Dreadnaughts Decommissioned By Hawks, 45-24.

St. Joseph’s Prep (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) came to Bryant Stadium boasting a football history like few other prep programs across the nation. The Hawks, who entered the game ranked No. 10 in the national SB Live/Sports Illustrated Power 25, have won 22 state championships including four of the last five. The Hawks also have multiple players committed to Division I programs and underclassmen ranked nationally by recruiting services.

As the Dreadnaught Faithful know, Lakeland also has a rich football history. One highlighted by two USA Today National Championships, eight state titles and a former Florida Coach of the Century who leads in all-time wins (Bill Castle).

Lakeland began the game strong taking the lead utilizing some trickery on a wide receiver to running back bomb resulting in a 64-yard touchdown to D’Marius Rucker (RB).

St. Joseph’s Prep countered, including a pick-six on defense, an offensive touchdown pass and a field goal, which helped the Hawks to a 16-14 halftime lead.

The Dreadnaughts orchestrated a drive early in the third quarter which resulted in a field goal and gave Lakeland the lead, 17-16.

Ultimately, the Dreadnaughts doomed themselves with costly penalties and turnovers during a five-minute span in the second half.

St. Joseph’s Prep capitalized on Lakeland’s miscues and dominated the remainder of the game. The Hawks scored quickly, including when Semaj Jones (QB) ran for a 6-yard score; Lakeland’s Zander Smith (QB) threw an interception, and St. Joseph’s Prep executed an 84-yard touchdown drive; Smith fumbled resulting in another Hawks’ score; and the Dreadnaughts fumbled a kickoff yielding a final score by the Hawks. By that time, St. Joseph’s Prep had built an insurmountable 45-17 lead.

The Dreadnaughts did not quit as they scored a final touchdown to close the gap to 45-24.

The Dreadnaughts travel to face Kissimmee Osceola next week. Counting the Kickoff Classic against Armwood, Lakeland will have played multiple state championship programs (Armwood, Miami Norland, St. Joseph’s Prep and Kissimmee Osceola) in all but one game this season. Game time is 7:00 PM on September 15th.