Jeff Watson

jwatson@thecherawchronicle.com

LAMAR---The Cheraw Braves victory came down to one play late in the fourth quarter in their game against the Lamar Silver Foxes on Sept. 21. After allowing a drive to get inside their 20-yard line, the Braves defense had their backs against the wall and Lamar was in field goal range.

The Lamar kicker trotted on the field and missed the game-winning opportunity wide left, giving the Braves a 13-12 win. With the win, the Braves moved to 3-2 on the season heading into region play.

The game started with a defensive struggle. Rain fell early in the game and neither team was able to score in the first quarter. The Braves were able to strike in the second quarter behind the running of Travis Small.

Small took a handoff and scampered 61 yards to the 3-yard line. Three plays later, Small got into the endzone and the extra point made the game 7-0. Lamar came back and added a score of their own on their next drive. Lamar scored through the air, but failed to convert on the extra point attempt. The Lamar kicker missed to the right, leaving the score at 7-6.

Lamar's kicker also missed another attempt in the second quarter and the score remained 7-6 going into the half. No team scored in the third quarter, but the Lamar offense set themselves up for a score in the fourth.

Showing balance, the Lamar offense marched down the field and scored their final points of the game. After a two-point conversion failed, Lamar had a 12-7 lead.

On the ensuing kickoff, Bobby Barksdale took the ball down to the Lamar 30-yard line. A penalty set the Braves offense back briefly, but a run by quarterback Josh Henderson put the Braves offense inside the 10-yard line. Montrell Evans took the ball into the endzone for the score and the Braves failed to convert on their on two-point attempt.

The Braves were able to survive and come away with a tough victory. The Braves will begin region play as they take on Buford at home.