The first-year Lakeview Academy football team is starting to learn how big some of its opponents are.
Outsized and outnumbered, the Lions were unable earn their first region win after a 28-0 shutout to Social Circle on Friday at Jock Horner Stadium in Gainesville.

Despite the loss, Lakeview Academy (1-3, 0-2 Region 8-A) remained solid on defense and limited the Redskins to a touchdown in the first half. They also kept them from passing the ball by allowing only 48 yards in the air.

Stopping the run was a different story, as all four of Social Circle's touchdowns were earned on the ground. Overall, the Redskins picked up 282 rushing yards, while Lakeview earned 68 total yards on offense.

"We played awfully well, it was 7-0 at half time and we certainly had a shot," Lakeview Academy coach Matthew Gruhn said. "We were worn out in the second half, and when we were tired, we made some mistakes that really hurt us."

Sticking primarily to a running game, the Lions were limited to short runs and never had more than a 12-yard run on the night. Nick Drury led Lakeview Academy with 25 yards on five carries. Tom Drury and Haughton Carswell were the only other Lions with double-digit rushing numbers.

"It's part of the growing process in a young program," Gruhn said. "Unfortunately, sometimes you have to learn the hard way."

The early minutes of the game were dominated by defense, as neither team ventured far into their opponent's territory and each ended the first quarter with only two first downs.

Penalties also assisted the Lakeview Academy defense, as Social Circle picked up 10, including four in the first quarter.

"Our kids competed and played awfully well in the first half, and against a pretty good football team," Gruhn said.

Social Circle put together the first successful play of the night early in the second quarter. Christopher Burns opened the drive with an 11-yard run, then caught a 35-yard pass from Chase Lackey to put the Redskins deep in Lakeview territory for the first time of the game.

Lackey then sneaked into the end zone for a 2-yard touchdown run, giving Social Circle a 7-0 lead.
Lakeview Academy didn't throw a single pass in the first half. Nick Drury and Carswell each ran for 18 yards to lead the Lions after two quarters.

The Lions' defense continued to pressure Social Circle early in the second half when Carswell intercepted a deep Lackey pass.

On their next drive, the Redskins dug themselves into a deep hole, picking up three straight penalties and forcing third-and-41.

But a first down marker almost halfway down the field didn't stop Social Circle's efficient rushing game. Burns carried the ball 66 yards on the play, breaking through several Lakeview tackles before finding the end zone to give Redskins a 14-0 lead late in the third quarter.

Social Circle scored again on its next possession after earning excellent field position when Lakeview Academy dropped a punt snap. It only took 5 yards for Lackey to score his second rushing touchdown of the night.

The Redskins scored their final touchdown of the night halfway through the fourth quarter when Burns broke open for another big run, this one for 53 yards, to give Social Circle at 28-0 lead.

The Lions look for their first region win when they visit Prince Avenue Christian at 7:30 p.m. next Friday.