by Coach Brad Lord, South Lake High School
Game Date: 11/15/2024
Opponent: Durant- Plant City- Regional Quarterfinal
Final Score: Durant 35 SLHS 17
Season Record- 7-4, 4-0 District
Game Summary:
South Lake High School’s season ended this past Friday in a quarterfinal matchup vs Durant Plant City. The Eagles’ defense which had a big season could not stop the Durant high-powered offense. The Eagles battled driving the ball inside the five-yard line with some outstanding receptions from Marcel Walker and Keydrick Powell and a strong running game from Malik Holman. Tre Kelly would dive in from the one-yard line to tie the score late in the first period at 7. The Eagles defense struggled to get off the field all night. Durants’ quarterback went down early in the second quarter but that did not stop the Cougars offense from driving straight down the field in a wildcat formation taking the lead 14-7 early in the second quarter. The Eagle offense would go three and out on the next possession and the Cougars would again score at the end of the half to take a 21-7 halftime lead.
To start the third quarter the Eagle offense would drive to the Cougar 28-yard line but would stall. Mr. Reliable, Chris Mckenna came in and hit a 42-yard field goal trimming the lead to 21-10 midway through the third quarter. Durant would answer converting on a third and 14 to go up 28-10. At the start of the fourth quarter the Eagles’ offense would move the ball with the offensive line paving the way for Holman, Walker, Kelly, and Powell to drive the ball inside the Durant five-yard line. Kelly would plunge in for his second touchdown trimming the lead to 28-17. The Cougar offense would answer sealing the victory for Durant 35-17.
“ I am very proud and happy for the team this season. The team battled in every game, went 4-0 in the district, and won a district championship finishing the season 7-3. Friday we played against a veteran team that you could tell hit it hard in the weight room this past off-season. They were very physical and dominated the line of scrimmage which did not happen to us much this season. We made huge strides ourselves this past season in the offseason. We look to learning from this loss and pushing it very hard this offseason, I want to thank the senior players and parents for their hard work and commitment to helping us get this program in the right direction. We will build on this season.”
Malik Holman- 102 yards rushing Tre Kelly 12/20 162 yards passing 2 TDS
Marcel Walker- 129 All Purpose yards Tyson Williams 11 tackles
