The Lakewood Leopards delivered a confident 47-26 victory over Pender Thursday night in front a delighted home crowd.

The Leopards took a 32-0 lead into the break and never looked back, despite a late run by the Patriots.

“I thought the guys played well tonight,” said Lakewood head coach Sylvester Pittman. “They came out and gave a good effort and played really hard. I am proud of them.”

Lakewood jumped on the board at the 7:58 mark in the first quarter on a 1-yard run by Ray Hayes. Matt Wuester hit the PAT.

Another solid drive ended with a 1-yard touchdown run by Hayes with 32 seconds left in the first. The kick failed and the Leopards went up 13-0.

A few minutes into the second quarter, Lakewood scored again, this time on a 10-yard run by Roman Leach to go up 19-0.

Five minutes later, Roman King ended another solid offensive drive on a pretty 11-yard touchdown run. Wuester hit the PAT and the Leopards were in control at 26-0.

Lakewood’s offense continued to impress after the half. The team drove down the field to open the third, ending the drive with a 1-yard touchdown run by Toby Spell to go up 32-0.

Pender answered twice before the quarter was done, on runs from 1 and 39 yards out.

The opened the fourth quarter with a 34-yard touchdown before Lakewood answered with a pretty 70-yard touchdown return by Roman King. Ray Hayes ran in the 2-point conversion.

Lakewood scored again with 7:32 left on a 19-yard run by Spell. Wuester hit the PAT and Lakewood finished at 47-26.

“We have a good bunch of kids,” said Pittman. “We are now on a two-game win streak and we hope we can keep it going next week against Union on the road.”

Leaders for Lakewood were: Rushing: Roman Leach, 14 for 93; Ray Hayes, 7 for 41; Toby Spell, 5-34; Roman King, 2 for 23; Taylor Freeman, 2-13.

Defense: Jira Cooper, 5 tackles, blocked punt; Logan Brewer, 6 tackles; Ty Horne, 2 tackles; Ethan Blackwell, 5 tackles, fumble recovery.

With the win, Lakewood (6-3) will travel to Union next week.