opponents with drive-ending plays and numerous reverberating collis…

Dreadnaught fans who follow high school football in Florida knew this would be an opening game unlike another in recent memory. Lakeland, the 2022 4S State Champions, matched up against Miami Norland, the 2022 2S State Semi-Finalists.

The scoring began on the opening kickoff for the Dreadnaughts as Rick Penick (WR) raced 99 yards for the score.

On the following kickoff, a…

The Dreadnaughts began the Kickoff Classic against the Armwood Hawks in uncharted waters not sailed in 47 years. To say Lakeland launched a new era would be the understatement of the century. Former Dreadnaughts’ WR coach, Marvin Frazier, who assumed the reigns from legendary coach Bill Castle, led Lakeland to a 28-13 victory in his 2023 head coaching debut.

The lone first…

Lakeland overcame an early turnover and deficit to win its eighth state championship in school history.

The Dreadnaughts relied on their stable of running backs, including Don’Ares Johnson (21 carries, 131 yards), D’Marius Rucker (10 carries,
64 yards) and Markell Johnson (12 carries, 38 yards) to secure the victory.

Zach Pleuss (QB), who was also an integral part of t…

Due to the potential impact of Hurricane Ian, the game between crosstown rivals took place on Monday, September 29th. While rain still affected the contest by delaying its start more than 90 minutes, the weather paled in comparison to the Dreadnaught storm which sank the Braves.

Though the Dreadnaughts’ scoring did not begin until later in the first quarter, the game was n…

Though inclement weather canceled last week’s game against the Largo Packers, Lakeland was in dominant form as the Dreadnaughts sailed by the Blue Devils.

The Dreadnaughts scored 21 points in the first quarter, 18 points in the second quarter, and cruised to a 39-6 win over the Blue Devils.
Scoring began on the first play of the contest as Tyler Williams (WR) received the…

The Dreadnaughts began regular season play of their 2022 football campaign traveling to Jack White Stadium facing the Clearwater High School Tornadoes.

Clearwater took the early lead, 6-0, when Jaylen White (RB) completed a 25-yard pass to Justin Glenn (WR) for a touchdown. The score came with 10:22 remaining in the first quarter. Lakeland blocked the extra point attempt.

…

Lakeland Weathers Armwood for 13-6 Victory.

Friday Night Lights has returned to Bryant Stadium.

The Dreadnaughts began their 2022 football season on August 19th against the Armwood Hawks in the Kick-Off Classic. Though a preseason game, the outcome mattered to both schools, each having won multiple state championships in their storied histories.

Lakeland raced to a 13-…

Demarkcus Bowman has proven to be one of the best players in the 2020 class. He’s making history as a running back for the storied Lakeland Dreadnaughts football program in Florida. He is verbally committed to the Clemson Tigers.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=296&v=OEKrYrZve…

https://www.tampabay.com/sports/high-schools/2019/09/14/football-lakeland-55-plant-city-19/

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https://www.theledger.com/sports/20190910/lakeland-victory-still-ranked-no-1

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https://www.theledger.com/sports/20190907/lakeland-special-teams-seal-victory-over-jenkins

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https://sports.yahoo.com/chargers-extend-center-pounceys-contract-2020-172450174–nfl.html

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https://www.theledger.com/sports/20190830/prep-football-lakeland-rolls-past-american-collegiate…

When you think of Lakeland football and its history, fans will be quick to remember players like Wayne Peace, Duke Pearson, Johnnie Mack, Johnnie Jones, Deaubrey Devine, Chris Rainey, the Pouncey twins, A.J. Davis, etc. Not to be overlooked, however, are the kickers. The Dreadnaughts boast a rich history of top place-kickers, players like Charlie Pierce, Brendt Talcott, Robb…

Watson Clinic Sports Physical Day will be help Saturday, June 9th from 8am until 12pm:

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Former Dreadnaught football player Forrest Cunningham addresses the crowd at the kickoff Booster Club meeting this past Monday evening. Be sure to read the article from the Bagpipe about the meeting: http://www.lakelandhighschool.com/ba…

Dreadnaught Fans,

We are disappointed to inform you that we will not be able to bring you tonight’s webcast from Lake Gibson for the Kickoff Classic. Lake Gibson has asked Lakeland…

The 2013 Lakeland High School Running Backs
by Brent Harbin 

While the next exciting installment of Dreadnaught Football season rolls by, allow me to introduce myself and the running backs on this year’s varsity team. I am 2nd year Dreadnaught Coach Brent Harbin,…

by Kevin Farkas
Offensive Line Coach

Beginning my first year as the Dreadnaught offensive line coach I could not be more excited about the group of exceptional young men that I have to work with.   The 2013 Dreadnaught offensive line will be anchored by two returning starters.  T…

by Dan Talbot
Defensive Line Coach

Another exciting year of Dreadnaught Football is upon us at Bryant Stadium.  With a new year comes a new group of Defensive Lineman.  For the first time in a long time the Dreadnaught DL has a lot of returning faces from last year’s team and a…

by Will Bahler
Wide Receivers Coach

Another exciting year of Dreadnaught Football is upon us here at Bryant Stadium, and the stadium continues to house the best fans in all of Florida.  The fans have become accustomed to witnessing big plays in the passing game and this year shoul…

August 28, 2013

Dreadnaught Supporters,

As we gear up for the 2013 Dreadnaught Football season, quite a few changes are coming to the program. We’re excited about the new webcast, re-designed game program, new uniforms and a new group of players.

I wanted to address some of the changes below:

Lakeland Live Webcast

Whil…

Four former Dreadnaughts were active in Week 9 of the NFL season. Of those 4, 2 players started for their respective teams (Mike & Maurkice Pouncey) with performances from Pittsburgh’s Chris Rainey (five kickoff returns, 173 yards) and Tampa Bay’s Ahmad Black (forced fumble, interception, five tackles) highlighting the weekend.

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Senior Parents/Guardians of: 

Football, JROTC Cheerleaders and Anchorettes, Students

Lakeland Football Century Club Presents Senior Night Live!

You are invited to attend “Senior N…