Dreadnaughts Bludgeon the Braves, 21-0.

Though Lakeland went into the game with a new head coach, multiple injuries and inclement weather, it was tradition as usual as the Dreadnaughts defeated Lake Gibson at Virgil Ramage Stadium.

Heading into the contest, Lakeland and Lake Gibson sat as the top two teams in 4S, District 7. The game was a pivotal battle in the standings with the winner as the frontrunner to win the 4S, District 7 title.

With Zander Smith (QB), D’Marius Rucker (RB) and Jordan Henderson (RB) out of game while recovering from injuries, the Dreadnaughts relied on innovative play-calling and their skill position offensive players to score. The first score came when Carlos Mitchell (CB/WR) lined up in the wildcat formation and scampered 43 yards for a touchdown in the first quarter. With more than eight minutes remaining in the second quarter, the Dreadnaughts finalized a two-play drive, begun at the Lake Gibson 42-yard line, as Jadarius Dobie (RB) ran twice for a 33-yard gain and a 9-yard score. Lakeland’s final score of the game happened after the Dreadnaughts made a goal-line stand, followed by the Braves roughing the punter, and Rick Penick (WR) heaved a 79-yard touchdown pass to Jamar Taylor (WR).

Lakeland’s defense swarmed the Braves and stymied every scoring attempt to preserve the shutout.

Due to poor weather and a long delay, the officials called the game with a minute to play in the third quarter. By that point, Lake Gibson was not a threat to win the game as the Dreadnaughts led, 21-0.

After a three-game road tour, Lakeland returns to the friendly orange and black surroundings of Bryant Stadium to take on the undefeated Bartow Yellowjackets at 7:30 PM on October 6th.