LAKELAND -- Killian coach Steve Smith spent nearly half an hour in the locker room after Friday night's game trying to find the right words to console his team.

Killian was dominated for the majority of the game, and still fell a touchdown short of shocking nationally ranked Lakeland on its home field.

But after a controversial fumble led to a Lakeland touchdown, the comeback came up short, and Killian lost its first game of the season 27-21 in front of a crowd of 6,000 at Thomas W. Bryant Stadium.

''When we came here, we knew we were going to battle a great football team, the town and possibly the officiating,'' Smith said. ``No one on this team gave up, though, and I'm proud of that.''

On Lakeland's second possession of the third quarter, with nine minutes remaining, senior running back Aaron Truedell was caught in the backfield by Killian defenders and appeared to fall to the ground, losing the football. Players on both sides stopped momentarily, believing the play was over. The referee, however, never blew the whistle and ruled that Truedell fumbled. Senior offensive lineman Caleb Pickrell picked up the ball and ran 41 yards for a touchdown.

Even though Killian's coaches vigorously protested, the ruling stood and Lakeland (5-0) took a 27-7 lead.

Smith did not comment on the fumble after the game.

Killiam (4-1), which is ranked No. 7 in Class 6A, did not fold following the play.

Killian marched down the field on its best offensive series of the game that was set up by a 34-yard completion from quarterback Ricky Rowe to wide receiver Angelo Crespo. Rowe found senior tight end Keith Dupree for a 4-yard touchdown that cut the deficit to 27-14.

Following a defensive stop, Killian set up another score with a trick play.

Wide receiver Jelani Berassa took a pitch from Rowe and heaved a pass across the field to Lamar Miller for a 23-yard gain that got Killian a first down at Lakeland's 15. Four plays later, Miller scored on a 2-yard touchdown run to make it 27-21 with 2:13 remaining.

Lakeland, however, recovered an onside kick and ran out the clock when Truedell picked up 15 yards and a first down on three consecutive rushes.

Miller finished with 152 yards rushing and two touchdowns on 25 carries. He provided an early spark by breaking a 64-yard touchdown run down the sideline on Killian's first possession.

But Lakeland, which has lost only two home games since 1995, took advantage of a couple of Killian special teams mistakes to build its early lead.

After a high snap went over the head of Killian punter Danilo Mayorga, Lakeland took possession at Killian's 24-yard line. Two plays later, Truedell broke a 23-yard touchdown run to give Lakeland a 14-7 lead.

In the second quarter, Javares McRoy took a line-drive punt from Mayorga and got a running start before Killian's coverage team could reach him. He found an opening and returned it 50 yards for a touchdown.

''Maybe this is an eye-opener for us,'' Smith said. ``The field position killed us the whole game. We talked a lot about little things we can do to improve. Things happen sometimes for a reason.''

• Mater 28, Coral Shores 20: Mater Academy Charter was able to hold off a late rally to earn its first victory of the season at Curtis Park Stadium.

Mater (1-3) took a 28-12 lead into the fourth quarter, but a costly interception set up a Coral Shores touchdown with 11:04 remaining.

Coral Shores' defense was able to force a three-and-out on Mater's next possession for a chance to tie the score.

Coral Shores was able to drive to Mater's 45-yard line, but Mater defensive back Bobby Freeman was able to break up a pass attempt on fourth down with 3:39 remaining to seal the victory.

''It feels great to get the first win under the belt,'' Mater coach Gil Lora said. ``The defense played well enough in spurts to hold on to win this war of attrition.''

Junior all-purpose back Jamal Hatcher had three touchdowns for Mater, including one on a an impressive 60-yard punt return in which he broke three tackles.

-- PEDRO MARTI

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