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Vincent used a fast offensive start and stout defensive effort to shutout Lamar County on homecoming in the Jackets’ region opener. (For the Reporter/Dawn Harrison)

By STEPHEN DAWKINS | Special to the Reporter

VINCENT – Vincent rode a dominant defense and the dual-threat capabilities of quarterback Casen Fields to a 37-0 win over Lamar County on homecoming on Friday, Sept. 13.

The win improves the Yellow Jackets to 3-0 on the season and marks the third consecutive year Vincent has won its region opener.

“We’ve got to keep working to get better because it’s only going to get tougher in this region,” Weatherford said.

Coming off a bye last week, the Jackets took the opening possession and marched down the field for the end zone—but an interception on the 1-yard line ended the drive.

The Vincent defense took the opportunity to set the tone, however, and forced the ball right back to the Jackets offense.

This time, they found the end zone, on a 1-yard run by Aiden Gasaway following a 33-yard run by Fields. Daniel Campos made the point after to make it 7-0 in the first quarter.

Backed up once again, Lamar County’s next possession ended with a snap over the punter’s head and into the end zone for a safety.

The Yellow Jackets took the ball back, and on the first play, Fields passed to Lane Mims for a 32-yard touchdown that made the score 16-0 after Campos’ extra point.

Deontaye Robertson got the Vincent defense in on the scoring fun as he returned an interception 55 yards for a score.

Aiden Poe passed to Gasaway for the 2-point conversion and the 24-0 lead.

Just before halftime, Fields scored on a 25-yard run, and the score was 30-0 at the break.

Campos and punter Landon Archer contributed greatly to the team’s success in the first half as they ensured that every Vincent possession after the first began in their opponents’ territory.

VHS scored on its first possession of the second half. Fields had the big play of the drive, a 47-yard run, and then Jayden Roberts punched it in from eight yards out and Campos added the extra point.

The scoring may have been done in the first-ever meeting between these two schools, but the Vincent defense was impenetrable throughout. Grayson Gulde led the way with about 20 tackles, and Poe returned from an injury to his role leading the unit with the likes of Gasaway and Ethan McElrath.

Coach Lucas Weatherford said the veterans on defense take pride in their play.

“We preach to them, ‘If the other team doesn’t score, we can’t lose,’” Weatherford said. “They take it personally when we give up scores or big plays.”

Offensively, Fields had 115 yards rushing on nine carries and completed four passes for 79 yards and a score. Mims caught three passes for 62 yards and a touchdown.

The loss drops Lamar County to 2-2 overall and 0-2 in Class 2A, Region 5 play.

Vincent visits Sulligent on Sept. 20 for another region contest.

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