Lakeland High School’s Cavaliers earned respect Friday night, as they were able to hold a high-powered Oscar Smith offense to 17 points on the Tigers’ home field.

Lakeland had decided to stick to a successful formula from previous weeks. Playing sound football and limiting scoring opportunities has been the Cavs’ key to success in the past two weeks.

Despite not having the offensive output they would have liked, holding the Tigers to 17 points on their home field is something the Cavaliers can build from.

“Our defense was outstanding tonight,” coach Kevin Knight said. “They had the ball in the red zone five times and didn’t score. There were times where they were on the two-yard line and our defense stayed strong.”

Offensively the Cavs were limited to 75 total yards. Standout running back Damontra Milteer had 24 rushes for 64 yards, the first time this season he has not reached 100 yards. Quarterback Tyquan Holloman struggled Friday night, throwing two interceptions.

“We have to score when our defense gets stops,” Milteer said. “All of us have to be on the same page. We missed too many assignments. We will fix this and will be successful the rest of the season.”

For the third straight week, LHS (2-1) didn’t allow a passing touchdown. Throughout the game, LHS had opportunities to take advantage of. Neither team scored in the first quarter and at half Oscar Smith only led 10-0.

“We are never pleased with our effort,” senior Garrett Whitley said. “We always feel we can be a whole lot better. Nobody expected us to hang in there for four quarters like we did. I give credit to our defense for helping us stay in the game.”

The Cavs were not dominated in any phase Friday night. Instead, LHS has earned the respect of those who may not have taken them as a serious contender before Friday night’s game.

“Oscar Smith is a great program, but they respected us after the game,” Knight said. “Even though the scoreboard didn’t reflect it, we earned respect out there Friday.”

LHS (2-1) returns home this Friday against Great Bridge, and the Cavs want to continue to defend their home field.

“We have to protect our house,” Knight said. “Winning our home games helps our chances of getting one in the playoffs.

 

Oscar Smith 0 10 7 0 17

Lakeland 0 0 0 0 0