Lakeside rebounded nicely from a difficult jamboree loss last week as they drilled Ringgold (0-1) 66-0 on Friday night.
Lakeside head coach Jason McClendon said the familiarity between the teams worked well to motivate his team.
“We were playing a rival, it was a real game, the kids were definitely excited from the start,” McClendon said. “When the games count it’s not hard to get the players up for that.”
The Warriors played an excellent game all around, particularly the offensive line as they opened up lanes for standout running back Jacquez Lott.
“Our offensive line was ery physical, opening holes for us,” McClendon said. “Lott had a great game, he was physical and got us going.”
Lott ran for 84 yards on 11 carries and scored three touchdowns on the night.
Quarterback Jordan Preuett also excelled on opening night for the Warriors. Preuett was 7-13 through the air for 176 yards and two touchdowns and added a rushing touchdown for good measure.
“Jordan threw the ball well,” McClendon said. “He made great decisions, made the right reads. He played a great game at quarterback.”
Preuett’s favorite target was wide receiver Travion Sanders.
“Travion was great on both sides of the ball, at receiver and he played cornerback for us,” McClendon said. “He just goes out there and makes plays.”
Sanders had an efficient night on offense, catching four passes for 118 yards and two touchdowns.
Clearly shutting out your opponent means the defense did its job as well.
“Our defense got after it,” McClendon said. “They started fast and played physical. We set the tone in the game. Especially on defense and on special teams as well.”
Lakeside (1-0) will travel to Montgomery for their next test.
McClendon believes it to be a tough game for the Warriors.
“Montgomery beat a good 4A school in Grant this weekend, and they are much improved from last year’s team,” McClendon said. “They are coached well, and our team really respects them. I expect it to be a very physical game.”