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Polk County High School Football Week 6 Preview 

Ethan Jones
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Polk County High School Football Week 6 Preview 

By Ethan Jones

With another week of high school football officially in the books, it is time to turn our attention toward Week 6, and once again, there is plenty to be excited about around Polk County. Last week gave us a little bit of everything, including some predictions that turned out to be correct and a few that definitely did not go the way I expected. I correctly picked Lakeland to get past American Heritage, and the Dreadnaughts came away with a 21-16 victory. I also had Lakeland Christian beating Sebring, and the Vikings stayed perfect with a 45-21 win. However, my prediction for George Jenkins and Seminole was way off. As I had the Warhawks winning a close game, but the Eagles had other plans and dominated Seminole 37-0. That is what makes high school football so exciting. You can look at the records, the numbers, the matchups and everything that has happened up to that point, but once Friday night arrives, anything can happen. Every week brings new storylines, new challenges and another opportunity for teams to prove themselves. With that being said, there is no shortage of exciting games to keep an eye on this week. Kicking things off, we have (3-1) Auburndale at (3-1) Lakeland, and the stakes are high with this being a district matchup. Lakeland is looking to move to 2-0 in district play, while Auburndale is searching for its first district win and a chance to move to 1-1. This should be an intriguing matchup, as Lakeland enters the game ranked No. 9 in the state and is coming off a 21-16 victory over American Heritage. Auburndale, meanwhile, is coming off a 27-9 win over Kathleen and has shown that it can put points on the board throughout the season. As they are averaging 198.0 yards a game. If each team wants to come away with the win, there are some key factors they will need to focus on. For Lakeland, the biggest priority will be limiting Teo Edwards and his ability to make plays. Edwards has been one of Auburndale’s biggest offensive threats this season, completing 26 of 40 passes for 496 yards, seven touchdowns and zero interceptions. If Lakeland can make Edwards uncomfortable and prevent him from making plays with both his arm and his legs, it could make things difficult for the Bloodhounds’ offense. For Auburndale, the challenge will be finding a way to put pressure on Lakeland quarterback Kelin Hendrix. That will be no easy task, as Hendrix has been one of the biggest reasons for the Dreadnaughts’ success this season. Through the first five weeks, Hendrix has shown the ability to hurt opposing defenses both through the air and on the ground, making him a difficult player to contain. I expect this game to be competitive early, but I believe Lakeland’s experience and offensive firepower will eventually allow the Dreadnaughts to pull away.  

Prediction: Lakeland 35, Auburndale 20 

The next game I would keep an eye on this week would be (3-1) Bartow at (3-2) Sebring. This will be another district matchup for both teams, with Bartow sitting at 1-0 in district play and Sebring also at 1-0. With both teams looking to strengthen their position in the district standings, this could be an important game when it comes to district positioning as the season continues. This should be an interesting matchup because both teams are coming into the game with different momentum. Bartow enters Friday night riding a three-game winning streak, which includes its most recent 14-8 victory over Auburndale. Sebring, meanwhile, is looking to get back on track after suffering a 45-21 loss to Lakeland Christian. If each team wants to come away with the win, there are some key things they will need to focus on. For Bartow, one of the biggest priorities will be keeping its defense playing at a high level. The Yellow Jackets have allowed only 30 points through four games, an average of just 7.5 points per game. If Bartow can continue that defensive success, it could make things difficult for Sebring’s offense. For Sebring, one of the main priorities will be slowing down and putting pressure on quarterback Amire Hall. Hall has been one of Bartow’s biggest offensive threats this season, completing 21 of 40 passes for 663 yards while also rushing for 288 yards and accounting for 12 total touchdowns, including seven passing and five rushing. I expect this to be another competitive district matchup, but I believe Bartow’s defense and recent momentum will be enough to make the difference. The Yellow Jackets will have to play well on the road, but I expect them to find a way to get the job done. 

Prediction: Bartow 25, Sebring 21. 

The last game I would keep an eye on this week would be (3-1) George Jenkins at (1-3) Davenport. This will be another important district matchup, with both teams sitting at 0-1 in district play and looking for their first district victory of the season. For George Jenkins, this is an opportunity to build off one of its most impressive performances of the season. For Davenport, it is a chance to turn things around and get back on track. One of the biggest storylines will be whether George Jenkins can continue the offensive performance it put together against Seminole. The Eagles recorded 304 rushing yards, 79 passing yards and 383 total yards in their dominant 37-0 victory over the Warhawks. For Davenport, the biggest question will be whether the Broncos can get their offense back on track after being shut out in their last three games. Finding a way to move the football and put points on the board will be critical if Davenport wants to stay competitive. If George Jenkins wants to win, the Eagles will need to keep their rushing attack going. The ground game was the strongest part of their offense against Seminole, and continuing to establish the run could allow Jenkins to control the tempo once again. For Davenport, the key will be slowing down George Jenkins’ rushing attack. If the Broncos can limit the Eagles on the ground and force them to become one-dimensional, they could give themselves an opportunity to stay in the game. With that being said, I expect George Jenkins to continue the momentum it built last week and put together another dominant performance. 

Prediction: George Jenkins 38, Davenport 9. 

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In Loving Memory of Martha Steward Criss, 99

Allison
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In Loving Memory of Martha Steward Criss, 99

Obituary for Martha Steward Criss

Martha Steward Criss, 99, passed away after a long and active life on Friday September 18, 2026. She amazed those who knew her for surviving three spouses, and by continuing to participate in the management of her affairs up until the final days of her life.

 Born on August 23, 1927 in Knox County, Ohio, Martha moved to central Florida in 1975, and moved to Tallahassee, Florida in2019. She had long careers as an office manager for the Continental Can Company in Mt. Vernon, Ohio; and then as an administrative assistant at the U.F. Agricultural Research and Education Center in Lake Alfred, Florida. She was active at the First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) of Haines City, Florida, and was a proud member of Chapter BN of P.E.O. International.

 She is survived by her nieces Connie Workman and Amy Camillo/both of Ohio; her stepchildren: Dorothy Steward/Switzerland; Carl Jr. “Carlos” (and Cynthia) Steward/North Carolina; Bill (and Julie) Steward/north Florida; Michael (and Peggy) Criss, Robert Criss, Richard Criss/all of central Florida; Patty Criss Wilson/Illinois; and many step grandchildren.

 A memorial service will be held at the First Christian Church in Haines City, Florida at a date yet to be determined. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to P.E.O. Chapter BN (for the “Daisy Scholarship”), and sent to the P.E.O. chapter treasurer at 105 E. Lake Menzie Blvd., Dundee, FL. 33838.

Two Winter Haven Residents Killed in Three-Vehicle Crash on K-Ville Avenue in Auburndale

Allison
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Two Winter Haven Residents Killed in Three-Vehicle Crash on K-Ville Avenue in Auburndale

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office Traffic Homicide Investigations Unit responded to investigate a traffic fatality on Thursday, September 24, 2026, around 12:50 p.m. on CR 542 (K-Ville Ave) and Jimmy Lee Road in Auburndale.

Three vehicles were involved in the crash:

A 2006 gray Ford F350 being driven by a 29-year-old Lakeland man;

A 2004 white Ford F150 being driven by a 67-year-old Winter Haven man;

and a 2022 white Honda Accord being driven by a 54-year-old Winter Haven man, whose wife was a passenger.

The preliminary investigation so far indicates that the F350 was traveling eastbound on K-Ville Ave behind the F150 when, approximately 300 feet west of the intersection with Jimmy Lee Rd, the F350 began to drift across the center line, then back to the right and partially onto the right shoulder, before then impacting the right rear of the F150. After that impact, the F350 crossed all the way over the center line and into the westbound lane, where it struck the Honda Accord nearly head-on, killing both people inside (the driver was killed instantly, while the passenger suffered significant injuries which led to her death).

Neither of the other two drivers were injured.

The roadways were closed for approximately four hours during the initial investigation, which is ongoing.

Three Killed After Car And Dump Truck Collide On SR 60 Near Lake Wales

Carl Fish
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Three Killed After Car And Dump Truck Collide On SR 60 Near Lake Wales

Three people died as a result of a two-vehicle crash near Lake Wales early Thursday morning, September 24, 2026.

 

Deputies from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched at about 4:22 am to State Road 60 at Acuff Road, after a two-vehicle crash was reported there.

 

Upon the arrival of first responders, two occupants of a black 2008 Chevy Malibu were found deceased in the car. The driver of the vehicle was seriously injured and transported to a local hospital where she later succumbed to her injuries. 

 

The victims were: a 31-year-old woman from Auburndale (driver), a 45-year-old man from Lake Wales, and a 40-year-old female from Lake Wales. 

 

The driver of a black 2016 Kenworth dump truck that was also involved, received only minor injuries.

 

According to PCSO detectives, the dump truck had been traveling west on SR 60 when the Malibu crossed in its path while leaving Acuff Road from the south side of SR 60. 

 

No charges are anticipated, but the investigation remains ongoing. 

 

Westbound SR 60 was closed for about four hours on Thursday.

Live Music in Winter Haven This Weekend

Allison
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Live Music in Winter Haven This Weekend

If you’re looking for live music in Winter Haven this weekend, several local venues have performances scheduled Thursday through Sunday, September 24-27.

Thursday, September 24

  • DJ Steve and Karaoke at Cypresswood Pub from 6-9 p.m.

Friday, September 25

  • Duke Burr at Kimber’s from 7–10 p.m.
  • Josh Blevins at Tanner’s Lakeside from 7–10 p.m.
  • Prime Country at Cypresswood Pub from 6-9 p.m.
  • Twizted at Kimber’s Bar & Grill at 7 p.m.

Saturday, September 26

  • Jaded at Tanner’s Lakeside from 7–10 p.m.
  • Vandal Eyes at Cypresswood Pub from 6-9 p.m.
  • One More Round – TwiZted Tattoo Party with Influence Tattoos onsite 7:00–10:00 p.m.

Sunday, September 27

  • B.Haven at The Twisted Prop from 2–5:30 p.m.
  • X IT 7 at Tanner’s Lakeside from 2–6 p.m.

Whether you’re looking for a Thursday/Friday night out, Saturday evening entertainment or some Sunday afternoon music, there are several opportunities to enjoy live music around Winter Haven this weekend.

Want Your Music Featured?
Musicians performing in the Winter Haven area can email [email protected]. Please include LIVE MUSIC in the subject line.

Lakeland Motorcyclist Dies After Single-Vehicle Crash in Kathleen

Allison
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Lakeland Motorcyclist Dies After Single-Vehicle Crash in Kathleen

A motorcyclist who was involved in a single-vehicle crash in Kathleen on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, later passed away at the hospital.

Deputies from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to the crash on Kathleen Road at 1stAvenue NW on Wednesday at around 1:40 pm.

Upon arrival of first responders, the 44-year-old motorcyclist from Lakeland was found with serious injuries and was transported to a local hospital.

According to the preliminary investigation from the PCSO’s Traffic Homicide Unit, the man had been operating a 2002 white Honda motorcycle, traveling north on Kathleen Road at a high rate of speed, and failed to negotiate a curve, causing him to crash.

A helmet was found at the scene, but it is unknown if the victim was wearing it when he crashed.

Kathleen Road was closed for about two hours during the investigation.

Polk School Bus Employees Accused of Spraying Disabled 15-Year-Old With Disinfectant To ‘Teach Him A Lesson

Carl Fish
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Polk School Bus Employees Accused of Spraying Disabled 15-Year-Old With Disinfectant To ‘Teach Him A Lesson

New details released by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office allege two Polk County Public Schools transportation employees repeatedly sprayed a 15-year-old disabled student with disinfectant while he was riding a school bus.

Bus driver Jeffrey Larson, 65, and bus attendant William “Cody” Roberts, 32, were arrested Wednesday and each charged with one count of aggravated child abuse, a first-degree felony.

The arrests were reported Wednesday, but an arrest affidavit provided to Daily Ridge by PCSO gives a much more detailed account of what investigators allege happened aboard Polk County school bus #1611.

According to the affidavit, the investigation began Sept. 22 after the principal of Karen M. Siegel Academy noticed an increase in student behavior referrals involving the bus and requested video footage from the Polk County School Board.

The victim is a 15-year-old student whose name Daily Ridge is withholding because he is a minor. Investigators described the student as intellectually disabled, functioning at approximately a toddler level and unable to speak for himself.

According to deputies, video from Aug. 31 showed Larson spraying a liquid from a spray bottle near the student before allegedly spraying the student in the face, torso and legs.

In another video clip, investigators said Larson left the driver’s seat, walked over to the student and sprayed him in the face and across the front of his body while saying, “stop spitting.”

Roberts was also allegedly present during at least one of the incidents.

Investigators said another incident was captured on video Sept. 2. According to the affidavit, Roberts was sitting in the rear of the bus while the student was secured in his seat. Roberts allegedly looked toward a camera, pulled out a spray bottle and sprayed the student’s back.

The affidavit also describes two statements heard on the bus: “I’ll put a gag in your mouth if you don’t knock it off,” and “You’re gonna regret this.”

The detective wrote that investigators could not determine whether Larson or Roberts made those statements.

One of the most significant details in the affidavit came from Roberts’ interview with detectives.

According to investigators, Roberts admitted spraying the student in the face with disinfectant “no more than five times” and allegedly told detectives he did it to “teach him a lesson.”

Roberts also allegedly told investigators he saw Larson spray the student in the face with disinfectant on two occasions for the same reason.

According to the affidavit, Roberts acknowledged that what they had done was wrong because the disinfectant was an irritant that could negatively affect the student’s health. Investigators said Roberts also acknowledged that the student “did not know better due to his disability” and could not speak for himself.

Larson was also interviewed by investigators. According to the affidavit, he told detectives there were no spray bottles containing water on the bus, but there were three bottles containing different cleaning products. Larson then invoked his right to counsel, according to the report.

Deputies later obtained a search warrant for the school bus and recovered a bottle labeled “Morning Fresh, Neutral Disinfectant Cleaner.”

According to the affidavit, the product’s warning label states that it should be kept out of the reach of children and may cause eye and skin irritation.

Investigators determined there was probable cause to charge both men with aggravated child abuse, alleging the student was maliciously punished by being sprayed with the cleaning product.

Both men were arrested and transported to the Sheriff’s Processing Center without incident.

Polk County Public Schools previously confirmed that Larson and Roberts were transportation employees and told families that the two men would no longer have any involvement with the district. The district also notified families at Boswell Elementary and Tenoroc High School because the two employees served those schools as well. 

Homeland Heritage Park Hosting Moonlit Legends Cryptids Expo

Allison
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Homeland Heritage Park Hosting Moonlit Legends Cryptids Expo

Polk County Parks and Rec –

Enter a world where legends come to life! Come learn and experience the lore associated with local and national myths and legendary creatures-all under the moonlight amongst the beautiful grounds of Homeland Heritage Park.

Enjoy monster-themed activities, meet local vendors, and wander through immersive realms themed after mythical beings.

6 to 9 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 3
Homeland Heritage Park
249 Church Ave., Homeland 33847

Event highlights include:
Family-friendly fun | Games and activities | Crafts
*Costume contest at 7:30 p.m. (family-friendly costumes only)

Don’t miss a night of mysterious fun!
For more information call (863) 534-6911.

Auburndale Police Department Celebrates Retirement of Pat O’Neal After More Than 25 Years of Service

Allison
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Auburndale Police Department Celebrates Retirement of Pat O’Neal After More Than 25 Years of Service

A retirement party was held to celebrate the Auburndale Police Department’s very own Pat O’Neal!

Pat began his career with APD as a Public Safety Aide and became someone his colleagues could always count on. In April 2000, he transferred to Code Enforcement, where he spent more than two decades helping keep Auburndale safe, clean, and well-maintained. In 2022, he stepped into a Public Safety Technician role.

Over the course of his career, Pat earned an impressive list of recognitions, including 5 Letters of Appreciation, 10 Member Recognition Reports, 1 Division Commendation, 8 Civilian of the Quarter Awards, 2 Deputy Chief Commendations, 1 Chief’s Commendation, and 2 Civilian Member of the Year Awards.

But Pat’s greatest contribution cannot be measured by awards alone. He was dependable, knowledgeable, hardworking, and always willing to help. If something was broken, Pat could probably fix it. And if Pat couldn’t fix it, well… then we knew it was actually broken.

Thank you, Pat, for your years of dedicated service, your loyalty to the City and APD, and for being someone your colleagues could always count on.

*info courtesy of Auburndale Police Department

One Movie Later: Coyote vs. Acme Is the Must‑See Film Warner Bros. Tried to Bury

Allison
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One Movie Later: Coyote vs. Acme Is the Must‑See Film Warner Bros. Tried to Bury

One Movie Later: Coyote vs. Acme Is the Must‑See Film Warner Bros. Tried to Bury

by James Coulter

Coyote vs. Acme arrives with a backstory almost as looney as its Looney Tunes protagonist. Warner Bros. famously shelved the finished film for a tax write‑off, sparking a wave of public outrage, including a protester in a full Coyote costume picketing outside the studio. After months of backlash, Ketchup Entertainment acquired the movie (as it did The Day the Earth Blew Up), and the “unprofitable” project earned $44 million worldwide, including a strong $15.4 million opening weekend.

But was that success earned? Was the movie actually good? Or did audiences show up purely out of spite?

The story follows Wile E. Coyote, still empty‑handed after 70 years of chasing the Road Runner. Fed up with Acme’s notoriously faulty gadgets, he hires small‑claims lawyer Kevin Avery (played by Will Forte) to sue the corporation. Naturally, the lawsuit uncovers a larger corporate conspiracy, because in 2024, even cartoon coyotes can’t escape corporate cronyism. Will the Coyote finally achieve victory once in his life? And what exactly is Acme trying to hide?

Both Wile E. Coyote and Road Runner are famously silent protagonists, so making either of them a starring role in a theatrical film seems untenable. However, the Coyote overcomes his speech impediment (or rather, lack-of-speech impediment) with plenty of signs and effective pantomime.

It also helps that the silent cartoon protagonist is paired with a not-so-silent live-action actor. Forte nails the weary straight‑man role, bouncing beautifully off the Coyote’s expressive pantomime. Lana Condor brings bright‑eyed optimism as Kevin’s fresh-out-of-law-school niece Paige, while John Cena chews scenery as Buddy Crane, a corporate shark who enjoys humiliating Kevin a little too much.

Visually, the film embraces the spirit of Who Framed Roger Rabbit, blending live‑action and cel‑shaded animation with surprising elegance. Looney Tunes icons pop in throughout…some in major roles, others in clever cameos, including a self‑aware Pepe Le Pew gag that winks at his complicated legacy.

Beneath the slapstick is a surprisingly heartfelt theme about failure and persistence. Wile E. keeps trying despite decades of disaster, and his persistence pushes Kevin to confront his own fear of taking risks. No spoilers, but while the legal drama doesn’t end with the tidy verdict audiences might expect, it offers a series of smaller, meaningful victories that align with the film’s emotional core.

Its social commentary is unexpectedly sharp. The narrative critiques corporate malpractice and the systems that protect it, and given the film’s real‑world history, the parallels between Acme and Warner Bros. are unmistakable. The movie becomes, unintentionally, a satire of the very studio that tried to erase it.

In the end, Coyote vs. Acme is a funny, charming, socially-aware family film that deserved far better than a tax write‑off grave. It may not be the best live-action animation hybrid (Roger Rabbit) or Looney Tunes movie (The Day the Earth Blew Up) or even Looney Tunes live-action movie (Space Jam), but it stands proudly as a film that succeeded, both artistically and commercially, despite the forces working against it.

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