Dreadnaught fans who follow high school football in Florida knew this would be an opening game unlike another in recent memory. Lakeland, the 2022 4S State Champions, matched up against Miami Norland, the 2022 2S State Semi-Finalists.
The scoring began on the opening kickoff for the Dreadnaughts as Rick Penick (WR) raced 99 yards for the score.
On the following kickoff, a Lakeland defender appeared to make a legal football-jarring hit on the Miami Norland receiver, and the Dreadnaughts recovered. The referee disagreed, and the Viking offense took the field.
From that point, the game became an offensive shootout.
Ennio Yapoor (QB), was spectacular as he led the the Vikings to six touchdowns. He threw for five scores and rushed for another touchdown. Yapoor threw touchdown passes of 58 yards and 30 yards to Jade Card (WR). He also connected Joaquin Reid (WR) for two scores, including touchdowns spanning 20 yards and 30 yards. The Miami Norland QB also pitched a 39-yard touchdown pass to Ivory Aikens (WR). On the ground, Yapoor scrambled for a 7-yard touchdown.
Yapoor’s most impressive play was avoiding a safety to gain a first down and continue a drive. Some in the stands probably wondered if he wore a cape and had an “S” on his chest under his jersey.
Judging from his performance, it is no surprise Yapoor, who is a junior, has scholarship offers from Colorado, Houston and Ole Miss, among others. He is also being recruited by Florida State.
Zander Smith (QB), had a memorable outing for the Dreadnaughts, throwing four touchdown passes of 32 yards, 8 yards, 49 yards and 25 yards. In addition to his kickoff return for a score, Penick caught two touchdowns, including scores of 49 yards and 25 yards. Jamar Taylor Jr. (WR) also contributed to the scoring with a 32-yard touchdown. Jayren Dennis (WR) hauled in an 8-yard touchdown.
In the end, Lakeland fell short on the scoreboard, losing to Norland, 48-34.
The Dreadnaughts look to notch their first win on the road next week against the Largo Packers, who are led by All-American Adarius Hayes (LB), who is committed to the Florida Gators. Game time is 7:30 PM on September 1st.