submitted by Coach Brad Lord, South Lake Eagles
One of Central Florida’s top football programs, The First Academy, traveled to Groveland on Saturday, Sept. 12, and dominated South Lake in every phase of the game en route to a 42-0 victory.
The Royals wasted little time making their presence felt. After returning the opening kickoff to the Eagles’ 15-yard line, former South Lake standout Julian White went untouched into the end zone on the ensuing play, giving The First Academy a 7-0 lead just two minutes into the first quarter.
South Lake’s offense struggled throughout the night against a relentless Royals defense. The First Academy controlled the line of scrimmage and its defensive backs effectively shut down the Eagles’ passing attack, limiting South Lake to short gains and preventing any explosive plays.
The Royals’ front four also stifled the Eagles’ ground game, holding South Lake to a season-low 45 rushing yards. Senior quarterback Tre Kelly, Sam Wood, Walker Motley, and Willie Dixon each had flashes of success offensively, but the Eagles were unable to sustain drives or reach the end zone.
Meanwhile, The First Academy consistently moved the ball on offense, threatening to score on nearly every possession.
One bright spot for South Lake came on the defensive side of the ball. Senior Ronnie Rouse recorded a strip sack, and Cornelius Van Rooyen recovered the fumble and returned it 35 yards. Van Rooyen also turned in a strong defensive performance, finishing with double-digit tackles to go along with his fumble recovery.
“Football is a collision sport. You have to play this game with physicality,” said South Lake head coach Mike Stokes. “The First Academy is a very good football team. We can’t play them soft mentally or physically and expect to compete with a team like that. We need to get a lot tougher mentally and physically this week because we’re facing another very strong team in Bishop Moore.”
South Lake will look to regroup and earn its first win of the season when the Eagles travel to face Bishop Moore on Friday, Sept. 18.
