LAKELAND —
Lanier County started the David Ward era with a 19-8 victory over the Atkinson County Rebels Friday Night at Roquemore Field.
The Bulldogs’ head coach was pleased with the effort he saw from his team, and he was glad to start the season on a positive note.
“Typical Atkinson County-Lanier County ball game,” Ward said. “It is not going to be a blowout. They’re going to play hard and we’re going to play hard. It’s just what I said it would be.”
Lanier County senior quarterback Jovan Smith led the way with 121 yards rushing and a score. Sophomore Austin Davis added 78 yards on the ground with two touchdowns.
“It feels good to get a win in front of the home crowd,” Smith said. “Hopefully we can keep it going throughout the season.”
Neither team could get anything clicking offensively early on, combining for only two first downs in the first quarter.
The Bulldogs gained momentum heading into the second quarter thanks to a blocked punt.
With the game scoreless midway through the second quarter, and the Bulldogs feeding off the momentum of the blocked punt, quarterback Jovan Smith used his quick speed to scramble for a couple of back-to-back first down to put the Bulldogs in scoring position.
A few plays later, the Bulldogs capped off an 82-yard drive with a 10-yard rushing touchdown by sophomore Austin Davis.
The Bulldogs and Rebels teams swapped possessions in the third quarter. During that time, Lanier County had a scare when Smith caught a painful cramp after a two-yard scramble. The minor injury forced him to sit out a few plays allowing backup quarterback Jake Walker to enter the game.
The Bulldogs had their chances to add to their lead in the third quarter when they reached the red zone. The opportunity was wasted when Marcello Brockington fumbled near the end zone, giving possession back to Atkinson County.
Lanier County extended its 7-0 lead on the first play in the fourth quarter when Smith broke free for a 44-yard rushing touchdown. The Bulldogs failed to convert the extra point, giving them a 13-0 lead.
After a three-and-out by Atkinson County on the following drive, the Bulldogs took advantage and extended their lead to 19-0 on Davis’ second touchdown of the night, this time on a one-yard run from the goal line.
The Rebels made their best drive of the game a little too late, following the Bulldogs third and final score.
Atkinson County quarterback Tyree Johnson scrambled on a late 16-yard run, scoring the Rebels’ lone touchdown of the game.
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Related Photos
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Lanier County quarterback Jovan Smith, right, stiff-arms an Atkinson County defender during the first half of Friday night’s game in Lakeland. Mac Ingram | Special to the Times
Discussion
Lanier County gets first win under Ward, beats Atkinson, 19-8
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