by Matt Wright
Lakeland Prep continued its success on the gridiron this season as they defeated Crestview (Covington) 42-24 Tuesday evening. The victory marked the Lion’s first playoff win in school history.
Lions running back Javon Slaton helped propel an offensive attack with 4 rushing touchdowns while the defense shut down the Charger’s ground game, especially in the 2nd half. Lakeland Prep Head Coach, Tyler White, said he was proud of the way his team responded after halftime when the Lions held a slight lead of 20-16. “We were in a battle with a really good team, and they came out in the second half and really played well,” Coach White said.
Coach White praised his running back’s performance saying, ”Offensively, Javon Slaton made plays like he has all season. He slipped out the backside on power a couple of times and it really hurt (Crestview)”.
The defense also stood out for the Lions on the cool and comfortable October night when Chase Buckalew caused a fumble near the goal line when Crestview was threatening to score in the first quarter. “I thought our defensive line played well. Lee Mills, Aidan Beavers, Linken Lohnes, Colten Kirby and Jackson Bush started really disrupting things up front and it allowed Zeke Schulz, Will Britt, and Caden Starnes to really go to work,” Coach White said about his defense.
Prep started to pull away from the visiting Chargers with 25 seconds left in the 3rd quarter when Slaton got loose on a 90 yard touchdown run. Coach White also said he was pleasantly surprised with their passing game, something that’s been developing all season. “We’ve been really focusing on that the past couple of weeks and TJ (Jenkins) and Will (Britt) both have the ability to put the ball downfield,” he said. The passing game development showed in the 4th quarter when Lion’s Quarterback TJ Jenkins threw a touchdown pass to Caden Starnes, extending the lead to 34-16. Backup quarterback Will Britt came in late and threw another touchdown pass, this time to Bret Godwin with 1:38 left in the game.
Prep turns its attention now to Brighton, widely regarded as one of the top teams in the state. Lakeland will travel to Brighton next week for the playoff game. But for now, the Lion’s are enjoying their first playoff victory and the well-deserved accolades it has received.
“I’m just really excited for our guys. To get the first playoff football win in school history means a lot. I think it’s something they will never forget.” Coach White said.
