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Photos by Johnnie Daniels/The Dillon Herald
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The Latta Vikings varsity football season got off to a good start on Friday, August 18, with a 49-12 win over the visiting Mullins Auctioneers before a packed stadium of fans.
Latta’s senior quarterback, La’Bron Cobb raced for a 47-yard touchdown with only 59 seconds into the game to give Latta a 6-0 lead. Junior Conley Dailey connected for his first PAT of the game to increase Latta’s lead to 7-0.
Mullins could not muster a first down on their first offensive possession and were forced to punt. However, the football was centered over the punter’s head allowing Latta great field position on Mullins’ 15-yard line.
With 7:21 remaining in the first half, senior Jamarion Jones scored, and Conley Dailey added the PAT to give Latta a 14-0 lead.
Latta was once again blessed with an onside kick that Latta recovered on Mullins’ 49-yard line. However, Mullins’ #20 intercepted a pass on the Mullins’ 40-yard line. After 3 consecutive sacks by the Latta defense, Mullins was forced to punt. Latta took over on Latta’s 47-yard line.
Latta’s Jamarion Jones scored on the first offensive play. However, the play was negated due to a penalty. Mullin’s #9 intercepted a pass but Latta retained possession due to a penalty. Senior Purnell Legette scored after a pass reception with 3:28 remaining in the first quarter. A fumble snap prevented an attempt on the PAT. Latta’s lead was now 20-0.
After Mullins picked up a first down, Latta’s senior Kartrell Townsend intercepted a pass and returned it to the Mullins’ 24-yard line. Jamarion Jones scored with 9:46 remaining in the second quarter. La’Bron Cobb carried the pigskin into the end zone for the 2-point conversion. Latta was up 28-0.
After Mullins was forced to punt, Latta’s offense fumbled the football, and Mullins recovered on Latta’s 25-yard line.
Mullins did not muster a first down and was forced to punt.
Latta took over on downs. Jamarion Jones scored a 40-yard touchdown run with 1:07 remaining in the first half. Condley Dailey’s PAT was good to give Latta a 35-0 lead at halftime.
During the halftime festivities, the “Mini Cheerleaders, 82 of them in different grade levels, performed. Afterwards, the Latta High School Band performed to the delight of the fans.
The clock was allowed to run in the second half.
Slaydon Strickland scored with 3:54 remaining in the third quarter. Conley Dailey’s PAT was good to give Latta a 42-0 lead.
Mullins’ N. Howard returned the kick off to Latta’s 10-yard line. With 11:39 remaining in the game, Mullins’ #15 scored from 11 yards out. The 2-point conversion failed. Latta was up 42-6.
With 6:15 remaining in the game, Latta’ Amir Rogers scampered 57 yards for the touchdown. The PAT was good to make the score 49-6.
Mullins scored 6 points to close the scoring at Latta 49 and Mullins 12.
Latta’s La’Bron James carried the football 3 times for 54 yards, scored a touchdown, and completed 2 of 3 passes for 44 yards.
Jamarion Jones carried 10 times for 129 yards and 3 touchdowns with his longest run of 45 yards. Dorian Griffin carried 3 times for 4 yards and a touchdown. Amir Rogers carried 2 times for 55 yards and a touchdown. Pernell Leggette had 2 receptions for 44 yards and a touchdown.
On defense for the Vikings, Eli Jones had 7 tackles with 4 tackles for loss while Dorian Griffin had 5 tackles and 3 tackles for a loss. Amir Rogers had 4 tackles, 2 sacks, and a tackle for a loss. Xy’mari Bethea had 2 tackles and a tackle for a loss. Michael McKenzie had 3 tackles and a sack. Tony Williamson had 2 tackles. Dartrell Townsend had 4 tackles and a sack. Slaydon Strickland had a tackle. Fischer Richardson had 2 tackles and a tackle for a loss. Nick Lane had 2 tackles , a tackle for a loss, and a sack. La’Bron Cobb had a tackle. Tyquan Drawhorn had 2 tackles, a sack, and a tackle for a loss. Jakoby German had a tackle and a sack.
Latta will host East Clarendon on Friday, August 25, at 7:30.
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