LAKE WALES – Lake Gibson decided enough was enough–specifically Hunter Orem decided that enough was enough. The senior QB/DB took control of the game scoring all three of Lake Gibson’s touchdowns in their 19-6 victory over Lake Wales in the District 6A-8 opener for both squads.

Orem got the scoring started with just over six minutes to play in the opening quarter when he rushed around the left side of the Highlanders defense to make the score 6-0–it was extra point that made it 7-0 and the Braves were in business. Lake Wales drove into Gibson’s territory, but Edgar Gallardo missed a 46-yard field goal with 6.7 seconds left in the first quarter.

The teams traded punts and field position for the remainder of the half until Orem’s second rushing touchdown of the night came with 1:53 to play. The two-point conversion failed, but it was Lake Gibson taking a 13-0 lead into halftime following a KJ Williams interception of Xavier Gaines. The Braves held the Highlanders to just 44 total yards and 9:46 time of possession in the first half as opposed to the Braves 157 yards and 14:14.

Coming out of the break, Gaines hit WR Davyn Lewis for the 50-yard touchdown pass. The extra point was no good and the Braves lead was cut to 13-6 at that point. Shortly after that sequence, Orem picked off Gaines and took it to the house for a 95-yard pick-six to put the score at 19-6 which is where the scoring ended.

Orem finished the night with a modest 6-of-12 for 50 yards passing and 68 yards rushing with the two touchdowns on the ground to go with his pick-six. Lake Gibson’s Travell Jones rushed for 79 yards on 18 carries for Gibson in the victory as well. Gaines finished his night 14-for-38 for 170 yards and the touchdown to Lewis. The junior wide receiver Lewis finished with 129 yards on seven receptions and a touchdown.

Lake Gibson (1-3,1-0) now heads back home to face Dr. Krop High School from Miami. Lake Wales (2-2,0-1) will host Live Oak-Suwannee at Legion Field next Friday night.