The Lamar County Trojans clinched a home playoff game Friday, November 1, with a dominating finish to the regular season. The Trojans won 28-6 over Monticello, finishing the regional standings in second place. Head Coach Travis Ellington gave credit to the team’s preparation at practice, noting the dedication of the seniors in their final regular season home game. Ellington said, “I’m thrilled for our seniors and proud of our kids for their hard work in practice all week.”
Anyone in attendance knows that the home crowd was a factor, with the Lamar County fans amplifying the “great atmosphere” that Coach Ellington praised. The stadium came to life thanks to a cowbell giveaway, bringing a little piece of Starkville to Trojan Field and creating an environment that made it hard for the opposing Canes.
Game Stats vs. Monticello
The Trojans were able to control the game with a powerful rushing attack. Controlling the clock was essential to Lamar County’s offensive success. Defensively, the Trojans were able to make key stops and get off the field.
- Total Plays: Lamar – 61, Monticello – 39
- Total Yards: Lamar – 268, Monticello – 114
- Rushing Yards: Lamar – 268, Monticello – 65
- Passing Yards: Lamar – 0, Monticello – 49
Top Offensive Performers
- Kaden Carter: 18 carries, 109 yards, 2 TDs
- Caleb Laster: 7 carries, 46 yards
- JahNizae Few: 12 carries, 39 yards, 1 TD
- Kenyae Barnes: 7 carries, 33 yards, 1 TD
“Our offense did a great job of controlling the time of possession and making some good adjustments,” Ellington said. “I thought our coaches did a great job this week. They had personnel groupings and did a great job with adjustments.”
Top Defensive Performers
Lamar County’s defense held Monticello to only 65 rushing yards and 49 passing yards. Ellington commented that the Hurricanes make you “play assignment football” due to their offensive formations and option game. Ellington lauded his players for controlling the line of scrimmage.
- Kenyon Holloway: 8 tackles, 2 tackles for loss (TFL)
- Kaden Carter: 7 tackles, 2 TFL, 1 forced fumble
- Jermaine Doctor: 4 tackles, 1 TFL, 1 sack
Special Teams
Markiviyon Dugger made key returns, giving the Trojan offense great starting field position on multiple drives. In addition, Caleb Miller’s kickoffs and PATs contributed additional points and defensive field position advantages.
Players of the Game vs. Monticello
- Defense: Kenyon Holloway
- Offense: Conner Little
- Special Teams: Markiviyon Dugger
GHSA Playoffs: Round 1
The Trojans had a bye last week. This allowed them much-needed time to regroup and prepare for the playoffs.
Now Lamar County has turned its attention to its first-round foe, the Dade County Wolverines from the northwest corner of the state. Dade County is 4-6 this season. This will be the first-ever matchup on the gridiron between the two schools.
“We are looking forward to seeing everyone here at Trojan Field for the first round of the GHSA state playoffs,” said Ellington. He hopes the fans can bring the same energy to Thunder Alley this Friday.
Friday’s winner at Trojan Field will play the winner of the game between Swainsboro and Northeast.
Game Info
Lamar County vs. Dade County
Time: 7:30 PM
Tickets can only be purchased on GoFan ($10).
https://gofan.co/event/2222268?schoolId=GA5110
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.
