The South Whidbey High School football team (1-2) finally woke up to smell the roses Friday, beating Lakewood (2-1) by 59 to 32 on the strength of nine touchdowns and a revitalized ground game.

Following a pair of narrow losses to big schools like Grandview and Mount Vernon, the win was sweet for all concerned.

Falcon Henry “The Hank” Mead led all rushers with 220 yards and four TDs. A Dustin Varney fumble recovery was picked up by Hunter Rawls, who ran 95 yards for a touchdown that took the wind out of Lakewood’s sails early in the second quarter.

At 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 25, the Falcons welcome Cedarcrest for their first home game.