Dreadnaughts Prey on Eagles, 27-14.

To advance to the FSHAA State Semifinals, Lakeland faced the challenge of traveling to Frank Lough Field to compete against the undefeated Orlando Edgewater Eagles, in addition to navigating contentious officiating.

The Dreadnaughts leveraged all aspects of their team — offense, defense, and special teams — to secure a victory over the Eagles in Orlando.

Orlando Edgewater accumulated 299 yards of total offense, with 281 yards passing and only 19 yards rushing. The Lakeland defense was particularly effective, stopping the Eagles on fourth down within their own territory four times, as well as once at midfield.

Offensively, Lakeland recorded 138 total yards (68 passing, 70 rushing). The team was penalized 11 times for 115 yards, while multiple infractions by Orlando Edgewater were not called by the officials.

On their opening possession, Lakeland executed a 49-yard drive over six (6) plays, including a 12-yard run and a 10-yard touchdown run by Kelin Hendrix (QB), establishing an early 6-0 lead.

Special teams contributed significantly during the second half, as C.J. Cresser (DB) returned the second half kickoff 99 yards for a touchdown, extending the lead to 14-0.

Following an interception thrown by Kelin Hendrix, the Eagles responded with a 45-yard drive, including a 9-yard touchdown pass from Carter Emanuel (QB) to Alexander Rossi (WR).

Early in the fourth quarter, Orlando Edgewater blocked a punt and scored on the subsequent play with a 20-yard pass from Emanuel to Nick Collins, Jr. (DB/WR).

The decisive moment occurred when Joseph Howard (WR) returned the ensuing kickoff 98 yards for a touchdown with 9:56 remaining in the fourth quarter, which ultimately served as the game-winning score.

Dominic Harris Payne (DB) secured the victory with a 60-yard interception return for a touchdown.

Lakeland is scheduled to host the FHSAA State Semifinals at Bryant Stadium on Friday, December 5th at 7:30 PM, marking the fourth consecutive year the Dreadnaughts have reached this stage of the FHSAA Playoffs.