Lewis Co. Middle School Football opens season

The 2024 LCMS Football Team opened the season on the road at McEwen. From the outset it was apparent that the home team had quite a size advantage in the contest. The Panthers received the opening kickoff only to stall out just beyond the 50-yard line. Subsequently the LC defense would hold the McEwen Warriors on downs and both teams traded possessions. The Panther offense found itself late in the 1st quarter as 8th grader Knox Rainey broke free down the home teams' sideline on a 64 yard run as time expired. The two point on the right side was no good, but Lewis County was energized.

During the 2nd quarter the Panthers Offense converted a pair of first downs via passing. One completion from Brody Clayton to Dax Runions the other to converted lineman John Adams. This set LC deep in the redzone at the 10-yard line. Knox Rainey's number was called again as he beat everyone to the pylon. The 2-point conversion was good as Clayton cut it up and crossed the goal line, this led to the halftime score of Lewis Count 14- McEwen 0.

McEwen received the ball to start the second half but was halted near midfield and LC took over on downs. The Panthers offense drove to the 30 on another reception by D. Runions, but a misfired snap and a fumble, both luckily recovered by Lewis County, caused the drive to sputter. On a long 3rd down the offense dialed up a reverse that went from the hands of Clayton to Hunter Carroll to Rainey. The combination of the misdirection and speed of Rainey led to the third touchdown of the night for Rainey as he outpaced everyone on the 30-yard score. Lewis County 20- McEwen 0.

At the beginning of the 4th quarter, Lewis County drove to midfield and was forced to punt. Rainey booted it 32 yards and it was downed inside the 10-yard line. LC stopped McEwen as they emptied their playbook. LC lost a possession on a controversial fumble, but the Defense rallied. The Panthers had the home team pinned deep multiple times. This setup 7th grader Liam Caamal with an interception as the defense brought some pressure. The short field allowed 8th Grade John Adams to get more comfortable in the backfield as he powered his way 21 yards for the final Panther Touchdown. The extra point attempt by Miguel Ramos was close but slightly off. McEwen mounted a drive late in the fourth quarter scoring a touchdown and 2-point conversion, bringing the score to LC 26-McEwen 8. Lewis County was able to secure the win and was able to wholesale sub the defense and kickoff team.

Leading the team in rushing was Knox Rainey 14 attempts for 124 yards. Brody Clayton was 4 of 5 passing for 29 yards. M. Ramos, Kolby Chapin, K. Harris and Rainey led the Team in tackles and tackles for loss. The squad is off August 15 as a game with Hickman County Middle has become null. But the Panthers travel to East Hickman on August 22nd and host Parsons Riverside for homecoming Sept. 5.