LaFAYETTE — It never got out of control. 

After Opelika took an 11-0 lead to begin Thursday night’s 59-52 loss to LaFayette, the 2A opponent kept the margin close. At the half, Lafayette trailed by single digits.

Then the second half happened.

LaFayette opened the third quarter with quick buckets and forcing more Opelika turnovers. A pair of back-to-back and-one opportunities got the crowd on its feet, with a free throw giving LaFayette the first lead of the night. LaFayette held onto the advantage for the remainder of the game.

“Our kids played so hard down the stretch,” Lafayette boys head basketball coach  Obadiah Threadgill said. “I was really satisfied with the energy and intensity down the stretch when we were down. The problem is not coming out with that level of intensity for some reason. We. Knew exactly what Opelika was going to do, they didn’t change anything. They shot the ball extremely well early.”

The win pushed the Lafayette boys to 20-3 overall this season.  Junior guard Corey Boston led the team with 20 points, while freshman center Antavious Woody added 9 points in the victory.

“Moving forward, we need to pay attention to the details,” Threadgill said. “Get the scouting report done. We have to be able to play four quarters. Kudos to our kids. they still find a way to get it done, even when it’s ugly, but we’re. Much better than the way we’re competing. We have to get it fixed.”

The slow starts concern Threadgill, especially heading into tonight’s matchup with the only in-state school to beat them this year in Lanett. 

“If we don’t come out and play ball [on Friday], we will get embarrassed,” he said. “Lanett will beat us into a pulp. We have to be ready to come out and play basketball, with clear hearts and minds. Our tasks have got to be clear, and we have to get those things done. We have to play harder earlier.”

The passion is one thing Threadgill is worried about when it comes down to see the newest chapter of the Lanett-LaFayette rivalry, he said playing smart is what he’s concerned about in addition to his team’s effort on the floor.

“Our kids can rest on Saturday and Sunday,” he said. “On Friday, give it all you have. Get the job done, do it to the best of your abilities, and I will be satisfied with results.”

Threadgill said his staff won’t make any adjustments, and that both rivals know what to expect from each other tonight.