By Robert Connors
Managing Editor
Lake Wales Wins State Title in Heart-stopping Finish
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Last updated 12/29/2022 at 4:10pm
Maggie Christensen, Staff Photographer
Click photo to see our photo gallery from the big game.
The Lake Wales Highlanders have completed a perfect 15-0 season with a 32-30 win over Daytona Mainland to win their first state championship.
After falling behind early by a 10-0 score, the Highlanders battled back to open a 32-23 lead late, before the Daytona Buccaneers scored to pull within two. The Highlanders defense played a major role in the game with three interceptions, including two by Phillip Davis that ended a Buccaneer drives on the Highlanders' one and two yard lines.
Maggie Christensen, Staff Photographer
Click photo to see our photo gallery from the big game.
In a game that will be review hundreds of times, The Highlanders overcame a slow start and costly penalties to emerge on top. The Highlanders were tagged three times for offsides on kickoffs, and one single play resulted in two penalties that cost them a gain and 25 yards.
Quarterback Trent Grotjan matched the Buccaneers' vaunted Quarterback Damarcus Creecy, who proved elusive, but in the end failed to break the big running plays on keepers.
For a full break-down of game action, please SEE OUR SPORTS SECTION.
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