Spartans Spear the Dreadnaughts, 10-6.

The contest between two storied national programs, the Lakeland Dreadnaughts and De La Salle Spartans, unfolded as an epic defensive clash.

This second meeting between Lakeland and De La Salle, both played in California, was opposite end of the spectrum from their previous clash in 2009. The Dreadnaughts defeated the Spartans, 31-30 in overtime, by stopping De La Salle’s two-point conversion to end the game.

Though these teams possess elite speed on the offensive side of the football, offensive scoring and highlight-reel offensive plays were scarce. Both teams tallied 372 yards of total offense, 200 yards for the Spartans and 172 yards for the Dreadnaughts, often the offensive output for each team during a game.

The sole offensive touchdown was the difference. De La Salle escaped its home field in Concord, California, with a 10-6 victory due to a 79-yard drive, concluded by a 6-yard touchdown run by Deuce Jones-Drew (RB) with 2:40 remaining in the fourth quarter.

The Spartans’ only other score, a field goal which gave them a 3-point halftime advantage, was the result of a 25-play, 99-yard scoring drive. Remarkable that Lakeland was able to limit De La Salle to only a field goal on such a time-consuming, physical scoring drive.

Lakeland’s defense provided the only points scored for the Dreadnaughts. For the second time in as many outings, Ziggy Riley (LB) scored a touchdown when he scooped a turnover and raced 71 yards for a touchdown. The score gave Lakeland a 6-3 lead in the third quarter. Unfortunately, the points would not be enough to secure a victory.

The trip to California was beneficial beyond football for the Dreadnaughts. They were able to experience the San Francisco Bay Area during a four-day stay. Lakeland players traveled to San Francisco and visited Alcatraz, Pier 39, the Golden Gate Bridge, among other historic locations.

The Dreadnaughts open their home schedule against the Lake Mary Rams on September 5th. Kickoff is set for 7:30 PM. The Rams are 2-0 having beaten the Osceola Kowboys, 17-12, last Friday.