Ahead of their first state title game appearance in 12 years, Lake Gibson is practicing on the field of crosstown rival Lakeland.

They are getting used to the turf.

First year Braves head coach Doug DeMyer dawns a state silver medal.

“It’s special to me, but obviously it would be more special if it was gold,” said DeMyer.

In 2003 and 2004 the Braves finished as state runner-up to Armwood. Defensive coordinator Kyle Sasser was a linebacker on those teams. DeMyer was the offensive coordinator at the time under his dad, Keith.

“We’re not satisfied, we’re not content with just being there,” said DeMyer. “We’ve talked about it since January. We’re here to win a state championship.”

“They told us it was a great feeling being there, but they came up short which wasn’t a good thing for them,” said Lake Gibson running back T.J. Jones. “They just hoping we bring one back for them.”

“It just reminds you that nobody ever remembers the second team, second place,” said Braves linebacker A.J. Deshazor.
Coach DeMyer remembers.

The disappointment has faded, but hasn’t disappeared.

He might finally be able to bury it with the school’s first crown.

Miami Carol City (10-3) is standing in their way. They blew out Lakeland at Bryant Stadium during the regular season 38-7.

“They have a hand full of kids where it doesn’t matter if you get them ball to them in space they’re gonna make things happen,” said DeMyer. “So, we’re very aware of that and schematically we’re going to try to do some things to limit their big plays and make ‘em drive the length of the field.”

“Ya know they’ve got a lot of athletes, but I’d like to say we’ve got a lot of athletes too,” said Deshazor. “We know they’re 10-3. They know we’re undefeated. At the same time, they put on their pads the same way we put on our pads.”

“We’ve talked about the playoffs and broken it down into chapters,” said DeMyer. “We’ve left a mark. We want to leave a legacy. So, we’re on to chapter five. Leave a legacy.”

A legacy DeMyer hopes will including upgrading his silver to gold.

The 6A state championship with be broadcast live on Spectrum Sports, Channel 1147, at 3:00 p.m. Saturday.

Live streaming options here