LAKELAND — Lakeland football faced the threat of an upset on Friday night, as Niceville jumped to a 12-point lead early in the third quarter amid a lackluster performance from the Dreadnaughts’ offense. However, as two-time defending state champions, they refused to back down. In an electrifying rematch, the game went to triple overtime, with […]
LAKELAND — Lakeland football faced the threat of an upset on Friday night, as Niceville jumped to a 12-point lead early in the third quarter amid a lackluster performance from the Dreadnaughts’ offense. However, as two-time defending state champions, they refused to back down. In an electrifying rematch, the game went to triple overtime, with the Dreadnaughts halting Jon Bocchino just short at the 2-yard line during a critical two-point conversion attempt, securing a 34-33 triumph on Friday night at Bryant Stadium in the FHSAA Class 5A state semifinals. Lakeland is set to face Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas in the state championship game at 7 p.m. Thursday at Pitbull Stadium in Miami. The Dreadnaughts hold a 5-1 record in title games, having previously won in 1996, 2004, 2005, 2006, and 2018, with their only defeat coming in 2008. “This is my last home game, so all my guys had to go out with a bang,” remarked defensive back Jermichael Gillis. “Nobody put their head down. That’s what I cherish seeing out there. We’re all in this fight together.”Football signings:Here are the 7 Polk County football players who signed in the early signing period
Long-awaited rematch:Nineteen years later, Lakeland-Niceville meet again in Class 5A state semifinals
Lakeland (13-0) increased its winning streak to 19 games, finding heroes in various positions, beginning with lineman Trent Turner.
Having played defensive line throughout the season, Turner took on offensive line duties a few games back and also played running back against Niceville. He clinched the game-winning touchdown with a 4-yard run in the third overtime — marking his first touchdown since little league — and was one of three Dreadnaughts who thwarted Bocchino on the decisive conversion attempt.
“I’ve been there before,” Turner reflected on his experience in the backfield. “I played running back for most of my life (before high school) so I knew how to handle it.”The defense stood out as Lakeland’s offense struggled to gather just 54 yards in the first half. With a 12-0 deficit, Malik Morris forced a fumble that Gillis caught midair, taking it back for a touchdown from just beyond midfield at 5:36 in the third quarter. “I saw Malik come in and strip the ball in the air, and I thought I’ve got to grab that,” Gillis recounted. Lakeland had few significant plays in the game until Morris broke free for a 56-yard touchdown run with 8:44 remaining, propelling the Dreadnaughts to their first lead, 13-12.
That’s when the excitement escalated.
Niceville missed a field goal on their next drive. Then, as Lakeland moved the ball closer to field goal range, Morris fumbled again, giving Niceville the opportunity to recover.
Kane Lafortune responded with a 50-yard completion to advance Niceville down the field and subsequently threw a go-ahead touchdown pass.
Lakeland’s Zander Smith was intercepted on the very first play of the following possession, but the defense rallied to force a punt.
Lakeland’s special teams, known for their remarkable performance this season, stepped up with a pivotal play. Zephaniah Rogers blocked the punt, and Kavon McKinney picked it up, running it in for the game-tying touchdown.
“I had to hold it down for the team,” McKinney commented.
Niceville still had a chance to get into field goal range, yet Logan Karwacki, who successfully kicked two field goals in the first half, missed another chance that sent the game into overtime.
Both teams missed field goals in the first overtime. Lafortune connected with a touchdown pass to Max Roche, putting Niceville ahead, but Smith scrambled in from five yards to equalize, setting the stage for a thrilling finish in the third overtime.
“We experienced many highs and lows, but we found a way to come out on top,” Turner remarked.
