LAND O’ LAKES, Fla. (AP) — Down 19-10 in the fourth quarter, Leesburg High staged a thrilling comeback to defeat Land O’ Lakes, 20-19, in a Friday night showdown. The win improved Leesburg’s record to 4-1 on the season, with quarterback Xavier Irizarry and kicker Liam Henderson leading the charge in the final moments.

(Leesburg Quarterback Xavier Irizarry would lead the Yellow Jackets on an eventual five minute game winning drive down the field and set up Liam Henderson for the game winning field goal.)

Leesburg struck first, with Irizarry connecting on a touchdown pass early in the first quarter, giving the Yellow Jackets a 7-0 lead. However, Land O’ Lakes quickly responded with a touchdown of their own, but missed the extra point, a mistake that would haunt them later in the game. Another touchdown before halftime put Land O’ Lakes ahead, but another failed extra point left the score 12-10 at the break.

In the third quarter, Land O’ Lakes seemed to take control as quarterback Chance Houston found Xavier Clemente for a touchdown, extending the lead to 19-10. Yet again, the missed extra points loomed large. Still Land O’ Lakes held a two score advantage. But not for long.

(Freshman Lamar Garrison turns and watches the game winning kick fly through the uprights. Garrison is having an amazing year. He’s caught 15 passes for 303 yards and 7 touchdowns.)

Leesburg rallied in the fourth quarter with a rushing touchdown to cut the deficit to 19-17. However, a key interception by Leesburg quarterback Xavier Irizarry with nine minutes left threatened to derail their comeback hopes. Land O’ Lakes attempted to run out the clock, but with five minutes remaining, Leesburg’s defense stepped up, securing a critical interception near midfield.

With the ball in their hands and the clock ticking down, Irizarry orchestrated a methodical drive, pushing deep into Land O’ Lakes territory. Inside the 5-yard line, with just a few seconds left, Leesburg kicker Liam Henderson nailed a game-winning field goal, sealing the dramatic 20-19 victory for the Yellow Jackets.

(James Benton catches a pass from Xavier Irizarry. Benton has been terrific his senior year catchin 16 passes for 221 yards and 3 touchdowns.)

“This team never gives up,” Leesburg head coach Frank Scott said. “We fought until the very last second, and it paid off.” Meanwhile quarterbacks coach Max Tucker said “We needed that one. Kids had a hard time letting go of the Vanguard loss this week at practice so this is just what we needed. I may not have been the prettiest victory but a win is a win, ” said coach Tucker.

Leesburg’s clutch win strengthens their standing in the district as they continue their strong start to the season. The Yellow Jackets will travel to Godby in Tallahassee this Friday night where they hope to continue their winning ways.