The Lakeland High School football team kept things close against visiting Indian River High School for a quarter on Friday night, but the Braves began to pull away in the second period on their way to a 48-7 victory.

Cavaliers junior running back Damontra Milteer energized his team with a 46-yard touchdown run that came with 49 seconds remaining in the first quarter, helping make it a 7-7 tied game.

But on the ensuing kickoff, Indian River benefited from a big return to the Lakeland 40-yard line, setting up a short touchdown run and a lead that the Braves would never relinquish.

The Cavaliers gained 158 yards on the ground. Freshman Ricardo Ray carried the ball six times for 94 yards and Milteer carried it the ball 21 times for 75 yards and the touchdown.

Lakeland (2-7) visits Nansemond River High School (6-3) next Friday night to conclude both teams’ regular season schedules.