Auburndale took care of business Friday night at home in a 38-7 win over rival Winter Haven.
Despite the win, Auburndale (6-3) could still be on the outside of the playoffs looking in with the No. 10 seed. Teams must finish in the top eight to get in the dance, but head coach Antonio Thomas needs his team to stay focused.
“…I feel good with the direction the program is going. We got to keep moving forward and just keep working and showing up every day. Keep working on the small things. Keep getting better at the little things,” Thomas said.
Auburndale running back Anthony Howard Jr. rushed for a touchdown and 122 yards, while Jordan Tarver ran a 53-yard punt return for a touchdown.
Defensively, there were two safeties caused by Eliah Dias, while cornerback Jijuan Russell registered an interception. Defensive tackle Chad McClain had a strip, a scoop-and-score and a 4-yard rushing touchdown on offense.
Football action: Polk County football action: Auburndale wins big, Lakeland stays undefeated
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Ridge Community 14, Davenport 0
Winning its second game in a row was Ridge (6-3), which leaned on junior running back Lavonski Tubbs, who rushed for 180 yards and a touchdown.
Quarterback Amari Allman was 5-for-9 for 82 yards and a touchdown, which was a 20-yard touchdown to tight end Tristan Allman.
Specially Fit 24, Haines City 22
Frostproof 28, Bayside 20
Frostproof (7-3) continued its excellent season thanks to the rushing of running back Donte Daniels, who scored the first two touchdowns of the night.
Then, running backs Charlie Plain and Landon Fuller joined in with rushing touchdowns of their own.
Santa Fe Catholic 33, Bell Creek 7
The Hawks (4-5) have won two of three thanks to a 33-7 blowout win at home Friday.
Quarterback Trevor Smith posted two rushing touchdowns — one of 8 yard and one of 6 yards ― while also adding in a 40-yard touchdown pass to receiver Poe Stink.
Senior Giemuel Vazquez tallied a 14-yard pick six, while Jayce Thomas put up a 40-yard pick-six of his own.
Trenton 42, Tenoroc 23
Tenoroc’s Jaidon Furman scored on a 5-yard touchdown run, while Kaiden Anderson caught a 25-yard touchdown pass from Stanley Thomas. Thomas also threw a 15-yard touchdown pass to Sean Dickerson.
Tenoroc (4-4) is still in the hunt for the district championship and playoffs, as just one team from its district will go to the playoffs. Still, the Titans must beat Avon Park on Thursday to have a chance.
Deland 42, Lake Gibson 21
In a loss to Deland, Collin Henderson put up a three-touchdown night ― one to Adonis Cuyler for 68 yards, another to Cason Dash for 45 and one more to Camden Hall on a 26-yard screen pass for a touchdown for the Braves (3-5).
Dash had two receptions for 54 yards. Henderson was 8-for-19 for 167 yards.
University Christian 34, Fort Meade 17
Lakeland Christian 49, Northside Christian 19
AJ Truedell and Killian O’Neal each had a rushing touchdown, while DJ Howard had a pick six for the Vikings (7-1).
Meanwhile, both Josh Bellamy and Trey Wall caught touchdown passes from Brody Brenneman.
Mulberry 30, Lake Region 8
This game was called early due to a scuffle that happened in the fourth quarter on the Lake Region sideline.
Still, Mulberry running back Traveon Hymes rushed the ball for three touchdowns and 122 yards. He also had two 2-point conversions. Wide receiver Collis Rhodes also hauled in a touchdown reception for Mulberry (8-1).
The defense played lights out, too.
Naples Baron Collier 41, Kathleen 38
This article originally appeared on The Ledger: Polk County high school football: Auburndale’s playoff hopes stay alive with win
