Lakeland High School achieved its only win last season on its own homecoming night against Hickory High School.

This season, the Cavaliers already had their first win before Friday night, and this time they were the visiting team in their battle against the Hawks, who were celebrating their homecoming night.

Lakeland spoiled the festivities by defeating Hickory 21-7.

“It was a much needed victory,” Cavaliers coach Bryan Potts said. “I actually felt good about it. We did well on both sides of the ball.”

In addition to scoring three touchdowns, the offense did not turn the ball over.

“I was very happy with the way (senior quarterback) Miles (Goodman) protected the football,” Potts said.

“On the defensive side, we had four forced turnovers,” Potts said. “It was a complete shutout from the second quarter on for our defense.”

Lakeland forced a fumble in the first half, and junior defensive back William Barnes grabbed three interceptions during the game.

“It’s actually his second three-interception game,” Potts said, noting the first one was three weeks ago against Oscar Smith High School.

“I always said that our key for our defense is our pass defense,” Potts said.

Hickory got on the board first midway through the first quarter on a five-yard scoring run and held onto a 7-0 lead for most of the half.

But six seconds before halftime, Goodman scored on a 15-yard bootleg route to help tie the game 7-7 midway through.

In the third quarter, Lakeland senior running back Jordan Stokley fueled a drive with seven or eight carries, capping it off with a two-yard touchdown run.

Sophomore wide receiver Alajuwun Langston ran in the contest’s final touchdown from two yards out in the fourth quarter.

Lakeland (2-5) visits Western Branch High School next Friday night.