Simpson locks up district title
For Southern Sports & Travel, By Dennis Watson
With the playoff picture becoming clearer, the Lamar Raiders were riding a four-game winning streak into Friday night's huge divisional showdown with Simpson County Academy. However, the Raiders were over matched as the visitors dominated both sides of the ball, defeating Lamar 28-14, and capturing an MAIS Division 3-AA title in the process.
"The score did not reflect Simpson's overall dominance in the game," said coach Mac Barnes. "They are a well coached team, and outplayed us tonight."
The Raiders only managed seven first downs the entire game as Simpson totaled 349 yards of total offense and completely controlled the time of possession. The Cougars got on the board with just under 2 minutes to play in the first quarter when Cade Eiland plunged it in from 5 yards out to put the visitors ahead. Garrett Taylor added another score with 4 minutes to go in the half, making it 14-0. Lamar answered quickly with a 74-yard touchdown strike from Tyler Harris to John Clinton McElroy on the second play of the ensuing Raider drive. The Raiders cut it to 14-7 at half, but Simpson was too much. Mid-ways thru the 3rd, Eiland got into the end zone again from 5 yards out, stretching the deficit back out to 14.
The home team tried to muster a little magic and got a huge lift when Will Fulton intercepted a fourth down pass and returned it 62 yards for a score, making it 21-14, Simpson. The Cougs got a huge lift on the Lamar kickoff as the Raiders were tagged with a facemask and an unsportsmanlike penalty. It set Simpson up at the Raider 39 and the Cougs answered with a late touchdown to put the game out of reach. Garret Taylor sealed the deal with 3 and a half to play in the game with a 9 yard touchdown run.
Tyler Harris finished 9 of 13 for 252 yards and the one touchdown to McElroy. Michael Marcello led the defense with 15 tackles. Lamar falls to 5-4 and 2-1 and closes out the regular season with a trip to Leake Academy, setting the stage for a battle for second place in the district.
Junior tailback Cade Eiland rushed for 201 yards on 31 carries and 2 touchdowns and quarterback Brandon Johnston rushed for 132 yards on 21 carries to lead Simpson who improved to 8-2 and 4-0 and is idle this week.
"The score did not reflect Simpson's overall dominance in the game," said coach Mac Barnes. "They are a well coached team, and outplayed us tonight."
The Raiders only managed seven first downs the entire game as Simpson totaled 349 yards of total offense and completely controlled the time of possession. The Cougars got on the board with just under 2 minutes to play in the first quarter when Cade Eiland plunged it in from 5 yards out to put the visitors ahead. Garrett Taylor added another score with 4 minutes to go in the half, making it 14-0. Lamar answered quickly with a 74-yard touchdown strike from Tyler Harris to John Clinton McElroy on the second play of the ensuing Raider drive. The Raiders cut it to 14-7 at half, but Simpson was too much. Mid-ways thru the 3rd, Eiland got into the end zone again from 5 yards out, stretching the deficit back out to 14.
The home team tried to muster a little magic and got a huge lift when Will Fulton intercepted a fourth down pass and returned it 62 yards for a score, making it 21-14, Simpson. The Cougs got a huge lift on the Lamar kickoff as the Raiders were tagged with a facemask and an unsportsmanlike penalty. It set Simpson up at the Raider 39 and the Cougs answered with a late touchdown to put the game out of reach. Garret Taylor sealed the deal with 3 and a half to play in the game with a 9 yard touchdown run.
Tyler Harris finished 9 of 13 for 252 yards and the one touchdown to McElroy. Michael Marcello led the defense with 15 tackles. Lamar falls to 5-4 and 2-1 and closes out the regular season with a trip to Leake Academy, setting the stage for a battle for second place in the district.
Junior tailback Cade Eiland rushed for 201 yards on 31 carries and 2 touchdowns and quarterback Brandon Johnston rushed for 132 yards on 21 carries to lead Simpson who improved to 8-2 and 4-0 and is idle this week.
