Indians Pow Wow Dreadnaughts in Double OT, 32–25.

Venice outlasted longtime rival Lakeland 32–25 in a dramatic double-overtime battle at Bryant Stadium, sealing the win on the final play of the night.

The Indians opened fast, surging to a 14–0 lead in the first quarter and appearing ready to run away from the Dreadnaughts. Venice scored on its first two possessions — a 4-yard run by Dorien Irving-Jones (RB), followed by an 8-yard touchdown from Mike Blakely (ATH) after a Lakeland interception.

A weather delay struck right as the first quarter ended, and the timing favored Lakeland. The hour-long pause halted Venice’s momentum and gave the Dreadnaughts a chance to regroup.

Midway through the second quarter, Lakeland recovered a fumble and capitalized with an 11-yard touchdown run by Xavion Mitchell (RB). A successful two-point conversion trimmed Venice’s lead to 14–8 heading into halftime.

Venice stumbled out of the break, going three-and-out and punting on its next drive. Lakeland seized control with a 19-yard touchdown run from Rashard Kelly (ATH), taking its first lead of the game at 15–14.

Dorien Irving-Jones responded, powering into the end zone to restore Venice’s lead at 22–15 late in the third quarter.

Lakeland answered again. Kelin Hendrix (QB) kept the ball on a designed run and scored, tying the game at 22–22. Hendrix was the Dreadnaughts’ offensive engine all night, rushing for roughly 150 yards and completing 6 of 9 passes — though two of those throws were intercepted.

Overtime brought chaos. Lakeland’s first possession was derailed by multiple delay-of-game penalties, forcing a 28-yard field-goal attempt that sailed through the uprights.

Lakeland’s Dominick Harris-Payne (CB) broke up a touchdown pass on third down, holding the Indians to a tying field goal during the first overtime.

Venice opened the second overtime on offense, and once again Dominick Harris-Payne delivered a touchdown-saving stop at the goal line on third down. On fourth down, Dorien Irving-Jones muscled in a short run to give Venice the lead for good.

On Lakeland’s final possession, Kymani Reed (DB) intercepted Kelin Hendrix, sealing the Indians’ victory.

Lakeland now heads on the road to face conference rival Osceola on September 11th. The Kowboys defeated Lake Mary 17–9 last Friday. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 PM.