Dreadnaughts Torpedo Braves, 47-14.

Due to the potential impact of Hurricane Ian, the game between crosstown rivals took place on Monday, September 29th. While rain still affected the contest by delaying its start more than 90 minutes, the weather paled in comparison to the Dreadnaught storm which sank the Braves.

Though the Dreadnaughts’ scoring did not begin until later in the first quarter, the game was never in doubt. On the night, Lakeland amassed 400 yards, including 300 rushing yards, in cruising to a 47-14 victory. D’maruis Rucker (RB) led the offensive assault rushing 11 times for 153 yards and a touchdown. Markell Johnson (RB) also contributed to the dominant ground game with six carries for 75 yards and two touchdowns. Zach Pleuss (QB) managed the offense well, going 6-of-12 for 100 yards,
as he rushed and passed for a total of two touchdowns.

Lakeland’s first scoring drive included 10 plays and 80 yards, culminated by a 9-yard score by D’maruis Rucker.

On Lakeland’s following possession, Zach Pleuss orchestrated a 72-yard drive covering six plays. Tyler Williams (WR) caught two passes for 29 yards, including a 9-yard TD reception with 8:54 remaining in the second quarter. Daidren Zipperer (WR) hauled in a fantastic 42-yard catch on the drive.

The Dreadnaughts scored again prior to halftime. The drive included four plays totaling 62 yards and a 2-yard touchdown run by Zach Pleuss. The score put the Dreadnaughts ahead by a commanding 19-0 lead. Lakeland opened its second half scoring with a drive that ended as Larry Jones (DE) rushed for a 3-yard touchdown and the rout had begun.

Lake Gibson (1-4) failed to consistently move the football against Lakeland’s vaunted defense. Fentrell Graham (RB) led Lake Gibson’s running game, rushing 17 times for 61 yards, including a 17-yard touchdown run. Jackson Akins (QB) was inconsistent as he completed 4-of-11 passes for 77 yards and an interception, climaxed by a 58-yard
touchdown on the final play of the game.

Lakeland now sits atop Class 4S, District 7 with a 4-0 overall record, including 1-0 in Class 4S, District 7. Lakeland will now travel to Bartow Memorial Stadium to face the Yellowjackets at 7:30 PM on October 7th.