In a pivotal matchup between district foes Lake Nona and Harmony, the Lions outlast the Longhorns 34-21.

Due to the scheduling changes at the hands of Hurricane Irma, the Lions played its first of two games this week, a district win over St. Cloud. There was no secret as to what the Lions attack would be entering the game against the Longhorns. Lake Nona Head Coach Anthony Paradiso has never been shy about his 80/20 pass to run ratio on offense. It did not disappoint.

Lions quarterback Michael Kern earned player of the game honors finishing 24-45 for 343 yards and 5 touchdown passes. Kern’s performance continued his hot streak of now 5 straight games over 300 passing yards and a touchdown pass.

Electric weapons Anthony Queeley (Syracuse commit) and Anthony Manning showcase why Lake Nona (5-1, 3-0) has one of the most dangerous offenses in Central Florida. Queely finished with 10 receptions for 119 yards and 3 touchdowns, his 9th career game with 100 or more yards receiving. With 8 receptions, 171 yards and 3 touchdowns, Anthony Manning has now caught a touchdown in 5 straight games.

Harmony (5-3, 3-2) down 21-7 at the half, scored 14 unanswered points to tie the game in the 3rd quarter. Despite gritty performances from WR/DB Lane Hickey and QB Nate Herstich, the Longhorns ran out of gas late and fell to 3-2 in district play. Herstich finished 20-41 with 308 yards passing, 3 touchdowns and 2 interceptions. Hickey dazzled throughout with 107 yards receiving, 3 touchdowns and an interception. Herstich has thrown a touchdown pass in 6 straight games; Hickey has caught a touchdown pass in 5 straight games.

Up next for Lake Nona, the Lions face its biggest test against district rival East River (5-1, 3-0) in a game that could decide who locks in a spot in the FHSAA playoffs. For Harmony, the Longhorns will host Celebration (0-6, 0-3) on senior night next Friday.

For more on the game, click the video link.