Lakeland led early but couldn’t hold on as Wilson rallied for a 28-22 win Friday in the opening football game of the season for the Cavaliers.

Joe Jones, making his debut as Lakeland’s coach, led 16-0 as his team came out with high energy and executed early before the Presidents scored 28 of the next 34 points.

“We executed well early on,” Jones said. “I was very pleased with the way we came out we did a lot of good things well.”

Jailyn Hawkins and Damarion Jordan both had strong nights rushing for Lakeland (0-1), as it ran the ball 31 times for 187 yards. Quarterback Kione Gremillion went 14-for-26 for 140 yards. On defense, Savion Hart and Jahkeis Sharpe had strong games.

After its early deficit, the Presidents came back, and the Cavs were unable to regain the lead in the  fourth quarter. With many first-time starters, Jones said the lack of experience played a part in the Cavs’ loss.

“I know with the experience we had there was going to be a little bit of complacency we were going to have to fight through,” Jones said. “That’s all a part of the mental toughness stuff that we are working on as a young program, and we feel like we are g\going to get there.”

Lakeland has a bye week this week and faces Oscar Smith Sept. 13.