The Polk County high school football scene is set for a major showdown as the Lake Wales Highlanders travel to face the Auburndale Bloodhounds on Friday, September 5, 2025.¹ This highly anticipated non-conference game is scheduled for a 7:30 p.m. ET kickoff at Auburndale High School.² This isn’t just a regular season game; it’s a battle for bragging rights and local supremacy between two football programs with a rich history. The Lake Wales Highlanders, with a perfect 2-0 record, are looking to continue their dominant start to the season after impressive wins against Specially Fit Academy and Ridge Community.³ The Highlanders, who won a state championship in 2022, are a team with a history of success and are known for their physical defense and strong running game. Meanwhile, the Auburndale Bloodhounds, who have an 0-1 record, are eager to get their season back on track after a tough loss to Lakeland. This game promises to be a physical, fast-paced affair, with both teams leaving everything on the field in a classic rivalry.

Here’s what you need to know:
What: Florida High School Football
Game: Lake Wales Highlanders vs Auburndale Bloodhounds
Date/time: Friday, Sept. 5, 2025 — 7:30 p.m. ET
Where: Auburndale, Florida
Watch: Lake Wales vs Auburndale Live (Free Trial)!

Who will win this matchup?

This game is a fascinating clash between two teams with different recent trajectories. The Lake Wales Highlanders are coming into this game with a perfect 2-0 record and a significant win over a tough Ridge Community team, with a final score of 34-6.⁴ This win demonstrates their ability to make big plays and their overall team strength. Lake Wales is a team built on a foundation of a strong running game, a disciplined defense, and a winning tradition. The Auburndale Bloodhounds, with an 0-1 record, are also a formidable opponent.⁵ They are coming off a tough 21-31 loss to Lakeland, a highly-ranked team.⁶ Auburndale will have the home-field advantage and a passionate crowd to fuel their momentum. While Auburndale’s program has a history of success, Lake Wales’s undefeated record, their ability to perform against top-tier competition, and their recent history in this rivalry give them a significant edge. Expect a close and physical battle, but the Highlanders should be able to secure the victory.

Two team records and history

The rivalry between the Lake Wales Highlanders and the Auburndale Bloodhounds is one of the most significant in Polk County high school football. The two teams have a long history of playing each other, with many of their games being highly competitive. In their last meeting in 2024, Lake Wales defeated Auburndale in a 23-0 shutout.⁷ Before that, the Highlanders defeated the Bloodhounds by a score of 42-12 in 2015. The history of this rivalry is marked by close games, with the last three meetings being decided by a combined 12 points. Both programs have a rich history of success, having made numerous deep playoff runs and producing high-level collegiate and professional talent. Lake Wales has won a state championship, while Auburndale has consistently been a top program in the area. This game isn’t just a regular season matchup; it’s a high-stakes rivalry that can determine who is considered the top team in Polk County.

Team Recent Results list, score

The Lake Wales Highlanders and the Auburndale Bloodhounds have had different starts to their 2025 seasons. The Highlanders are undefeated, while the Bloodhounds are looking for their first win of the season.

Lake Wales Highlanders Recent Results

Auburndale Bloodhounds Recent Results

Lake Wales Highlanders team upcoming games schedule

Following their game against the Auburndale Bloodhounds, the Lake Wales Highlanders will face a demanding schedule with several key regional matchups on the horizon.

Auburndale Bloodhounds team upcoming games schedule

The Auburndale Bloodhounds will have a challenging schedule after their contest with the Lake Wales Highlanders, with a number of key in-state matchups as they look to get their first win of the season.