Wildcats derail Rams’ bid for 5A-South title

With the top two scoring offenses in 5A-South conference games facing off, Friday’s matchup between Lakeside and Watson Chapel figured to be a shootout on Austin Field.

A back-and-forth third quarter notwithstanding, the contest turned into a defensive struggle with the conference championship up for grabs.

Despite facing its own offensive challenges, Watson Chapel held the Rams to their lowest output of the season in a 21-7 win. The Wildcats surrendered just 67 yards and three first downs in the second half, squashing Lakeside’s bid for a third-straight league title.

“Our goal is always a conference championship; we’ve been knocking on the door every year and it took a special group to get it done,” Watson Chapel coach Jared Dutton said. “Everything was stacked against them, and all they did is go to work and do things right. I couldn’t be happier for them.”

Trailing 21-7, Lakeside marched deep into Watson Chapel territory on its first possession of the fourth quarter. Behind 63 rushing yards from Dupree Swanson, the Rams reached the five-yard line before stalling.

After three carries for two yards by Swanson, Lakeside faced a fourth and goal from the three. Taylor Gilham’s pass attempt was intercepted by Javeon Jackson, securing the win for the Wildcats.

“I told them I thought they fought hard and played hard, but I definitely take the blame on the offensive side of the football; we didn’t call the right game,” Lakeside coach Jared McBride said. “You’ve got to give them credit. They’re a really good team and very physical. We tip our hat to those guys.”

After a scoreless first quarter, Watson Chapel quarterback Devin Curry connected with Dedetron Parks for a fiveyard touchdown as the Wildcats took a 7-0 lead with 8:09 remaining in the first half.

The sophomore completed four of eight pass attempts for 53 yards, adding 55 yards on the ground.

“I knew the stage was big and I wanted to ease him in, but he just did a great job,” said Dutton. “He got banged up early and all he did was fight. That’s what our program is based on; it’s hard work, dedication and nothing comes easy.”

Following a three-and-out series by the Rams, Watson Chapel made it 13-0 when Omar Allen capped a 70-yard drive with a four-yard score, though Lakeside wouldn’t go down without a fight.

Swanson ripped a 56-yard gain on the first play from scrimmage of Lakeside’s ensuing possession and rumbled for a four-yard score four plays later to pull the Rams within 13-7 at the half.

Lakeside was unable to maintain that momentum at the start of the third quarter, forced to punt after three plays on each of its first two possessions of the second half.

“When we didn’t move the ball, we weren’t able to flip the field and we played behind the chains on the field-position game,” McBride said. “That’s not something we can do; we need to be able to play on the other side. I thought our defense played hard and played well; I wish we could have matched them offensively.”

Watson Chapel’s Dejuan Harris broke loose for a 53yard touchdown run with 6:19 remaining in the third quarter, Allen converting on the two-point try to set the final margin.

Allen finished with a team-high 106 rushing yards while Harris chipped in with

83 yards. Swanson paced the Rams with 187 yards and Gilham completed three of five pass attempts, Carson Muldoon with a 23-yard reception.

Lakeside (5-4, 5-1) closes the regular season against Hot Springs on Friday at Reese Memorial Stadium. With a win, the Rams would earn the No. 2 seed and a home game in the first round of the Class 5A playoffs.

“They’ll come back Monday ready to go and ready to prepare,” said McBride. “I know they’re down because we didn’t accomplish one of our goals, but there’s still a lot of ball left to be played. Now we’ll get ready to give Hot Springs a good go on Friday.”

Watson Chapel;0 13 8 0 — 21 Lakeside;0 7 0 0 — 7 Second quarter WC — Dedetron Parks 5 pass from Devin Curry (Keandre Kendel kick), 8:09. WC — Omar Allen 4 run (kick failed), 3:13.

L — Dupree Swanson 4 run (Phillip Gayle kick), 0:44. Third quarter WC — Dejuan Harris 53 run (Allen run), 6:19.