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The Friendly High School football team notched its first victory of the season, defeating Largo, 18-6, at Largo High School Friday night.

Both the Patriots (1-1) and Lions (0-2) struggled on offense, but Friendly made big plays at opportune times to win its County 3A/2A/1A League opener. The victory came a week after the Patriots blew a 14-point fourth-quarter lead in a 16-14 loss to Coolidge (D.C.).

"It was a great effort, and I think our players understood what our goals were heading into the game," said Patriots' coach John Morgan. "Our goal was to run the ball, and I think we have three of the best running backs in the county so we have to use them. I think our defense did well against their quarterback."

The play of the game came in the fourth quarter with just under five minutes remaining. With his team facing third and seven from the Largo 39-yard line, Friendly quarterback Sherrod Baltimore connected with junior Taylor Mathews for a 38-yard gain to put the Patriots on the Largo 1-yard line.

Two plays later, Patriots' senior Jordan Haden scored on a 2-yard run to give Friendly a commanding 18-6 lead.

Baltimore failed to complete his first six passes but connected on four of his last five, including a 6-yard touchdown pass to Alphonso Johnson in the second quarter. Haden amassed 65 yards and a touchdown on 18 rushing attempts.

The Lions were abysmal on offense, generating just 56 yards from scrimmage. Largo quarterback Jermaine Quattlebaum completed 2 of 7 passes for 16 yards, while Friendly limited Lions' senior tailback Marcus Fletcher to 23 yards on seven carries.

Largo's only points came on a 1-yard touchdown run by Fletcher in the second quarter after the Lions forced a Haden fumble at the Friendly 1-yard line.