by Matt Wright
In what felt like a high school game atmosphere, Lakeland opened their 2019 season with a 24-0 victory over Bartlett under the lights at Lions field last night (8.22.19). The Bartlett team was a combined team of Appling Middle School and Elmore Park Middle School.
In what was a memorable sports day for the Lions (football was victorious along with volleyball winning over Elmore Park and ladies soccer defeating Millington), the crowds showed up to enjoy a great evening of weather and Lions football. The smell of the grill at the concession stand, a rainbow overhead and Sweet Caroline by Neil Diamond blaring over the stadium sound system made opening the 2019 season even sweeter (no pun intended).
Lakeland, in their traditional white helmets, light blue jerseys and alternate silver pants, took control early on. Quarterback Hayden Kee (pictured, #2), took off on a 60-yard touchdown run on the 3rd play of the game. Rip Pittman scored the 2 point conversion and the Lions never looked back.
As the game developed, Hayden had two more runs for touchdowns, one for 55 yards and one for 80 yards. Donnell Rogers and CJ Pride added conversions to put the Lions up 24-0. The 80 yard run came off a broken play and the Lion QB showed toughness breaking tackles to get to the outside where it became a footrace to the end zone. Head Coach Tyler White was proud of his QB’s toughness when he commented, “He has a partially torn labrum in his shoulder so he’s been non contact all fall (camp).”
Defensively, Lakeland looked solid. They did a good job keeping containment which limited Bartlett’s big plays to the outside. Bartlett had some success moving the ball in the middle of the field, but the Lion’s defense stepped up when they needed it most to stop Bartlett on 4th downs and keeping them out of the end zone.
Defensively, “Big” Jack Brown had multiple tackles for loss working off the defensive line. Judson Autry also played a great game from his inside linebacker position. Grant Roberson and Shawn Thorpe also stood out, “They were doing what they do on the inside. It’s easy to call plays when you have players like that”, said Coach White.
During halftime, the City of Lakeland 10U tackle football and cheerleading teams were introduced to the crowd.
The Lions continue the season next week with a home game against Arlington.
SEE THE FULL GALLERY OF FOOTBALL IMAGES
Listen to Coach White discuss the game below.
Video Recap of the game.
… Photos and videos by Jim Willis and Matt Wright with Lakeland Currents
