LAKELAND — It was business as usual for Lakeland football as the Dreadnaughts jumped to a 21-point lead in the first quarter, scoring on offense, defense and special teams. Turnovers in the first half, however, prevented an early knockout blow, but Lakeland’s eventual 46-14 victory over Specially Fit Academy (Dover) on Monday night at Bryant Stadium was never in doubt.
It was Lakeland’s first game in 17 days since beating Sumner, 28-0, on Oct. 4. The Dreadnaughts (7-0) misfired at times on offense, but its big-play ability turned the game into a blowout.
Here are three takeaways from Lakeland’s victory.
It shouldn’t be a surprise to Lakeland fans to see linebacker Malik Morris make plays on offense. After all, he rushed for nearly 100 yards in the state championship game last year.
Morris showed that form on his first two carries, both away from the goal line, has he ran for 30 yards and a touchdown on the first carry and 37 yards on his second carry.
“Anything that can help the team, I’m willing to do it,” Morris said.
Morris went into the game with just six carries (for 7 yards, one touchdown) all season as Lakeland coach Marvin Frazier was looking to keep him fresh for the playoffs.
“He’s impressive, man, so we’re gonna keep using him the right way,” Frazier said.
Morris is the leader and backbone of the defense and showed his play-making ability as a linebacker when he returned an interception 30 yards in the third quarter that gave Lakeland a 28-6 lead.
“He ran like a little flat route to the flat,” Morris said. “It bounced off the shoulder. I ended up catching it and scoring.”
As a linebacker, who is rated a four-star by 247Sports, teams have to account for him.
“He calls the defenses,” Frazier said “People kind of stay away from him. They’re going off tackle a lot, but he’s been really solid.”
Shanard Clower gave Lakeland the lead on the game’s opening kickoff as he returned it 98 yards for a touchdown. In the third quarter, Clower, after Specially Fit scored to make it 28-14, returned a punt 62 yards to give Lakeland a three-touchdown lead.
“He’s special,” Frazier said. “If he touches the ball, he can score.”
Although Lakeland lost three fumbles, including two inside the 20-yard line — Morris’ came at the goal line — the Dreadnaughts won the turnover battle as they came up with four interceptions. Keon Young had two interceptions, returning his first pick 50 yards for a score.
Frazier didn’t use the rain as an excuse for the fumbles.
“It’s just a little careless,” he said. “It’s been awhile since we’ve gone live and a body has hit the ball. I think all three fumbles were that way where they just got some contact and it popped right out.”
Lakeland has two district games to end the season, playing Kathleen on Friday. Then, after a week off, the Dreadnaughts will play Sebring on Nov. 6. Frazier said the goal, other than win, of course, is to tighten things up to be ready for the playoffs.
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