By Robby Atkinson / special to the star
The Lamar Raiders celebrated Homecoming in a big way with an impressive 35-0 win over the Heritage Academy Patriots on Friday night at Grey Cobb Field. The Raiders improved to 4-1 for the season and will have a tough task next week as Lamar travels to Jackson to tangle with Jackson Academy.
“It feels great to win four in a row and we threw the football well tonight,” Lamar head coach Mac Barnes said. “It is always nice to win on homecoming and we will have a big game next week against Jackson Academy that will be a big point in the season.”
The Raiders got a big game from junior quarterback Andrew Watkins — who threw for 395 yards and five touchdown passes. Senior John L. McRae led all recievers with a season-high nine catches for 211 yards and a pair of touchdowns to pace the Lamar offense.
“We were able to spread the ball very well tonight and opened up the passing game,” Barnes said. “(Watkins) threw the ball well tonight and I was pleased by the overall team effort.
The Raiders cracked the scoreboard early in the first quarter to take a 7-0 lead over Heritage. Watkins connected with tight end Zirk Ray on a 10-yard touchdown to give Lamar the quick lead and Logan Rush added the extra point with 9:16 left in the first quarter.
Lamar extended its lead with 10:48 left in the second quarter as Watkins found McRae on a 25-yard touchdown pass to make the score 14-0 after a successful extra point by Rush.
The Raiders added one final touchdown in the first half as Watkins connected with Pate Powell on a 45-yard pass to make the score 21-0 at halftime.
Lamar continued to pour on the offense in the second half as Watkins threw for another touchdown. Powell pulled in a 41-yard scoring pass to make the score 28-0 with 5:56 left in the third quarter.
Watkins added one more score in third quarter as McRae caught a touchdown pass for a 34-yard gain for the score to make the final tally 35-0.
Chris Williams added 83 yards on the ground for Lamar on 16 carries and Powell had a big night with six catches for 115 yards and a pair of touchdowns.
Taylor Allen and Jon McCormick led the defense with seven tackles apiece.
