Lakewood Ranch High football runs past Lemon Bay High

Thanks to inclement weather and high wet bulb temperatures, the Lakewood Ranch High football team got in "about an hour and a half" of on-field practice this week, according to Head Coach Scott Paravicini. 

In the first quarter against Lemon Bay High, Lakewood Ranch's regular-season opening opponent, on Friday night, it appeared the Mustangs were hurt by the lack of practice. Two intercepted passes and big runs by Lemon Bay's triple option offense had the Manta Rays up 16-7 at the end of the first quarter. 

Then the Mustangs settled into the game, and the momentum turned. By the end of the night, it was Lemon Bay who was made to look like it needed more practice, as Lakewood Ranch scored 35 of the next 37 points to win 42-18. 

Senior running back Cullen McRae had three touchdown runs and junior quarterback Liam Fernandez had two. Junior running back Colton Dempsey added another touchdown run in the fourth quarter. On the other side of the ball, junior defensive back Mike Turner intercepted a Lemon Bay pass. The Mustangs did not allow a point in the second half. 

"It's hard to ask the kids to practice in the cafeteria for three days and then come out here and play a game," Paravicini said. "Obviously, there were mistakes, but I am happy with the way we responded." 

The Mustangs will next hit the road to play Seminole High (0-1) at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 30.