Lamar County hurried home happy from Eatonton on Friday night as the undefeated Trojans secured another win and took another big step toward a region championship. Lamar County came out on top, 25–14. They are now a perfect 8–0, the best start for a Lamar County football team since the 2013 season, which ended with a loss in the GHSA State Championship.
Putnam County outgained Lamar County during the game. Lamar County finished the night with 192 total yards on 46 plays, while Putnam County tallied 227 yards on 58 plays. The Trojans gained 102 yards through the air and 90 on the ground, compared to the War Eagles’ 82 passing yards and 145 rushing. Lamar recorded eight first downs and forced two turnovers, including two interceptions. Putnam County forced one turnover.
Quarterback Ross Hamrick went 9-of-13 for 102 yards and two touchdowns, also adding 84 rushing yards on 11 carries to lead the offense. Hamrick’s performance was vital to the win. Kaden Carter hauled in a 30-yard touchdown pass. Jayden Doctor caught two passes for 26 yards and a score. Kenyae Barnes added four receptions for 27 yards. Barnes also had a seven-yard touchdown run, and Jayden Hillman had 11 yards on nine carries.
On special teams, Barnes got the crowd on their feet with a 75-yard punt return for a touchdown, providing a spark of momentum in the second half.
On the defensive side, Jermaine Doctor had five tackles, two tackles for loss, and two quarterback hurries. He has been consistent in his ability to apply pressure to the offensive backfield. Josiah Chambers was equally active, recording five tackles, three assists, and a tackle for loss. Kenyae Barnes had three tackles, a pass breakup, and two interceptions. Bryson Johnson recorded three tackles, three assists, and two tackles for loss, limiting Putnam County’s scoring opportunities.
Head Coach Travis Ellington praised his boys for how they fought through adversity and found a way to win a tough game in which the Trojans completed quite a comeback. “Putnam County is a really good football team and had a great game against us. It was tough going there for a while, but our kids came together,” he said, also commenting that he feels like his team grew up through the grind of the battle. “They just kept working and fighting for a victory.”
Ellington added that his team is not done growing. “As a team, we want to keep getting better each week. We want to begin peaking at this point in the regular season so we can play our best football during the playoffs.”
Despite it being a far drive from Barnesville during Lamar County’s fall break, Trojan Nation showed up to Putnam County in full force. Ellington was grateful to see fans in the stands, saying, “It really helps our players when you all are there. Thanks for coming out and supporting us.”
Big Home Game This Week
The Trojans will be back at Thunder Alley this Thursday, October 24 at 7:30 p.m., as they host the Social Circle Redskins, who enter with a 5–3 record after falling to Monticello last week. The matchup carries added weight, as the Redskins ended Lamar’s region championship hopes a year ago. This time, the Trojans will look to avenge that loss and stay unbeaten in region play.
The game will also mark the final home game of the regular season, with senior athletes honored prior to kickoff. Head Coach Travis Ellington urged the community to show their support: “Please come out and support our team and our seniors as we host Social Circle.”
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.
