BY WIL CREWS
SPORTSCREWS@
OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM
LEE COUNTY —
For most local high school football teams, this weekend marks the start of 2023 season. A select few hit the gridiron last weekend, however, as Lee-Scott Academy, Glenwood and Beulah High School got off to good starts.
LEE-SCOTT
The varsity Lee-Scott Academy Warriors, defending their 2022 AISA 3A State Championship, began their season at home in a non-region game against Chambers Academy on Thursday, Aug. 17. The Warriors struck first when senior WR/DB Miles Zachry took the opening kickoff all the way back to the end zone to give the Warriors a 7-0 lead after the successful point after attempt. The offenses for both teams struggled for most of the remainder of the game, however the Warriors put together a 91-yard just before halftime to take a 14-0 lead. Chambers academy managed to post 6 points to its tally in the fourth quarter, but the Warriors held on to secure the opening-week victory. Chambers held Lee-Scott to its lowest point total since its exit from the 2021 AISA 3A playoffs. The Warriors will have two weeks to clean up any offensive shortcomings before they host Monroe Academy (0-1 with a game against Sparta Academy Friday, Aug. 25) on Sept. 1.
GLENWOOD
The varsity Glenwood Gators football team, which finished 2022 8-4 and with a loss in the AISA 3A State Championship game, began its 2023 conquest Saturday, Aug. 19, with a 38-12 win over St. Anne-Pacelli (Columbus, Georgia). The Gators were led offensively by senior quarterback Dallas Crow, and defensively by senior outside linebacker Lamont Burton, who finished with 15 tackles, including two for loss, and one pass deflection. Glenwood will look to continue its winning ways this Friday, Aug. 25, in its away, non-region matchup against Brookstone (GIAA 4A).
BEULAH
The varsity Beulah Bobcats football team (3A), coming off a 1-9 season in 2022, took the field for the first time in 2023, Thursday, Aug. 17, at a neutral site Jamboree game against Woodland (2A). Despite the game not counting toward its overall record, the Bobcats played like it did, and dispatched Woodland by a score of 55-16. Led by quarterback DeMarion Foreman, the Bobcats dominated offensively, posting 35 points in the first quarter. Overall, Beulah racked up 434 total yards — 299 on the ground and 135 through the air —and forced four turnovers — one fumble recovery and three interceptions. Foreman posted 202 all-purpose yard and accounted for six of the Bobcats’ touchdowns. Next, Beulah travels to Abbeville for a non-region game Friday, Aug. 25.