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Sports

Tailgating at the State Finals: An Armwood Tradition

The pregame tailgating by Armwood High fans and parents at Orlando's Citrus Bowl is becoming a yearly event, just like the football team's dominance.

ORLANDO — The Armwood High Hawks have been to the state football finals five of the past 10 years, including the last two years in a row. They are way beyond the "just happy to be here" mentality. Armwood fans expect their team to win state championships.

"We've been trying to get this done for a few years, now," said Leon McQuay III, father of junior defensive back Leon McQuay II, on Saturday afternoon before his son's team took on Miami Central in this year's Class 6A title tilt. "I think we win by 10 this year."

McQuay knows what he's talking about. This was his second straight trip to the state finals with the Hawks, and Armwood came away with and, unlike last year, a state championship trophy.

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"This year will have better results," said Lonnie Teeling, senior Brandon Teeling's dad, in another correct prediction. "We're a lot more focused this year."

Teeling and his tailgate party all attended Armwood High as youths and understand the Armwood tradition.

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Charlie and Renee Dees, senior offensive lineman Cameron Dees' parents, were on hand with their homemade banner that traveled with them to Las Vegas for the Hawks' early season matchup at Bishop Gorman.

"(Cameron's) an only child," Charlie Dees said. "I don't miss much of anything, be it practice, game, whatever."

Dees, who also tailgated last year in Orlando, remembers last season's loss in the state finals.

"It was horrible, was like watching a train wreck in slow motion and not being able to stop it," he said.

The king of the Armwood tailgating party had to be Marion Covington Jr., otherwise known as "Mr. Hospitality," and father of Hawks teammates Allen and Aaron Covington. Mr. Hospitality whips up some of the most delectable smoked BBQ in the state in his customized, heirloom smoker, passed down to him from Marion Covington Sr.

Greg Newton, father of sophomore Greg Newton II, is a lifetime fan of Mr. Hospitality.

"He's always putting it together," said Newton. "He's there for any neighborhood event, and the food is always delicious."

With a host of top players returning next year, the Hawks are sure to have their sights set on another trip to the state finals. And you can bet the Armwood faithful will be along for the ride.

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