Lakeland High School Football Dreadnaughts 5A State Champions

Naught Pretty
by Jordan Thurn 

“It started out explosive, then they came out the second half.  Next week we have to do our jobs,” said Isaiah Walker.  The Naughts’ pulled out a 26-21 victory over the St. Cloud Bulldogs in the first round of the 7A Playoffs.  

Lakeland was the first on the board with a 9-yard carry by Taylor Placides with 5:36 left in the first quarter after an interception by John Madden.  Lakeland continued on their next possession with a 33-yard carry by Placides to bring the score to 13-0 with 3:20 left on the clock.  Lakeland scored again with 6:03 remaining in the half when Raheeme Dumas passed to Riquan Southward to score, the Naughts attempt for a two-point conversion failed, leaving the the score 19-0 at half.

The Naughts’ started out the third quarter when Placides carried the ball 14-yards after a defensive interception by DJ Alexander the previous play with 8:10 remaining on the clock, bringing in the Naughts’ last touchdown with a score of 26-0.  The Bulldogs then began to fight back.  St. Cloud passed the ball 37 yards for a touchdown, decreasing the Naughts’ lead to 26-7.  On their next possession, the Bulldogs completed their 5-play drive with a quarterback keeper, bringing the score to 26-14.  After an LHS punt to the SCHS 37, St.Cloud continued their streak with another quarterback keeper, bringing up the final score of 26-21.

Lakeland finished the night with 378 total yards offense to St. Clouds 230.  Placides lead all rushing with 150 net yards on 26 attempts with three touchdowns.  Caleb Hough went 2 for 3 for the night.  Lakeland had three fumbles, two of which were turned over, but picked off three interceptions.  The Naughts’ also had 16 penalties for 170-yards.

“We’re looking forward to next week now that this week is over,” Coach Jeremy Bennett said.  Lakeland will go on to play the Osceola Kowboys next week in the Regional Semifinals of the Playoffs at Bryant Stadium.

Scoring Summary

First Quarter 
LHS — Taylor Placides 8 run (Caleb Hough kick), 5:36 
LHS — Taylor Placides 33 run (kick failed), 3:20 

Second Quarter 
LHS — Ricquan Southward 21 pass from Raheeme Dumas (run failed), 6:03 

Third Quarter 
LHS — Taylor Placides 13 run (Caleb Hough kick), 8:10 
SC — Eric Pfeifer 37 pass from Phillip Steinmetz (Nick Seasey kick), 3:10 
SC — Phillip Steinmetz 1 run (Nick Seasey kick), :22 

Fourth Quarter 
SC — Phillip Steinmentz 12 run (Nick Seasey kick), 8:41

In this edition of Conversations with Coach Castle, you’ll hear from the Dreadnaught head coach Bill Castle and Tight Ends Coach Ronnie Ghent. Coach Castle shares thoughts on Lakeland’s 20th consecutive victory against Kathleen and this Friday night’s rematch with St. Cloud. Coach Ghent shares about his professional football career and what it means to him to be a coach.

Conversations with Coach Bill Castle is shot and edited by Barrett Creative, a Lakeland, Florida based video production, web design and graphic design company.