Hamilton Christian earned first win of season, 36-22, over South Cameron

LAKE CHARLES-Week four of the LHSAA season saw district play starting for some districts across the state including District 4-1A, where both Hamilton Christian and South Cameron Tarpons were seeking their first win of the season.

Holding a two score lead, Hamilton Christian moved their way down the field before quarterback Ian James punched it in on a one-yard touchdown run on what would be the only score of the third quarter to give the Warriors the 36-14 lead.

With only 30 seconds left in the game, Caleb Little found his way into the end zone on a 13-yard touchdown run. A fake PAT added two more points onto the board for South Cameron to make the score 36-22.

South Cameron’s onside kick was recovered by the Warriors who ran out the clock to preserve the victory to start district play.

“It was a hard fought win,” said James. “We played hard and they played hard it was a great game overall.”

Hamilton Christian (1-2) drew first blood early in the first quarter on a 30-yard touchdown pass from junior quarterback Ian James to sophomore receiver Adrian Brown. The PAT was blocked to give the Warriors the 6-0 lead with 8:51 left in the first quarter.

The Tarpons received the ensuing kickoff but a fumble on their third play of the drive handed the ball back to the Warriors near the 50-yard line.

Hamilton Christian was able to capitalize on the turnover and drive down the field to set up a seven yard touchdown run by junior running back Reggie Jackson.

The game was delayed for several minutes with three minutes left in the first quarter when the sprinkler system at Cougar Stadium accidentally activated.

After the sprinkler delay, South Cameron drove down the field and scored with 1:28 left on a 13-yard pass from senior quarterback Caleb Little to sophomore receiver Brayden Richard. The PAT was blocked but the Tarpons were able to cut the Warrior lead in half to 12-6 at the end of the first quarter.

With 6:07 left in the first half, Jackson showed his speed and outran the Tarpon defense for a 38-yard touchdown run. The PAT failed, bouncing off the goal post, to extend the Warrior lead to 18-6.

Hamilton Christian found the end zone through the air again on a 35-yard touchdown pass from James to sophomore Deonta Wheeler. The PAT attempt failed and the Warriors held the 24-6 lead over the Tarpons with 2:42 left until halftime.

South Cameron hoped to cut down the deficit down before halftime but Caleb Little was intercepted on a tipped pass by none other than Jackson, who returned it 35 yards for a touchdown and a commanding 30-6 lead for Hamilton Christian with 2:23 left until halftime.

“We were able to get off to a good start in the first half,” said Warriors head coach Vaughn Eggleston who earned his first win as head coach at Hamilton Christian. “We felt good about our game plan and the players executed it very well.”

The Tarpons found their way back onto the board with 1:43 left in the half on a 15-yard touchdown run by junior Seth Jinks. The two point conversion run by Brayden Richard drew the Tarpons closer at 30-14 heading into halftime.

Next week, South Cameron will be at home against St. Edmund (3-1) while Hamilton Christian will head out on the road to take on Elton (3-0).