A Sinking Finish
by Jordan Thurn
“Anything is possible,” Alec Nutting said with 1:07 remaining in the fourth quarter. Though their success this season despite the FHSAA controversy seemed a miracle, the Naughts’ couldn’t pull out a win this time; with both teams undefeated, the game in Jacksonville against First Coast was sure to be one of the hardest the Naughts’ had played yet. The game ended 14-24 in favor of First Coast who will advance to the State Championship game against Manatee.
The Naughts’ were the first out of the gate, when Raheeme Dumas carried the ball 14 yards on a quarterback keeper, to score with 9:03 on the clock, giving the Naughts the only lead they would have all game, 7-0. The Buccaneers shot back their following possession to score with 3:44 remaining in the first, tying the game 7-7. Taylor Placides then fumbled the ball which was turned over to the Buccaneers on the LHS 20 on a questionable call. On a 3rd and 10 pass, defensive back Tre’ Dempsey intercepted, but a flag on the Naughts let First Coast keep the ball and gave it to them 8-yards from the end zone. First coast scored with 21 seconds left in the quarter, giving them the lead 14-7.
To begin the second quarter, Lakeland scored on a pass from Dumas to Ian Bacon, with 9:07 remaining in the half, to gain 51-yards and tie up the game 14-14. “This game was a roller coaster ride with a lot of ups and downs,” Brian Messer said. First coast would go on to clinch a lead they wouldn’t lose with 3:42 left in the half when they kicked a field goal to give them the lead 14-17 where it would remain until after half.
Lakeland fought back, picking up first down after first down, going as far as the 13-yard line to be held by the Buccaneers. First Coast scored one more time after a fumble, which was picked up and carried to the end zone for a First Coast touchdown, closing out all scoring 14-24.
Lakeland ended the game with 293 offensive yards to First Coast’s 198. The Naughts’ rushed for 141 and Dumas helped to gain 152 yards passing. Lakeland had six penalties for 43 yards compared to Jacksonville’s four for 43. Caleb Hough went two for two. Taylor Placides lead all rushing and Ricquan Southward lead all receiving for the Naughts’
“You guys have to carry on the tradition,” Nutting said to underclass Offensive linemen in their last huddle after the game. Lakeland finished their season 13-1, winning truly is a tradition.
In this edition of Conversations with Coach Castle, you’ll hear from the Dreadnaught head coach Bill Castle, Running Back Forrest Cunningham, Quarterback Raheeme Dumas and Offensive Lineman Kendall Thurn. Coach Castle shares thoughts on the victory against Tam-a-Gaither and this Friday’s Semi-Final battle against Jacksonville-First Coast. The players talk about what they’ve learned through the Lakeland program and their future goals.
Conversations with Coach Bill Castle is shot and edited by Barrett Creative, a Lakeland, Florida based video production, web design and graphic design company.
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