Ed Hooper
The Valdosta Daily Times
VALDOSTA —
NASHVILLE — Every coach will tell you, turnovers will not win you a game.
On Friday night, the Berrien Rebels learned that lesson the hard way, as they committed six turnovers in a 34-21 loss to the Lanier County Bulldogs.
Despite posting their first points of the 2010 season, the Rebels’ (0-2) offensive woes continued as turnovers haunted the offensive movement throughout several key drives. The Rebels committed seven fumbles on the night — five of which they lost — and an interception, which came in the opening half.
Quarterback Vidal Atkins early season struggles continued as he couldn’t to find the open receiver throughout the majority of the game.
Despite finding themselves down 7-0 early, the Bulldogs (2-0) fought back and were able to record 21 first half points to hold a 21-14 lead at intermission.
After a slow start to begin the second half, which featured two drives that combined for negative 47 yards, the Bulldogs offensive unit quickly found rhythm with the play of running back Chavartee Raymond, who posted 98 yards rushing on nine carries in the second half.
Raymond carried the Bulldogs down the field on a commanding nine-play, 80-yard touchdown drive which was capped off by a 7-yard jog into the end zone to give the Bulldogs a 28-21 lead.
After allowing a Rebel touchdown, which brought the game within just seven points, the Bulldogs wasted little time striking back as they put together an 11-play, 63-yard touchdown drive to make the score 34-21.
With just under two minutes to play, the Rebels comeback hopes were diminished when they committed their fifth and final fumble, this one coming inside the red zone at the Lanier 10-yard line.
Lanier County was led on the ground by the dynamic duo of Raymond and Tobbie Locklear, who rushed for 89 yards on 15 carries before suffering from cramps for the majority of the second half.
Berrien was led by tailback Ian Wright, who led the running game for the winless Rebels with 63 yards rushing on eight carries.
Devonte Bass chipped in with 30 yards rushing along with 54 yards receiving.
