Lamar County took its first step toward a region championship Friday night after defeating the McNair Mustangs by a score of 35–22 at Thunder Alley.
Coach Travis Ellington had nothing but positive things to say about McNair’s team. “They had a really good scheme, and we had to make adjustments several times during the game to be able to stop them or slow them down.”
Ellington cited the team’s various formations, personnel packages, and the team’s skilled athletes. “The quarterback was the leading rusher in the division. This past week, he was in the top three,” he said. Ellington added that McNair has a top ten receiver on the field.
Despite the challenge, the Trojans managed to control the game. “I was really proud of our players and all our coaches. They did a great job adjusting and adapting to something totally different from what McNair showed in the previous four games. I thought they responded great and kept working hard to secure the victory.”
Lamar County piled up 332 total yards on 61 plays, leaning heavily on the run with 309 rushing yards. McNair earned 251 yards on 67 plays.
Quarterback Ross Hamrick completed 3 of 8 passes for 23 yards and rushed for 104 yards on 15 carries. Kaden Carter had 14 carries for 119 yards, and Kenyae Barnes added 48 yards on 6 carries.
The Trojan defense held strong. AJ Vereen had 7 tackles with 3 assists and a fumble recovery. Josiah Chambers had 6 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, and an assist. Carson Howell added 4 tackles.
The defense muddled the Mustangs into madness by forcing four turnovers. A turning point in the Trojan victory was a scoop-and-score by Bryson Johnson after Kaden Carter forced the punter to fumble with the game tied at 14. After the Trojans took the lead on this play, they never looked back. Carter forced two additional fumbles and had 6 tackles, 1 assist, and deflected a pass. Josh McDade and Jayden Doctor each had interceptions. RJ Starks had 4 tackles, including two that saved touchdowns.
Looking Ahead
Friday, October 3, is Lamar County High School’s annual homecoming contest. The Trojans will be hosting the Towers Titans at 7:30 PM at Trojan Field.
The Titans are 3–2 so far this season with wins over Heritage (47–7), Copper Basin of Tennessee (41–0), and Southeast Whitfield (33–24). The Titans fell short against Landmark Christian (0–42) and Monticello (7–49).
“Please come out and enjoy all the homecoming festivities this week, including Thursday’s parade and the game on Friday night,” Ellington said, whose players thrive on the crowd and community support. “We need all of the Trojan Nation here, loud and cheering us on!”
Players of the Game
- Offense — Mason Houston
- Defense — RJ Starks
- Special Teams — Carson Howell
- Offensive Scout Team — Davis Williams
- Defensive Scout Team — Cole Busby
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.
