They had a great ride, and they took it further than any other team in school history, helping their coach earn top honors in the region along the way.

But the Lakeland High School Cavaliers finally faced a challenge too big against Phoebus High School last Friday, falling 21-0 in the regional championship game.

We imagine some members of the Cavs football team are having trouble seeing past that final loss of a 7-6 season. But the accomplishments they achieved shine far brighter than the failures.

Coach of the Year honors for Kevin Knight. Six players named to the All-Region team, including three — senior running back Damontra Milteer, senior offensive lineman Garrett Whitley and junior linebacker DeAndre Faulk — named to the first team. Milteer, who was also named Player of the Year for the conference, set a school rushing record. And the Cavaliers went further into the playoffs than any Lakeland team has ever gone.

That’s all heady stuff for the Lakeland boys, and it’s plenty for them to be proud of as they hang up their shoulder pads for the season.

Congratulations, Lakeland High School. You did well, and that’s what folks will remember for years to come.