FOOTBALL
By Tim Falls, Sports Editor
The Lawrence High School football team’s offense did not have to do too much against Ewing on Friday.
The Cardinals did not have to sustain touchdown drives or create quick scoring plays.
Lawrence took care of its scoring on special teams.
Cardinal senior Jamal Taylor scored on a punt return and on a kickoff return, while senior teammate Jerry McClure ran back a punt return as well in Lawrence’s 40-7 victory over the Blue Devils.
”It was a great win,” said Lawrence coach Rob Radice. “Our defense played great and our special teams were unbelievable.”
Those returns for touchdowns kept the Lawrence offense off the field and put the Cardinal defense back to work. Still, the Lawrence offense managed to move the ball when needed, such as a 12-play scoring drive to give the Cardinals the lead in the first quarter.
”Offensively, we scored 21 points,” said Radice. “We didn’t have the ball that often because we kept returning for touchdowns on special teams.”
Senior Sean Pearson punched in Lawrence’s first touchdown from two yards out and ran in two other touchdowns later in the game. Pearson finished with 22 carries for 105 yards.
In the second quarter, Taylor had an 85-yard punt return to extend Lawrence’s lead and then McClure ran in a 30-yard punt return to send the Cardinals aheah, 20-0, before Ewing managed to score on a 72-yard touchdown pass.
Pearson scored his second touchdown on a one-yard run as Lawrence answered back go into the locker room ahead, 27-7, in the first half.
Taylor wasted no time scoring in the second half, returning the opening kick off 80 yards for a touchdown.
Pearson scored his third touchdown on another one-yard run to complete the Cardinals’ scoring.
”Hamilton never came back,” said Radice. “We kept plugging, plugging and plugging away.”
Lawrence’s defense held Hamilton to one touchdown, 202 passing yards and 47 rushing yards.
Cardinal senior Calen McCallum put Hamilton back with a five-yard sack, while Derek Stuertz sent the Hornets backward with a six-yard sack.
On offense, Lawrnce’s Keith Sherman had eight carries for 61 yards and caught two passes for 33 yards. Nick Brackett had two receptions for 22 yards and Colin Anderson had an 11 yard reception.
Lawrence hosts Hopewell at 2 p.m. on Saturday in a critical game for both teams.
”It’s a big game,” said Radice. “Both teams are playing for playoff berths.”
A Cardinal victory would secure a spot in the postseason, while the Bulldogs need the win to have a chance at the state playoffs.
”Hopewell’s coach, Dave Caldwell, does a great job,” said Radice. “They beat Hamilton on Saturday. They are very serious about making the playoffs and beating Lawrence. We know playoffs are on the line too, so it’s going to be a good football game.”

