lakeland FLA

[da wiz]

lakeland, ranked in the top 5 in most polls will have ther game televised
tonight on foxsports sw at 6pm,,,we texans can check out one of florida'best high school football teams...............

[ThEgReAtOnE]

lakeland, ranked in the top 5 in most polls will have ther game televised
tonight on foxsports sw at 6pm,,,we texans can check out one of florida'best high school football teams...............

I'm looking forward to that game. See what all the hype is. Has that Mission Vejo been televised, this year?

And is it me, or shouldn't there be, like, 7 or 8 Texas teams in the Top 25, nationally?

Hope I don't sound biast!! ;)

[PurpleNation]

I'm looking forward to that game. See what all the hype is. Has that Mission Vejo been televised, this year?

And is it me, or shouldn't there be, like, 7 or 8 Texas teams in the Top 25, nationally?

Hope I don't sound biast!! ;)


Na I know about 20-25 Texas Teams that could have beat Colerain now that I know Tyler Lee is pure crap. There should be aorund 7-8Texas Teams in the Top 25.

SLC,Lufkin,Longview,Euless Trinity, Spring Westfield, Katy, North Shore, Maybe Dallas Carter.

For the simple fact that if Colerain was as good as they said they were then seeing Lonveiw,ET and John Tyler Bash them even worst the the Top Ohip Team. I am not starting another fight between Texas and Ohio thats fine if there over there win of Tyler Lee(3-5). We all know were the best football is played.

[Redneckn]

lakeland, ranked in the top 5 in most polls will have ther game televised
tonight on foxsports sw at 6pm,,,we texans can check out one of florida'best high school football teams...............


I didn't know that was going to be on tonite.. Thanks for the tip.
Not only are they one of Fla's best, they are one of the best in the country.

[myround0]

Na I know about 20-25 Texas Teams that could have beat Colerain now that I know Tyler Lee is pure crap. There should be aorund 7-8Texas Teams in the Top 25.

SLC,Lufkin,Longview,Euless Trinity, Spring Westfield, Katy, North Shore, Maybe Dallas Carter.

For the simple fact that if Colerain was as good as they said they were then seeing Lonveiw,ET and John Tyler Bash them even worst the the Top Ohip Team. I am not starting another fight between Texas and Ohio thats fine if there over there win of Tyler Lee(3-5). We all know were the best football is played.

I would say all those teams, include John Tyler, Plano, Rockwall, Judson, Smithson Valley...I mean the list goes on an on, To rank Colerain off of the win over Tyler Lee, tells you just were the rest of the countries programs are...

[KT2000]

Lakeland is the current #1 ranked team in USA Today's rankings. They are one of Florida's traditional powers. I've been to their stadium in Lakeland. They produce some players out there. Basically, the Florida equivalent of a Lufkin/Longview/Tyler as far as the town size/talent produced. Between Orlando and Tampa on the interstate. Closer to Tampa. It should be impressive. Florida's the only state I'll mention in the same sentence as Texas High School football when it comes to the quality of the top teams.

[ThEgReAtOnE]

Lakeland is the current #1 ranked team in USA Today's rankings. They are one of Florida's traditional powers. I've been to their stadium in Lakeland. They produce some players out there. Basically, the Florida equivalent of a Lufkin/Longview/Tyler as far as the town size/talent produced. Between Orlando and Tampa on the interstate. Closer to Tampa. It should be impressive. Florida's the only state I'll mention in the same sentence as Texas High School football when it comes to the quality of the top teams.

I agree....Florida, and sometimes California...no one else! Sorry, the depth and tradition is far too great down here!

[raidercheerdad]

I would say all those teams, include John Tyler, Plano, Rockwall, Judson, Smithson Valley...I mean the list goes on an on, To rank Colerain off of the win over Tyler Lee, tells you just were the rest of the countries programs are...
Unfortunately for them, Lee has a lot of talent and due to high expectations, lack of meeting them, and a large number of Juniors starting, these kids never became a TEAM. The fingerpointing and quitting(heartlessness) began after the Colerain game and it's just gone downhill. The real turning point was the Rockwall game where Hill got hurt. Now they don't even think they can win. I just hope for next year's team's sake, we can pull it together a little bit against Mesquite tomorrow night and M. Horn next week. If not, a very talented group of Juniors will be a "not a very good" group of seniors next year.

[dragonfootballfan]

I would say all those teams, include John Tyler, Plano, Rockwall, Judson, Smithson Valley...I mean the list goes on an on, To rank Colerain off of the win over Tyler Lee, tells you just were the rest of the countries programs are...
again with the Rockwall. Just because they almost beat Longview does not mean they are good. Are they even over .500? If they are they are only one game over and may not make the playoffs.

[drgnbkr]

I'm trying to watch this Lakeland game, but I'm sorry, it's boring..the Oceola team can't block, tackle, catch, throw or play..& lakeland is killing them. Lakeland is not real intimidating looking either...predictable offense..& the worst is that there is nobody there!

[Favpack]

I'm sorry - but a large, loyal fan base should be a requirement for a strong national rank. Just my opinion.

[ThEgReAtOnE]

Where would Lakeland rank in Texas?

[supercentex]

Dude, they look like a medicore Texas team........maybe it's the team they are playing that makes them look like that. But, it looks like they aren't even really having to try.

[Rerun]

Lakeland is the current #1 ranked team in USA Today's rankings. They are one of Florida's traditional powers. I've been to their stadium in Lakeland. They produce some players out there. Basically, the Florida equivalent of a Lufkin/Longview/Tyler as far as the town size/talent produced. Between Orlando and Tampa on the interstate. Closer to Tampa. It should be impressive. Florida's the only state I'll mention in the same sentence as Texas High School football when it comes to the quality of the top teams.

HOW MUCH U WANNA BET THAT CONVERSE JUDSON COULD BLAST THOSE FOOLS OFF THE FIELD?!?!?!?!?!??!!?!?!?

[ThEgReAtOnE]

HOW MUCH U WANNA BET THAT CONVERSE JUDSON COULD BLAST THOSE FOOLS OFF THE FIELD?!?!?!?!?!??!!?!?!?

Well, I don't wanna bet anything, however, I'll agree with you, in saying Converse Judson would beat them!

[RAB-07]

what's that surface they're playing on? :D ;)

[KT2000]

Lakeland as a team is loaded with legit college talent. Just look their guys up on the recruiting databases. It's tough to see much against a team like they're playing tonight, but they blow people out every week. You don't need to show much in games like this, but the talent is still evident.

To say that Converse Judson would beat the pants off of them this year is laughable in my opinion.

[supercentex]

I would put up some money to see Lakeland and SLC play "after" the state championship games...........

I think SLC could hang with them.

[ThEgReAtOnE]

Lakeland as a team is loaded with legit college talent. Just look their guys up on the recruiting databases. It's tough to see much against a team like they're playing tonight, but they blow people out every week. You don't need to show much in games like this, but the talent is still evident.

To say that Converse Judson would beat the pants off of them this year is laughable in my opinion.

I didn't say they would "beat the pants off of them"! Do I think they would be a top tier team in Texas?..perhaps in the Top 15! Do I think there are 20 teams in Texas that could play with/if not beat them?...yes! Do they have great talent?...yes!

But then again, I can name 40 Texas teams with good, if not, great talent!

[ThEgReAtOnE]

I would put up some money to see Lakeland and SLC play "after" the state championship games...........

I think SLC could hang with them.

Well, that's if SLC beats the other powers in Texas! I think there's some very athletic squads that could play with this Lakeland team!

[clemensbuff]

Lakeland is the current #1 ranked team in USA Today's rankings. They are one of Florida's traditional powers. I've been to their stadium in Lakeland. They produce some players out there. Basically, the Florida equivalent of a Lufkin/Longview/Tyler as far as the town size/talent produced. Between Orlando and Tampa on the interstate. Closer to Tampa. It should be impressive. Florida's the only state I'll mention in the same sentence as Texas High School football when it comes to the quality of the top teams.

I'm watching the game right now and I will say that they are a good team that is pounding on a pathetic team! There are many teams here in Texas, both 4a and 5a that would put a licking on this so called #1 team in the nation! What an abosolute joke!!!

[Rerun]

if u guys know me at all that post was made as a cheap shot to judson and their fans.

[DragonFan]

I watched some of the Lakeland game and they made a bad team look pathetic. Lakeland was very crisp on offense and had a good defense. The thing that got me the most was that one side of a very small stadium was almost empty! What's up with that. Maybe the caliber of the other team was why the stands were empty. Lakeland looked good but the other team was really, really bad!

[zippy]

I dont know if it is just Texas pride or what. I am one of the biggest Tx football fans around (high school, not UT), and I will defend my Tx pride, but I am not going to sit here and say that Tx teams would beat Lakeland. As a matter of fact, I dont think ANY Tx team could beat them. This is the best, well rounded team I have seen in a long time. I recruit, and have been to MANY games, not just SV games. I have not made but 3 this year due to having to watch other players. The QB, RB, and WR's for Lakeland are not only great players, but they are big and physical. The defense was all over the ball every play. The special teams were also real good. I honestly think the AP poll has them right where they need to be. I do think that some Tx teams could play with them, but I would hate to see what a team like that would do with 26K in attendence instead of 800. ALSO: They need to drop the title "game of the week", and call it "Team of the Week". I have yet to see nothing but very good teams play very weak teams so far. I am ready for a good one to come on.

[TrojanHorse03]

Actually Id have to slightly disagree with u zippy. I believe the play of Lakeland defense certainly lives up to its billing. The big and quick enough to get good penetration up front, the linebackers are good at filling the running lanes and containment and the defensive unit as a whole is good as swarming to the football and laying a lick. However their were some breakdowns in tackling technique, not that it mattered as Osceola certainly did not have an offensive to stretch the field or challange Lakeland in any way. Offensively Lakeland did what it had done every game for the last 2 years enough to beat outclassed opponents. O-line wise they seemed to have some good size and were able to win the battle up front against a weak opponent, but they did not dominate the line of scrimmage like their defensive counterparts. Their backfield without a doubt highlights this offense starting with Billy Lowe, he's the heady leader that Coach Castle likes running his offense, he does a good job protecting the football despite being asked to carry the rock and exploit defenses keying on Chris Rainey and Jamar Taylor. However against much better, tackling defenses he would not being getting the yard after contact he was getting on midline and triple option plays. As for the other members of Lakeland's starting backfield Jamar Taylor is a solid player, and Lakeland's leading rusher as a result of defenses' focus on the dangerous Rainey and the opportunistic Lowe. Speaking of Rainey despite it not always showing up in the stat sheet this year he's clearly their marque player, hes good good speed not great speed but his really explodes through the hole and is a tough runner to bring down on initial contact. All this being said having had an opportunity to watch Lakeland on other occasions I believe that a defense that can primarily defened their option runs and force them to pass can be very successful, as while they have athleticism on the outside, and Lowe is a good qn I seen the wideouts have trouble catching the football and getting separation. Getting pressure against a suspect line would also be paramount. In conclusion their can be a case for Lakeland as the number 1 team in the country but I honestly believe this yr that theirs about 10 Texas teams that could get the W and it wouldn't be an upset in my opininon.

[reed35]

The team was good. After watching the game and looking at all the support things, Our kids here are extremely fortunate to have the greatest support system. The fans here seem better, the stadiums are definately better.

[KT2000]

No question about that reed, I've seen HS football in person in a number of states and it's not even close as far as the community support goes.

[myround0]

I would say all those teams, include John Tyler, Plano, Rockwall, Judson, Smithson Valley...I mean the list goes on an on, To rank Colerain off of the win over Tyler Lee, tells you just were the rest of the countries programs are...


didn't even mention the 4A teams that would clobber Lakeland...

[Redneckn]

Y'all are funny.. Lakeland would walk over Longview...It would be a game in the 1st half, the second, it would be nothing but Lakeland...

I think the only team in Texas that would really give them a run for their money is SLC.. And I still don't think SLC would win it...I think it would have to do with which team traveled to where and how soon after the arrival the game was played.

And yes.. I know.. DEPTH... Texas is not the only state in the union with depth.
Keep in mind, I'm not for a second saying that Texas does not have some great football.. And yes, Texas prolly has more great teams than any other state.. And they should, its bigger...
But there are teams that could dust off most Texas teams.. Lakeland being one of those.. Which sucks because I hate florida with a passion... stupid useless state...

[ThEgReAtOnE]

Y'all are funny.. Lakeland would walk over Longview...It would be a game in the 1st half, the second, it would be nothing but Lakeland...

I think the only team in Texas that would really give them a run for their money is SLC.. And I still don't think SLC would win it...I think it would have to do with which team traveled to where and how soon after the arrival the game was played.

And yes.. I know.. DEPTH... Texas is not the only state in the union with depth.
Keep in mind, I'm not for a second saying that Texas does not have some great football.. And yes, Texas prolly has more great teams than any other state.. And they should, its bigger...
But there are teams that could dust off most Texas teams.. Lakeland being one of those.. Which sucks because I hate florida with a passion... stupid useless state...

Sorry Red, there are, IMO, plenty of Texas teams that would give them a run for their money! And at least 5 to 10 that could beat them! It's just my experience talking!

[NewSherriffInTown]

They are obviously a very good team, but the reason they blow people out is their schedule is pretty weak. For the talent they have, they are ranked 9th in the state of Florida, let alone tops in the nation but the Freeman Ratings, and I'm going to assume that is because the schedule is so weak.

[Texasfrog]

Well, that's if SLC beats the other powers in Texas! I think there's some very athletic squads that could play with this Lakeland team!

Hey Eagle.. I live here in Miami, Fl. for almost 3 years. I go to about 6 HS games every year. No way, No how is Florida even remotely on the same level as Texas High school football. There is usually about 5 teams in the State that can play with the Texas top 15 or 20 teams but that's it. Plus, those top 5 Florida teams arent better.. just in the same ballpark with the top 15/20 Texas teams.

95% of Florida is "individual football" and not very well coached. They have some talent scattered around the State and a few of the teams have 3 to 4 legit blue-chips on them. But, they are extrememly poorly coached and the elite Texas teams would kill them on playing the fundamentals of the game alot better.

Look at Hollywood-Chaminade, Fl. Yes, they're a private school and 2A. But, they're ranked around #6th or 7th overall in Florida in most of the Florida polls. Tyler Lee beat them this season.. and we all know how good Tyler Lee is this season.

PS. Once you get past those somewhat "solid Florida teams" --Top 7 or so.
The fall off in Florida is on par with Texas 3A and 2A football. Carol City (Miami highly touted athletic team) is about on par with a good Texas (7-3) level 4A team.

[Texasfrog]

Sorry Red, there are, IMO, plenty of Texas teams that would give them a run for their money! And at least 5 to 10 that could beat them! It's just my experience talking!

Redneck just has a deep hatred of Texas football. I figured that out along time ago. He's from Louisiana and has that inferior attitude or something about Texas. Earlier this season he was touting how some of the Louisiana 2A teams could easily beat Leander and Austin Westlake.

I guess he's refusing to look at all the head to head Texas vs La matchups over the last 5 years where Texas has just about completely "OWNED" Louisiana.

But, ya there is Louisiana 2A's that can beat many Texas 5a's according to Red.

[bullrock]

Shoulda known. Red says he's from 13 Acres Of Hell. That would be Lousyana.

[Texasfrog]

Shoulda known. Red says he's from 13 Acres Of Hell. That would be Lousyana.

haha.. I dont think he's a bad guy at all. Its just very clear that he has a somewhat "inferior complex" type of attitude about Texas football. More then once this season he's posted several times how Texas football aint all that and how many other teams from other States would easily dismantal Texas elite teams and blah blah.

I'm still laughing my rear-end off over the Louisiana 2A teams beating Leander and Westlake comment. :rolleyes:

[Redneckn]

haha.. I dont think he's a bad guy at all. Its just very clear that he has a somewhat "inferior complex" type of attitude about Texas football. More then once this season he's posted several times how Texas football aint all that and how many other teams from other States would easily dismantal Texas elite teams and blah blah.

I'm still laughing my rear-end off over the Louisiana 2A teams beating Leander and Westlake comment. :rolleyes:


I based my comments on Leander and Westlake off what I saw the first game of the season.. And both of those teams played like crap. I was a little bit wrong.. Leander is pretty good...

And no.. I don't have a problem with Texas football. I think it's seriously overrated.. But it is good football. I don't think I ever said many teams from other states easily didmantle anyone.. I just said that there are teams in other states that could beat Texas top teams.. I don't recall ever saying it would be easy.

I've never denied that La teams have sucked against Texas teams the last few years..
You tout your little Longview squad all you want.. They still haven't played anyone.. And I know you haven't mentioned Longview.. This time... After all, that is where the bad blood between me and you starts at.. I think Longview has overrated themselves and you hate me for saying that..
I think all this talk of "depth" is crap. You seem to think that Texas is the only state that has depth and I think that's crap.
I never said Texas foot ball "aint all that". I just said that they would be beat if they were ever to venture outside of Texas. And I know.. Texas don't have to leave to find good games.. That's a copout and you know.. You may not admit it, but you know it is..

Bullrock.. yes.. 13 acres of hell... I never said I was proud of Louisiana.. It's a crappy state. That's why I left. I can tell you though, after living in Austin since March, I am not finding it all that much better.. But the money is way better over here.. Than you Texas for making my wallet fat once again.
And yes, they have some seriously crappy football over in La.


Frog.. It was kind of funny that you posted.. I had started to wonder what happned to you... Actually thought about that this morning.. Then I come on here and there you are.. Hope things have been going well for you.. I take it that not being here much lately means you're busy.. And busy is good.
Did you weather the storm over there ok?

[Texasfrog]

I based my comments on Leander and Westlake off what I saw the first game of the season.. And both of those teams played like crap. I was a little bit wrong.. Leander is pretty good...

And no.. I don't have a problem with Texas football. I think it's seriously overrated.. But it is good football. I don't think I ever said many teams from other states easily didmantle anyone.. I just said that there are teams in other states that could beat Texas top teams.. I don't recall ever saying it would be easy.

I've never denied that La teams have sucked against Texas teams the last few years..
You tout your little Longview squad all you want.. They still haven't played anyone.. And I know you haven't mentioned Longview.. This time... After all, that is where the bad blood between me and you starts at.. I think Longview has overrated themselves and you hate me for saying that..
I think all this talk of "depth" is crap. You seem to think that Texas is the only state that has depth and I think that's crap.
I never said Texas foot ball "aint all that". I just said that they would be beat if they were ever to venture outside of Texas. And I know.. Texas don't have to leave to find good games.. That's a copout and you know.. You may not admit it, but you know it is..

Bullrock.. yes.. 13 acres of hell... I never said I was proud of Louisiana.. It's a crappy state. That's why I left. I can tell you though, after living in Austin since March, I am not finding it all that much better.. But the money is way better over here.. Than you Texas for making my wallet fat once again.
And yes, they have some seriously crappy football over in La.


Frog.. It was kind of funny that you posted.. I had started to wonder what happned to you... Actually thought about that this morning.. Then I come on here and there you are.. Hope things have been going well for you.. I take it that not being here much lately means you're busy.. And busy is good.
Did you weather the storm over there ok?

Redneck.. Thanks, I'm doing well but Wilma kicked alot of butt around Southern Florida (Broward and Dade Co.). I was pretty lucky overall but I've been without power for almost a week. I just got it back today at 2:00am in the morning. I've been through about 4 Hurricanes and Wilma was #1. I've never seen winds that powerful.

Second.. Texas High school football is seriously overrated to what and who?? I think Texas has done a pretty good job of getting teams out and playing a broad cross country schedule over the years and Texas has done pretty well overall.

I've stated several times that many years there may be some teams out there across America that can beat the so called number #1 Texas team. But, it wouldnt be a blowout most times. It would be a good game.

What clearly seperates Texas from every other State (IMO) is Texas has the most top level teams (#1--#15) than any other State. I also strongly feel that the depth of Texas is extremely ahead of any other State. Teams #16 --#30 aint too Shabby either.

In just about every other State. If you get to teams #7 to #20 there is a serious fall off in the caliber of High school play. In Texas teams #15 -#25 can play with teams #1 --#14 on just about any Friday night. That's what really seperates Texas from everyone.

I live here in Florida. I've been to about 15 High school games over the last 3 seasons. I'm telling you now that most of Florida is on par with Texas 3A football. Florida has about 6 teams that could play with the top 15 in Texas and it would be a nice game. Florida has about 6 other teams that would be good (6-4) type of Texas 5A teams. Now, after you get past those 12 or so decent Florida teams... the overall caliber of play is way way down.

I promise you that Texas has 40 teams to Florida 12.

PS. The other thing that seperates Texas from just about every other State is its sports governing body (UIL). The (UIL) regulates alot more in Texas then other States sports governing bodies. Player transfers and ect.

I also like the fact that Texas plays by NCAA rules and most other States play by Federation rules.

PS. Most years I would put the Texas #1 team up against anyone and feel pretty good a "W". I dont think anyone last season would of beaten SLC. The year before Katy would of been tough for anyone to beat.