For one half, it looked like Haines City was poised to upset the third-ranked Lakeland Dreadnaughts behind the playmaking skills of star recruit Derwin James and a hard-hitting defense. But sophomore RB Anthony Davis took over in the second half, gaining 119 yards and scoring a game-sealing fourth quarter TD in the Dreadnaughts 25-12 victory.
Davis earned Player of the Game honors for his 160-yd performance. Senior QB Aaron Johnson rushed for two first-half TDs, as Lakeland improved to 4-0 and 1-0 in 7A District 5.
James, the 4th-best recruit in the nation and a verbal commit to Florida State, looked impressive in the first quarter, converting a fake punt run for a first down on Haines City's opening possession and finishing the drive with a 37-yd TD reception from Tybilrius Eaton. The Hornets also scored on a blocked FG return by Tramiya Dent late in the second quarter.
Haines City (2-2, 0-1) will face another challenge next week when they host No. 8 Lake Wales. Lakeland hosts North Miami Beach at Bryant Stadium.