Loris Lions cage the Conway Tigers

By Kaye Collins

The Loris Lions varsity football team made their way to Conway for their fourth encounter with the Conway High School Tigers. In each game, the Lions have dominated the Tigers, achieving significant victories, with their most recent clash occurring in 2024.

The Lions once again proved their prowess, dominating the scoreboard and maneuvering around the Tigers, ultimately finishing with a score of 28 to 7.

Despite facing yellow flag penalties during the game against the Lions, they emerged victorious, with Quarterback (QB) Moon Gerald (7) delivering two touchdown passes to WR/DB Jacobian ‘Grimm’ Lewis (1)

The Lions controlled the line of scrimmage, preventing the Tigers’ offense from reaching the end zone. Defensive lineman Damarea ‘Baby Grady’ Thurmond (74), standing at 6’ 3” and weighing 300 pounds, along with defensive lineman Jamarius Wilson (64), who is also 6’ 3” and 260 pounds, effectively stopped the Tigers’ offense from advancing. Lewis (1) caught passes from quarterback Moon, moving the ball down the field towards the end zone.

The initial touchdown for Loris was achieved through a 35-yard catch-and-run by Lewis during their opening possession. LB/RB Makel Stephens (3) broke free for an 18-yard run, Lewis added 10 yards on a reception with a clever cutback, and Moon completed a 4-yard touchdown bringing the Lions 13 to 0 in the first half.

Lewis scored his second touchdown with a 9-yard reception, skillfully dodging defenders after making a quick catch, which allowed Loris to extend its lead to 21-0 with five minutes remaining in the first half. “He’s a football player,” Mance said.

Conway assembled a drive following the second half kickoff, but it stumbled when Khalid Sherman intercepted a pass from Conway’s backup quarterback Makhai Canty close to the end zone. The Tigers reached a first and goal situation towards the end of the half; however, they faced consecutive holding penalties due to incomplete passes thrown by quarterback Noah Legg. Brantley Hall made an attempt for a 43-yard field goal, but it veered wide to the left.

Stephens tacked on a 2-yard touchdown run for the Lions’ final score at the end of  the third quarter.

Conway showcased its only highlight of the game when Derrick Fraser ran back the following kickoff for a 94-yard touchdown. Canty came back and ignited the Tigers by spearheading a drive to the Loris 5-yard line. However, a poor snap followed by a sack from Thurmond halted the momentum of the drive.

Loris ranks 10 in the state.

Loris Broadcasting Inc. Radio Sports, Glenn Hardee, provided the stats of Friday’s game. The Lions had 18 first downs to Tigers 7. Each team gave up the ball to a turnover once. Rushes and yards for Loris 15-23/191, for Tigers 14-24/104. Total yards for the Lions 332, Tigers 149. Lions penalties 10 with 91 yards lost, the Tigers 8 with 80 yards lost. Each team had three third down conversions, and one fourth down conversion.

Rushing is Khialid Sherman (0) 3 and 12 yards, Deuce Stevens (3) 20 and 126 yards, a touchdown. Moon Gerald (7) 4 and 10 yards, touchdown 4 yards. For Conway Jacob Johnson (30) 16 and 42 yards. Noah Legg (12) 3 and four yards. Makhai Canty (17) 4 and 36 yards.

Receiving for Loris Terrance Hardee (6) 2/21, Grimm Lewis (1) 7/11, 2 Touchdowns 35 yards and 9 yards. Roderick Purcha (4) 2 20 yards. Deuce Stephens (3) 1 and four yards and Khalid Sherman (0) 3 and 35 yards.

Moon Gerald passing stats are 15-23/191, 2 touchdowns (35 and 9 yards).

In the first quarter Moon throws a 35 yard pass to Grimm Lewis, Miguel Oakley PAT good. Second quarter Moon four yard run, PAT no good. Moon passes 9 yards to Lewis, Moon to Sherman 2 point pass. In the third quarter Stephens 2 yard run, PAT good.Loris rank 2-0.

The Lions travel to South Columbus Friday, Sept. 5, to face the Stallions. Kickoff is at 7:30 p.m.

Tune in to LBI Radio Sports live at Talkradiomb.com starting at 6:30 p.m. for the pre-game show.