Lakeland stuns the Bulldogs
Published 1:01 am Saturday, October 20, 2018
Lakeland High School got its second win of the season in a shocker over tough rival King’s Fork High School on Friday night.
It was a big win for a Lakeland team that desperately needed a win. Their win Friday broke a five-year losing streak to the Bulldogs. Though Lakeland was at home, many spectators believed Lakeland would put up a fight but ultimately fall to the talented Bulldogs team.
After playing them tough and down to the wire the last couple of seasons, Lakeland was able to grab a 6-0 win at home. The name of the game Friday night was defense. Both teams played well defensively, and it came down to which team could break through.
“We definitely needed this win for our team,” Coach Kevin Knight said. “You get the win however you can.”
Senior Antonio Vaughan had a big night for the Cavs. He scored the team’s only touchdown on an interception. He had 10 tackles to go along with two sacks and a fumble recovery. Natouris Knight added eight tackles, four sacks and a forced fumble. Erick Grant added eight tackles, with six of them being tackles for loss.
“We fed off of Antonio tonight,” Knight said. “He kept us going. He was all over the field. He played amazing out there tonight.”
It was a special night for Lakeland before the game even began, as they dedicated their stadium to late coach Edward Smither. Smither was a former athletic director and football coach for Lakeland. Knight played under Smither and thought that honor couldn’t have gone to a better person.
“He helped me with the game of football and with the game of life,” Knight said. “This win was for him. He is somebody I love and (he had) always been there for me as he has for many other people. To be able to be in the position I am today and get the win on this day was special.”
Lakeland will get ready for Hickory High School, while King’s Fork will get ready for Deep Creek High School. The Bulldogs are 5-3 on the year.