Winter Haven Blue Devils Celebrate Back-to-Back Wins with 35-0 Shutout!

Winter Haven Blue Devils Celebrate Back-to-Back Wins with 35-0 Shutout!

Winter Haven’s high school football team is off to a blazing start this season, following up their opener with a dominant performance against Lake Region. On Thursday night, the Blue Devils claimed a resounding 35-0 victory at Lake Region’s Field of Thunder. This win not only marks their second victory of the season but also doubles their win total from the previous year, when they finished in a tough spot with a 1-9 record. Coach Carl White expressed his relief and satisfaction, emphasizing the importance of this turnaround after a challenging season.

This recent success is particularly noteworthy, considering Winter Haven’s first two opponents—Zephyrhills Christian and Lake Region—had a combined record of just 1-19 last year, as highlighted by The Ledger. Nonetheless, the Blue Devils are embracing their newfound momentum as they prepare to face the formidable Kissimmee Osceola, last season’s Class 6A state runner-up, boasting a 12-3 record.

Defensive Dominance

Winter Haven’s defense has been the star of the show, recording a second consecutive shutout and outscoring opponents 80-0 so far this season. The defensive front has proven to be a wall, forcing five turnovers against Lake Region alone. Standout junior Kamare Campbell shined with two interceptions, returning one for a touchdown — a feat that demonstrates the rising talent within the team.

On the other side of the ball, quarterback Mike Kearney III may not have thrown for many yards—just 36—yet he scored three touchdowns, showcasing the effectiveness of a ground-focused offense. The Blue Devils amassed a total of 160 yards, with 124 coming from their rushing game. Andrew Simpson led this charge, contributing 47 yards on eight carries, supported by freshman Jakari Faniel, who scored a touchdown in the third quarter with 29 yards on six carries. This kind of production bodes well for a team that averaged just 12 points per game last season, as recorded by Florida Gridiron Preps.

Looking Ahead

The upcoming matchup against Kissimmee Osceola will be a true test of Winter Haven’s mettle. With the Blue Devils fighting hard to establish a foothold in Florida high school football—an arena packed with exhilarating competition and spirited community support—there’s no doubt that fans will be keenly following their progress. The importance of scores can’t be overstated; they play a significant role in playoff eligibility, rankings, and even provide exposure for young athletes to college recruiters, as detailed by Florida High School Football.

So, what’s the takeaway here? The Blue Devils are no longer the team struggling at the bottom of the rankings. With a fresh approach and strong performances, they’re showing that there’s life in this program yet. As they look toward future games, not just against Osceola but throughout the season, the community remains hopeful and excited. Stay tuned for what promises to be an electrifying season for Winter Haven football!