Date: 8/29/2025
Opponent: Tavares
Final Score: South Lake 23, Tavares 12
Location: South Lake High School
Season Record: 2–0
Game Recap: The South Lake Eagles leaned on their defense Friday night, scoring twice on turnovers and sealing a 23–12 win over Tavares. The victory keeps the Eagles unbeaten at 2–0.
Tyson Williams got the Eagles rolling early by blocking a Bulldog punt. Rome McKinnond recovered the ball in the end zone for a touchdown and a 7–0 lead. In the second quarter, Joseph Robinson scooped up a fumble and raced 45 yards for another score, putting South Lake up 14–0. Robinson also added a 55-yard interception return later in the quarter.
Tavares answered with a late touchdown before halftime, but South Lake blocked the extra point to keep the margin at 14–6.
The Eagles’ offense finally found rhythm in the third quarter. Tre Kelly connected with Keydrick Powell on a 55-yard pass play that set up a 1-yard touchdown run by Kelly. The extra point missed, but South Lake entered the fourth with a 20–6 lead.
The Bulldogs cut the deficit to 20–12 on a reverse pass but failed on the two-point attempt. With just over five minutes left, senior kicker Chris McKenna drilled a 42-yard field goal to lock in the win, 23–12.
South Lake’s defense dominated throughout the night. Jesse Barker, Anthony Johnson, and Murphy Connelly consistently pressured the quarterback, while Williams and Chase Coello added key stops. Robinson capped his standout game with both an interception and a fumble recovery.
“That was a big kick by Chris,” said Coach Lord after the game. “Our defense was lights out, and while our offense struggled at times, we improved in the second half. Next week will be a big challenge with The Villages — they’re explosive, well-coached, and disciplined.”
Next Opponent: 9/5 – Home vs. The Villages
