Lions go to 3-0; district games next
H.W. Byers got the best of a former district opponent Friday night.
The Lions went on the road and used three second-half touchdowns to pull away from Coldwater, 50-14.
“The game was a lot closer than the score indicated,” said head coach Chris Daniels, whose Lions saw the Cougars climb to within 6 in the second quarter. “It’s the first time we’ve beaten Coldwater in a couple of years. It used to be a district game for us.”
Byers upped its early season record 3-0 with Region 1-1A play starting this Friday night as it hosts Okolona.
The Lions drove to the 1-yard line on their opening possession but fumbled the football away. Their first score came later in the first quarter on a 12yard run by quarterback Michael James. Vincent Talley ran for the two-point conversion.
James returned to action after missing the previous game due to COVID quarantine.
“It was great having him back,” said Daniels, who had to move players around in his absence. “It puts everybody back in the positions they’re comfortable playing.”
Byers took a 14-0 lead in the second quarter on Chris Isom’s 17-yard carry to the end zone. Coldwater then got on the scoreboard but James answered with a 45-yard keeper for six points. The lead was 206.
The Cougars sliced their deficit to 20-14. Byers responded again – this time with James throwing to Talley for a 35-yard touchdown. James ran for the two-pointer. It was 28-14 at intermission. The second half was all Byers.
A pair of third-quarter scores came on James’ 2-yard run and Devin Moore’s 37-yard interception return. Talley carried for the conversion after the second score. The lead was 42-14. Isom cashed in the Lions’ last score of the game, a 12-yard carry in the fourth quarter. James kept for the two.
The win came during some rainfall on top of a field that was already soggy.
“Considering the conditions, I thought we played well,” Daniels said. “We had a couple of turnovers, and we have to cut down on those, and we had too many penalties.”
Byers racked up 363 yards of total offense – 266 on the ground and 97 passing. Top rushers were James with eight carries for 97 yards and three touchdowns and Isom with four carries for 72 yards and 61 yards.
Daniels named Ryan Todd the most valuable player in the win. He made the move to the offensive line for the first time ever and played very well, according to his head coach.
Byers hosts the Chieftains (1-3) this week.
“It was good to get the win over Coldwater going into district play,” Daniels said. “Next up is a big and fast Okolona team. We have to come out and play hard and execute. We can’t have any turnovers.”