The Lakeland Hawks are headed south to take on the Hillcrest Knights in the 5A Semi-finals.
After a huge win against the Vallivue Falcons, the Hawks are on a roll in this year’s playoffs, but how will they react to the number two Hillcrest Knights? The Knights have had a great season so far, blowing by teams like it’s no problem.
One thing about the Knights is that they produce very high-scoring games almost every time they play. The Hawks currently have a better record than the Knights, with the Hawks being 9-2 and the Knights being 8-3.
Based on previous game stats, the Knights are predicted to win 35-31 via MaxPreps. Numbers and stats can only say so much; it’s truly all about who shows up and wants it more.
The Knights are playing in front of a home crowd, and the Hawks get to feel the motivation of wanting to take over someone else’s home. The Hawks are 5-0 on the road, but this isn’t just a 20-minute drive in town; this is an 8-hour-plus drive down to a different county.
The Hawks are ready to break this streak of losing in the South. If the Hawks come out with the win, they will be seated in the 5A State Championship. That alone is great motivation to come in and take this win home.
Both teams have had great success getting into the endzone, but how do these teams plan to score in this big game? The Hawks have had unlimited success running the ball, but the Knights also know that.
It will be interesting to see how they respond to the star running back Lovie Weil and his brick wall of an offensive line.
The Knights do it all on the field when it comes to getting a touchdown. If they need to run the ball, they will, and if they need to throw it, they most definitely will.
The starting quarterback for Hillcrest, Tyson Sweetwood, averages 225 passing yards per game. Just staying alone will let a team know these guys are not afraid to let it fly.
Both teams want this win, but who wants it more? Will the Hawks buy themselves another week and a trip to the Championship? Or will the Hillcrest Knights take over in front of a home crowd?
One thing is for sure: these Hawks are coming to play, and they’re ready to leave it all on the field.
