Lakeland outlasts Lake Minneola in 125-point 4S Region 3 scoring bonanza

Defending state champs down Lake Minneola 77-48, travel to Gainesville Buchholz next

LAKELAND, FLORIDA – It's rare to witness a 100-point game, so a 125-point affair is almost unthinkable.

But that’s what happened Friday at Bryant Stadium as Class 4S defending state champions Lakeland outscored Lake Minneola 77-48 in a Florida high school football Region 3 final.

"It was a shootout for sure, a Black Friday treat," Lakeland first-year head coach Marvin Fraizer said. "Of course, we wish we didn't give up so many yards and points, but that is a very good offense over there."

With the win, Lakeland advances to the 4S state semifinals and will travel to face Gainesville Buchholz Friday.

Lakeland running back D'marius Rucker breaks loose on a run against Lake Minneola. The senior rushed for 351 yards in the game / Bill Kemp

"Buchholz is one of the better teams in the state. We've had our eyes on them, we know what they are doing," Fraizer said. "We are prepared."

Lakeland (10-3) was led by senior running back D’marius Rucker, who rolled up 351 yards rushing with two touchdowns.

“Early in the season, I had a little (injury) adversity, so I just wanted to get out here and play,” Rucker said. “Our line played great, the receivers stood on their blocks and I was just here for my team.

"This is really like a dream come true, something that I always wanted. But the fact that it came true, the last game at Bryant Stadium in my senior year, is a time to remember.”

Lake Minneola (9-4) picked up a huge night of offense from senior quarterback Jackson Hughes, who was 25 of 43 for 453 yards passing with four touchdowns and one interception in the loss. 

A Lake Minneola player breaks free from a tackle against Lakeland on Friday during a Class 4S, Region 3 final at Bryant Stadium / Bill Kemp

“Our offense played well enough for us to win the game,” Lake Minneola head coach Walter Banks said. “That performance don’t surprise me. He is a great quarterback, and we have great wide receivers and an offensive line.”

Lakeland picked up touchdowns from five other Dreadnaughts besides Rucker. Carlos Mitchell, who played for 3S state champions Lake Wales this past season, scored on runs of 84 and 13 yards.

Malik Morris scored twice on runs of 6 and 2 yards, while Markel Johnson scored three touchdowns on runs of 35, 2 and 1 yards. Lakeland quarterback Zander Smith also added a 16-yard touchdown run and Jordan Henderson capped the scoring for the Dreadnaughts with a 53-yard touchdown explosion late in the fourth quarter.

"Rucker is just now getting back (from injury)," Fraizer said. "He is a special kid. He is one of the best backs in the state and he is just hasn't had a chance to showcase it, but tonight he did.

"We got guys, Rucker, Mitchell, Johnson, Henderson, and the list goes on. But hats off to the offensive line because of the adjustments they made."

Lake Minneola running back Dane Thompkins scored three touchdowns in the loss, including scoring bursts of 23, 1 and 3 yards, to give him 25 touchdowns on the season.