The King’s Fork High School football team took a 36-6 win over Lakeland High School to go to 2-1 on the year.

Two of Suffolk’s three public schools met at Lakeland on Friday for the first rivalry showdown of the season. The Bulldogs didn’t have any problems going on the road to Lakeland and coming out with a win. Even though Bulldogs Coach Kermit Buggs and Lakeland Coach Joe Jones were new to the Suffolk rivalry, in particular, the players on the field weren’t, as some grew up playing with one another and even played at the opposing school at one point.

King’s Fork got things started in the first quarter jumping off to a 14-0 lead. Buggs said it was a point to come out early and execute, and the Bulldogs did that, getting scores from Kahari Rodgers and Natouris Knight. In the second quarter, they added another score to shut out Lakeland at the half 20-0. In the second half, the Bulldogs remained in control of the game, even though Lakeland was able to get a touchdown on a pass from Kione Germillion to Clyde Barden.

“I think the kids competed well,” Buggs said. “There were some things we felt like we could have done better, but overall I felt good about what we showed. The defense was very good again. The coverage was good, and we were able to put pressure on the quarterback.”

Leonta Johnson finished 11-18 for 188 yards to go with three passing touchdowns and two interceptions for the Bulldogs. Daijon Richardson added a touchdown on a 67-yard reception. The defense added two interceptions, with Knight and Jamari Simmons each grabbing one.

Lakeland went to 0-3 on the year; however, Jones will continue to instill confidence into his young Lakeland team. There were some positives for the Cavs on both sides of the ball.

“We want to continue to work hard and grow mentally,” Jones said. “We feel like we are going to turn this thing around. We have more games in front of us than we have already played. So by no means, because we are 0-3, is this a done deal. We are just going to put our head down and keep working.”

King’s Fork will look to go to 3-1 on the season when they go on the road to take on Western Branch High School next. Lakeland will host Grassfield High School on Friday.