ST. PETERSBURG — A suffocating defensive performance handed Lakewood Ranch a 20-3 victory Friday night at Dixie Hollins.
The Mustangs (5-2, 2-0) forced six turnovers, including three interceptions on deep passes inside their own 20. It took nearly all four quarters for the Rebels (0-7, 0-3) to break the 100-yard mark. Dixie Hollins' lone score came on a 47-yard field goal by Bojan Skopljak, whose kick split the uprights with plenty of distance to spare.
"We're very, very young on offense," said Lakewood Ranch coach Shawn Trent, referring to his starting quarterback, a sophomore, and his backfield, comprised of a junior and freshman. "I think sometimes when you got a bunch of young kids, having a week off, you kind of lose your groove."
Running back Chris Pearcey, the junior, led his team with 74 yards on 10 carries and a touchdown.
Max Martinez, Times correspondent