The Lakeland Cavaliers continued their most successful season in years by defeating the Indian River Braves 20-10 on Friday night.

In a game that Cavalier head coach Glenwood Ferebee called “sloppy,” the Cavs were fueled by another amazing game from running back Cedric Johnson and his offensive line.

“We knew what type of running back Cedric(Johnson) was, we just had to get up front and block some people,” said Ferebee of his star running back and offensive line.

Johnson totaled 193 yards and a touchdown on 21 carries for Lakeland, just missing his second 200-yard effort on the season.

The Cavaliers started the game slow, not scoring in the first quarter. The Cavs trailed 3-0 after allowing an Indian River field goal with 1:29 remaining in the first.

Lakeland started to heat up a little in the next quarter behind the legs of Johnson and freshman running back Rackwon Johnson.

Cedric Johnson got the Cavs going on their first drive of the quarter with a 16-yard run to start.

After another 11-yard gain by Cedric Johnson, the Cavaliers had gained another first down, but would stall out in the same series.

An interception by Jaquan Demiel at the 2:31 mark was negated by a roughing the passer penalty on Lakeland. Lakeland still shut Indian River down on the next play, and got the ball at its own 25 yard line.

A 34-yard gain by Cedric Johnson to start the possession was followed by a 22-yard gain by Rackwon Johnson with 53 seconds remaining in the half.

Racing the clock, Cedric Johnson would follow his offensive line into the end zone on a 2-yard touchdown run with 0:29 remaining, giving the Cavaliers a 7-3 lead.

The third quarter would prove to be another quiet one for Lakeland, although they did manage to score another touchdown.

Quarterback Walter Boykins called his own number on a quarterback sneak for a 1-yard touchdown run with 31 seconds remaining in the third quarter. The Cavaliers would miss the extra point.

A touchdown connection from Boykins to wide receiver Donavan Wright secured the victory for the Cavaliers with 8:46 remaining, putting the Cavaliers up 20-3.

Lakeland’s defense allowed 248 total yards on the night and one lone touchdown, coming late in the fourth quarter on a quarterback sneak.

The win improved the Cavaliers record to 5-1 on the season and 4-1 in the Southeastern District. It’s the first time Lakeland has won five games in a season since 2001.

The Cavaliers face Oscar Smith (6-0, 5-0) next week in a matchup of two of the top teams in the Southeastern District. Oscar Smith is tied for first in the district with Great Bridge. The Tigers, the defending state champions in Division 6, are ranked No. 7 in the country by USA Today.