Lakeside utilized its depth in the backfield, a picturesque blocking scheme, gutsy reverse pass and a timely fumble recovery in the waning minutes to yield Miller Grove into submission to secure a 22-15 victory at Adams Stadium.
Running back Will Jernigan scored two touchdowns including the game-winner with 3:06 left in the contest. The senior’s heroics was the result of an insightful play call and a strong will to put the finishing touches on the Wolverines.
With the scored knotted up at 15 and facing third-and-goal from the nine, the Vikings dug deep in the playbook with a reverse screen to Jernigan. The duel threat back caught the pass and plucked off three Miller Grover tacklers before crossing the goal line.
“Great call by coach Cam [Jones]. We saw an opening earlier in the game. Holt threw a great ball to me and I found a way to stick it in,” said Jernigan. “I just had to put it in there. We came together and found a way to win it in the fourth quarter. This is a huge momentum swing for us going into region play.”
The Vikings’ offensive line mowed down the opposition, especially in the middle of the field. Quarterback Matthew Quarterback Matthew Holt along with Jernigan and running back Michael Malinovsky benefited from their teammates’ domination in the trenches to maintain the pace of the gameplan.
“We preach all time about believing in the process. It’s our foundation,” said Lakeside head coach Cam Jones. “We tell the kids all the hard work we put in is going to pay off in ballgames. The offensive line was able to support our stable of running backs.”
After a series of three-and-outs from both schools to start the game, Miller Grove found a way to string together a set of big plays. Freshman speedster Deondre Jackson rushed in from seven yards out for the opening score.
Lakeside posted its first touchdown in the second quarter courtesy of a five-yard dash by Alec Josey. The Vikings elected to go for a 2-point conversion and were successful to take an 8-7 lead.
In the third quarter, Jernigan shot through a massive hole in the middle and ran in for a 26-yard touchdown. The extra point sailed through the uprights for a 15-7 advantage.
After struggling with offensive consistency for the bulk of the affair, Miller Grove once again found some openings in Lakeside’s defense. Jackson showed off his nifty moves for a 33-yard touchdown run with 9:11 on the clock. Roderick Harper’s run on the two-point conversion capped off a celebratory drive to draw the schools even on the scoreboard.
However, Miller Grove’s upswing was quickly brought back to earth when Richard Parker broke free on the ensuing kickoff, returning the ball to the Wolverines’ 20-yard line. This long return put the Vikings in prime position for Jernigan’s gallant catch.
"Will Jernigan, last year, was region quarterback of the year. Now, we have him playing in every phase of the game. He stuck it in there. He’s a great kid,” said Jones.
Miller Grove’s hopes to tie the game came to a screeching halt when quarterback Darren Parker fumbled while scrambling. The ball was recovered Parker to clinch the game for Lakeside.
“Basically, it came down to one team wanting it more. They found a way when it really counted. It’s about physicality in the trenches. That’s what got them [Lakeside] the victory,” said Miller Grove head coach Justin Larmond. “We have a two-week break before we play Arabia Mountain. These are non-region games. Arabia Mountain is what count. We’re going to make sure we don’t make these same mistakes in region play.”
With the win, Lakeside improves to 3-1. Miller Grove now falls to 2-3. This was Vikings first win against their county neighbor since 2010. The Wolverines hold a 6-3 lead in the overall series verses the Vikings.
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