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Lakeland High on ESPN2 for Friday's game in California

File photo (2008)

Lakeland High coach Bill Castle and the Dreadnaughts travel to Concord, Calif., on Friday.

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By SHANNON LISTON

News Channel 8

Published: September 23, 2009

Updated: 09/24/2009 09:07 am

LAKELAND - Two of the nation's most successful high school football programs square off Friday night in a nationally televised game when the Lakeland Dreadnaughts travel to Concord, Calif., to take on De La Salle High School (10 p.m., ESPN2).

"We're excited for getting the chance to play De La Salle, who's probably the king of all high school football in the nation, " Lakeland High coach Bill Castle said after the Dreadnaughts' practice Tuesday. "They had the 151-game winning streak and won six national titles. They are just an incredible football program."

While De La Salle might traditionally receive more national attention, the Dreadnaughts are ranked 10th in the nation, according to the latest ESPN Rise Fab 50 rankings. The Dreadnaughts also have two national titles of their own. Castle coached in his 400th game last week and Lakeland is coming off a 60-0 rout of Tenoroc.

Lakeland High school athletic director Dan Talbot notes that the game is put on by Paragon Marketing. Talbot says the company picked up the entire bill. He says neither the school nor the Polk County school district incurred any costs.

Fans can head to Natalie's Sports Bar and Grill, 3120 S. Florida Ave., Lakeland for the official watch party.

For more on this big test for the Lakeland Dreadnaughts, watch News Channel 8 Friday at 6 p.m.

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