POLK'S PREP PIGSKIN TEAMS MOVIN' ON UP

Congratulations to several Polk County high school football teams that played last night in regional playoff competition.

--- Needless to say, the nation's top ranked Lakeland Dreadnaughts (USA Today poll) shut out Gibsonton East Bay at Bryant Stadium 41-0. They will now visit Tampa Chamberlain Friday in 5-A regional semifinal action.

--- Another Lakeland school, Lake Gibson, defeated Brandon 32-13. They are on the road again Friday at Tampa Wharton. If they win there, it sets the stage for a possible local showdown with Lakeland in a semifinal matchup.

--- A bit of a surprise in 4-A, but the Winter Haven Blue Devils surprised Tampa Hillsborough 21-20 in overtime. The local boys host another Tampa school, Jefferson, next Friday.

--- One up, one down in 3-A. Kathleen's Red Devils eliminated Titusville Astronaut 27-21, and move ahead to an appointment with Hardee of Wauchula. Meanwhile, the only loss for Polk's playoff teams came from Haines City, who dropped a 39-6 decision at Cocoa.

--- In 1-A, Polk County's other defending state champion Fort Meade Miners won at home against Fort Myers Evangalical Christian 21-14, and they host Glades Day of Belle Glades next Friday.

And championships are on the agenda at The Lakeland Center this weekend, as the FHSAA Girls Volleyball Finals wrap up tonight.