The Lamar County Trojans got another victory last week with a 64-6 win over Utopian Academy. Coach Travis Ellington praised his team’s focus on execution at practice, leading to their success on the field.
In his game analysis, Coach Ellington commented, “We talked about execution and doing the details of your job all week at practice. We talked about creating opportunities for our team. We were able to do that against Utopian. Also, we were able to play a lot of backups last night, and it was good for us to have a chance to get them in a varsity high school game.”
Game Stats
Team Totals
- Lamar County: 33 total plays, 296 yards (280 rushing, 16 passing)
- Utopian: 28 total plays, 54 yards (-48 rushing, 102 passing)
Top Offensive Performers:
On offense, Kaden Carter completed his sole pass for a 16-yard touchdown to Kenyae Barnes. Carter also had 6 carries for 154 yards and 2 touchdowns. Also, Jahnizae Few had 3 carries for 44 yards and a touchdown.
Top Defensive Performers:
Defensively, Bryson Johnson recorded 5 solo tackles, 1 assist, 1 tackle for loss, 2 sacks, 1 fumble recovery, and a defensive score. Jayden Hillman also contributed to the team effort with 3 solo tackles, 2 assists, a tackle for loss and a fumble recovery. Kaden Carter got 2 solo tackles, 1 tackle for loss, and an interception.
Top Special Teams Performers:
On special teams, Markiviyon Dugger scored a touchdown on a 65-yard kickoff return. Because field position is such a vital part of a team’s success, kickers who can put the ball into the endzone are extremely valuable. The Trojan defense enjoyed comfortable field position several times thanks to Caleb Miller’s four touchbacks.
Overall, Coach Ellington was pleased with the team’s performance. He added, “We were glad to get a good team win last night. It’s always great to see our players execute at a high level. We’ve got some things to build on as we prepare for our next game.”
Players of the Week:
- Offense: Kaden Carter (Junior)
- Defense: Bryson Johnson (Junior)
- Special Teams: Markiviyon Dugger (Senior)
Lamar County vs. Putnam County
Next, the Trojans will face the Putnam County War Eagles in their homecoming game.
The War Eagles are 4-4 on the season with victories over Haralson County, Utopian, Towers, and McNair. They have lost to Greene County, Laney, Morgan County, and Social Circle. Historically, Lamar County leads the all-time series (7-1), a series that was born under the leadership of Charley Brown in 1984. The War Eagles were a regular opponent for consecutive years due to Putnam being one of Lamar County’s regional foes from 2010 to 2015. Since this year’s GHSA re-alignments, this game is once again a regional affair.
Coach Ellington has a message for the community: “Please, come out and support our team this week!” Toe meets leather at 7:30 at Thunder Alley, and temperatures are expected to be in the mid to low 50s.
Grant Turner is the editor of the Barnesville Buzz and an educator, coach, and writer based in Barnesville, Georgia. He shares stories that bridge community, faith, and personal growth. In addition to teaching and coaching, Grant is Director of Musical Worship and a Sunday School teacher at New Hope Baptist Church in Zebulon, Georgia. He lives in Barnesville with his wife, Haley.
