Trojan Nation witnessed a tight game in Thunder Alley Friday night, but the Trojans earned the win, grinding out a 20–14 victory over the Rutland Hurricanes to stay unbeaten at 3-0.
Head Coach Travis Ellington said of the game, “We found a way to win the game. We had some younger players grow up tonight and we’re really proud of them. We have to continue to get better and continue to build some depth. That is going to be the key to our success this year.”
Quarterback Ross Hamrick went 4 for 8 with 118 yards and two touchdown passes. Jayden Hillman had 65 rushing yards on 11 carries and a touchdown.
When Lamar County needed stops, the mighty Trojan defense took over and delivered. They made crucial stops in the biggest moments.
With their backs against the wall, Bryson Johnson set the tone with 10 tackles, a tackle for loss, and two sacks. Josiah Chambers racked up seven tackles, a sack, and a fumble recovery. Jermaine Doctor added eight tackles and kept the quarterback uneasy with two hurries.
In total, Lamar County’s defense held Rutland to 14 points on 63 plays, even though the Canes managed more first downs and rushing yards. It was the definition of a bend-but-don’t-break effort, and it was the difference in the game.
Coach Ellington offered praise to the Rutland football team. “They were a good team. They came ready to play and gave us some problems, but thank the Lord our kids found a way to win.” He added that the Trojans kept their eyes on the biggest target all week. “On our goal board in the field house, the number one goal on each phase of the game is to win.” So the boys in blue were successful in the team’s most important stat line.
The Trojans are now 3-0 going into the second bye week of the season. Coach Ellington mentioned that the week off has come at a good time so the team can prepare for its matchup with Westside. Last season, the Seminoles handed Lamar County its first loss of the season by a score of 20-10. “They do a really good job down there. I can promise you that Coach Spoon will have them ready to play us.”
As always, Trojan Nation showed up in force. “Thanks to all our fans last night for coming out and supporting us. We all really appreciate it,” Ellington added.
The Trojans will return to the gridiron on September 19 in Macon, looking to extend their undefeated start.
Another milestone sits within reach. With one more win, Lamar County will even its all-time program record at .500, a sign of how far Trojan football has come since the Summers Field era (167–233–4 from 1970 to 2008) to the steady climb upward. Since moving to Trojan Field in 2009, the Lamar County Trojans have turned the corner with a 125–60–2 record. Friday’s win over Rutland makes the Trojans’ historical record 292–293–6.
Locals will remember many dry seasons from the old days, but that is no longer the norm for football at Lamar County High School.
Players of the Game vs. Rutland
- Offense — Ross Hamrick (11)
- Offensive Scout — Zh’aire McGeachy (1)
- Defense — Josiah Chambers (45)
- Defensive Scout — Cole Busby (58)
- Special Teams — Jermaine Doctor (15)
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.
