Wake’s five TD passes lead Lions

King’s Academy put its 19-game winning streak on the line Friday night against unbeaten Key West, and Justin Wake made sure it got to 20.

The junior quarterback threw five touchdown passes — including three to Cory Croteau — and the Lions’ defense held the Conchs scoreless in the second half in a 41-21 victory at Kahlert Stadium.

The loss was the first for Key West (5-1) since a postseason setback to Southwest Ranches-Archbishop McCarthy last November. The Conchs missed three weeks of play this season because of Hurricane Irma.

King’s Academy improved to 7-0 with the victory.

“Our kids figure out a way to win,” Lions coach Keith Allen said. “They believe in themselves, and they’re playing hard for each other. They figured it out, and they won again.”

Key West wasted little time getting its triple-option offense going, marching 85 yards on its opening drive and scoring on Alvin Howard’s 39-yard touchdown pass to Damien Alvarez.

The pass was the only one attempted by the Conchs on the eight-play drive, which featured strong running from Kolby Kelleher and Alonzo Ridgeway.

King’s Academy tied it at 7 on Wake’s 3-yard touchdown pass to Croteau with 4:25 left in the first quarter.

A strong defensive stand by King’s Academy gave the ball back to the Lions on the Conchs’ 32, and they went ahead 14-7 on Wake’s 1-yard run with 44 seconds left in the quarter.

The Lions’ offense continued rolling in the second quarter. Wake engineered a 12-play, 75-yard drive that he capped with a 21-yard touchdown pass to Dillon Larson at 6:18. The extra point failed, leaving the Lions with a 20-7 lead.

But a pair of quick scores by Key West handed the lead right back at 21-20.

Wake was 10 of 13 for 160 yards and three TDs in the first half, and also ran for a score.

Wake’s fifth touchdown pass to Croteau midway through the fourth quarter gave King’s Academy the final margin.

“We call him Mr. Houdini,” Allen said of the 5-foot10 Wake. “If he was 6-foot-1, he’d be written up as a fivestar recruit. If he’s not the No. 1, he’s the No. 2 quarterback in our county, I believe.”