Hillcrest football returns to state semifinals, handles Lakeland 35

The Knights would not be denied.

Behind quarterback Tyson Sweetwood’s four touchdowns, three of which came on the ground, and a dominant defensive effort, the No. 1 Hillcrest Knights (10-1) advanced to the semifinals of the 5A state football tournament with a 35-14 victory over the No. 8 Lakeland Hawks (9-2).