In an intense Region 1-7A football semifinal clash, Lake Mary emerged victorious against Spruce Creek with a decisive 52-32 scoreline.
The Spruce Creek Hawks, holding the fifth seed, initially surged ahead in the first quarter thanks to a 1-yard touchdown by Anthony Hayden. This early lead was catalyzed by an interception at the 17-yard line. However, Lake Mary’s response was swift. Junior quarterback Noah Grubbs connected with Isaiah Thomas for a 22-yard touchdown, bringing the score to 7-6 after kicker Emilio Bacardi’s precise execution.
Throughout the game, Bacardi’s performance stood out, including a notable 45-yard field goal in the second quarter. Defensive plays were also a highlight, with each team securing a pick-six. Eli Straker’s 27-yard return for Lake Mary extended their lead to 21-6 just before halftime. Spruce Creek’s strategy included an impressive 80-yard hook-and-ladder play executed by Cameron Oxendine and Tony Kinsler, which added pressure by cutting Lake Mary’s lead to 24-18.
In the third quarter, Spruce Creek quarterback PJ Miller launched an 81-yard pass to Oxendine, which, coupled with a two-point conversion, brought the score to 38-26. Despite this effort, Lake Mary’s offense remained relentless. Thomas’s 4-yard rushing touchdown further increased the Rams’ lead to 45-26 in the fourth quarter. Gavin Isaacs later contributed a 16-yard touchdown, pushing the lead to 52-26.
Spruce Creek managed to score again through freshman quarterback Joseph Aicher, who found Kamron Chamble for a 25-yard touchdown. Yet, their attempts fell short against the formidable Lake Mary defense. Spruce Creek’s focus on Grubbs, a four-star recruit headed to Notre Dame, was evident. Despite the efforts of the Hawks’ defense, Grubbs threw five touchdown passes and added another through a 1-yard rush. As Hawks coach Andy Price noted, “I thought we did a decent job keeping them from throwing the ball down the field on us. He made enough throws to make us pay.”
Lake Mary’s victory secures their advancement to the regional finals, where they will face Seminole. This win marks a significant milestone in their continued pursuit of championship success.
Source: News-journalonline
