The defense of Lakeland High School’s football team helped power it to its first win of the 2015 season on Friday night as the Cavaliers defeated host Great Bridge High School 13-10.

“We came through for each other tonight,” Lakeland coach Kevin Knight said. “Our offense really struggled tonight, but our defense came through for us.”

Though the Wildcats put 10 points on the scoreboard, none of them came against the Cavaliers’ defense.

Great Bridge took an 8-0 lead in the first quarter off an approximately 35-yard interception return for a touchdown and a two-point conversion.

But Lakeland junior running back/wide receiver/cornerback Alajuwun Langston, back from injury, closed the gap on the scoreboard with a 51-yard touchdown run.

“He’s just playing awesome football right now on both sides of the football,” Knight said.

The extra point attempt failed, but Lakeland was within two, 8-6.

In the second quarter, the Wildcats’ defense forced a safety to push their lead to four. However, the Cavs were able to claim the 13-10 lead before halftime on a seven-yard scoring run by sophomore running back DeAndre Faulk.

Lakeland’s defense held firm in the second half, especially in the fourth quarter, Knight said, later stating that his defensive coordinator, Ronald Richardson, called a great game.

During the contest, the Cavaliers had a big goal line stand, and freshman linebacker Ricardo Ray and junior linebacker Kory Lawrence each forced a fumble.

Knight said the whole defensive line played well, including junior Demetrius McKinney and junior Garrett Whitley, the latter of which had two sacks.

Junior defensive lineman Tre’Von Claude “really helped us out with the run game tonight,” Knight said.

On getting his first career win as a head coach, Knight said, “It feels great,” but he added his team is still on a mission, and “we’re ready to get after it.”

Lakeland (1-3) visits Deep Creek High School next Friday night.