Lake Wales relies on defense to edge out Sebring: 3 takeaways

The Highlanders held the Blue Streaks to a mere 40 yards of offense

SEBRING, FLORIDA- The Battle of Highway 27 lived up to the very nickname Legion Field is dubbed: The House of Pain. 

If you’re someone that loves offensive football, Thursday’s game was anything but that. Lake Wales has given up just 12 points through the first two games of the season and it’s been the defense the Highlanders have leaned on. 

The Highlanders’ hard hitting defense held the Blue Streaks to a mere 40 yards of offense as the pulled off a 7-0 victory. Lake Wales improves to 3-0 on the season as they continue on the road of trying to get back to the Class 3S state championship. 

Both defenses brought their best game to the table against the defending Class 3S state champions as the Highlanders have only allowed two touchdowns this year. Sebring’s defense played just about as well, with Blue Streaks only allowing 206 yards of offense. 

We have three takeaways from Thursday night’s game between Lake Wales-Sebring. 

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Lake Wales defense is the real deal 

If you didn’t already realize it, Lake Wales defense is pretty good. 

Like elite good. 

The Highlanders (3-0) have proved it through the first three weeks that no matter the challenge, they’re up for it. Against Sebring, the defense was suffocating. 

Lake Wales held up against Sebring’s run-heavy attack as the Blue Streaks ran the rock 25 times for a mere 15 yards. Sebring threw for 25 yards through the air and held to 40 total on offense. 

It was at the end of the game that Lake Wales defense really rose up to the occasion. Faced with Sebring having its best field position of the game starting at the Highlanders’ 30-yard line, the Highlanders made a stand. 

Lake Wales cornerback Gary Love came up with the game-sealing interception that secured the victory. It was just another example of how good this defense is no matter what situation they are faced. 

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Thursday night’s game took football back a few years 

When you think of today’s game of high school football, it’s spread defenses out sideline to sideline. 

Watching Thursday night’s game, it took high school football back several years. The two teams combined for 58 rushing attempts compared to 22 passes attempted. 

It was a refreshing change when it comes to the day and age of football, where clubs want to throw the ball all over the yard. Lake Wales continued with its ground attack led by running back Rashad Orr, who rushed for 109 yards on 30 carries. 

The irony is the game wouldn’t be decided with a defensive score, but a special teams one. Linebacker Johnquae Richardson scored on a 43-yard fake punt run in the third quarter to give Lake Wales its only touchdown of the night. 

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Sebring will be just fine 

The Blue Streaks will be a team contending when it comes down the stretch and heading into the playoffs.

Sebring opened the season with an impressive 47-13 win over Centennial and despite the setback against Lake Wales, they’ll have numerous opportunities to bounce back. 

Head coach LaVar Scott has put together a strong schedule for his team this fall, with games upcoming against Clearwater Central Catholic, Westwood and Bartow. 

Sebring is without senior do-everything Travis Kerney to start the season, but once he returns, watch out for this Blue Streaks club in Class 3S. 

-- Andy Villamarzo | villamarzo@scorebooklive.com | @sblivefl