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Lakewood fights off fatigue, routs Osceola

The Spartans, coming off a tough loss to Largo on Tuesday, dominate the well-rested Warriors.

[Times photo: Michael Rondou] Osceola High School players stand during a pregame tribute and the national anthem Friday night before a game against Lakewood in St. Petersburg.

By RODNEY PAGE

© St. Petersburg Times,
published September 22, 2001

ST. PETERSBURG -- Lakewood's 48-0 win over Osceola Friday night dealt a blow to coaches everywhere.

The Spartans, with just two days' rest after a draining overtime loss to Largo, surely had little chance against the Warriors. After all, Osceola had eight days' rest, was 3-0 and had Pinellas County's top rusher in Jason Teague.

But after a lopsided victory, Lakewood's players might petition coach Brian Bruch to practice only twice every week.

"This game scared me to death," Bruch said. "When my principal told me we were playing this game Friday (instead of Saturday), I was scared to death. I wanted that extra day. We played the way we're capable of playing, but I like having that full week of practice."

Lakewood (2-2) frustrated the Warriors on offense and defense. Using a spread offense for the first time this season, Lakewood racked up 483 total yards. Quarterback Pat Carter threw for 183 yards and had a 35-yard touchdown pass to Marcus Anderson in the first quarter.

Running back Martel Mott carried the ball four times; three were for scores. Running back Darien Copeland had 17 carries for 102 yards and a touchdown.

Defensively, Lakewood held Osceola to 39 total yards. Defensive linemen Jarod Cleveland and Julien Riley were all over quarterback Leroy Hayes and Teague, who managed only 37 yards on 17 carries. Teague averaged 7.3 yards per carry entering the game.

"We were shut down as well as we've ever been shut down," Osceola coach George Palmer said.

Osceola had a chance at halftime. Lakewood only led 14-0, and Osceola intercepted a Carter pass to start the second half. But the Warriors' drive went backward and they were forced to punt.

From the 15-yard line, Carter ran straight up the middle 85 yards to make it 21-0. It was downhill from there for Osceola. Lakewood scored on five of its next six possessions and ran away with the game.

Bruch said he will likely use the spread offense in his game plan for the rest of the season.

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