By Brandon Shields

Lamar School gets to host playoff game on Friday night, but their opponent is in the exact same position they were in last season.

The Raiders welcome defending MAIS Class 5A state champion Adams County Christian School to Grey Cobb Field in the first round of the MAIS Class 5A playoffs.

“We are excited about the challenge. It’s a team we haven’t played so that is always nice,” said Lamar School coach Jacob Land. “Our kids know who ACCS is, and they realize that they are about to play a team with a whole lot of talent. They are excited for the opportunity.”

The Raiders (6-4) will once again bring in a very explosive offense that is averaging 33.6 points, 207.6 yards passing and 146 yards rushing led by quarterback and Jones College commit Wyatt Bond (2,058 yards passing, 23 touchdowns), running backs Ashton Jones and Kellan Kerley, and receivers Jalin Trotter and Sullivan Reed.

“I think we just continue to stay aggressive like we have. Wyatt has been great the last five games, and I trust him to be efficient and effective through the air,” Landi said. “We put up 42, 28, 42, 34, and 47 points in the last five games, and Wyatt has done a terrific job managing the offense.”

Linebackers Tyler Brown, Kellan Kellery and Luke Morrow, along with Mikael Willis and Trotter in the secondary, lead a Lamar defense that allows 20.4 points per game.

“We’ve got to stop Coleman Carter and his play making ability first. Then, if we are somewhat able to do that, then figure out how to stop their running backs and receivers,”

Land said. “They can just beat you in so many ways, we will have to have a special night on defense to slow them down.”

Adams Christian on offense is averaging 30.1 points per game that will be led by a potent rushing attack anchored by quarterback Coleman Carter and running back Adrian Walker, while receivers C.J. Ferguson and Cedric Owens will be the top targets on the outside.

The Rebels defense is fairly stingy but do allow 21 points per game led by defensive ends Kentrell Stampley and Riley Roach, along with defensive tackle Alex Pollard and linebacker Braden Poole.

“Do your job and have discipline till the whistle. Coleman is a special talent, and it’s going to be a huge challenge to try and stop him,” Land said.

Week 11 Games

Thursday

Kemper County (8-1) at Southeast Lauderdale (2-7)

Newton (0-9) at Clarkdale (2-7)

Northeast Lauderdale (2-7) at Leake Central (3-6)

Friday

Brandon (7-1) at Meridian (4-5)

West Lauderdale (6-3) at Newton County (2-6)