Lake City romps past Manning
REBECCA J. DUCKER/MORNING NEWS
Stevenson Gaston (12) gets past Desmond Haygood (7) during the first half as Lake City hosted Manning on Friday.
Published: September 20, 2008
Updated: September 20, 2008
LAKE CITY — In the weeks since the infamous brawl against Wilson and the subsequent penalties that arose from it, Lake City wanted just one thing — a complete football game.
Friday night against Manning, the Panthers got it. Lake City hammered Manning in every facet of the game during a 54-14 victory at Ward Memorial Stadium.
In addition to scoring through the air and on the ground, Lake City got a 63-yard punt return from Sheldon Robinson and a 24-yard fumble return from Antwon Wallace.
“After we beat Wilson, our kids didn’t get a chance to celebrate a win against the defending Class 3A state champions, and I feel bad for that,” Panthers coach Justin Gentry said. “People had questions about our kids’ character ever since (the brawl), and they showed how much character they had tonight.”
“We have a lot of soul searching to do. We have a good team, but the chemistry isn’t there yet,” Manning coach Robbie Briggs said. “We got beat by a better team. We ran into a buzzsaw tonight.”
From the opening kickoff, Lake City’s defense took out its frustration on the Monarchs. With the exception of a 1-yard scoring run by Dayshawn Dixon near the end of the first half, Manning could do nothing offensively.
The Monarchs gained just 56 total yards with one first down and an interception in the opening 24 minutes.
It didn’t take long for the Panther offense to capitalize on the play of its defense. Facing third-and-11 on the Manning 45, Deshon Butler lofted a pass that Desmond Haygood pulled down at the 20. Haygood made several moves and outraced the Monarchs to the end zone.
The PAT was blocked, and Lake City had a 6-0 lead with 9:15 left in the opening quarter.
After Manning was stopped on downs, Lake City went on a seven-play, 72-yard TD march.
Keyed by a 28-yard pass from Butler to Haygood on fourth-and-9, Shon Carson powered his way to paydirt from 2 yards away. The 2-point conversion was successful, giving the Panthers a 14-0 advantage at the 1:54 mark of the first quarter.
“Everyone predicted us to lose this game,” said Carson, who finished with 154 yards on 14 carries with three TDs. “Our offensive line blocked well, and our defense kept us in good scoring position all night.”
The Panthers refused to let off the throttle in the second quarter. Carson and Stevenson Gaston added TD runs, and Butler hooked up with Haygood for a 50-yard scoring strike as time expired to give Lake City a 34-7 halftime lead.
Gaston finished with 71 yards on 11 carries. Butler added 51 yards rushing to go with 127 yards passing. Haygood caught three passes for 123 yards.
“We got to them early,” said Gentry, whose team outgained Manning 438-156. “This is the first time since I’ve been a coach that we didn’t have to punt.”
“(Lake City) beat us on hustle plays,” Briggs said. “They beat us on a punt return, a fumble return and a long pass before the half. That is unacceptable.”
Jason Witherspoon led Manning with 74 yards rushing and a score. Brandon Miller added 116 yards passing.
Lake City plays at Crestwood on Friday at 7:30 p.m., while Manning travels to Lakewood.
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Reader Reactions
I’m really impressed with the way Lake City has been playing but I feel the offensive line should get some credit for the way they block because if it wasn’t for them we wouldn’t be able to put as many points on the board. I think the game against Crestwood will be a great one one.
I have been impressed with the Lake City team as well. But as a Crestwood fan. I have to tell you the defense this year is one of the best they have had in years. As far as the ofense, what can you say about that Wing-T. It is almost impossilbe to defend. You don’t know where its coming from. To put up over 30 points against a powerful Sumter team says a lot. I also think that the game being in Dazell is a plus from Crestwood. I thik this will be the game that decides the true region champs! Good luck to both teams.
I have to say I am impressed with what Lake City did against Manning. But, Crestwood is Crestwood! Every year there is someone, to challenge them but they (Crestwood) are always there. Last year it was Wilson. All I know is this is probably the best Defense Creswood has had in years and what can you can about he Wing-T. With the athletes they have, it’s like you have to pick your poison. I look forward to the game. I think this will be the game of the year! I think the gaming being a home game for Crestwood really works in their favor.
I am so proud of the Lake City High School Football players!!! They have been through a lot this season. To play as hard as they are playing shows determination, courage and character even though they are aware that the wins mean nothing. These boys want to show everyone that they are a state championship team!!!!! I hope the SCHSL sees this and overturn the decision to ban them from the post season.
lake city sure looks to be the real deal this year. I been following them so far and ive also seen a hand full of there games and scrimages. its very unfortunate that they been suspended from the playoffs and region contention becuase i really think that if they win against crestwood this week it could give them a slight edge against Myrtle Beach (WHICH SHOULD BE THE GAME OF THE WEEK). I surely like that team from top to bottom.There new offensive scheme and fast 3-5 defense makes them a very unique team. I also agree with the last comment about the polls.. they played a average kingstree team with a depleted roster full of jv’s and still almost won the the game.. that shoudnt have droped them out. the return of players from suspension and pounding last week over a solid manning squad was little aggresion they have in them. look out 3A!
If lake City beats crestwood next week then they should get the credit they deserve and the opening region game against myrtle beach should be the game of the week. I agree with the previous comment about being dropped out of the polls. I was at the game and Lake City is a pretty solid football team this year and they look to be getting better. I know its heartbreaking to those guys of there suspension from the playoffs becuase it looks to me that those guys know and have the confidence that they can play with anyone.
The people in the media underestimates the Lake City football and dropped them out of there poll after one loss in which they were playing mostly JV players due to the suspensions, but maybe after seeing the destruction of the Manning Monarchs who was ranked #8 in the terrific 13 poll they can see that we have a really good football team here in Lake City.
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