For the first time this season, Winter Haven will have a chance to prove themselves in a conference matchup. They will look to defend their home field on Friday against the Haines City Hornets at 7:30 p.m. Haines City took a loss in their last game and will be looking to turn the tables on Winter Haven, who comes in off a win.
Last Friday, Winter Haven earned a 29-16 win over Palm Beach Lakes.
Winter Haven's victory was a true team effort, with many players turning in solid performances. Perhaps the best among them was Michael Kearney Iii, who rushed for 125 yards, and also threw for 61 yards and one touchdown. Matwain Bryant got in on the action as well, converting a pick into a touchdown.
They were just one part of a punishing run game: Winter Haven was unstoppable on the ground and finished the game with 243 rushing yards. That's the most rushing yards they've managed all season.
Winter Haven didn't go easy on the quarterback and picked off two passes before the game was over. The picks came courtesy of Bryant and Tammarion Street. Vario McBride was another major factor on D, picking up two sacks and making 12 total tackles (5.0 for loss).
Meanwhile, there was early excitement for Haines City after they claimed the first score on Friday, but it was Poinciana who ended up claiming the real prize. The Hornets came up short against the Eagles, falling 36-13. The Hornets have now taken an 'L' in back-to-back games.
Winter Haven will need to focus on slowing down Dylan Rosario, one of several Haines City players who made an impact when they last played. He rushed for 88 yards and one TD.
Winter Haven pushed their record up to 3-1 with the win, which was their third straight on the road. Those road victories came thanks in part to their offensive performance across that stretch, as they averaged 36.3 points over those games. As for Haines City, their loss dropped their record down to 1-4.
Winter Haven couldn't quite get it done against Haines City in their previous matchup back in September of 2024 as they fell 20-7. Will the Blue Devils have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check MaxPreps after the match for a full breakdown of the game, commentary, and other football content.
