Highlanders Fall Short in Important District Game

Hopes for a District 6A-7 championship faded Friday night for the Lake Wales Highlanders football squad lost a defensive battle, falling to the undefeated Auburndale Bloodhounds by a 14-8 score at Legion Field. Auburndale is now in control of the district race, sitting comfortably atop the standings at 3-0. The Highlanders fall to 1-1, with two important games remaining.

The local team still has hopes of a playoff berth in the Region based upon final standings and scores among the various schools. Four additional non-title teams will earn playoff spots.

In Friday's game the Highlanders defense successfully shut down the vaunted passing attack of the Bloodhounds quarterback Zach Tanner, who had racked up over 1,000 yards during the season. Both Auburndale touchdowns came on the ground. Lake Wales' lone touchdown can on a 4th quarter drive after trailing by 14 points. The comback effort in the last 6:30 of the game fell short.

The Highlanders will travel for the remainder of their regular season, visiting Palm Bay Heritage, Kissimmee Gateway, and traditional rival Bartow in the coming three Fridays. The first two games are district tilts.