For the majority of the first half of the game, Winter Haven appeared poised to end a losing streak to Lakeland which spanned more than three decades.
The game was an eerie scene. Injuries mounted on consecutive drives in the first quarter for the Dreadnaughts as D’Marius Rucker (RB) and Zander Smith (QB) were unable to return. Questionable calls and penalties, as evidenced from Dreadnaught Faithful’s responses, kept Winter Haven in the game until halftime.
The Blue Devils scored first as a result of a special teams’ miscue by the Dreadnaughts. The referee ruled the punted football touched a Lakeland player, and Winter Haven recovered. The Blue Devils capitalized on the drive as John Kostuch (QB) ran for an 11-yard touchdown with more than one minute until halftime. Winter Haven took a 6-0 lead as the extra point attempt failed.
On the ensuing kickoff, Carlos Mitchell (CB) weaved his way through defenders and gave Lakeland field position in Winter Haven territory. The Dreadnaughts completed a four-play drive that ended as Malik Morris (LB) saw offensive duty and scored on a 6-yard run. Lakeland took a 7-6 lead into halftime.
The Dreadnaughts demonstrated their offensive depth in the second half. Lakeland utilized its skill position weapons on offense to increase its lead and secure victory. On the Dreadnaughts’ inaugural possession of the second half, Rick Penick (WR) utilized a trick play and connected with Jayren Dennis (WR) on a beautiful 51-yard touchdown bomb. On the following possession, Lakeland drove for another score as Jadarius Dobie (RB) scampered for a 17-yard touchdown. Dobie also added a 21-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter that concluded scoring for the Dreadnaughts.
Lakeland will travel to Virgil Rammage Stadium and battle Lake Gibson in a key district game at 7:30 PM on Friday, September 29th.