The Lakewood Leopards beat the West Harnett Eagles big Friday night, a huge rebound after a close loss last week, their first of the season.

Despite the impressive final score, it was no easy match for Lakewood. Western Harnett is a larger school being 3A which gave the Leopards a tough time in the first half. Their kicker was impressive easily sending it over the fence and on more than one occasion.

However, Lakewood gained steam in the second half with some impressive plays that ultimately saw them breeze past the Eagles.

The Eagles were the first to score in the game, with a successful field goal in the second quarter to go up 3-0.

Lakewood answered, with Jahdon Smith scoring on a 29-yard rush and Tyler Hobbs kicking a successful extra point. The Leopards’ Jameek Johnson was next, netting a 5-yard rush touchdown to pull further away at 13-3 leading into halftime.

In the third quarter, Smith scored for his team twice more, with runs of 44 and 35 yards, to put his team ahead 28-3, a lead they maintained into the fourth quarter.

After two more successful field goals by West Harnett, the Leopards’ Shemar Tucker tacked on another touchdown via a 2-yard rush, which was again followed by a kick from Hobbs. Harold Faison earned a 2-yard rush of his own and Hobbs’ kick to bring the final to 42-9.

“We played much better in the second half,” said Coach James Lewis. “Played a bit sloppy in the first half. Their record is deceiving. That’s a 3A school and they’ve played some big schools. We knew they’d give us a challenge and I was proud with how our kids performed.”

On defense, Elijah Davis had 3 tackles and a sack for 9 yard loss. Jaylin Torres six tackles and one sack for 16 yard loss. Additionally, Tristan Holmes had eight tackles, Dylan Ivey amassed eight tackles and Luke Brewer had six tackles. Smith added four tackles and an interception, Tucker had four tackles, with two tackles for loss and an impressive interception that led to a touchdown for the Leopards.

On offense, Smith had 19 rushes for 165 yards, Tucker had seven for 47 yards, and Johnson carried six times for 17 yards. Cameron Sessoms was 9-of 12 passing for 110 yards. Receiving, Andre Rich had four receptions for 47 yards, Juwauan Johnson caught two passes for 25 yards and Bryce Tanner and Smith each had one reception for 34 and 4 yards, respectively.

The Leopards now stand at 5-1. They will not be playing again until Oct. 6 at North Duplin at 7 p.m.

Lakewood’s Cameron Sessoms looks downfield on a QB scramble.
https://www.clintonnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/web1_Cameron-Sessoms-tries-to-take-ball-downfield.jpgLakewood’s Cameron Sessoms looks downfield on a QB scramble.
After close loss last week, Leopards return to winning ways

By Chris Froat

Sports Writer

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