CHESAPEAKE — Deep Creek’s defense, the weather and injuries stopped Lakeland’s offense in its tracks Friday night. The Cavaliers had totaled 85 points in its last two times out, both victories, but instead of getting to a winning record in the Southeastern District, Lakeland (3-5, 3-4) was shut out 13-0 by the Hornets (2-6, 2-5).

The game was played in a moderate, but steady, rain. With Lakeland’s usual spread passing game hampered by the conditions, running the ball more would’ve been the normal plan of attack.

Unfortunately for the Cavaliers, their main option on the ground, Cedric Johnson, was out injured after suffering a leg injury last Friday night. Johnson had totaled 490 rushing yards in Lakeland’s last two games.

Deep Creek took advantage of both situations, holding Lakeland quarterback Neil McKoy to 5-for-21 passing for 58 yards and Lakeland’s rushing game to 79 yards. More vital for the Hornet victory were four Lakeland turnovers.

Lakeland had its opportunities to take advantage of Deep Creek mistakes as well though. The first snap of the game, with the Hornets setting up on their 20, was fumbled and Eric Lee recovered it for the Cavs at the DC 19.

After three plays, and only two yards gained, Jake Estienne’s 36-yard field goal try was blocked.

As the rest of the night played out, that would be Lakeland’s closest chance for a score. Deep Creek relied on its running game all night with tailback Charles Arnold and fullback Charles Thigpen carrying most of the load.

The Hornets got on the board in the third period with a grinding drive. Arnold and Thigpen totaled 54 of the drive’s 55 yards with Arnold scoring on a 8-yard run. Deep Creek led 7-0 with 4:30 left in the third period.

Lakeland tried to answer as Dontarius Boone carried on plays of 17 yards and 13 yards to get to the DC 35. Boone fumbled on his next carry and had to fall on the ball for an 8-yard loss. Now needing long yardage, the Cavs tried to go to the air, but the next two attempts were incomplete and the Cavaliers punted.

Lakeland’s defense held and the Cavaliers started their next possession near midfield. On the first play, a handoff between McKoy and Boone wound up on the turf and the Hornets recovered.

From there, the Hornets slogged through the mud to get a two-possession lead. Thigpen scored on a 4-yard run to make it 13-0 with 7:48 left.

In addition to Johnson being unable to play, starting center Eric Reynolds was out and Devante’ Dukes, who was injured himself, said Lakeland head coach Glenwood Ferebee, had to play center, “because there was no one else left to do it,” said Ferebee.

Justin Kee, a two-way lineman and one of the Cavalier captains, suffered a neck injury on the extra point following Deep Creek’s first touchdown. He had to be taken away by ambulance.

Ferebee said while obviously the injuries hurt, he didn’t blame anything on the injuries or the weather.

“(Deep Creek) just made more plays than we did,” said Ferebee.

Boone finished with 87 yards on 17 carries. JaQuan Demiel caught three passes for 27 yards.

Lakeland plays its final home game of the season this coming Friday, hosting Indian River.