VENICE (SNN-TV) – On Saturday, the Venice Indians played in their 3rd-straight state championship game, and this year’s game was a rematch from last year, as the Indians once again took on Lakeland.
After rattling off 12 wins in a row following their 0-2 start, the Indians ran into a Dreadnaught buzzsaw this weekend, falling to Lakeland 60-48. The Lakeland defense forced five Venice turnovers, picking off four passes and returning one for a touchdown, and recovering a fumble in the win at Bragg Memorial Stadium.
Contrary to last year’s championship game between the two, the offenses were on fire from the coin flip. Lakeland rushed for 497 yards with D’marius Rucker rambling for 209 on 22 carries and finding the end zone three times. The Dreadnaughts had seven rushing touchdowns total. Venice had an oustanding night on the ground as well, rushing for 234 yards.
In the past three seasons, the Indians are 1-2 in state final opportunities, with their lone win coming against Apopka in 2020.
That being said, it’s safe to say they’ll be back very, very soon.
