Suffolk News-Herald

Lakeland faced the top-ranked team in the Southeastern District, Oscar Smith, at home Friday night. From the very beginning, the Tigers took control and wouldn’t let go, all the way to a 69-6 victory.

After four Tiger touchdowns and a field goal, the Cavaliers scored early in the second quarter. Following a 55-yard kick-off return from Dontarius Boone, Lakeland capitalized on the good field position, as quarterback Dontae’ Myrick connected downfield with Jefferey Cook for a 35-yard touchdown-pass.

Cook, a senior, felt his team was capable of a better performance.

&uot;We executed well on that touchdown play, but we should have executed in all four quarters,&uot; he said. After the touchdown, the Tigers continued to dominate the game, bringing the score to 56-6 at the end of the half.

To start the second half, the Cavaliers took the field ready for business. The Lakeland defense stepped up, keeping the Tigers out of the end-zone for almost the entire third quarter.

In the final three minutes of the quarter, the Tigers scored again, bringing the score to 63-6. The rest of the game was positive for the Cavaliers on both ends of the field. The offense was able to make several big plays on the ground, with Dominique Myrick and Cook leading the attack. Despite picking up several first-downs, the Cavaliers were kept out of the endzone.

Also in the fourth quarter, the Cavalier defense made big stops, forcing some tough fourth-down coaching decisions from the Tigers. The Lakeland defense was led by senior Lamont Skeeter, who, at an intimidating 6’2&uot;, kept the opposing Oscar Smith offense at bay.

After the game, Lakeland coach Greg Rountree was proud of his team.

&uot;Everybody just needs to get on the same page,&uot; he said. &uot;For next week, we need to look at some things.&uot;

The Cavaliers will be facing Great Bridge in Chesapeake next Friday.