After a touching tribute to two lifelong Spartans Mike and Vicki Bass, who recently lost their lives in a car wreck, Union squared off against Lakewood in the last game of the regular season. Defense was the name of the game in the first half, but the Leopards of Lakewood pulled away after halftime to win the game 28-0.

“It was a typical Lakewood versus Union game — a hard fought battle,” said Lakewood head coach James Lewis. “We were glad to get the victory and we are now looking forward to starting the playoffs next week. Hats off to Coach Burley and his staff for the program honoring the Bass family before the game. It was very touching.”

The first quarter started with Lakewood receiving the ball. Union’s defense held and the Leopards punted to the Spartans. The Spartans offense took the field for the first time and they could not move the ball either. This would be the norm of the quarter — plenty of defense but not much offense. The first quarter ended in a scoreless tie.

The second quarter started with Lakewood driving down the field. Three minutes into the quarter, the Leopards put the ball into the end zone. After the extra point, Lakewood took the lead 7-0. No one else would score in the second quarter.

The third quarter started with Union on offense, but once again the Lakewood defense held and the Spartans punted. The Leopards took the ball right down the field and scored to make the score 14-0. Once again, Union’s offense was stuffed and Lakewood got the ball and drove down the field.

Just as the Leopards were about the score again, Isaac Underwood picked off a pass and returned it to the Lakewood 15. A penalty made it first and goal for the Spartans. The Leopard defense stepped up and did not let the Spartans in the end zone. The third quarter would end with the score 14-0.

The fourth quarter would see Lakewood score two more touchdowns to make the final score 28-0. Lakewood notches another victory with the shutout, the defense really stepping up.

“Our defense really did well tonight, but Union has a good defense too,” said Lewis.

“I thought the defense did a good job tonight,” Union coach Doug Burely concluded. “Offensively we have to do a better job up front.”

Lakewood finishes the regular season with a 9-2 record, while Union finishes with a record of 3-8. Lakewood now awaits playoff seeding.

The Leopards offense gets set to run a play on the Spartans defense in Lakewood’s 28-0 win on the road Friday night.
https://www.clintonnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/web1_leopards-2.jpgThe Leopards offense gets set to run a play on the Spartans defense in Lakewood’s 28-0 win on the road Friday night.

Both teams, coaching staffs, cheerleaders and band members surrounded the word “BASS,” painted on Union’s field as a tribute to lifelong Spartans Mike and Vicki Bass, who lost their lives in a automobile wreck. Their son Bradley is one of the Union’s assistant coaches and their grandson Cole is a member of the team, although he has been sidelined this season due to shoulder surgery. Sampson County Schools chairman Tim Register offered words of support and a prayer for the Bass family as players and coaches from both teams interlocked arms.
https://www.clintonnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/web1_tribute-1.jpgBoth teams, coaching staffs, cheerleaders and band members surrounded the word “BASS,” painted on Union’s field as a tribute to lifelong Spartans Mike and Vicki Bass, who lost their lives in a automobile wreck. Their son Bradley is one of the Union’s assistant coaches and their grandson Cole is a member of the team, although he has been sidelined this season due to shoulder surgery. Sampson County Schools chairman Tim Register offered words of support and a prayer for the Bass family as players and coaches from both teams interlocked arms.
Leopards notch another shutout, finish regular season 9-2

By Sebrinia Johnson

Sports Writer

Reach Sebrinia Johnson at [email protected]. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter @SampsonInd.