Lakeland Thumps Waterford Kettering 48-33

The Lakeland Eagles thumped Waterford Kettering 48-33 Friday night. In a game that seemed like it was basketball on grass, both teams combined for 11 touchdowns. The Eagles scored first on a 25-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Ross Heiman to Dalton Christie with just 48 seconds to go in 1st quarter for a 6-0 lead.

Anthony Waite scored on a 11-yard screen pass from Heiman with 2:26 left in the half to up the lead to 14-7. After a fumble recovery by Lakeland’s Michael Sullivan with just over a minute in the 1st half, Heiman tossed his third touchdown pass to tight end Brad Govan from 32 yards out. Kicker John Victor converted on the extra point to give the Eagles a 21-7 lead at halftime.

The Eagles fumbled on the first play of the third quarter at their 47 yard line.  Kettering took advantage by scoring on a 47-yard halfback pass to cut the lead to 21-14. The Captains tied to score at 21-21 on a 38 yard pick six on the next Eagle possession.

Lakeland came right back with a 80-yard run by Anthony Waite to give the Eagles a 27-21 lead. Kettering returned the ensuing kickoff 65 yards to tie the score at 27-27 with 9:27 remaining in the 3rd quarter. Junior quarterback Ross Heiman threw his 4th touchdown pass to Beau Whihelm from 34 yards out. John Victor converted the extra point to give the Eagles a 34-27 lead. 

The Captains came right back on a 60-yard touchdown pass with 2:31 remaining in the 3rd. The extra point was no good giving the Eagles 34-33 lead. The Eagles came right back on a 80-yard scamper by junior running back Dalton Christie with 4:14 left in the game to up the lead to 41-33. On a third and one with 1:32 left, Christie broke loose on a 35-yard touchdown run wrapping up the 48-33 win.

With the road victory, the Eagles even their record at 1-1 in the KLAA North Division. Lakeland takes their 3-1 record on the road next Friday as they travel to Waterford Mott.