With a playoff game on the line, the Lake Minneola Hawks rose to the challenge on Friday. They took down the Bulls 42-28. The victory was familiar territory for Lake Minneola who now have eight in a row.
Lake Minneola's success was the result of a balanced attack that saw several players step up, but Dane Thompkins led the charge by rushing for 206 yards and two touchdowns while picking up 8.2 yards per carry. Thompkins hasn't dropped below 100 rushing yards for four straight games. The team also got some help courtesy of Jackson Hughes, who threw for 294 yards and four touchdowns while picking up 11.8 yards per attempt.
When it comes to explaining why Wiregrass Ranch lost, one person who can't be blamed is Luke Knight. Despite the final result, he threw for 270 yards and two touchdowns, and also punched in a touchdown on the ground. Ian Wilson ii was another key contributor, gaining 66 total yards and a touchdown.
Lake Minneola has yet to lose a match at home this season, leaving them with a 9-3 record. Those victories were due in large part to their offensive dominance across that stretch, as they averaged 47.2 points per game. As for Wiregrass Ranch, their defeat dropped their record down to 9-3.
Lake Minneola will square off against Lakeland at 7:30 p.m. on Friday. Lakeland's defense has only allowed 13.8 points per game this season, so Lake Minneola's offense will have their work cut out for Lake Minneola. Wiregrass Ranch does not have any more games scheduled as of now.
