It’s only fitting that Auburndale and Bartow would have a competitive game down to the wire, especially since current Auburndale starting quarterback Amari Turner played for Bartow just a year ago.
Up 18-16 with 14 seconds left, freshman defensive end Carmello Harden, who had a defensive touchdown last game, sacked Turner, who was banged up on the play. This sealed the deal and an 18-16 score, which put Bartow at 2-2 on the year.
“I’m proud of the way our guys are moving forward in the right direction. It’s exciting to see,” Bartow head coach Tyler Eden said. “…Played a really good game with Auburndale High School. They are a really good team. … Thomas is doing a phenomenal job over there…”
But it was Bartow that executed first thanks to a 43-yard screen pass reception by Cam Thomas.
Near the end of the second quarter, Auburndale had the ball on the 5-yard line, but the defense recovered a fumble, which cemented a 6-0 lead at the break.
Down 7-6, Bartow immediately responded with an Avis Brown Jr. 62-yard touchdown run to give the Yellow Jackets a 12-7 lead.
The Yellow Jackets then responded with a defensive stop, which led to a Corey Butler slant reception touchdown — his sixth of the year — from quarterback Blake Johnson.
Scores: Live updates: Get Week 5 high school football results from Polk County here
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On the other side, Auburndale linebacker Elijah Dias forced a safety. The Bloodhounds are 2-2 as well.
Lake Gibson 14, Lake Minneola 7
Winning its second game of the year was Lake Gibson, as the program beat Lake Minneola by a touchdown on the road.
Quarterback Collin Henderson threw a 7-yd touchdown to Derrick McBride, while Xavier Norfleet mustered up a 2-yard rushing touchdown.
Defensively,…
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