Lakewood football returned to the CIF Southern Section playoffs with a bang on Friday night.
After taking a lead in the second half, the Lancers were able to stop a two-point conversion in the final minutes to hold on for a 35-34 win at Brea Olinda in Division 9 action.
The first playoff win for Lakewood since 2010 sends the Lancers into the quarterfinal round at home against Highland next week.
Running back James Voorhies rushed for 178 yards and four touchdowns for Lakewood while quarterback Gevani McCoy completed 13 of his 21 pass attempts for 150 yards and he also rushed for 78 yards and a touchdown.
Lakewood (5-6) and Brea Olinda (6-5) were tied at halftime but the Lancers took a 27-21 lead at the end of the third quarter. Lakewood controlled the clock in the fourth quarter with its strong running game and took a 35-21 lead with 6:22 left in regulation.
Brea Olinda answered with a quick touchdown, and then recovered its own onside kick with less than five minutes to play. Brea drove down to score again and make it a 1-point game, and then they decided to go for the 2-point conversion and the win.
Lakewood’s Travis Perryman and Corey Farr made the tackle on the 2-pt attempt to secure the victory.
