Fox Creek falls to Lakewood amid offensive struggles
Aug. 26—LAKEWOOD 20, FOX CREEK 3
NORTH AUGUSTA — Fox Creek struggled offensively despite multiple opportunities to score in its 20-3 loss to Lakewood.
The Predators' defense shined throughout Friday's game, only allowing one touchdown. Safety Jordan Thomas was the defensive backbone on Friday as he was responsible for most of the tackles.
Despite support from the defense, Fox Creek's offense was not able to capitalize on several promising drives.
The Predators moved down the field easily during their opening drive, in part thanks to running back Julien Collier. Several offside penalties against Lakewood set Fox Creek up on the Gators' 25-yard line.
However, the drive was spoiled when Fox Creek quarterback Nathan Owens fumbled the ball after being sacked on fourth down.
Gator free safety Tyler Washington scooped up the ball to score a 75-yard touchdown, putting Lakewood on the board first.
A failed two-point conversion kept the score 6-0 going into the second quarter, where the Predators' defense was able to continue holding the Gators back.
Fox Creek scored its only field goal in the second quarter with a successful kick from Connor Maccafee. This cut the Gators' lead in half going into halftime.
Lakewood turned the ball over on fourth down on almost every drive, giving the Predators favorable field position throughout the game.
Owens struggled to throw the ball all night, eventually leading to a pick six by Washington in the third quarter to extend Lakewood's lead.
Another failed two-point conversion kept the score to 12-3.
The Gators were finally able to wear the Fox Creek defense down as it allowed the first touchdown of the night at the end of the third quarter.
Lakewood was able to convert for two points to take a 20-3 lead.
Fox Creek responded with another promising drive in the fourth quarter that was cut short.
Collier was a highlight throughout the game, with several carries that put the team in position to score. Ultimately, the Predators offense was not able to score a touchdown.
Fox Creek High School drops to 0-2 on the season as it travels Sept. 1 to McCormick.
