Last Friday, the Trojans began Fall Break with a bang, securing a dominating win over another region opponent, Utopian Academy. Lamar County won by a score of 61–6.
Head Coach Travis Ellington aimed to keep his team engaged. “We talked all week about starting out fast, playing up to our standard, and focusing on each play instead of the score.” He was proud of his team’s execution. “We had several players who were able to make really good plays,” he added.
Utopian Game by the Numbers
Lamar County ran 37 plays for 365 total yards compared to Utopian’s 45 yards. The Trojans piled up 293 rushing yards and 72 through the air while holding the Eagles to just 39 on the ground and six passing yards. They rocked the chains 15 times without committing a turnover, while Utopian had two.
Quarterback Ross Hamrick went 4-for-7 passing for 72 yards and a touchdown while also adding a rushing score. Hayden Dickerson had two receptions for 43 yards, including a touchdown. Jayden Hillman rushed for 95 yards and a touchdown on five carries. Kaden Carter rushed for 63 yards and a touchdown on three carries. Carter also returned a kickoff and a punt for touchdowns. Josh McDade contributed 19 yards and a rushing touchdown.
Defensively, Josiah Chambers led the team with six tackles, two tackles for loss, and a sack. Armoni Reid recorded three tackles, three assists, and an interception returned for a touchdown. R.J. Starks added two tackles, two tackles for loss, and two pass breakups, while Jermaine Doctor had three tackles, two assists, and a forced fumble to round out another strong defensive performance for the Trojans.
Coming Up for the Trojans
Ellington hopes his team can build on this outstanding performance as they go into their last three regular-season games, the toughest stretch for the Trojans so far. “We will need to continue to get better each week and be close to playing our best football moving forward.”
Lamar County will travel to Eatonton this week to face the War Eagles of Putnam County High School. Next week, the Trojans return home to host Social Circle before closing out the regular season on the road in Monticello on Halloween night.
Focusing on one game at a time will be crucial as Lamar County continues its push for a region championship. The Trojans defeated Putnam County last season at Trojan Field, 24–3, and will look to repeat that success on the road Friday night.
The game will begin at 7:30 PM at Al Reaves Field, located behind Putnam County Middle School at 140 Sparta Hwy in Eatonton.
Players of the Week
- Offensive Player of the Game – Jayden Hillman
- Defensive Player of the Game – Armoni Reid
- Special Teams Player of the Game – Kaden Carter
- Offensive Scout Player of the Week – Jayden Doctor
- Defensive Scout Player of the Week – Andrew Tyson
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.
