The stakes were high Friday, but Lake Highland advances by defeating visiting Lake Brantley in a contentious 7-4, semi-regional encounter. In front of a packed house and in true Highland-Brantley style, the contest of wills between numbers three and seven in the FLN Coaches Poll proved physical, fast-paced and high energy from the opening face-off.   Both teams played to win: possession went back-and-fourth, but it was Lake Highland who flexed their muscles more; never letting up and never trailing.  LHP made a statement with consistent, aggressive play led by junior Keeper Adam Sawicki (Lehigh — 12 saves ;) senior Captain Casey Irish (Boston University) and senior Midfielder Devon Lewis (Georgetown). Initiating momentum and scoring first in the game was Captain Billy Roll. The senior Attack went on to deposit a second goal in the first half as did junior Midfielder William Wolfson.  Sophomore Attack Kyle Richburg scored in the first period as well. Clay Phillips found the back of the net as time expired, providing an exciting moment, but officials determined that the shot was too late and the goal was not counted.  Score at half-time: 5-2, Highland. The battle waged on as both teams scored twice in the third quarter; Senior Attack Captains Clay Phillips (Boston University) and Billy Roll laced the net.  The Highlanders settled in and momentum was clearly with Lake Highland in part by remarkable efforts by Sophomore Don Eidson. Gaining possession from the initial face-off and ball control in the fourth quarter held The Patriots scoreless and contributed to the win. Goals for Lake Brantley: Jared Bernhardt scored 2,  Patrick Clark and Tim Gelbach added one each. Next up: Lake Highland continues its quest for another state title traveling to Hagerty on Tuesday in a regional final that begins at 7 p. m. Photos courtesy of Roger Farwell of Enstone Images.