The Leopards played Lejeune, trouncing them 49-0 to bring their record to 3-0 on the young season, in which they have yet to give up a single point. The game was moved up and took place on Thursday because of weather concerns.

Despite this change to schedule, the game still ran in to problems when, due to rain, the game was postponed for over an hour resulting in many of the spectators leaving the game early. However, Lakewood and Lejeune still retook the field and played to completion.

In accordance with the sport association’s guidelines, if strikes were within 30 seconds of hearing thunder then the game must be postponed until the storm dies down. The teams must wait for 30 minutes after the last lightning strike to ensure player safety. This led to the game’s hour-long suspension, but it was later deemed safe for players to retake the field.

“We just hope the kids stay motivated,” explained Lakewood coach James Lewis. “You know, anything that pulls them out of the routine can make people lose focus. I’ve been through delays like this several times. You just got to go in there, remind them to stay focus.”

Lakewood played even more aggressively in the first quarter of the game than usual looking as if Lewis was hoping for his team to score before the rain hit in case the game would be called off.

On offense Jahdon Smith carried the load for Lakewood with 195 yards on only 8 carries.

Other Leopards that ran well include Jameek Johnson with 35 yards on 5 carries, Shemar Tucker was behind Smith with 55 yards on 3 carries, Jaylin Torres added 6 yards with his 2 carries and Dylan Ivey rounded off the rushing game with 3 yards on a carry.

Luke Brewer was at the head of the Leopards defense again as he amassed 10 tackles and recovered a fumble.

Contributions to Lakewood’s shutout defense also came from Jaylin Avery with 6 tackles and 3 sacks, Torres who had 5 tackles, Ivey that picked up 5 tackles, Tristan Holmes who added 4 tackles and Johnson that ended with 6 tackles to compliment his rushing yards.

The Leopards will be playing their first away game next week. This means leaving the field they’ve played on in all three of their games for this season.

“Playing at home is always an advantage, especially when we’re going against Midway — our rivals,” said Lewis, alluding to the next game between Lakewood and Midway on Sept. 8. “But you have to go away sometime. Of course you still have to worry about the team staying focused, but we’ll get a good idea of their discipline and true character when we face serious adversity.”

Lakewood’s offense has been on a tear as they put up 40-plus points again this season. Quaterback Cameron Sessoms, shown here earlier this year, has been doing his part to get points on the board.
https://www.clintonnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/web1_Union-Defense-jamboree-1.jpgLakewood’s offense has been on a tear as they put up 40-plus points again this season. Quaterback Cameron Sessoms, shown here earlier this year, has been doing his part to get points on the board.

The defense, pictured here in last week’s game, has been equally strong as they keep another team out of the end zone.
https://www.clintonnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/web1_Lakewood-43-Harold-Faison-9-Cameron-Sessoms-1.jpgThe defense, pictured here in last week’s game, has been equally strong as they keep another team out of the end zone.
Leopards perfect, opponents scoreless through three games

By Chris Froat

Sports Writer

Reach Chris Froat at [email protected]. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter @SampsonInd.