By Lucio Arellano

There's no sweeter blessing in disguise than a second chance at a win over an arch-rival like Mayfair. What appeared to be a sure win for the Lancers at the end of regulation with a chip shot field goal by John Gillett turned into a nail-biter in overtime at Yary Field.

Gillett struck from 42-yards out, making the field goal in overtime that won the game as the redemption song played well into the night. Bruising running back Justin Robertson closed the deal with 153 yards and two touchdowns as the Lancers upended Mayfair 31-28, and retained posession of the coveted Milk Bucket.

The win marked the fourth consecutive year that Lakewood has defeated the Monsoons, thus solidifying its reign and letting the boys in blue know who's boss. "After I missed the first one (wide from 32 yards), my confidence was a bit shaken but I had to stick with it and step up for the team," Gillett said. "This was the first time I've ever won a game with a field goal and I'm glad I could win it for the guys because they deserve it more than I do."

Although the game was a barn burner, it did not sit very well with the Monsoon faithful, as the officials made calls that will be talked about for a long time.

The scoreboard was lit with a 28-28 tie when the final gun blew to send the game into overtime. The Big Red defense held the Monsoons when it had to on a fourth-and-9 attempt from the 24-yard line with a blitz from DB Mike Bennett, sacking Mayfair quarterback Ronnie Goforth to turn the ball over to Lakewood.

The Monsoon defense proved to be formidable by denying Lakewood any chance of moving the ball on their ensuing drive after three attempts and forced a field goal try from 42 yards out. However, the Monsoons blocked the kick and victimized Gillett, or so it seemed. The official blew the whistle and Mayfair thought the game was headed to a second overtime but on that play, Lakewood linebacker Brian Woods picked up the blocked kick and sprinted into the end zone. Play was stopped as the officials huddled at midfield to discuss what had transpired. Tension began to escalate on both sidelines for a call, but the final verdict favored Lakewood because it was ruled that the officals blew the play dead too early and gave Gillett another shot at a field goal, which just barely cleared the goal post for the winning kick, sending the Lancers into a frenzy.

Go Lancers!