Lightning postpones Cavs’ ending

Published 7:47 pm Saturday, September 2, 2017

Lakeland High School’s football home opener on Friday was called due to lightning, with the Cavaliers ahead of Wilson High School at the time.

The Cavs and Presidents were unable to finish their game Friday, as officials stopped the game because of significant lighting with nine minutes left to play in the fourth quarter. The teams will resume the rest of the quarter at noon on Labor Day.

Lakeland was leading 18-7 when the game was stopped.

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After both teams showcased a defensive battle in the first quarter, Lakeland finally got on the board in the second quarter. Tyquan Holloman completed a 49-yard pass to Limonta Waters to go up 6-0. A missed extra point kept the score at 6-0.

With seven minutes remaining in the second quarter, Wilson completed a 61-yard pass for a touchdown. It was a result of a miscommunication in the backfield for Lakeland. Wilson made the extra point and went up 7-6 on Lakeland.

Wilson went into halftime holding on to its 7-6 lead.

Lakeland got back on the board again late in the third quarter with a 75-yard pass to Ricardo Ray, which was Holloman’s second touchdown of the evening.

With about five minutes left in the third quarter Lakeland forced a Wilson fumble on the following possession. They took advantage of the turnover by scoring on a 44-yard pass by Holloman, giving the Cavs an 18-7 lead going into the fourth quarter.

Each team had one possession a piece before the final lightning delay, which forced the game to be called.

“I think we looked pretty good, despite the weather,” Cavs coach Kevin Knight said. “Defense played really well, outside of the touchdown we gave up. We were on it out there.”

The Cavs will meet and go over things they can correct and do better for the final nine minutes of play. Knight said the Cavs will approach it as a padded practice.

Lakeland also will be preparing for Indian River High School, which they will play next Friday, so they want to start the week off strong.

Holloman made plays for Lakeland all night Friday. Knight said he has been giving Holloman more responsibility in his third year under center, and the quarterback has stepped up.

Tyriq Rawlings has also stepped in well at running back. At the time of the delay, Rawlings had more than 100 yards rushing.

Lakeland and Wilson will resume the fourth quarter at noon on Monday at home.