By Cameron Valdez
The Laker/Lutz News Correspondent
Academy at the Lakes seven-man football team celebrated its last home game of the season with a 47-18 victory against Washburn Sept. 28.
The Spartans (4-2) opened the scoring with a 9-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Cole Perry to Michael Goodyear.
Wildcats (4-0) quarterback Max Stepanents threw a 54-yard touchdown to DeAndre Williams on their ensuring drive to take 8-6 lead halfway through the first quarter.
The academy never trailed again, scoring three more unanswered touchdowns to enter halftime with a 26-8 lead.
Washburn engineered a scoring drive coming out of the locker room to close the game to 26-12, but Wildcats junior Ahkil McGill answered with a 73-year kickoff return for a touchdown, one of his three scores of the contest.
The academy defense stepped up its play after that, forcing four turnovers.
The Wildcats allowed just one other score and held the Spartans to less than 200 yards of total offense. Cornerback Tony Arrington recorded two of his team’s three interceptions on the night.
Academy quarterback Max Stepanents finished 5-of-7 passing for 106 yards and three touchdowns, two of which were caught by Jack Fishman.
“We worked real hard for this game, and we are happy (with the outcome),” said Wildcats coach John Castelamare.
The academy has a bye this week before traveling to Citrus Park Christian Oct. 12 at 7:30 p.m. The Wildcats close the regular season at Tarpon Springs Solid Rock Oct. 25 at 4:30 p.m.
