In a highly anticipated matchup, the Lake Shore Warriors, led by coach Joseph Delaune boasting an impressive 6-2 record, clashed with the resilient Mayport Sharks, who entered the game with a commendable 5-2-1 standing and led by head coach Richard Seymore. The stage was set for a showdown that would determine one team to continue on their playoff journey.
The Warriors’ offense wasted no time making their mark on their first drive that culminated in a resounding touchdown, swiftly propelling them to a 6-0 lead. The Mayport Sharks, however, were quick to respond with a spirited first drive of their own. Caden Dowdell from the Sharks made a remarkable run down the field, setting the stage for a standout play by Mayport’s own Xavier Carmichael. Carmichael’s dazzling catch and subsequent run into the end zone seized the lead for the Sharks, with the score standing at 7-6 as the first quarter came to a close.
Mayport #11 Xavier Carmichael makes a spectacular catch to run it in for a TD!! The Sharks take the lead 7-6 with 1 min left in 1st quarter @DuvalSports pic.twitter.com/lNeHu1gWr8
— Asia 📸✨ (@amaye_) November 7, 2023
With just minutes remaining in the second quarter, Lake Shore’s #8 Rajon Riley, orchestrated a touchdown drive, enabling the Warriors to regain the lead at 14-7, following a successful two-point conversion by  Travis Heard. The momentum that the Warriors had garnered continued to surge as they executed a successful kickoff block, capitalizing on the opportunity with yet another touchdown, this time courtesy of #2 Brian Branch. As the halftime whistle blew, Lake Shore maintained a commanding 22-7 lead over the Sharks.
Lake Shore blocks the kickoff and followed through with a TD by #2! Lake shore now leads 22-7 with 23 secs left before halftime @DuvalSports pic.twitter.com/tv6cBaZWfo
— Asia 📸✨ (@amaye_) November 8, 2023
The Warriors showed no signs of slowing down, with Lake Shore’s Auutrez Jones storming into the end zone to increase the lead to 28-7. It was clear that Lake Shore’s Brian Branch was determined to keep the scoring momentum alive, securing another last-minute touchdown just seconds before the game’s conclusion.
In a decisive display of skill and tenacity, the defending Duval County Middle School Champions, the Lake Shore Warriors, triumphed over the Mayport Sharks with a final score of 34-7. The victory not only marked a successful defense of their champion title, but also a stellar performance by the Warriors. They move on.
Start of the 4th quarter, Warriors #22 runs it in for another Lake Shore TD! Score 28-7 @DuvalSports pic.twitter.com/pJuIfNfY11
— Asia 📸✨ (@amaye_) November 8, 2023
While the Mayport Sharks faced a challenging defeat, they have much to be proud of, having achieved five consecutive winning seasons and three Eastern Division championships in the years 2019, 2022, and 2023.Â
