The "Wall's" Peninsula Playoff Game of the Week - Lakeland Presents Unusual Challenge to Poquoson

From Recruit757.com

3A East Semifinals – Lakeland (3-8) vs. Poquoson (9-2), Friday 7:00 PM, Poquoson Middle

Lakeland LB Monte Hillard (Photo: Joe Barnes/recruit757)

Looking at the team records, this would appear to be a one-sided affair getting ready to be played out on Friday night in Poquoson.

However, the educated fan knows better than to jump to conclusions. Yes, Lakeland finished their regular season with a 2-8 record, while the Islanders were 8-2. And Poquoson was arguably the second best team in the Bay Rivers District, behind only undefeated Lafayette.

Yet, Lakeland is classified as a 3A school, albeit one of the largest ones, and plays in the Southeastern District. As such, their opponents included 6A and 5A powerhouses, such as Oscar Smith, Western Branch, Indian River, Grassfield and Nansemond River. With the point differential earned from playing teams with higher classifications, the Cavaliers snuck into the 3A playoffs as a #6 seed, despite sporting only a 2-8 record. And in their first round matchup, Lakeland, who had not won since a brief two-game fling in midseason, defeated #3 Park View (South Hill) 21-14.

The Cavs’ performance was highlighted by two long touchdowns – a 75-yard TD run by Damontra Milteer in the second quarter, which pushed the Lakeland lead to 14-7, and an 80-yard passing score from freshman quarterback Tyquan Holloman to Alajuwun Langston, which extended the lead to 14. DeAndre Faulk opened the scoring in the first quarter with a 10-yard touchdown run.

Poquoson breezed into the second round of the 3A East playoffs by shutting out Warhill 39-0. The Islanders are led by seven players that earned first-team Conference 25 honors, one of which is star quarterback Trey Hicks. Hicks has a few weapons lined up around him including receiver Matt Blaser (former Wild Wings Player of the Week), running back Kyle Poultney (137 yards on 13 carries against Warhill; 966 rushing yards and 10 per carry), and tight end Brandon Peck, who was all-Conference on offense and defense as an end.

Defensively, Robert Henesey, who doubles as one on the Islanders top wrestlers, is a mainstay at linebacker, while lineman Gunnar Ogburn had nine tackles against Warhill, as well as a forced fumble and recovery, which he returned 42 yards for a touchdown.

Other all-conference performers to keep an eye on are Drew Watkins (lineman) and kicker Chris Coccimiglio.