By CHRIS MEGGINSON / For the Reporter

EUFAULA – Cornerstone Christian was unable to stop the Lakeside Chiefs’ workhorse Desmon Richards, who racked up 274 yards and three touchdowns, in a 30-16 win over the Chargers Friday night at Reeves Field.

Richards went around left end on the opening play of the game for a 45-yard touchdown run. Lakeside then extended its lead to 9-0 on a safety by Matt Voors, but Cornerstone took advantage of a shanked Chiefs’ punt. With a short field to work with, Tyler McNamee found Jeffrey Odgers on a 25-yard touchdown pass to put the Chargers on the board. Michael Norwood added the 2-point run to pull within one, 9-8.

Lakeside’s David Fuller recovered a fumble in Charger territory to set up the next scoring drive, capped by a 5-yard Richards TD. Quarterback Reid Potthoff, who was also 4-for-4 on extra-point kicks, also added a 5-yard touchdown run in the third quarter before Richards took a 90-yard punt return to the house in the fourth quarter.

Norwood capped the Chargers’ scoring in the fourth from 3 yards out with Justin Bruno added the 2-point try.

Despite the loss, Cornerstone coach Tim Smith saw improvement from his team’s week one loss at Chambers Academy.

“We are getting better each week, but it doesn’t get any easier for us,” Smith said.

Cornerstone (0-2) hosts defending state champion Abbeville Christian (1-0) Friday, Sept. 11 for the Chargers’ home opener. Lakeside will host Coosa Valley next week.