STORY BY MATT SIMON
Before the season, Lakewood football coach Scott Meyer hoped he could help the Lancers return to the playoffs after more than a decade absence.
Meyer did that and more as the Lancers (5-7) hosted their CIF Division 9 quarterfinal against Highland on Friday night.
With a physical rushing attack, the Bulldogs (9-3) overpowered the Lancers on their way to a 42-29 win over Lakewood.
Highland senior Isaiah Creech rushed for 167 yards and scored two touchdowns, including a 33-yard touchdown catch.
Lakewood answered right back with junior Gevani McCoy who threw for 273 yards and two touchdowns. McCoy also rushed for 67 yards and scored twice with his legs.
“We had a great season,” McCoy said. “We started off slow, we had a tough preseason schedule but as the weeks went on and on, we just got better and better. We trusted the coaches and I can’t wait for next year.”
After taking an 8-0 lead in the first quarter, Lakewood drove down the field and was in a prime position at the 1-yard line but were unable to score as Highland came up with a big goal line stop.
The was the story of the night as the Bulldogs stopped the Lancers offense three times on 4th down situations inside the 15-yard line.
“Those three drives against an offense like that, you have to convert,” Meyer said. “We started to chase them and got close in the second half, pulled within a touchdown but we needed a stop.”
After trailing 16-0, McCoy got Lakewood on the board when he scored on a 6-yard run to cut it to 16-7 with 2:01 until half.
After trailing 22-7 at halftime, McCoy connected with Ray Masoe for a 60-yard touchdown to cut the lead to 22-15. McCoy’s favorite target of the night was Mister Bridges who had 7 catches for 170 yards and a touchdown.
It was a disappointing finish for the Lancers, but was a huge improvement after starting the season 1-3.
“I told the guys I don’t think I’ve ever been more proud of a team,” Meyer said. “From the beginning of the season to where we are at the end of the season. The way they came together and played and battled.”
