Lakeland hosted Bartow during the Class 4S, Region 2 Semi-Final last Friday at Bryant Stadium. The game was deja vu of sorts reminding Dreadnaught fans of the game played on October 5th. Like the prior meeting, Lakeland’s defense dominated and secured the victory which was never in question for the Dreadnaughts.
Lakeland applied tenacious pressure that led to multiple Bartow miscues and shaped the game’s outcome. The Dreadnaughts swarmed the Yellowjackets causing multiple turnovers, including three interceptions [two by Kavon McKinney (CB), one by Josh Smith (LB)], blocked a punt [by Orenthal Tinsley (LB)] and caused high snap miscues on other offensive plays.
Carlos Mitchell (DB) scooped up a fumble and raced 51 yards for the Dreadnaughts’ first score.
The Dreadnaughts’ offense awoke in the second quarter and added to the scoreboard. Zander Smith (QB) plunged for a one-yard touchdown run and completed a 23-yard touchdown pass to Jameson Young (DB) who repped on offense during the contest. These scores led to a 21-0 lead for the Dreadnaughts at halftime.
Bartow’s sole opportunity to stay in the game occurred early in the second half. The Yellowjackets recovered a fumble at Lakeland’s 3-yard line. However, a snap blunder cost them almost 20 yards and led to a missed field goal attempt.
Lakeland would add a final touchdown in the second half when D’Marius Rucker scored on a 4-yard run. He finished the night rushing for 99 yards.
Bartow avoided a second offensive shutout by the Dreadnaughts this season when Blake Johnson (QB) completed an 80-yard touchdown pass to Janius Taylor (RB, WR) in the fourth quarter.
Lakeland will battle Lake Minneola at Bryant Stadium on November 25th in the Class 4S, Region 2 Final. Game time is 7:30 PM.