LCMS FOOTBALL At East Hickman Middle School

by Damien Clayton

LCMS had an open week after the McEwen victory and East Hickman got a win that week as they beat Charlotte MS 22-0. The Captains for the LCMS squad were Knox Rainey and Brody Clayton. East Hickman won the coin toss and deferred the ball until the second half.

LCMS recovered the opening onside kick attempt near midfield. LCMS offense drove inside the East twenty-yard line, with a couple swift runs by Rainey and Dax James. But no score resulted. As the possession went over on downs the LCMS defense played stout during the remainder of the first quarter surrendering only 14 total yards. The second quarter was a defensive struggle as would the remainder of the game.

After the second half kickoff the defense again stopped East and held them to a punt. On a critical 3rd down Clayton faked to Rainey the handed to Dax James on a reverse, reaching the first down marker. The Panthers made into the edge of the redzone when Brody Clayton threaded the needle to connect with Rainey on a slant. Rainey’s speed did the rest as the completion resulted in a 24-yard touchdown pass and the 2-point attempt was good as Rainey raced to the pylon. LCMS 8 EAST 0. Lewis County continued solid defense in the 3rd quarter surrendering only 32 yards on 7 East plays.

Late in the 3rd quarter the LCMS offense found another spark as James caught an 8-yard pass and the offense went no huddle handing the ball off to Rainey to the left side. Rainey broke free and ended up in the endzone, but the referees threw a flag for holding negating the excitement.

Middle of the 4th Quarter the Defense stopped East on fourth down, as they attempted a pass down the home team’s sideline. But the Panther Defense was penalized for roughing the passer, a 15-yard penalty and resulted in an East Hickman first down. The rejuvenated East drive was stopped once again, as Brody Clayton intercepted a late pass to the middle of the field. LCMS had the ball at the 1 and half yard line. LCMS didn’t move the ball much and returned possession to East with an interception downed near the 30 yard line. This set East up with a short field late in the fourth quarter with a little over 2 minutes remaining. East Middle worked their way down inside the 10 and threw a hot pass to the Tight end at the goal line to score. The 2-point attempt was stopped by linebacker John Adams a couple other defenders. LCMS 8 EAST 6. Lewis County recovered the onside attempt and to a knee in victory formation to consume the remainder of the clock.

The contest was close on the scoreboard and total yardage as East 34 plays garnered 161 total yards. 123 rushing and 38 passing yards. LCMS gathered 170 total yards on 36 plays with 29 rushes for 126yds and 3 completions for 44yds. Offensive leaders were : Knox Rainey 14 rushes 87 yards 1 catch for 24 yards 1 TD. Dax James 10 rushes for 25 yards 2 receptions for 20 yards. Defensively Rainey 7 tackles, James 6, 1 tackle for loss, Adams 4, 2 tfl and Clayton 4 total tackles and 1 Interception. Durham, Caamal, Ramos, Harris & Sharp with 3 tackles each.

The LCMS Panthers host Hardin County Middle School August 29th at 6:30, A. B. Sisco Field. The following week September 5 will be Homecoming as they host Parsons Riverside.