Last night, high school football, complete with fans of all ages, returned to Szott Auto Field East as the Varsity Football team defeated Waterford Kettering 41-20 to open the 2021 season. The win marked Coach Jim Calhoun's first victory as Lakeland's head coach, a moment that was celebrated afterwards as senior quarterback Tate Farquhar presented Calhoun with the game ball.

The game started off with both teams turning the ball over several times. Lakeland's defense accounted for 6 turnovers throughout the game: interceptions by Derek Johnson, Chase Curry, Reed Jabiro, and a Pick-6 just before halftime by Racer DeBoard; fumble recoveries by Dillon Gacki and Zeke Riedel.

Offensively, Farquhar threw for 2 TDs (Caleb Zurek with a 30-yarder and Cole Perry with a 61-yarder) and ran for another. Evan Percin rushed for 92 yards and scored a touchdown, while Jabiro added a 47-yard touchdown run.

The Eagles move to 1-0 on the season and will return to action next Thursday at Walled Lake Central.