By By Jeff Byrd / EMG staff writer
Nov. 14, 2002
Lamar School has endured a season of broken bones and knee injuries, but the Raiders have survived and thrived. On Friday, Lamar will be at Grey-Cobb Field in Meridian when Magnolia Heights visits for a MPSA AAA Division II State semifinal contest.
The winner advances to the AAA Division II title game next Friday at Mississippi College's Robinson-Hale Stadium.
The visiting Chiefs may only be 6-4 but they present a tough challenge for the 7-4 Raiders.
The Chiefs can either run the wishbone or the shotgun, depending on the situation.
Lamar could go with one of three players at quarterback depending on the status of Drew Moffett. Moffett suffered a collarbone injury in the Copiah game. He has accounted for 1,174 yards passing and 726 yards rushing for the Raiders this season.
Scott Owen and Lane Rush combined to lead the Raiders to a key 16-7 win over Hillcrest Christian last week that locked up the Division II South title and a home playoff game.
Still, the Raiders found a way. Alternating Owen and Rush at quarterback, the Raiders tallied 204 yards rushing and 68 passing.
Kicker Tommy Edgerton also had his best game of the year hitting a 35-yard field goal, his first of the season. He also had two PAT kicks.
Barnes was also pleased with his defense.
The interesting situation for Friday's playoff game will be the quarterback situation.
Moffett has been the Raiders' key player this season. He has passed for 1,174 yards and seven touchdowns off 85-of-188 passing.
Rush picked up 86 yards and scored on a 57-yard touchdown run at Hillcrest. Rush took over the rushing lead with 799 yards. Randy Thompson, who has 266 yards, had 55 yards on the ground at Hillcrest.
Thompson, though, could move to another position this week.
Olmsted is the team's second leading receiver with 18 receptions for 308 yards.