BY SAMUEL JONES
FOR THE OBSERVER
LOACHAPOKA — For two years in a row, Loachapoka High School had to think about what it could have done better in close losses to Lee-Scott Academy.
This time, the Indians (2-0) were the ones walking off the field smiling following a 33-14 win over the Warriors (0-2) at Jones-Tate Stadium on Aug. 28.
While Loachapoka had its moments of sloppiness, the Indians made the necessary plays when they needed them, especially in the fourth quarter.
Loachapoka head coach Branden Hall said the Indians were able to make adjustments at halftime and play with more consistency in the second half of what has become an emerging local small-school rivalry.
“The same thing kind of happened last week, back and forth, back and forth,” Branden Hall said. “We’re going into the second half, make a couple adjustments, come out and play a lot better than we did within the first half.”
Loachapoka opened the scoring on their first drive when University of Alabama commit Ryquan Butler broke loose for a 59-yard run, setting the tone for what would be another big night from the junior.
In total, Butler finished with three rushing TDs and 81 yards on just eight carries, while racking up 11 tackles, three tackles for loss, a sack and a forced fumble defensively.
Lee-Scott answered quickly though by taking advantage of a few Indians miscues. Loachapoka’s first defensive possession ended when Aubrey Byrd recovered a loose ball, giving the Indians an early stop.
The Warriors tied the game at 7-7 when Barrett Cook intercepted a Loachapoka screen pass and returned it 75 yards for a TD.
The Indians responded before the end of the first quarter. Butler took a direct snap from the Lee-Scott 6 yard line and powered his way into the end zone. After a missed extra point, Loachapoka held a 13-7 lead.
The game remained a battle well into the second quarter as the Indians struggled to avoid untimely penalties and the Warriors continued capitalizing on big plays.
After Lee-Scott blocked a Loachapoka punt and gained excellent field position, Griffin Gaston needed just one play to take advantage, scoring on a 9-yard run and putting the Warriors ahead 14-13.
However, the Indians answered before halftime with its longest drive of the evening.
Loachapoka put together a 13-play possession that ended with Lareaco Echols — who rushed 21 times for 105 yards — punching in a 3-yard TD run. Butler then added the two-point conversion, giving Loachapoka a 21-14 halftime lead.
After a scoreless third quarter, Loachapoka pulled away in the fourth.
Cruz Hall, who didn’t have to rely much on his arm in the Indians’ season opener, showed more confidence through the air last Friday.
It proved to be a breakout game for the freshman signal caller. Cruz Hall finished the game 14-for-23 for 193 passing yards, a passing TD and an interception, and he connected on two long passes to help Loachapoka move into scoring position on its opening drive of the fourth quarter.
Butler finished the drive off with a 2-yard TD run. While Indians failed to convert the two-point attempt, the score still extended their lead to 27-14.
Cruz Hall came through again later in the quarter, connecting with Zemarion Hughley on a leaping 22-yard TD pass with seven minutes remaining to put Loachapoka firmly in control.
Branden Hall said he was particularly proud of the growth he’s seen from his young quarterback.
“He’s my son, man. I’m tough on that guy, though,” Branden Hall said. “I was so proud of him tonight. He came out [and] was fired up. He had a great week of practice. He enjoys playing the game, and he was very competitive. He’s grown so much over the last couple months. I’m just so proud of him.”
The Indians’ defense then put the finishing touches on the victory.
On Lee-Scott’s next possession, Jaiden Harvey intercepted a pass in the end zone, neutralizing the Warriors’ final serious scoring threat.
The victory gave Loachapoka another early-season win against a quality opponent, and Hall said the focus will quickly shift toward the next challenge.
“It’s back to the drawing board now,” Hall said. “We always talk about getting 1% better every day. Talk about details. I told the guys to enjoy it tonight and tomorrow. On Monday, we’re back to work.”
Loachapoka will look to extend its winning streak when it hits the road for the first time this season, traveling to Winterboro High School on Friday, Sept. 4, for a 7 p.m. kickoff. That game will be played at the old John Cox Stadium in Childersburg.
Lee-Scott will look to get into the win column when it travels to Randolph School that same night for a 7 p.m. kickoff.
