Landon MS– It may not have been the best start that Twin Lakes envisioned when facing Landon, but it was an impressive start none the less. The Twin Lakes Timberwolves defeated the Landon Lions 38-0 in a Duval County Middle School Conference southern divisional showdown Tuesday. Twin Lakes came into the game heavy favorites as the reigning division champs, but at first, it seemed like the gravity of an in school game weighed heavily on them.
On the first drive of the game, Landon nearly converted on a 4th and long fake punt that caught the Timber wolves napping. Landon’s punter took the long snap and raced to his left needing to pick up ten yards, but fell a yard short. It was a big break for Twin Lakes as they were able to get the ball at mid-field, setting up their offense in prime position. Coach Gamble decided to deploy his rushing attack, calling on #33 Javon Jackson, #32 Jonah Eguakun and #22 Mykelti Jordan. The dynamic three headed monster drove the ball down field 60 yards ending in a short touchdown run by Eguakun. Jackson would punch in the two point conversion and Twin Lakes led 8-0 early. 
However for the remainder of the first half Twin Lakes would struggle to move the ball on offense. After stopping Landon on their second drive, Twin Lakes was forced to punt the ball away after miscues on offense and good tackling by Landon defenders like #32 Dillon Johnson. The Lions defense allowed their offense to get the ball back, and drive down the field at the close of the half. Quarterback Noah Couch ( 4.0 honor student) would drive his team down field. A 15 yard penalty placed the ball at the Twin Lakes 5 yard line with 15 seconds left in the first half. With one timeout remaining, Landon chose to put the ball in the air and the Twin Lakes defense made them pay. Linebacker Jalen Deadwyler stepped in front of an attempted pass to the tight end across the middle, for an interception. Deadwyler would take the interception one yard in the endzone, and rumble 101 yards for the touchdown to end the first half. It was a potential eight point swing in the game with Deadwyler dealing the proverbial death blow to the Lions.
MLB Jalen Deadwyler with the 99yd Interception return for a TD to end the half. WOW!!! TWIN LAKES up 16-0 over Landon Halftime pic.twitter.com/V8GfalN8Xi
— Duval Sports (@DuvalSports) October 3, 2017
Leading 16-0 in the second half, Twin Lakes would keep it simple and sound by running the football. After big kickoff return from Jovan Jackson, Myketi Jordan pounded the rock down the field with Jonah Eguakun running in his second touchdown of the day to make the score 24-0. As the student body returned to the school in the fourth quarter, the enthusiasm on Landon’s side-line seemed to fade as well. Already playing without star player Jack Damon who suffered an injury against Southside the week before, the Lions were overpowered and out manned by the pack of Timberwolves. Fittingly, it was Deadwyler who would stamp the game late, scooping up a fumble and racing 20 yards for his second defensive touchdown of the game. Twin Lakes would win 38-0.
With the win, Twin Lakes (2-0) can now prepare for their toughest match of the year, a south division showdown with rival Dupont(2-0). Landon (0-2) turns their attention to Darnell Cookman(0-2) as both teams look to get their first wins of the season.
