BARTOW — The Bartow High School football team showcased resilience and determination on Thursday night as they defeated Haines City 28-6 during their Homecoming celebration at Memorial Stadium. Despite facing a lightning delay and the distractions that accompany Homecoming festivities, head coach Grady Morrell focused on maximizing the potential of senior quarterback Amire Hall.
The game began with a sluggish pace, as both teams struggled to find their rhythm. Bartow managed to take a narrow lead into halftime, with a score of 7-6. Hall connected with senior wide receiver Kenyon Helms for a 27-yard touchdown pass, while Haines City responded with a 10-play drive culminating in a 1-yard touchdown run by senior fullback Dayren Rosa. However, the Hornets missed the extra point, leaving Bartow with a slim advantage.
At halftime, Hall delivered an impassioned speech to his teammates, emphasizing their athleticism and capability to exploit Haines City’s defense. This motivational boost proved effective as Bartow came out strong in the second half. On their first drive, Hall threw a 12-yard touchdown pass to senior receiver JoKobie Terry, extending the lead. The offense continued to shine, with Hall later connecting with Helms for another touchdown, followed by a 21-yard touchdown run by Hall himself to seal the victory.
“I’m extremely proud of the guys. (I’m) always proud when you can get a W. But we didn’t come out and play our brand of football from the beginning,” Morrell reflected on the game. “Homecoming always brings an extra couple of things that kind of veer your focus from making sure we do the right things. But the guys stepped up. You can’t complain about that score.”
In addition to the offensive efforts, Bartow's defensive line played a crucial role in the win. Nose tackle Carmello Harden was particularly impactful, consistently applying pressure and allowing his fellow linemen—Brysn Walters, Dajon Tollie, and Nate Donald—to contribute effectively. Their performance helped contain Haines City’s offense, which struggled to find consistency throughout the game.
Despite the loss, Haines City had some bright spots, including receiver Blake Herrington, who made several impressive catches from quarterback Jomar Lopez. The Hornets will look to regroup as they prepare for their next matchup against George Jenkins on September 11.
With this victory, Bartow improves to a 2-1 record and looks forward to their upcoming game against Auburndale. As the season progresses, the team aims to build on this momentum and refine their performance in pursuit of their goals.
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