Correspondent photo / Robert Hayes Lakeview junior Thomas Easton runs for a big gain against LaBrae during their Week 1 matchup. Easton has been a key to Lakeview’s success this season.

CORTLAND — It’s been 14 years since Lakeview has found itself in the position it is currently in.

Plenty has changed over the last decade and a half, but the Bulldogs feel they’ve finally started to turn the corner culturally as they are off to a perfect 3-0 start for the first time since 2009.

Their most difficult task comes tonight, however, as Lakeview plays host to the defending Division V state champion South Range Raiders. The Bulldogs look to potentially earn their first 4-0 start since the 1984 campaign during the Paul Kopko-era.

The dynamic duo of senior quarterback Samuel “Boom” Gillis and junior running back Thomas Easton have been the key contributors for the Bulldogs this season. They’ve paced the running game as the offense has scored nearly 38 points per game this season, which is a stark turnaround from a year ago.

“It starts with the line, the line has been blocking really well and me and Thomas running the ball really well, we complement each other,” Gillis said. “The receivers have been a really underrated part of the blocking game. They get out there and get in space, they get in front of guys and do their job.

“(Thomas) and I feed off of each other real well, we both run hard and get in space and make moves, make people miss. We love getting in the end zone and getting big runs, that’s why our run game is really good.”

Gillis was set to take over quarterback duties last fall, but a hand injury during the summer changed plans, leading him to compete on defense with a cast in tow.

“It made me hungry,” he said. “All last year when I had the cast on for the first four weeks or whatever it was, I just wanted to be back on offense getting the ball, doing my job. So, I’m really excited to do that this year.”

Gillis has rushed for 490 yards and seven touchdowns on 63 carries this season. Easton, who transferred back into his home district from Warren JFK, has been just as dangerous on the ground as he’s built a bond with his new teammates.

“It was easier than I thought it would be, everyone welcomed me with open arms, they all took care of me,” Easton said. “They made sure I knew what I was doing. They gave me extra help instead of just saying figure it out yourself. The big guys up front, our coaches have been giving them good game plans, and we’ve just been physical. It’s allowed me and Boom to do what we do.”

Posting two games of 176 rushing yards or more with seven total touchdowns, Easton’s resume also includes a 93-yard kickoff return against Jefferson. Easton also credits the defensive effort for the team’s hot start.

“It’s the game plan,” Easton said. “We all watch film. We all study. We all know what’s going on. We’re all just flying to the football, making things happen, trying to get turnovers and winning the battle up front too.”

Many would agree that the Northeast-8 is perhaps the most brutal conference in the area, with every squad in the league proving themselves as a playoff contender. First-year head coach Derrick Bush sees the opportunity to turn the corner, but it’s easier said than done against such good competition.

“I think they know what the expectation is. It’s pretty clear to us that this Friday is probably going to be one of the most physical games in the area, a lot of smash-mouth football,” Bush said. “South Range is a great team. Every team after them is going to be great. So we just have to keep our foot on the gas, win, lose or draw and just keep pressing forward.”

Gillis added. “There’s a lot of pride here, we talked about it before week three that it’s been 14 years since we’ve been 3-0 here. Every time we put on the helmet, we put on the jersey, we have so much pride in the community and love the community, and we just go out and play for them. We’re living in the moment right now, but we also know that we’re turning the corner here. Our seniors, our leaders, the captains, seniors, juniors, sophomores, whatever it is, they’re part of the turnaround here.”

The Raiders (2-1) and Bulldogs (3-0) faceoff this evening, 7 p.m. at Lakeview High School.