Lakeland Strikes Late to Defeat Lake Mary, 32–13

Lakeland, FL — After a tough road loss to nationally ranked De La Salle, the Lakeland Dreadnaughts returned home Friday night and turned in a commanding performance, pulling away in the fourth quarter to beat Lake Mary 32–13 in a classic Seminole vs. Polk showdown.

Game Flow & Turning Point

First Quarter: Trading Punches

Lakeland struck first when junior QB Kelin Hendrix found senior TE Jasper Hebel for a 21-yard touchdown with 6:30 left in the opening quarter. But Lake Mary answered quickly—Noah Grubbs hit Anthony Totin on a stunning 73-yard touchdown pass, knotting the score and reminding fans of the Rams’ resilient spirit.

Second Quarter: Hendrix Fires Back

Lakeland reclaimed the lead as Hendrix connected with Joseph Howard on a bubble screen pass at the line of scrimmage that turned into a 61-yard touchdown, showing off the QB’s dual-threat ability. Lake Mary remained within range thanks to a 38-yard field goal by Lucas Parker. At halftime, Lakeland led 13–10.

Third Quarter: Stalemate

The Rams appeared poised to take control early in the second half, getting inside the 1-yard line. But two failed attempts, and a penalty for illegal player assist on third down, forced them to settle for another Parker field goal—tying the game at 13 through three quarters.

Fourth Quarter: Hendrix Takes Over

With 8:32 on the clock, Hendrix took over with a 21-yard QB keeper for a go-ahead touchdown. Lakeland’s defense held firm, and the Dreadnaughts clinched the game with a bold 64-yard QB sweep—a daring yet successful play call. Ahnarri Cooper finished off the flurry with a six-yard TD following a Lake Mary fumble on the kickoff, sealing the 32–13 win.

Game-Changing Stats

• Lakeland outscored Lake Mary 19–0 in the fourth quarter, pulling away when the game was on the line.

• Hendrix accounted for 4 total touchdowns—two passing, two rushing—and demonstrated remarkable versatility late in the game.

What Went Wrong for Lake Mary

Despite moving the ball effectively, Lake Mary struggled to deliver in critical moments:

• A gutsy goal-line stop by Lakeland.

• Multiple sacks on Grubbs disrupted their rhythm.

• Missed 36-yard field goal that ricocheted off the upright.

• Missed opportunities in the red zone proved costly.

Coach Marvin Frazier Praises Grit, Trust

Coach Marvin Frazier was candid in his postgame remarks:

“Hats off to Lake Mary. That’s one of the best programs in the state… Top-10 every single year. He [Coach Scott Perry] does a heck of a job.” Tribute to his team follow-through: “We had to show some grinding grit.”

On the decisive 64-yard QB run:

“You’ve got to trust your kids. They called the play in the timeout, and I said, ‘Trust it.’ Hendrix had a hell of a game.”

On his quarterback:

“He’s a special one… the sky’s the limit.”

Hendrix added modestly:

“I try to be balanced… they think I’ll run, but I can throw too… this is just the beginning for us.”

Season Snapshot & Outlook

• Lakeland (2–1) returns to action after a much-needed bye week, riding momentum into a non-conference matchup with Booker T. Washington.

• Lake Mary (2–1) hosts Jacksonville Raines, looking to bounce back before the full swing of district play. Their early-season test against West Osceola and Miami Norland should pay dividends in the long run.

Why This Matters

This game was a measuring stick for both programs:

• Lakeland showed it can compete—and win—after a tough loss in California, especially under high-pressure fourth-quarter conditions.

• Lake Mary’s early-season resilience shone through, but a top-tier program like Lakeland exposed areas that need work. Lake Mary will no doubt bounce back for the rest of the season as they fine tune their game.

Final Score: Lakeland 32, Lake Mary 13