The Lamar Raiders did something that hasn’t happened very often.
They snapped a losing streak against an opponent and did it in dominate fashion.
Lamar forced four turned turnovers, and three of those turnovers went for touchdowns as the Raiders raced past Simpson Academy 42-13 in a key MAIS District 2-5A matchup at Grey Cobb Field on Friday night.
The Raiders (5-3, 2-0 MAIS District 2-5A) snapped a three-game losing streak to the Cougars and their first win over Simpson since Sept. 25, 2020.
“It’s the first time we’ve beaten Simpson in several years. It’s always a huge game, especially since it’s a district game,” said Lamar School coach Jacob Land. “Our offense executed at a high level and our defense played unbelievable. Getting three defensive touchdowns was no doubt the difference. Our kids were relentless all night and played every snap with a lot of effort and focus.”
Wyatt Bond went 10-of-14 passing for 200 yards with three touchdowns and added a rushing touchdown to lead the Raider offense.
Jalin Trotter had five catches for 158 yards with two touchdowns and had an 81-yard interception return for a touchdown for Lamar.
Luke Brady and Kellen Kerley each had fumble returns for touchdowns for the Raiders.
West Lauderdale 49, Taylorsville 30
The Knights had 402 total yards rushing as they ran past the Tartars in a non-division contest on Friday night.
Travion Mosley had 254 yards rushing on 28 carries with four touchdowns to lead the West Lauderdale offense.
Kayden Peoples added 116 yards rushing on 10 yards with a touchdown and went 6-of-7 passing for 78 yards and two touchdowns for the Knights (4-3).
Oak Grove 45, Meridian 30
The Warriors built a 31-10 halftime lead and were able to hold off at the end to beat the Wildcats in their Region 3-7A opener.
Quarterback Corey McCann went 18-of-28 passing for 367 yards with two touchdowns and added a rushing touchdown to lead the Wildcats (4-3, 0-1 Region 3-7A).
Leake Central 34, Northeast Lauderdale 28 (OT)
Israel Ross had 218 yards rushing on 27 carries with five touchdowns as the Gators held off the Trojans in overtime in the Region 4-4A opener.
Jase Jimison had 160 yards rushing on 23 carries with three touchdowns and went 8-of-13 passing for 134 yards to lead Northeast Lauderdale (2-5, 0-1).
Bay Springs 44, Clarkdale 12
Dalyn Pierce had 198 yards passing with three touchdowns, while Malaki Page added 71 yards rushing with two touchdowns and added 84 yards receiving with two touchdowns as Bay Springs ran past Clarkdale in the all-Bulldog Region 5-2A contest.
Jake Lee went 4-of-17 passing for 105 yards with two touchdowns to lead Clarkdale. Cade Culpepper had four catches for 96 yards and two touchdowns for the Bulldogs (2-5).
Stringer 46, Southeast Lauderdale 18
Jaheim Campbell rushed for 172 yards on 32 carries with four touchdowns as the Red Devils ran past the Tigers (1-6).