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After an eventful opening to the season, complete with dominant performances, defensive battles, and some heartbreakers, Week 2 of Chambers County football is upon us. 

 

LaFayette:

The Bulldogs are coming off of a dominant 49-0 performance against Ellwood Christian. While the game started late due to lighting issues, it took the Bulldogs no time to get on the board. 

The offense controlled the first half, with 20 and 21 points in the first and second quarters of the game. While they would only get one TD in the second half, the defense shut down the newly AHSAA-designated team.

JR Robinson put on a show with not one, but two punt returns for touchdowns. Zephianiah Phillips also had a pair of TDs and 55 yards rushing on just five carries. The rest of the team got in on the fun; Zavion Turner, Kemare Harrington and Tae Lloyd all got a rushing touchdown on Friday. 

On the defense, Jamorious Broughton impressed with two sacks and six solo tackles. Zalyn Todd also had five solo tackles. 

They will face Central (Haynesville) at home on Friday. This will be Central, a 1A team’s, season opener. The Lions are coming off of a 2-7 season.

While neither Ellwood nor Central are in LaFayette’s region, the first two games give the Bulldogs a chance to get game experience before playing three back-to-back region games in the following weeks. 

 

Lanett v.s. Beulah:

A second game of the week, perhaps? With Beulah right across the border of Lee County, it’s poised to be a new rivalry, replacing the longstanding Lanett v.s. Valley game. 

Both schools are coming off of wins. The Panthers beat Bullock County 14-13 in a hard-fought game. The defense was stalwart for the Panthers late in the game. The difference was a stopped two-point conversion. 

Christopher King and Alajawon Whitfield also came up big with a fumble and interception, respectively, in the fourth quarter.  On the offensive, touchdowns came on the run. Quarterback Fred Broughton and running back Rankenzia Tucker both had long runs in the fourth to get into scoring position. 

Beulah is also coming off of a win against Abbeville, 39-14. Most of the scoring for the Bobcats came in the first half. The Panthers have not faced them since 2011, but do hold the all-time record with 4 wins to Beulah’s two.

 

Springwood School:

 

Both our AISA schools are trying to come back after losing in Week 1. Springwood fell to Southern Chrisitan in Opelika 55-36. 

The Wildcats are a younger team than the powerhouse that made it to the state championship last year. New quarterback Wesley Carden and Running back CJ Johnson showed their talent on Friday.  

The team will face Lighthouse HomeSchool for their home opener. The Warriors already have two losses on the season. It will be an interesting matchup, while having a rough start this year, Lighthouse also had a great season last year, going 10-2 in their region. 

 

Chambers Academy:

 

The reigning state champs had a tough start this year, losing 35-31 to Starkville Academy in Mississippi. The Rebels almost exclusively ran the ball, with only 15 passing yards all game. New quarterback Landon Hand struggled in his first outing, throwing 3 interceptions and going 1 for 6. However, he did rush for over 50 yards. 

Breakout stars from last season look to continue their good work. Luke Tarver and Jacob Norgard had 159 and 150 yards in the game, totaling 38 carries in the game. Tarver used those runs to score two touchdowns and a two-point conversion. 

On the defensive side, TJ Daniel shined, with a 92-yard touchdown off of a Starkville fumble. He also had an interception in the game. Tarver made an impact on defense leading the team in tackles, with six. 

Head Coach Jason Allen said with over 400 yards rushing, it was a “Tough game to lose.” He added that the four turnovers, penalties and some defensive missteps made the difference. 

Allen said Game 1 was a good learning experience. Chambers will continue their road trip to Fort Dale Academy in Greenville. FDA shut out Crenshaw Christian on Friday and had a 9-3 record last season.