Seminole get hard-fought win over Lake Wales 41-38

Xavier Tucker hauls in the first of his 3 touchdowns to help lead Seminole over Lake Wales. PHOTO: LUKE LEHMANN

Like two prize fighters going toe-to-toe in the boxing ring, Seminole and previously undefeated Lake Wales traded blows on Sept 20 with the host Noles coming out on top 41-38.

“They are a great team – they hadn’t lost a road game since 2017 it showed tonight,” Seminole coach Karl Calhoun said. “They have great coaching and kept playing.

“But when you play those types of teams – those deep playoff teams – it’s going to be punch for punch, it just depends on who gets the last punch in – I’m glad it was us tonight.”

Down three with 4 minutes left in the first quarter, Michael Clayton found Xavier Tucker on a 37-yard pass for touchdown to put the Noles up, a lead they never give up.

The Seminoles rode Clayton’s arm to a 21-3 lead with 8 minutes left in the opening half. The junior quarterback ended the night 14-of-22 with 213 yards and three touchdowns.

Tucker was Clayton’s main target, grabbing five passes for 122 yards and two touchdowns. Tucker showed why Calhoun calls him a “special player” when he broke loose on a 93 yard kick return for the final touchdown and his third of the game.

“Everyone got to see it last week (against Heritage) and now again this week, (Tucker) is just a special player,” Calhoun said. “He has great hands, elite speed and is just a crazy play maker.”

A Juan Berchal interception with under a minute left led to a Liam Allen filed goal and a 24-20 Seminole lead at the half.

“We came out with the offense clicking, defensively we gave up a few plays in the second half, but that happens,” Calhoun said. “I’m glad we were able to come though, fight through and finish on a high note.”

The Seminoles are on the road Sept 27, traveling to Lake Brantley for a district game against the Patriots. Game time is set for 7pm.

Photos by Luke Lehmann, Scott A. Miller, James Postell, Abra Stalker and Marlena Swain

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