Lamar faces big challenge in MRA

By By Ryan Satcher / staff writer
Oct. 22, 2004
After completing their first step towards defending their MPSA Class AAA Division II State crown with a win last week, the Raiders of Lamar will now try overcome Madison Ridgeland Academy to keep their hopes of a division title alive.
Lamar, 5-3 overall and 3-1 in division play, will take on the visiting Patriots at Grey Cobb Field at 7 tonight.
The Raiders knocked off the Patriots 48-7 in the State championship game last year, but this season, MRA comes in as the No. 1 team in the MPSA.
According to Barnes, the Raiders' wins over MRA last year will have no effect on this year's contest.
teams this year."
According to MRA coach Mack Norwood, his team is excited about the way the year has gone and is ready for another challenge.
The Patriots' biggest challenge this week will be stopping Lamar's offense which has scored at least 35 points in each of its past four games.
Leading the Lamar offense is senior quarterback Scott Owen, who has passed for 1452 yards this year, and he leads the team in rushing with 466 yards.
Parker Payne has rushed for 309 yards on 77 carries and will be in the backfield for Lamar, and Travis Raley will also have some carries for the Raiders.
Dustin Gray leads Lamar with 587 yards receiving and seven touchdowns. Dustin Rivers will be out with an injury for Lamar this week, and the Raiders will depend on Nathan Harrison to fill his spot.
On defense, Lamar will need to stop MRA's option offense led by quarterback Michael Kirschten.
Behind Kirschten in the backfield is 5-foot-8 running back Ben Bush. The senior running back has rushed for over 700 yards this season and runs behind a strong offensive line.
Dallas Walker is also a threat on the outside for the Patriots. The 6-foot-5, 190-pound sophomore wideout will try to use his height against the Lamar secondary.