Lakeside wins first playoff game against New Manchester

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - On Friday night, Lakeside secured a number 2 seed as they hosted a home playoff game for the first time since 2009.

After five long years of waiting to get back in the postseason, the Lakeside Panthers did not let anyone down.

A dominant second-half performance continues to add to the school’s best start in program history.

It was a cold and breezy night inside the jungle as the New Manchester Panthers took on the Lakeside Panthers.

There wasn’t much going for Steve Hibbitts’ team in the first half as the Panthers went into the locker room with a 10-7 lead.

But in the second half? We finally saw the offense that got the team to nine regular season wins.

It wasn’t just them making plays. Everyone was stepping and putting their foot on the gas.

“It’s fun to just sit back and watch these kids perform and have fun because that’s what it’s all about. They enjoy each other. They kind of know when they get to the second half with a team that they can finish it. It’s fun to watch young men be able to compete and execute,” said Hibbitts.

There are still a few more games left for the Panthers if they want to bring home a state championship victory.

But when you get your first playoff win at home in 15 years, you deserve to soak it in and celebrate.

Lakeside took down New Manchester 40-7 in round one.

“I’m so proud of them. They do such a wonderful job, and I know in front of the home crowd they are able to have a playoff win that’s big for them. It’s big for this program and it’s big for this community, the student section. It’s huge for this school. So, I’m so glad we won,” said Hibbitts.

The Panthers are now 10-1 on the season and will be back at Lakeside next Friday night for round 2 where they’ll take on Houston County.

Copyright 2024 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.