In a thrilling 7A Region 2 Semifinal, #1 Plant advances with a 25 – 21 victory over #8 Lakeland.

The Panthers, coming off a 52 point 1st half last week against Winter Haven, struggled early against the Dreadnaught defense. Big hits and strong defensive line play contained the Panthers and slowed down the Bay Area’s touchdown leader in Dane Frantzen.

The Lakeland offense and star running back Anthony Davis fared no better. Stifling Panther defense and excessive penalties stalled any momentum as the teams went into the half tied at zero.

Defense looked to be the star again in the second half but a 3rd and long sideline penalty on the Dreadnaughts set the Panthers up deep in Lakeland territory. Inside the 10 yard line, the Dreadnaught defense held true holding Plant to a short Nick Rice field goal to open up the scoring.

Lakeland, with only 80 total yards of offense in the 1st half, answer Plant right back with an 80 yard touchdown pass from Holden Hotchkiss to Willie Baker leading to a 7-3 Lakeland lead. On the ensuing kickoff, standout wide receiver Whop Philyor fumbled on the return and Lakeland’s G’Kari West recovered and took it into the end zone for a 14-3 lead.

Penalties continued to plague the Dreadnaughts and keyed a drive for the Panthers that led to a rushing touchdown by Philyor and 2-pt conversion keeping the game close at 14-11 at the top of the 4th quarter. The Panther defense, continuing to stifle the Dreadnaught rushing attack, got a key stop and snatched the lead with a 38-yard touchdown pass from Frantzen to Philyor (10 receptions, 64 yards & 2 TD) making it 18-14 with 3:08 left in the 4th.

Lakeland’s super back, Anthony Davis (19 carries, 71 yards), responded immediately with a 99-yard return touchdown on the ensuing kickoff. Lakeland took a 21-18 lead late in the quarter.

After Lakeland’s defense held the Panthers and had an opportunity to run out the clock, an incomplete pass to stop the clock on third down forced the Dreadnaughts to punt. With 1:20 left in the game, the Panthers blocked the McKenzee MacDonald punt and recovered the ball inside the Lakeland 5 yard line. Two plays later, the gritty QB Dane Frantzen (200 total yards & 2 TD), snuck the ball in the end zone from 1 yard out for the game winning score.

With the victory, Plant will advance to the Region Finals for the first time since 2013 and host Viera next week.