Mustangs win district opener

The Lakewood Ranch High football team opened its district campaign with a 19-0 victory over Boca Ciega in Class 6A-District 7 action Sept. 23.

The visiting Mustangs took a 7-0 lead on a 22-yard touchdown run by McKenzie Hathaway with 7:14 left in the first quarter.

Lakewood then recorded a safety with 3:50 remaining in the first quarter when the Pirates hiked the ball into the back of their own end zone to Mustangs a 9-0 lead.

Lakewood extended its lead on a 2-yard touchdown reception by tight end Greg Funk with 11 minutes left on the clock.

On Boca Ciega’s ensuing possession, Lakewood defensive lineman Michael Iacobelli recovered a fumble on the Boca Ciega 20-yard line and returned it to the 5-yard line, setting up Zach Reda’s 20-yard field goal.

Lakewood defensive back DJ Jones intercepted the ball with 2:30 remaining in the fourth quarter to seal the victory for the Mustangs.

Lakewood Ranch is now 2-2 on the season and 1-0 in Class 6A-District 7.

The Mustangs return to non-district action at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 30 at Palmetto.