Rangers Fight Hard, But Lose Another Close Game to Coosa Valley in Week 2

CAMP HILL --- Lyman Ward amassed a 28-19 halftime lead against the Coosa Valley Academy Rebels on Sept. 5, but couldn't find the end zone in the second half, ultimately losing to the visiting Rebels, 33-28, in front of a large and enthusiastic crowd at Ranger Field.

Coosa Valley picked up the region win on the road against the Rangers to even its record at 1-1, while the Rangers dropped to 0-2.  Lyman Ward travels to Dixie Academy for a 7 p.m. kickoff on Friday, Sept. 12.

LWMA's first-year quarterback Justin Minor, a senior from Starkville, MS, led a balanced offensive attack in the first half.  The talented field general compiled 191 all-purpose yards (97 yards running and 94 yards passing), including a one-yard touchdown scamper in the first quarter.

Senior wide receiver Kyle Johnson of Clermont, FL, led the Rangers with two trips to paydirt, one on a 37-yard touchdown run, and the second on an exciting 80-yard kickoff return.

Freshman end David Evens of Birmingham, AL, scored for Lyman Ward in the second quarter on a three-yard reception from Minor.  Another Birmingham product, freshman running back Justin Quinn, gained 77 yards on 22 carries as the workhorse of the Rangers' running game.

Coosa Valley's senior quarterback, Whit Lovelady, had a fine game, completing 10 of 20 passes for 129 yards.

First-year LWMA Head Coach Sheldon Ward said he is searching for some consistency from his young team.

"We had 180 yards of total offense in the first half, and only 80 yards in the second half," Ward said.  "We were complacent in the second half.  We have got to find some consistency from half to half."

Ward praised the play of his offensive line, citing outstanding efforts from linemen Zavious Darling, a senior from Atlanta, and the defensive effort of Paul Lasseter, a freshman from Montgomery, AL.

"We have a lot of football left to play, so we will work hard this week in practice to improve and get better," the coach said.  "Our team is a work in progress, and once we put both halves together, good things will happen."