For the first time since the program’s inaugural season in 1970, Lamar County football has climbed back to even. Friday night’s 27–14 win over Westside Macon lifted the Trojans to 4–0 on the year and to a program record of 293–293–6.
The Trojans were last at .500 after their second-ever game under head coach Oscar Wimberly. Lamar County opened with a 6–0 win over the Morrow Mustangs on Sept. 18, 1970, before falling at home to the Russell Wildcats of Fulton County, making the Trojans 1–1 (.500). The Trojans have historically carried a losing record ever since—until now.
Head coach Travis Ellington said Friday’s win not only reflected history but also the progress of his team in all phases. “We are blessed and happy to start our season off 4-0 before we start region play,” Ellington said. “The biggest takeaway from the Westside game was that we tackled well on defense and broke some tackles on offense for some hard yards.”
The Trojans created several key advantages throughout the game, running 77 snaps to Westside’s 47. They also forced three Seminole turnovers, which allowed Lamar County to stay in control.
Explosive plays on offense and special teams allowed Lamar County to create some distance on the scoreboard, while the defense immobilized Westside’s ability to strike back. Still, Ellington mentioned concern about penalties.
“We still had way too many penalties, causing us to get behind the chains too often,” he reflected.
The Trojans found positives in punting and PAT execution as the coaching staff continues to work on building depth in that phase of the game.
Quarterback Ross Hamrick finished 4-of-10 passing for 46 yards and rushed for 29 yards with two touchdowns. The Trojan rushing game was led by Kaden Carter with 80 yards on 10 carries. Jaden Hillman added 55 yards and a touchdown on 13 attempts. Kenyae Barnes added another 55 yards on eight carries. Josiah Chambers provided early excitement with a bruising touchdown run where he carried nearly the entire Seminole defense with him on his way to six.
Defensively, Kenyae Barnes had a terrific night on the stat sheet getting a tackle, an interception, and a forced fumble. Josh McDade also came up with an interception. Bryson Johnson had four tackles, a tackle for loss, and a sack. Chambers had seven tackles, a tackle for loss, and a sack. Carson Howell contributed three tackles, a tackle for loss, and a sack, and Jermaine Doctor added three tackles and a blocked punt.
Moving into Region Play
This Friday, the 4–0 Trojans will move into regional play and will host the McNair Mustangs at Trojan Field. McNair is 1–4 with a win over Midtown and losses to Temple, KIPP Atlanta, Bremen, and, most recently, Putnam County.
However, Ellington is by no means underestimating this Friday’s opponent. “McNair is a really talented team,” he said. “Their running back leads the state in our division in rushing yards. Another one of their players is in the top ten in receiving. They have a really good team, and their scheme can give you problems on both sides of the ball.”
Ellington says his boys will be prepared for battle and is encouraging all of Trojan Nation to bring their energy to Thunder Alley this Friday at 7:30 PM.
Players of the Game
- Offensive Player of the Game — Jayden Doctor
- Defensive Player of the Game — Kenyae Barnes
- Special Teams Player of the Game — Jermaine Doctor
- Offensive Scout Team Player of the Week — Landon Hamrick
- Defensive Scout Team Players of the Week — Clark Hawthorne
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.
