By By Ryan Satcher / staff writer
Oct. 23, 2004
Lamar fell behind early and just couldn't catch up to the visiting Madison-Ridgeland Academy Patriots on Friday night at Grey Cobb Field.
The Raiders' hopes for a division title were ruined by MRA in a 34-25 defeat.
The Raiders missed several big plays in the first quarter and dropped behind the Patriots.
After a three-and-out by the Raiders to open the game, MRA took over with good field position and moved down the field.
The Patriots moved the ball down the field in 10 plays and scored on a 12-yard run by quarterback Michael Kirschten. The PAT made the score 7-0 with 6:12 left in the first quarter.
Lamar was able to cut into the lead with a long drive. The Raiders drove down to the MRA 10-yard line but moved backwards on a penalty and had to settle for a 32-yard field goal by Matt Owen.
The Patriots answered on their next possession in just four plays.
Kirschten found Dallas Walker on a 37-yard touchdown pass with 8:20 left in the second quarter to give MRA a 14-3 lead.
The Raiders used their running game to march back down the field to cut into the lead.
Parker Payne broke loose on a 31-yard run to move into MRA territory and later broke free for a 14-yard touchdown run. Owen hit the PAT to make the score 14-10 at half.
Madison-Ridgeland Academy opened the second half with a bang as Daniel Carney carried the ball 55 yards for a touchdown on the first play of the half to give the Patriots a 21-10 lead.
Lamar took advantage of an MRA mistake to cut the lead back down to four points. The Raiders fell on a muffed punt at the MRA 45-yard line and quickly scored a touchdown.
Scott Owen broke loose on a 38-yard run to carry the ball deep into Patriot territory and then found sophomore Zirk Ray on a big fourth down touchdown pass. The seven-yard completion cut the MRA lead to 21-17.
The clutch play didn't bother the Patriots as they settle down and moved down the field behind blocking from their big offensive line.
The Patriots came up with their own fourth down completion as Kirschten hit Walker on an out route on a fourth-and-four play and Walker took the ball to the end zone for the touchdown. MRA missed the PAT and settled for a 27-17 lead.
Lamar found an answer on its next possession as Scott Owen hit Dustin Gray for a 73-yard touchdown pass. Owen also carried in the fake extra point to cut the lead to 27-25 with seven seconds left in the third quarter.
MRA quickly took the momentum back, however. Ben Bush took the ensuing kickoff to the Lamar 37 and scored on a 22-yard touchdown run five plays later to give the Patriots a 34-25 lead with 9:25 left.
Lamar was unable to put points on the board on its next possession and MRA held on for the 34-25 win.
With the loss, Lamar drops to 5-4 for the year. The Patriots improve to 8-1 and remain undefeated in division to clinch the title.
The Raiders will host Columbia Academy next week and will have to settle for a road playoff game with Magnolia Heights in three weeks.