Lakeland vs. Niceville Class 5A State Semifinal Live Updates & Results
The Lakeland Dreadnaughts are once again on the brink of another state championship game, but the visiting Niceville Eagles are determined to spoil their party. Tonight, these two powerhouse programs are facing off in a Class 5A state semifinal showdown that will determine who moves on to the state title game. The stakes are high as the winner will go head-to-head with the victor of the opposite semifinal between Manatee and St. Thomas Aquinas.
PREGAME
The atmosphere is electric as Niceville takes on Lakeland at Bryant Stadium in Lakeland. The game is set to kick off at 7:30 p.m., with Lakeland aiming for a third consecutive state championship. Niceville boasts a record of 12-1, while Lakeland enters the game undefeated at 12-0, riding an impressive 18-game winning streak, the longest in the state. Keep an eye on Niceville’s senior quarterback Kane Lafortune, who has showcased his skills with 1,613 passing yards and 13 touchdowns this season. Additionally, senior running back Johnny Lewis Jr. has been a force to reckon with, rushing for 1,117 yards and 13 touchdowns.
Niceville won the coin toss and chose to defer until the second half, giving Lakeland the first possession.
FIRST QUARTER
The game kicks off with Lakeland receiving the ball and setting up at the Niceville 49-yard line after a strong kick return by Jaysean Pritchard. Despite a promising start, Lakeland goes three-and-out and is forced to punt, pinning Niceville deep in their own territory at the 1-yard line. The Eagles struggle to move the ball and are also forced to punt, allowing Lakeland to take over at the Eagles’ 32-yard line.
As the first quarter progresses, both teams battle it out with solid defensive plays, resulting in a scoreless quarter filled with punts. The intensity is palpable as neither team manages to break the deadlock.
SECOND QUARTER
The second quarter brings more action as both teams look to gain the upper hand. Niceville strikes first with a successful 45-yard field goal by Logan Karwacki, taking a 3-0 lead. The Eagles continue to press the attack, moving the ball effectively into Lakeland territory with a hurry-up offense.
However, Lakeland’s defense steps up when it matters most, as defensive back Kavon McKinney makes a crucial interception in the end zone to thwart Niceville’s scoring opportunity. The Dreadnaughts regain possession and attempt to mount a comeback, but the Eagles’ defense holds strong.
As the first half comes to a close, Niceville extends its lead with another field goal by Karwacki, heading into halftime with a 6-0 advantage over Lakeland. The tension is high as both teams head to the locker room to regroup and strategize for the remainder of the game.
Stay tuned for more live updates and thrilling moments as Lakeland and Niceville battle it out for a chance to advance to the Class 5A state championship!
