The South Lake Eagles closed out their regular season in dominant fashion Friday night, defeating Leesburg 51-13 in a Halloween showdown at Leesburg High School. With the win, the Eagles improved to 9-1 overall and a perfect 4-0 in district play.
Defensive standouts Jesse Barker Jr. and Chase Coello led a relentless defensive front that lived in Leesburg’s backfield all night. The Eagle defense smothered the Yellowjackets from the opening whistle, forcing early mistakes and setting the tone for a commanding performance.
The game’s momentum started immediately when senior Keydrick Powell electrified the crowd with an 85-yard kickoff return, setting up South Lake’s first touchdown of the evening. Powell went on to have a huge night, tallying over 300 all-purpose yards as both a receiver and a special teams weapon.
Quarterback Tre Kelly was nearly flawless, completing 19 of 21 passes for 308 yards and five touchdowns. On the ground, Malik Holman powered through the Yellowjacket defense with 138 rushing yards and two touchdowns on just 10 carries.
The Eagles’ air attack was balanced and efficient. Powell hauled in six catches for 113 yards, while Isaiah Pina added a touchdown and 91 yards on four receptions. Cody Mason, Jayson Vasquez, Marcos Padilla, and Cam Johnson each contributed with key receptions, helping the Eagles rack up 408 yards of total offense.
Defensively, South Lake was just as impressive. Alongside Barker and Coello, Quoy Nelson, Murphy Connelly, Isaiah Desir, and Ramond Carter wreaked havoc in the trenches. Linebackers Tyson Williams, TJ Cummings, and Coello anchored the middle, while Julian White, Ahvioume Scott, Tyger Darden, Cory Scott, Joseph Robinson, and Latoriaum Akins shut down the passing lanes.
By halftime, the Eagles had built a commanding 37-6 lead, and an early third-quarter score triggered a running clock as South Lake sealed the victory.
After the game, Coach Brad Lord praised the team’s effort but emphasized the importance of focus heading into the postseason saying: “We had a strong first half but still have many things to work on before hosting our first playoff game on November 14. We’re starting a new season and looking to go 1-0.”
The Eagles will next take the field in the FHSAA Playoff Regional Quarterfinals on Friday, November 14, 2025, at South Lake High School. The opponent is yet to be announced.
(Information and photo provided by SLHS Football Athletics – Coach Lord)
