Lakeland football opens new field with rivalry win over West Milford
WANAQUE − It was paramount Friday night that Lakeland defended its home turf.
On a night the Lancers rolled out their new synthetic field, introduced new coach Ryan McCarney to the home crowd and put their new look offense on display, they rolled to a 28-7 win over neighboring rival West Milford in a Super Football Conference American White showdown in Passaic County.
Quarterback Collin Sabric accounted for two touchdowns − one passing, one rushing − in the opening half when the Lancers seized control and retained the Suburban Trends Cup Trophy for the fourth-consecutive year. The tradition that began in 2001.
“I feel a lot more comfortable with my guys this year compared to last year. I’m comfortable in the pocket knowing my line gives me a lot of time,” said Sabric, who accounted for 180 yards on 15-of-21 passing. “We’re having fun. Our defense was bringing heat today. It was a great game all around.”
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Lakeland scored twice in the first quarter and once in the second to race out to a 21-7 lead at the half. The defense was suffocating to start the game, limiting West Milford’s offense despite Highlanders freshman quarterback Aydin Deane clicking for 121 passing yards.
Lakeland raced out to a quick 7-0 lead just 90 seconds in when defensive lineman Greg Ehrmann sacked Deane from the blindside at the Highlanders 17-yard line and forced a fumble that linebacker Andrew Ganci picked up and barreled into the end zone.
Sabric then put the Lancers up by two scores on the final play of the first quarter when he took a keeper four yards for a 14-0 lead.
“We felt like Collin hadn’t played his best football yet. We set it up tonight so he can have some quick throws to get him comfortable,” McCarney said. “When he hit Walker on a big vertical I think it settled him down. He had a tremendous night. This was his best game by far.”
West Milford scored its only points just a minute into the second quarter when Deane hit Nate Ford on a swing pass out of the backfield and then raced 74 yards down the left sideline for a touchdown.
What it means
The Lancers improve to 4-1 and move into a tie for first place with Vernon (4-1), next week's opponent, in the SFC American White division.
The Wanaque school has already surpassed last year’s win total. Last fall, the Lancers finished 3-6.
This was the 59th meeting between Lakeland and West Milford. The Lancers now lead the all-time series, 27-21-11.
West Milford dipped to 3-2 and snapped a two-game win streak.
Turning point
After West Milford scored early in the second quarter to pull within seven points, Lakeland answered back minutes later when Sabric connected with receiver Sean Walker on a 39-yard post pattern pass to restore a 14-point lead at 21-7 with 8:30 left in the half.
Walker had five receptions for 75 yards and a touchdown.
By the numbers
Lakeland running back Jeremy O’Hernandez rushed for 96 yards on 11 carries and a touchdown.
Receiver Jake Spear grabbed five passes for 61 yards for Lakeland.
Deane threw for 223 yards and one touchdown on 18-of-33 passing.
Ford had nine receptions for 141 yards and a touchdown.
Final words
“We talked about this being a playoff game. We felt like if we won this game it could get us in the playoffs. We now have new goals and have a big game with Vernon next.” - McCarney
“We’re working much harder as a team. Tonight, was a good all-around win. Everyone was in on plays on both sides of the ball. Our defense is flying to the ball and our coverage is phenomenal.” – Walker
Up next
West Milford hosts Wayne Valley next Friday.
Lakeland hosts Vernon next Friday.
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Lakeland NJ football opens new field with win over West Milford
