LAKE WALES HIGHLANDERS

The most notable change from last year for Lake Wales isn’t on the field. It’s on the sideline. Lake Wales coach Tavaris Johnson added more than 80 years of coaching experience with the addition of Brad Metheny, who was the defensive coordinator under Rod Shafer for two years in the mid-’90s, Bob Urwin, who is in his third stint as a Lake Wales assistant, and Rod Jamison, a former head coach at Jenkins and Fort Meade. “I feel like we definitely increased our level of coaching by adding some wisdom to the staff,” Johnson said. OFFENSE Metheny will run the offense, and the strength should be at the skill positions. Sophomore Johnny Richardson averaged 7.1 yards per carry as a freshman and could emerge as one of the top backs in the county. Jonathan Roberson will see a lot of action. Terrence Barfield Jr., whose father was a 1,000-yard rusher for the Highlanders in the late ’90s, will see time at running back and receiver, lining up in the backfield or lining up in the slot. Brenton Williams and Tony Medina lead a deep receiving corps. The quarterback battle is between senior Jeriah Henry and sophomore Chayil Garnett. Both are similar styles and have good arms. The key will be if the offensive line develops, led by Lyle Hiers (6-2, 235) and Willie Jackson (6-3, 265). “Offensively, we have a lot of depth at the skill positions,” Johnson said. “Johnny Richardson, he’s very elusive. He can be a threat in space. He’s a tough runner.” LAKE WALES (All Games At 7:30 p.m.) Aug. 18: at Kathleen Aug.25: St. Cloud Sept. 1: Okeechobee Sept. 8: at Haines City Sept. 15: Lake Gibson Sept. 22: Bye Sept. 29: Nature Coast Oct. 6: Winter Haven. Oct. 13: at Lake Region Oct. 20: at Sebring Oct. 27: Auburndale Nov. 3: at Bartow DEFENSE The Highlanders return about four starters on defense, and the strength could be centered at linebacker, led by the hard-hitting Daniel Alvarez and junior Willie Knighton, along with Sean and Joel Hadley. Knighton had impressive performances during the summer at four invite-only camps. Lucny Jean (6-2, 235) and Malcolm Smith (5-8, 250) anchor the defensive line. Williams also is expected to see time at defensive end and could cause a lot of problems for quarterbacks with his pass rushing. Barfield at cornerback and Michael Head at safety will help lead the secondary. OUTLOOK The Highlanders should be considerably improved from last year’s 1-8 season. Individually, they have strong, young talent at key positions on offense and defense. The key will be harnessing that talent into success on the field and developing the offensive and defensive lines. Lake Wales should move back over .500 and contend for a playoff spot. The coaching additions should pay dividends. HEAD COACH Tavaris Johnson (3rd year, 11-9). COACHING STAFF Brad Metheny (OC), Bob Urwin (DC), Rashaad Pugh (QB/WR), Harry Agee (RB), (OL), Rod Jamison (QC), Josh Hopkins (OL), Mike Settles Jr. (DL), J.T. Swanson (OL), Chris Ford (LB), Quamel Johnson (DB), Terrell Davis (DL), J.P. Williamson (OL), Kenny Williams (WR), Maikon Bonani (K/P), Marcelo Bonani (K/P). 2016 RECORD 1-8 (1-3 in district). LAST TIME IN PLAYOFFS 2014, lost to Riverview Spoto 42-6 in regional quarterfinals. HOME FIELD Legion Field. PLAYERS TO WATCH WR Brenton Williams (6-5, 205, Sr.), RB/WR/CB Terrence Barfield Jr. (6-2, 280, Sr.), WR/DB Tony Medina (5-9, 165, Jr.), OL Malcolm Smith (6-0, 170, Sr.), RB Johnny Richardson (5-9, 170, So.), LB Willie Knighton (6-1, 220, Jr.).

LAKE WALES HIGHLANDERS

Photo Credit: Lake Wales High School Athletics

Contact Us