Lakeland Clinches Playoff Bid!

The Lakeland Hawks capped off their regular season with a 45-0 win against the Moscow Bears, improving to 7-2 entering the upcoming state tournament. The Hawks finished with a better overall record than the 4A IEL champion, Sandpoint Bulldogs. Unfortunately, their 38-13 home loss to the Bulldogs dropped the Hawks to the #9 seed in the state, whereas the Bulldogs(4-3) clinched the #3 seed. 

John Cornish scored four rushing touchdowns, finishing the season with 19 total touchdowns.
Owen Forsman drilled an impressive 37-yard field goal in the rain in the first half. 

“Nothing changes about the approach. I still kick the ball the same and try to block out the rain. I still get the same result if I stay focused,” said Forsman. 

In the final regular season game, the Hawks dominated in a constant downpour of rain in Moscow, Idaho. The Hawks led 31-0 at the half, led by a strong rushing game from Caysen Loutzenhiser and John Cornish. 

Devon Howell recovered a blocked punt and nearly ran it for a scoop-and-score touchdown. 

“I just saw the shadow of the ball, jumped up and grabbed it. Chase made a really good block, and I ran forty yards and almost scored. I think we will have struggles against Pocatello, but we are going to try to be the most prepared team and shut down their team,” said Howell. 

By the second half, the Hawks had put in their underclassmen to rest their starters for the upcoming playoff bid. 

“I think we could have played better. I’m very ready for our game this Friday. It will be a dogfight. We will make it a good game. I can guarantee you that,” said senior Preston Jeffs. 

Lakeland is the top-seeded at-large bid in the playoffs but will unfortunately not have a home game. The team will travel down to Pocatello, Idaho, for their first playoff game against the #8 seed. 

The Hawks will battle the Pocatello Thunder(4-4, 2-0) on Oct. 28.