Lakeland High School made history Friday night with its 42-28 defeat of Tabb High School in the 3A East regional semifinals.

This Lakeland team (7-5) has become the first team in program history to win two playoff games in one season. After a win over the Tabb Tigers, the Cavs will be playing in their first regional championship ever.

“This is a great feeling,” Cavs coach Kevin Knight said. “The first half was not the prettiest, but we responded in the second half, and I’m proud of those guys.”

In the first half, the game was back and forth. After the first quarter, the game was tied 14-14. When Tabb played against Park View last week, they rushed for more than 400 yards, so the Cavs went into the game expecting a heavy rushing attack. But Tabb got on the board first with a 53-yard touchdown pass.

Both teams went into the half tied at 21. The Cavs had allowed 50-plus-yard touchdowns through the air.

“I told the guys at halftime that I wanted to see that team we played like last week,” Knight said. “My coaches did a great job adjusting at halftime. Those got on the board and went to work. They made some great adjustments. I’m proud of my staff and how those guys got it right for us.”

Senior Damontra Milteer, conference player of the year, had a big night again for the Cavs. After rushing for 253 yards last week against Poquoson, he came back with 196 yards and three touchdowns against the Tigers. Tyquan Holloman added a rushing touchdown and a passing touchdown. Nashun Overton added 103 all-purpose yards and a touchdown.

“This win was big for us,” Cavs senior Riley Richardson said. “We fought hard all four quarters to come up with the big win. If we keep focusing on our assignments and do our job like we been doing, we can continue to be successful.”

One thing is for certain, and that is Lakeland will be in the regional championship. They will play Phoebus High School at Darling Stadium in Hampton to face the Phantoms. The time and date will be announced.

For now, the Cavs will enjoy being a part of history and continue to prepare to make more.

“We’ve had our ups and our downs, but as a Lakeland guy, it feels great to be a part of this,” Knight said. “Lakeland taught me so much as a player. Now I’m able to coach the team and help make history.”

“I’m glad I’m able to be a part of this team that has come this far,” Overton said.

(7) Tabb 14 7 7 7 — 28

(3) Lakeland 14 7 7 14 — 42

T-Bagwell 53 pass from Marks (Shorb kick)

L-Milteer 47 run (Knight kick)

T-Smith 3 run (Shorb kick)

L-Milteer 10 run (Knight kick)

L-Overton 34 pass from Holloman (Knight kick)

T-Bagwell 60 pass from Marks (Shorb kick)

L-Milteer 12 run (Knight kick)

T-Gray 2 run (Shorb kick)

L-Holloman 1 run (Knight kick)

L-Ray 10 run (Knight kick)

Lakeland Stats:

D.Milteer: 27Rushes 196YDS 3TDS

Holloman: 9Rushes 52YDS 1TD, 11Passes 138 1TD

Overton: 103 All Purpose 1 Rec TD

Ray: 33 All Purpose 1 Rush TD