The Lamar County Trojans defeated the Monticello Hurricanes on Halloween night by a score of 20–7, winning the region championship and completing their first perfect regular season (10–0) since 2013.
Head Coach Travis Ellington praised the complete team effort that brought home the region title.
“I am so proud of all our players, coaches and families, support staff, school, and fans,” he said. “We had a great crowd at the game Friday night. They were loud and cheered us on throughout the entire game. We are so blessed and fortunate to have such a great fan base.”
The Trojans’ defense continued its dominant season, forcing three turnovers and holding Jasper County to just 166 total yards on 52 plays. Lamar finished with 180 total yards on 53 plays and no turnovers. Special teams gave the Trojan offense favorable field position on several possessions.
Offensively, the Trojans brought plenty of treats for the fans and a few tricks for the Hurricanes. Ross Hamrick went 5-for-11 in passing, throwing for 81 yards. The senior quarterback also rushed for 41 yards on 13 carries. Zhaire McGeachy had one reception for 31 yards. Jayden Doctor hauled in two for 28 yards. RJ Starks had one catch for seven yards. Kaden Carter had one reception for 15 yards and rushed for 26 yards on seven carries, one of them being a touchdown. Jayden Hillman had 12 carries for 36 yards and one touchdown. Kenyae Barnes carried the ball four times for 16 yards and one touchdown.
The haunting Trojan defense once again set the tone for the night. Josiah Chambers led the team with 12 tackles, three assists, and two tackles for loss. Bryson Johnson recorded seven tackles, two tackles for loss, two sacks, and a fumble recovery. Kaden Carter made several plays on defense, earning nine tackles, two assists, and one tackle for loss to add to his offensive performance. Freshman Armoni Reid ended the night with four tackles, two assists, one tackle for loss, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery.
The fans of both teams were treated to an intense fourth quarter. Lamar County had given up its first score of the night late in the game, cutting its lead to 13–7. With just under two minutes to play, the Trojans had the ball, but faced a fourth-and-three at the Hurricane 45-yard line. Lamar County sent out Kaden Carter to punt, who delivered Monticello’s worst nightmare. Carter launched a 41-yard punt that hung in the Halloween night sky and drifted over the returner’s head, making it nearly impossible to field cleanly. As four white jerseys, like ghosts, came screaming down the field, the returner turned to track down the ball, muffed the catch, and long snapper Van Padgett pounced on it inside the Canes’ five-yard line. This set up Lamar County’s final score of the night.
Historic Halloween Night
The victory over Jasper County secured Lamar County’s eighth region championship in school history and marked the program’s 23rd postseason berth. It is also Lamar County’s fifth undefeated regular season in school history.
In addition to these program milestones, a new record was set. Travis Ellington became the winningest head coach in Lamar County football history, surpassing Mark Wilson (1996–2002). In five seasons at Lamar County High School, Ellington has led the Trojans to 44 wins with 12 losses, and he hopes to add five more wins for his team this season.
Trojans Prepare for the Playoffs
The Trojans enter the postseason as the No. 2 seed in Class A Division I, earning home-field advantage at Thunder Alley all the way to the state championship game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
There is no game this week, as the GHSA playoffs do not begin until next week, but Ellington plans to make the most of the week of preparation. “We are going to use (this week) to get some good fundamental reps and rest before we kick off the playoffs,” he said.
Lamar County will host the Berrien Rebels on Friday, November 14, at 7:30 p.m. at Trojan Field. The Rebels will come in with a 3–7 record, but the GHSA Power Rankings placed them as Team 31 in the playoff bracket.
Players of the Week
- Offense– Ross Hamrick
- Defense– Josiah Chambers
- Special Teams– Van Padgett
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.
