Lakewood Ranch takes strides on defense despite loss to Sunlake

Lakewood Ranch was on the brink of an opportunity. After three rough weeks to start the season and a blown lead Friday, the Mustangs had a chance to regain the advantage during the third quarter in Land O’Lakes.

A touchdown lead for Lakewood Ranch at halftime had given way to a one-point deficit in the third quarter, and for the first time since their touchdown drive the Mustangs were marching deep into Sunlake territory — to the 19-yard line. It was the last major chance Lakewood Ranch got to spoil the Seahawks’ homecoming.

Then the Mustangs fumbled. Sunlake recovered and later tacked on a field goal to finish Lakewood Ranch for a 10-6 win at Sunlake Stadium.

“We made a lot of mental mistakes last night, offensively,” head coach Mic Koczersut said. “We got to the 19 and we made one of our mental mistakes.”

Midway through Friday’s game, the Mustangs lost their quarterback. A first-half ankle injury temporarily sidelined Justin Curtis and when he returned during the third quarter, the run-first quarterback’s best skill was limited.

And still Lakewood Ranch delivered its best performance of the season. The Mustangs defense, which ranked among the worst in Manatee County against a rigorous schedule through three games, forced three takeaways and held Sunlake to 262 yards. The offense, which didn’t score a touchdown until last week against Braden River, gave Lakewood Ranch a halftime lead for the first time this season.

“We definitely played better defensively. There’s no doubt about that,” Koczersut said. “The kids are starting to understand things better. The game’s starting to slow down a little bit for theme.”

After an underwhelming 2015, the Mustangs hoped for — expected — significant improvement in 2016. They had Curtis back for a second year under center. They had a solid secondary with Blauvelt Georges and Chris Hadley anchoring the defense. Their offensive line was anchored by Sam Jackson, perhaps the best lineman in the county and the only returning first-team All-Area lineman from the year prior.

The early season schedule against playoff-hopefuls Tampa Jesuit, Sarasota Riverview and the Pirates has exposed the Mustangs’ weaknesses while preventing many positives from emerging. They had been outrushed 768-106. Their offense had totaled 371 yards in three games, the second fewest in the area.

Not everything was solved against Sunlake — the Seahawks still ran for 176 yards and Lakewood Ranch’s early lead didn’t lead to an offensive eruption — but it was a sign of what the Mustangs can do now that the hardest stretch on their schedule is over. Opponents will still struggle to throw on Lakewood Ranch, which will let the Mustangs play low-scoring games against certain opponents.

“For the most part, our effort level was great last night. Our kids played hard,” Koczersut said. “We have to be used to being in those situations and have a chance to win the game.”

This story was originally published September 24, 2016 at 11:43 PM with the headline "Lakewood Ranch takes strides on defense despite loss to Sunlake."