Seventh-seeded Lakeland High School upset second-seeded I.C. Norcom High School on the road Friday to advance.

As the No. 7 seed in the 3A Region, they upset the No. 2 seed 10-7 win in overtime in what is easily their most impressive win of the season. They were the only seventh seed to win their matchup. Norcom only had one loss coming into their matchup with Lakeland.

More than half of Norcom’s games this season had been decided by seven points or less, and that was the case again on Friday night. Lakeland’s defense played lights out, putting the Cavs in position to win the game.

“I’m so happy for these guys and the coaching staff,” Cavs coach Kevin Knight said. “We are just on cloud nine right now. To go out there in a hostile environment and get the win in the fashion we did was amazing. I’m just so proud of those guys.”

Norcom’s only touchdown came on a blocked field goal return for a touchdown. Lakeland scored on a 66-yard pass from Tyquan Holloman to Damonta Hawkins to tie the score up right before the fourth quarter ended. Knight said he felt like the team had a good chance to win once they tied the game up at 7-7 in the fourth quarter. Lakeland’s defense continued to hold up, and Jared Hyman’s 20-yard field goal in overtime gave the Cavs a three-point victory to advance.

“Everyone was dialed in and focused,” Knight said. “My guys never gave up, and they played hard all the way until the end. It was just unbelievable.”

Knight believes that playing such a tough schedule in the Southeastern District has prepared the Cavs for this moment.

“It definitely was a factor out there for us,” Knight said. “We have been in tough situations all season, and I think playing the type of schedule we have has helped us.”

With one upset checked off of their list, Lakeland will travel to York High School to try to get a win there next. Lakeland will have to be road warriors for the playoffs if they want to make it to the big game.

“I told the guys just go out there and play ball,” Knight said. “Enjoy the moment. We have a new challenge coming up, and we just want to keep this thing going.”

“We have to keep playing our game and doing what we do,” senior DeAndre Faulk said. “We have to stay humble and go get it.”

Lakeland 10, Norcom 7, OT

Lakeland 0 0 0 7 3 — 10

Norcom 0 0 7 0 0 — 7

N—Boykins 94 blocked FG return (kick good)

L—Hawkins 66 pass from Holloman (Hyman kick)

L—Hyman 20 FG