Raiders clinch playoff berth
By By Ryan Satcher / staff writer
Oct. 16, 2004
HATTIESBURG The Lamar Raiders secured a spot in the postseason with a 35-14 win over homestanding Presbyterian Christian on Friday night.
The Raiders jumped out to an early lead and guaranteed themselves at least a second place finish in their division.
Lamar jumped out to an early lead by driving the ball down the field on its first possession. The Raiders drove 64 yards on eight plays to take a 7-0 lead.
Scott Owen hit Dustin Rivers with a five-yard touchdown pass and Matt Owen hit the PAT.
Lamar took advantage of a Presbyterian Christian mistake to pick up its next score. PCHS snapped the ball over its punter's head and Lamar took over on the Bobcat 20-yard line.
Three plays later Scott Owen scored on a six-yard run to give Lamar a 14-0 lead.
The Bobcats were able to cut into the lead in the second quarter after a 11-play touchdown drive. Chase Herrin scored on a two-yard touchdown run with 8:29 left in the half to cut the lead to 14-7.
Lamar answered three plays later with a quick touchdown. Owen found Nathan Harrison behind the Bobcat defense for a 62-yard touchdown to give the Raiders a 21-7 lead at half.
The Raiders opened the second half with a strong drive and extended its lead with a touchdown. Dustin Gray scored on an end around play from four yards out to give Lamar a 28-7 lead with 7:27 left in the third quarter.
Lamar put the game away with a 92-yard touchdown drive in the fourth quarter. The Raiders moved down the field on nine plays.
Lamar used eight straight running plays to move the ball down the field and then Owen faked a handoff and hit Gray for a 28-yard touchdown pass to make the score 35-7.
Presbyterian Christian added a touchdown with 4:04 left in the game as Herrin broke free for a 44-yard touchdown run to make the final score 35-14.
Parker Payne carried the ball for 100 yards to lead the Raider rushing attack. Owen finished the night with 157 yards passing.
Herrin led the Bobcats with 134 yards rushing and also passed for 27 yards in the loss.
The Raiders, now 5-3 and 3-1 in Class AAA play, will play at home against Madison-Ridgeland next Friday. Lamar will need to win to keep its hopes of a division title alive.
