Lakeland Storms Bartow, 40-7.

Thunderstorms postponed the game for more than two hours, but the wait did not slow Lakeland. The Dreadnaughts fired on all cylinders from the opening kickoff until the contest ended shortly before halftime when sparks flew and the lights went out at Bartow Memorial Stadium.

The Dreadnaughts used a relentless aerial assault led by Kelin Hendrix (QB) to overwhelm the Yellowjackets. Lakeland’s signal-caller was outstanding, completing 10 of 13 passes for 229 yards and four touchdowns.

Cam Fuse (WR) led Lakeland’s receiving corps with two touchdown catches, including a 53-yard bomb and a 10-yard score. Joseph Howard (WR) added a 22-yard touchdown reception, while Armani Morris (WR) hauled in a 12-yard scoring pass. The Dreadnaughts generated other explosive plays through the air, including a 61-yard completion to Joseph Howard (WR) and a 46-yard strike to Rashad Kelly (WR).

Xavion Mitchell (RB) paced the Lakeland ground game with 73 yards on nine carries and added a touchdown. Kelin Hendrix (QB) also scored on a one-yard quarterback sneak in the second quarter.

Lakeland raced to a 21-0 lead by the end of the first quarter, putting Bartow in a deficit it never threatened to overcome.

The Yellowjackets cut the lead in the second quarter when Amire Hall (QB) escaped pressure and delivered an underhanded toss to Erik Koshinski (WR), who turned the improvised play into a 53-yard touchdown.

Aside from that sandlot-style scoring play, Lakeland’s defense dominated the Yellowjackets’ offense.
With the victory, Lakeland clinched the District 5A-6 championship, securing the head-to-head tiebreaker over Sebring after defeating the Blue Streaks earlier this season.

The Dreadnaughts will host cross-town rival Lake Gibson in a District 5A-6 showdown next Thursday at Bryant Stadium. The Braves enter the contest with a 5-3 record following a 32-29 victory over Auburndale last Friday. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 PM.